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CatholicOutlook October 2011 3Not going it aloneIn his closing homily the Popecautioned young people against thetemptation to ‘go it alone’. Living individualisticallyrisks “never meetingJesus Christ or ending up following afalse image of Him.”“Having faith means drawing supportfrom the faith of your brothersand sisters, even as your ownfaith supports the faith of others.I ask you, dear friends, to love theChurch which brought you to birthin the faith, which helped you togrow in the knowledge of Christ andwhich led you to discover the beautyof his love.”Growing in friendship with Christand His Church, the Pope explained,requires “joyful participation in thelife of your parishes, communities andmovements, as well as the celebrationof Sunday Mass, frequent reception ofthe sacrament of Reconciliation, andthe cultivation of personal prayer andmeditation on God’s word.“Friendship with Jesus will also leadyou to bear witness to the faith whereveryou are, even when it meets withrejection or indifference. We cannotencounter Christ and not want tomake him known to others. So do notkeep Christ to yourselves! Share withothers the joy of your faith.“The world,” the Pope stressed,“needs the witness of your faith: itcertainly needs God”. He exhorted theyoung people to be “disciples and missionarieswho aspire to great things”.There is every reason to hope thatthe Diocese of Parramatta has 300new missionaries. The challenge nowwill be to unpack the Pope’s rich messageswith the returnees and theirpeers; to find new places for them tolead and to serve; to draw them evermore closely into the ordinary life ofthe Church so they can help makethat life extraordinary.Yours sincerely in Christ,(Most Rev) Anthony Fisher opBISHOP OF PARRAMATTAIn St Mary Pataxte Parish, people walk up to two hours from neighbouring villages to receive CommunionHear My Voice on World Mission Day: Sunday 23 October‘As the Father has sent me, so I send you.’ (John 20:21)World Mission Day on 23 Octoberis the universal day for the Catholiccommunity to focus on the vitalwork of global mission.In this year’s message, PopeBenedict calls on us to stand insolidarity to help carry out evangelisingactivities in mission territoriesand to support the workof the universal Church.“The universal mission involveseveryone, everything and always.The Gospel is not an exclusivepossession of those who havereceived it, but it is a gift to beshared, good news to be passed onto others,” he says.Hear My Voice is the themefor World Mission Month whenwe hear the voices of the world’sIndigenous peoples. We celebratetheir contribution around theworld with their unique cultures,languages and spiritual traditions,all enriching our universalCatholic faith.Martin Teulan is the NationalDirector of Catholic Mission inAustralia. “World Mission Day isabout unity,” he said. “At CatholicMission we form Australians formission and raise funds for mission– in Australia and aroundthe world.“The World Mission DayAppeal helps sustain parishesand their priests, and supportsthousands of catechists whoshare their faith and lead theirlocal communities.“We ask you to give generouslyfor the cause of bringing aboutGod’s kingdom on earth throughthe work of missionaries and localpeople working together in placeswhere resources are few but greatacts of faith and humanity happenevery day.”The parish of St Mary Pataxtein the village of Chapin Arriabin Guatemala was establishedin September 2010. “We thinkof ourselves like a green stick inthe jungle,” said Fr Guillermo DePaz Sagastume.“If you push it into the groundthe rain will make the stick takeroot. In time it will grow into agreat shady tree able to sheltereveryone in all weathers.”St Mary Pataxte is one of thenew parishes in the region of RioDulce in the Diocese of Izabal.Half a million Catholics live inthe region, comprising thoseof Spanish decent, the indigenousQ’eqchi’ (descendants ofthe Mayans) and the Garifuna,descendants of African slavesbrought to work plantations.The parish community isengaged in building a church,meeting rooms and a dormitorywhere catechists will stay.The aim is for the parish to bea regional training centre withovernight accommodation.There are not enough priestsfor all the parishes in Guatemalaso great importance is placed onthe formation and training of catechists.This formation and catechumenalmaterials is financiallysupported by Catholic Mission.One training session willattract as many as 500 participants,many walking hours toreach the centre and needingmeals and accommodation.Fr Guillermo’s pastoral visits toSt Mary’s may occur every sixweeks. Until funds for a presbyterybecome available, he lives ina simple cabin without power orwater. When he celebrates Masspeople walk up to two hoursfrom neighbouring villages forthe opportunity to witness andreceive Communion.“Catechists are the backbone ofthis parish,” he said. “By the livingexample of their lives they helptheir people to find Christ.“They are working with ouryouth on issues surrounding thetwo cultures: the Latin and theIndigenous. Peaceful co-existenceis the best investment Guatemalacan make in its future happinessand prosperity.”Be inspired on World MissionDay on 23 October to Hear MyVoice and share your faith withthe world. Please give generously:freecall 1800 257 296 or visitwww.catholicmission.org.au

4 CatholicOutlook October 2011Women bear the brunt of homelessnessThe soaring cost of living across Sydneyis forcing more people to seek out homelessand supported accommodation services,with a new report showing that women bearthe biggest brunt of homelessness and housinginsecurity.CatholicCare Social Services Diocese ofParramatta is joining with other Churchesand community organisations to shine a lighton the urgent and growing problem of homelessness,especially in western Sydney, and tocall for more affordable housing to be madeavailable to people in need.To help promote discussion of homelessnessand to examine possible solutions,CatholicCare Parramatta and ChurchesHousing Inc. will co-host a Community Forumon Homelessness on 8 November. The forumwill be held at the Parkroyal Parramatta andfeature experts in the field as well as peoplewho have experienced homelessness.CatholicCare’s Executive Director, OttoHenfling, said two recent reports, fromAnglicare and the Australian Institute ofHealth and Welfare, highlighted the growingproblems surrounding homelessness.“These reports reflect the practical experienceof the Church’s support servicesin western Sydney such as CatholicCare’sCatherine Villa program and the San MiguelFamily Centre, a ministry of the De La SalleBrothers,” he said.Catherine Villa offers supported accommodationand support programs for pregnantyoung women and young mothers andtheir children. “In the past 12 months alone,we have received more than 300 requests forsupported accommodation for vulnerableyoung mothers,” Mr Henfling said. “This is asignificant increase on the previous year, andmany, many more than we have the capacityto accommodate.”The latest figures from the AustralianInstitute of Health and Welfare also showthat the use of homelessness services is onthe rise, with women aged 15-19 having thehighest rate of use by any one age group (1 inevery 51 people).“As the cost of living continues to soarin Sydney and rents remain high, it is clearthat there is an urgent need for investmentin public and supported housing to ensurethat more people, especially young mothersand their children, don’t end up living on thestreets or in their car,” Mr Henfling said.Anglicare’s State of Sydney 2011 reportlooked specifically at the impact of housinginsecurity on three groups of women: youngmothers, single women over 50 and womencaring for a son or daughter with a disability.It found that housing insecurity is not justabout shelter and poverty. Lack of stable andaffordable housing can be faced by womenfrom all socio-economic backgrounds andhas a significant impact on individual andfamily wellbeing.Anglicare’s 2011 Rental AffordabilitySnapshot found only 73 private rental propertiesout of the 10,000 on offer in Sydneyand the Illawarra were affordable for lowincomehouseholds.Sue King, Director of Advocacy atAnglicare Sydney, said when inadequateincome and unaffordable housing cometogether, there is a perfect storm for disadvantageand vulnerability, with young mothersand single older women finding it harderto get stable, safe housing.Nationally, the Supported AccommodationAssistance Program (SAAP) data shows thatwomen make up two-thirds of those seekinghelp from a homelessness service and thatthere is an increasing trend of homelessnessand housing insecurity among women.New research shows there is an increasing trend of homelessnessand housing insecurity among womenThe flow-on effect for children is obvious.In 2009-10 more than 84,000 children (1 in60) accompanied a parent or guardian seekinghelp because of homelessness.The Anglicare report calls for urgentfurther investment in the supply of publicand social housing and provision oftransitional housing services for peoplein crisis.Mr Henfling said CatholicCare’s practicalexperience in support services across theDiocese of Parramatta reflected these findings.“People of all ages, genders, culturalbackgrounds and personal circumstancescan find themselves homeless or at risk ofhomelessness at some time in their life,”he said.“The services and accommodation thatare available to assist the growing numberof homeless people in our community arestretched beyond capacity and many peopleare just unable to find the help they need toget back on their feet.“As a community, it’s time for us tolook at new, imaginative ways of addressingthe problem of homelessness andhousing insecurity.”More details on the 8 NovemberCommunity Forum on Homelessnessare available on CatholicCare’s website:www.ccss.org.auAPPOINTMENTSMost Rev Anthony Fisher OP, Bishopof Parramatta, has confirmedthe following appointments:Very Rev Peter Williams VG, Adminstrator,St Margaret Mary’s Parish, MerrylandsRev Fr Peter Connelly, Pastor Emeritus,St Thomas Aquinas Parish, SpringwoodRev Fr Warren Edwards, Vocation DirectorRev Fr Denes Ledeczi, Assistant Priest,St Patrick’s Parish, Blacktown, and Chaplainto the Hungarian Catholic communityRev Fr Renato Paras, retiredRev Fr John Smith, retiredRev Fr Joseph Thomas, Assistant Priest,St Margaret Mary’s Parish, MerrylandsRev Fr Edward Tyler, Parish Priest,St Mary of the Cross MacKillopParish, Upper Blue MountainsRev Fr Robert William, Assistant Priest,St Matthew’s Parish, WindsorMr Daniel Ang, Pastoral Planning OfficerPARASayo, AmaSaturday 22 October at 5pmThe Hills Centre, Castle HillMass of ThanksgivingSunday 30 October at 2pmSt Patrick’s CathedralFr Renato Paras has retiredfrom full-time ministryas Parish Priest of StAidan’s Parish, Rooty Hill.To celebrate Fr Renato’s30 years of providingpastoral care in Sydneythe Filipino communityis staging a theatricalpresentation entitled PARASayo, Ama.The concert starts at 5pm in The HillsCentre, 1a Carrington Road, Castle Hill.Tickets are $40 with proceeds goingto the Clergy Support Foundation.Tickets: Bob Mendoza 0425 444 818.Bishop Anthony Fisher OP will preside at theMass of Thanksgiving at 2pm on Sunday30 October. Following Mass there will befellowship in St Patrick’s Cathedral Hall.

3 gongs for Catholic Outlook at ACPA AwardsThe annual conference of theAustralasian Catholic PressAssociation (ACPA) was held inAdelaide from 6-9 September 2011.A highlight of every conference arethe ACPA Awards for Excellence.This year the awards were presentedat the conference dinner atthe National Wine Centre.The after dinner speaker wasGeneral Peter Cosgrove AC, MC,CNZM, Chancellor of AustralianCatholic University. The awardswere presented by MonsignorDavid Cappo, Vicar General of theCatholic Archdiocese of Adelaide.The ACPA awards are judgedby professionals working in mainstreampublishing and media. Thetop awards were: Best Magazine– Kairos Catholic Journal, CatholicArchdiocese of Melbourne; andBest Newspaper – The Sandpiper,Catholic Diocese of Bendigo.Our diocesan magazine,Catholic Outlook, was acclaimedin three categories:• Highly Commended in BestEditorial for Bishop Anthony’sLetter (June 2010): ‘Freedomfrom fear – Refugee Week2010’. The judge said: “Veryclear, concise and referencedposition on refugees.”• Winner of Best AdvertisingFeature/Supplement for theVocations issue (August 2010).The judges said: “The coverphotograph ‘Is God CallingYou’ was outstanding and thesubsequent editorial coverageshowed a great depth andfluency. The general layout wasexcellent. The theme of ‘Jesusis calling you’ was well carriedthrough. A job well done.”• Winner of Best Layout & Design– Magazine. The judge said:“This magazine is stand-outin shape, content and design.Its use of photography andmodern layout is superior. Thisproduct would sit comfortablyon any magazine shelf.”The editor, Jane Favotto, saidproduction of Catholic Outlook wasa strong collaborative effort. “Weare grateful for Bishop Anthony’sleadership and the support of ourclergy, Chancery and parish staff,Catholic Education Office and staffin Catholic schools, and peopleengaged in many areas of ministryacross the Diocese.”The magazine is producedmonthly by a small, mostly parttimestaff, that includes VirginiaKnight (journalist & advertisingsales), Chris Murray (graphicdesigner), and Alphonsus Fok &Grace Lu (photography).Schools’ news is compiled byAnnette Loughlin-Smith andthe Catholic Education OfficeCommunications Unit. CatholicOutlook’s website is coordinated byPeter Gresser, Andrew Emmersonand Lisa Garland.Sincere thanks to all those whosupport Catholic Outlook – both inreadership, submission of storiesand photos, and with advertising.Other winners at the 2011 ACPAAwards include:• Best Website for a Publication:www.xt3.com, CatholicArchdiocese of Sydney;• Best Layout & Design– Newspaper: Catholic Voice,Catholic Archdiocese ofCanberra & Goulburn;• Best Front Cover andThe judge of Best Layout& Design – Magazinesaid: “use of photographyand modern layout issuperior. This productwould sit comfortably onany magazine shelf.”Best Mission Coverage:Australian Catholics, JesuitCommunications; and• Best Editorial: The NathanielReport, the New ZealandCatholic Bioethics Centre.ACPA’s membership includesthe editors and staff of Catholicpublications and people workingin Church media and communicationsroles. At this year’s conference,56 delegates enjoyed theopportunity to meet up with colleaguesfrom around Australia,New Zealand and the Pacific todiscuss issues that are of commoninterest.Guest speakers included: AndrewKilley (kwp! Advertising); ChrisRann (Rann Communications);Matt Deighton (MessengerNewspapers); Paul Hamra (SolsticeMedia); Jenny Brinkworth (TheSouthern Cross); and MichaelMullins (Eureka Street).Whenever possible, ACPAinvites a Pacific delegate who mayotherwise not have the opportunityto attend the conference.This year’s delegate was Fr PeterPuthenkandam from the CatholicDiocese of Maliana in East Timor,whose participation was sponsoredby Caritas Australia.ACPA is grateful for the supportof conference sponsors: CatholicDevelopment Fund – CatholicArchdiocese of Adelaide, CatholicChurch Insurances Ltd (CCI),Caritas Australia, Sevenhill JesuitWines, WN Bull Funeral Directors,Australian Catholic University,Campion College Australia, TheBroken Bay Institute, Makinson &d’Apice Lawyers, Fairfax Media,and John Garrett Publishing.Shrine of Our Lady of MercyCatholicOutlook October 2011 5YOU’RE NOT JUST A NUMBER AT CAMPIONOur Liberal Arts degree is not a specialistdegree, it’s training for life. Small class sizeswith easy access to academic staff, you willbe challenged intellectually and finish witha flexible, analytical and creative mind.APPLY NOW FOR 2012Alternative pathways for students who do notmeet the entry requirements are available.FoundationStudies alsoavailablefor anyoneinterested indoing individualsubjects inHistory, Theology,Philosophy,Literature orLatin. There are nopre-requisites forindividual subjects.Frank Sheed Competition WinnerBy Paul O’DonovanThe annual Frank Sheed Public Speaking Competition was heldrecently at Campion College. The prize is generously sponsored bya Sydney doctor and apologist, and a number of students from eachclass have entered every year, after meeting certain criteria.This year the theme of the competition was “to challenge, inspire,or call to arms”. Over a wonderful dinner, the student body, variousguests and staff members were held enthralled by students callingupon us to have courage in our convictions, embark upon the journeyof seeking the truth, and most importantly, to “be not afraid!”After deliberation, the judges admitted it was diffi cult to chooseamongst the different speakers, but as it had to be, three studentswere placed. Keziah Doherty won fi rst place, Angela Schumannwas placed second and I was delighted to come third.Certainly one of the factors that attracted me to Campion was theiremphasis on developing each and every student holistically. Thisincludes the development of the art of speaking well, so crucial tothe liberal arts education. I have certainly learnt much about theuse of my ‘fi ne voice’, and I hope that what I have learnt I will beable to put to good use in a society sadly bereft of fi ne speakers.Pray the RosaryFATIMA DAY – OCTOBER 13Programme: 9.30am Confessions, 10.00am Exposition & Rosary, 11.00amSolemn Eucharist, 1.30pm Rosary Procession with the Most Blessed Sacramentto the Grotto, 2.00pm Devotions at the Grotto, 3.00pm ConclusionOur Main Celebrant:Fr. Lauro Rufo CSChaplain to the Italian Community, Scalabrinian MissionaryFATIMA FAMILY SUNDAY – OCTOBER 16Programme: 11.00am Holy Eucharist with the renewal of thewedding vows (46-50) followed by exposition and individualblessing of families with the Most Blessed SacramentDIVINE MERCY DEVOTIONS1st Sunday of each monthProgramme: 11.00am Holy Eucharist; 1.30pm Devotions to the Divine Mercy(Chaplet and Litany of the Divine Mercy, veneration of relics of St Faustina)Pauline Fathers’ Monastery – 120 Hanging Rock Rd, Berrima NSW 2577 – Open daily from 8 am to 6pm.Although the address used for mail is Berrima please take care that you DO NOT divert off the Freeway to thevillage of Berrima as the Shrine is some 18km further south. It is the 3 rd right turn after McDonald’s and ShellService Station. phone (02) 4878 9192; e-mail paulinefathers@bigpond.com.au; website www.paulinefathers.orgBus contact numbers: Sydney (02) 9823 7763 or (02) 9642 3373; Northern Beaches (May &October only) (02) 9984 8988 Central Coast (02) 4329 3369 or (02) 4396 6549; Illawarra (02)4274 1490; Shoalhaven (02) 4423 3330; Canberra/Queanbeyan/Goulburn (02) 6254 6202Campion College President, Dr David Daintree, competition winner,Keziah Doherty and competition sponsor, Dr Andrew FongCampion College AustraliaEducation for Eternity8-14 Austin Woodbury PlaceOld Toongabbie, NSW, 2146Ph: (02) 9896 9300, Fax (02) 9631 5611www.campion.edu.au

6 CatholicOutlook October 2011Death of Fr Rod Bray: 1938-2011The Catholic Diocese ofParramatta lost one of itsmuch-loved priests with thesudden death of Fr Rod Brayon 27 August 2011. Fr Bray wasParish Priest of St MargaretMary’s Parish, Merrylands.Most Rev Anthony Fisher OP,Bishop of Parramatta, wasthe principal celebrant forthe Requiem Mass on 2September in St MargaretMary’s Church, Merrylands.The Mass was concelebratedby Most Rev Julian Porteous,Auxiliary Bishop of Sydney,Most Rev Pat Power, AuxiliaryBishop of Canberra &Goulburn, the Presbyterateof the Diocese of Parramattaand surrounding dioceses.Born on 4 April 1938 inStrathfield Parish, Fr Bray’sschooling was at Mary ImmaculatePrimary, Manly, St Martha’sPrimary, Strathfield, and StPatrick’s College, Strathfield.He trained for the priesthoodat St Columba’s Seminary,Springwood, and St Patrick’sSeminary, Manly. He wasordained to the priesthood byCardinal Gilroy at St Patrick’sSeminary on 15 July 1961.Fr Bray’s first priestlyappointment was on loan to theDiocese of Aitape, Papua NewGuinea from 1962-67. Returningto Australia, he was AssistantPriest at Tempe (1968), Blacktown(1968-70), on loan to the Dioceseof Aitape again from 1971-73,then Assistant Priest at Mt Druitt(1974-77) and Mt Pritchard(1977-79). He was appointedAssistant Priest at Merrylands in1979 and Parish Priest in 1980.His ministry included actingChaplain to the Royal Corpof RAEME (Royal AustralianElectrical Mechanical Engineers)Association of NSW Inc,Australian Defence force.On 23 July this year, BishopAnthony was the principalcelebrant at a Mass for FrBray’s Golden Jubilee ofordination to the priesthood.Bishop Anthony said that in ahalf century of priestly service,Fr Bray was “an inspiration tothe vocations of other priests,a herald of the coming of theLord, and a missionary pastorto Merrylands and beyond”.He recalled visiting Fr Bray inhospital last year where therewas a queue of parishionerswaiting to make their confessionto him as he lay on his sick bed.“How pleased must be StMargaret Mary Parish that thisindefatigable pastor has made ofher church a centre for confession,catechesis and devotion forthe Diocese of Parramatta andbeyond,” the Bishop said.Close friend Fr James Tierneyhad known Fr Bray sincethey were both studying forthe priesthood at Manly.Fr Tierney reflected on howmuch his friend had loved his timeas a missionary in Papua NewGuinea: “After his ordination, FrBray went on loan to a FranciscanDiocese in PNG. His first six-yearstint left an indelible stamp onhim. It enrichedhis experienceas a pastor ofsouls and of thewider Church.“After six years,Fr Bray wasFr Rod Brayback in Australiafrom 1968-1971. Permissionwas granted him for threemore years in New Guinea. Hewanted to spend his life there.”Fr Tierney described Fr Brayas a priest “in the traditionalIrish style, friendly andrespectful. The precedent is inthe homely Catholic poetry ofMsgr Hartigan (John O’Brien),author of Around the Boree Log.“First and last, Fr Bray was apriest of Our Lord Jesus Christ.No higher tribute can be paidto him than that. He livedand exercised that priesthoodfaithfully for 50 years.”Fr Bray is buried in the LawnCemetery for Priests next to StMichael the Archangel’s Chapelat Rookwood Cemetery.Fr Bray’s funeral was in St Margaret Mary’s Church. Photos: Shelly BarnesThe First Reading was read by Fr Bray’s sister-in-law, Rita BrayMonaghan& GleesonFUNERAL DIRECTORSR

CatholicOutlook October 2011 7Building Bridges, Not Walls:Australia’s Catholic bishops havereleased a major statement on prisonsand the justice system entitledBuilding Bridges, Not Walls: Prisonsand the justice system. SocialJustice Sunday was celebrated on25 September 2011.The statement was launchedat the Australian CatholicUniversity’s North Sydney campusby Graham West, Chief Executiveof St Vincent de Paul Society NSWand a former NSW Minister forJuvenile Justice. The respondentwas Margaret Wiseman of thePrison Chaplaincy of the CatholicArchdiocese of Sydney.The statement points out seriousshortcomings in Australia’s prisonsand in the justice systems, andchallenges citizens and politiciansto search for a more constructiveway forward.Speaking at the launch, BishopChristopher Saunders, Chairmanof the Australian Catholic SocialJustice Council, said the majorityof Australian prisoners came fromthe most disadvantaged sections ofthe community: Indigenous people,the underprivileged and thosesuffering from mental illness.“Although rates of crime haveoverall remained steady, and insome cases have fallen, Australia’srate of imprisonment has increaseddramatically. We must ask if thejustice system is truly deliveringjustice to our community.“Although there will always be aneed for prisons to deal with seriousoffences, there are alternativemeasures that are more effectivein delivering justice and keepingmany people out of jail.”The bishops have called for moreproductive alternatives to fear campaignsabout law and order, for anapproach that addresses the socialfactors that contribute to crime,ensuring the dignity of those inprison, and providing more supportfor people returning to society.They urge all Australians to thinkabout the conditions in prisons,and to ask who are most likely tofind themselves there and why.Between 1984 and 2008, whilerates of crime either stayed steadyor fell, the number of Australians inprison per 100,000 people almostdoubled. Indigenous people makeup about 2.3% of the populationbut about 25% of those in prison.The incarceration rate for youngIndigenous is even higher.The disproportionate growthin imprisonment has come aboutin part because of repeated lawand-orderelection campaigns andsensationalist reporting, whichencourage the idea that crime isout of control.There will always be a need forPhoto: AAP/Amy SancettaPrisons and the justice systemprisons, but it is time for Australiansto ask what they expect from theirprison systems.Is jail simply somewhere towarehouse wrong-doers until theyhave served their sentences, or canit be a place where inmates learnto become responsible membersof society?How can we support thosewho have committed no crimebut suffer terribly because theirloved ones are incarcerated? Thisis an issue that especially affectschildren with a parent who hasbeen imprisoned.What can we do to support thosewho have paid their debt to societybut must overcome obstacles tofinding work, a place to live and aplace in the community?The statement celebrates thework of chaplains and all whowork to bring hope and supportto prisoners.No crime can diminish the factthat we are all created in the imageand likeness of God. In our parishesand our communities, let usconsider how we can make a differencefor those in prison and seekingbridges to a new life.For further details aboutthe Social Justice Statement,visit the Australian CatholicSocial Justice Council website:www.socialjustice.catholic.org.auIMMACULATE HEART COLLEGEMaryville Downs, Lower Chittering, WAIs seeking expressions of interest for the position of:FOUNDATIONAL PRINCIPALThis is an Independent School, teaching the Catholic Faith.It will open in February 2012 with classes Kindergarten toYear 3, expanding to Year 6 over the next 3 years.The school will be situated in Our Lady of the Visitation Parishnext to the new Divine Mercy Church in Lower Chittering.The successful applicant will be a practising and committed Catholic, withthe ability to lead the school in its foundation years. Salary and terms willbe negotiated. A secondment from another school may be possible.For more information please contact Fr Paul Fox tel (08) 9571 1839or Doris Anastasiades tel (08) 9317 4019. Address applications:Fr Paul Fox, Parish Priest, Immaculate Heart College, PO Box 8,Bullsbrook, WA, 6084, or email: marydoris@westnet.com.au

8 CatholicOutlook October 2011BISHOP ANTHONY FISHER’S HOMILYSRE Mass for the Confraternity of Christian DoctrineSt Patrick’s Church, Blacktown, 9 September 2011Does being a Christian make anydifference to the way we live? Afterall, don’t many non-Christians, evennon-believers, live just as good livesas many Christians? If somethingis good, it is surely good for everyhuman being, not just Christians orany one particular group.Yet when St Paul talks today ofhis experience of conversion (1Tim 1:1-2, 12-14), it is clear thatfor him it meant the completeupside-downing, inside-outing ofhis worldview and values. “I usedto be a blasphemer and a persecutorof Christians,” he says, “but thegrace of Our Lord filled me withfaith and love”; having been shownmercy I now preach and teach thatmercy myself.For St Paul, one of the firstChristian catechists, the Damascusexperience was so radical he wouldspend the rest of his years talkingabout leaving behind the oldman and putting on the new; beingliberated from an old way of lifeand embracing the new one; beinggrafted on to Christ, imitatingChrist, living through Christ andwith Christ and in Christ; being,if needs be, a fool for Christ bythis world’s standards. For Paulthis meant confronting law-abidingJews and philosophically mindedpagans, as well as young Christianswith the radically good and radicallynew Good News.Yet if we Christians do havesomething different to offer, weneed not deny the wisdom in otherreligious traditions or in the naturalmorality of human beings, some ofwhich we can draw upon ourselvesand much of which is the commonground upon which we live andwork with people of all sorts.Once the foundation of Christianfaith was laid, St Paul himself didnot hesitate to build up humannorms and virtues in his newChristians. Though he thoughtJesus’ Way was something verynew, he readily assimilated whateverwas true from the heritage ofthe peoples he taught.Of course, in some ways his taskwas easier than ours. At least thesurrounding cultures were essentiallyreligious. Everyone believedin God, perhaps too many gods, inthe afterlife, in the requirement topray and live a good life.In our contemporary culture, onthe other hand, God is marginalisedand much of what is offeredinstead for our valuing is unhelpful,even harmful. The messagescoming from our industries, polities,academies and media can becorrupt; the reigning ideologies ofconsumerism, individualism andrelativism wrong-headed; the practicesof the age hard-hearted orsoft-headed, such as credit beyondour means, consumption beyondour credit, sex and drugs as recreations,inappropriate incarcerationof some troublemakers anddetention of some strangers. Andso Christians today are increasinglycounter-cultural, contra mundum,as this world goes.Yet we are never really againstthe culture or against the world,because we adore the Maker of ourworld and Lord of our history, andwe appreciate all He has given us,including our natural environmentand human achievements, the greatphilosophies and institutions, technologiesand traditions, the familyand workplace and community.If Christians greet the world witha critical mind and the eyes of faith,it is so they can live well in theworld, not escape from it, and purifythat world and bring it to God.True Christian morality, weknow, has a profound and persuasiveecho in the heart of everyperson, believer and non-believeralike, because it marvellously fulfilsour heart’s desires while infinitelysurpassing them.Even in the midst of difficultiesand uncertainties, every personsincerely open to the truth can, byBishop Anthony with the recipients of certificates of 10 years’ service to SRE, including student SREs representingCaroline Chisholm College, which has been involved in SRE for 10 years. Photo: Alphonsus Fok & Grace Luthe light of reason and the hiddenaction of grace, comes to recognisewhat is right. And so however muchsome people differ from us andsometimes persecute us, Christiansin the end have no enemies, exceptsin and death.Other people, however misguided,are still the image of God forus, still intended by God to be ourneighbours, friends, brothers andsisters, fellow saints.There are, dare I say, only tworeligions – Catholics and still-tobe-Catholics– and the still-to-be’sare like catechumens with their footalready in the door, already joinedto us, as long as they are seekingthe truth with a sincere heart andliving as good a life as their lightsreveal to them.So why bother with evangelisationand catechesis and SREand the rest? Aren’t all beliefsequally worthy and all moralsequally sincere? If those withoutCatholic faith can be saved, isn’tignorance bliss? Shouldn’t we justleave them to their own devices,to follow their own lights and finda path for themselves?To which Paul might answer thismorning: how could you know thegrace and peace and mercy of Godthe Father, how could you experiencethe faith and hope and love ofChrist Jesus His Son, and not wantto share them with others?Can ignorance of God and Hisways, of His plan for humanityand His providential care, of HisIncarnate Son and His redeemingfriendship, of His Holy Spiritand His spiritual gifts, of His HolyChurch and her Word and sacraments:can ignorance of such thingsbe bliss? Surely such ignorance is adeprivation, a terrible loss?And so, says Paul this morning,God chooses people, sometimesthe most unexpected people, andcalls them into His service, andgives them the faith and hope andlove they need to pass on the faith.At World Youth Day in Madrid,which I was privileged to attendwith nearly 300 young people fromthe Diocese of Parramatta, the Popeconfronted the post-modern question:Do we really need foundationsfor our lives? He observed that“There are many who … believethey need no roots or foundationsother than themselves. They take itupon themselves to decide what istrue or not, what is good and evil,what is just and unjust; who shouldlive and who can be sacrificed inthe interests of other preferences;leaving each step to chance, with noclear path, letting themselves be ledby the whim of each moment.”Christians, the Holy Fatherargued, have an alternativeapproach to life. We know “thatwe have been created free, in theimage of God, precisely so thatwe might be in the forefront ofthe search for truth and goodness,responsible for our actions; notmere blind executives, but creativeco-workers in the task of cultivatingand beautifying the workof creation.”“God is looking for a responsibleinterlocutor, someone who can dialoguewith Him and love Him,” thePope continued. “Through Christwe can truly succeed and, establishedin Him, we give wings to ourfreedom. Is this not the great reasonfor our joy? Isn’t this the firmground upon which to build thecivilisation of love and life, capableof humanising all of us?”This is the task of the CCDand its SRE teachers: bringingresponsible interlocutors to God,young people with big questions,searching minds and open hearts,laying foundations for their livesand giving wings to their freedom,so they might build withChrist a civilisation of life andlove for Western Sydney. What anexciting project is yours! Thanksbe to God for your contributionto that adventure.

Photos:Alphonsus Fok& Grace LuRecipients of the Papal Blessing for 20 years’ service to SRELEFT: Beryl Foster presents Bishop Anthony and CCD Director PaulWorthington with a special award for the Silver Jubilee of theDiocese. RIGHT: Myrtle Rodricks from Doonside – 45 years’ serviceCatholicOutlook October 2011 9Building a civilisation of love and lifeBishop Anthony Fisher OP wasthe principal celebrant for theannual Mass for the Confraternityof Christian Doctrine (CCD)at St Patrick’s Church,Blacktown, on 9 September.The Catholic Diocese ofParramatta now has more than1,000 Special Religious Educators(SREs) and helpers who undertakethis vital ministry to Catholicstudents in state schools.After the Mass, BishopAnthony presented a number ofservice awards, including a 10years’ service award to CarolineChisholm College at GlenmorePark, a systemic secondaryschool whose senior studentshave joined parish SRE teams.The involvement of the collegein SRE began 12 years ago inthe fast-growing suburb ofGlenmore Park, before Padre PioParish had been established.Veronica Sultana, who wasParish Coordinator at St Nicholasof Myra Parish in Penrith,said at least six additionalSREs were needed with twopublic schools set to open.“Our Parish Priest, Fr WimHoekstra, gave me the go-aheadto contact Caroline ChisholmCollege to ask if some of thesenior girls would be willingto take up the call to be SREsat Glenmore Park Primary,which was within walkingdistance of the college.“The Principal, Anne Wenham,gave her support and an expressionof interest was distributed to allYear 11 students. The girls wereprovided with information aboutSRE to help them make a decision,and a training session scheduledto help them to understand whatwas involved in teaching SRE.”Veronica said Glenmore ParkPrimary had a large number ofCatholic students, and in the initialyear it was decided to provide SREto Kindergarten, Years 1 and 2.“We had 30 girls take up thecall to teach SRE. The experiencefor them was well worth theeffort, and their call to help thelocal community invaluable.”One of the first students inthe program was Renee Cutajar(nee Capolupo), now marriedwith two children. Renee saidshe thoroughly enjoyed theexperience of teaching SRE.“We couldn’t wait to walk downto the public school to share thistime with the younger students.The walk back was just as excitingas we would discuss in every detailwhat took place that afternoon.“Ever since I can remember, Iwanted to be a school teacher.I thought this experiencewould not only give me aninsight into teaching but alsointo teaching Religion.“I was accepted into theAustralian Catholic University’sBachelor of Teaching coursewhere I majored in Theologyand have been teaching in aCatholic school for six years.”Today, 52 students fromCaroline Chisholm Collegeteach at Glenmore Park Primary.Students from St Dominic’sCollege at Penrith joined theSRE ranks nine years ago and areteaching in three state schools.St Columba’s High School inSpringwood provides four stateprimary schools with Easter andChristmas assemblies. “Theygive the children an experienceof love and faith by explainingthe holy season in a way thathelps them understand theGospel message,” Veronica said.Catholic schools currentlyparticipating in the SRE programin our Diocese are: XavierCollege, Loyola Senior HighSchool, Patrician Brothers’College, McCarthy CatholicCollege, Caroline ChisholmCollege, St Dominic’s College,and St Columba’s High School.Veronica Sultana is nowthe Regional Coordinator forthe Mountains Deanery.

10 CatholicOutlook October 2011Building a just and fair societyEvan EllisOn 15 September, the SydneyAlliance held its FoundingAssembly. More than 2,000 peoplefrom over 45 organisations packedthe Sydney Town Hall and filledthe neighbouring annex rooms.For the past three years, theAlliance has been growing inbreadth and depth as it createda diverse coalition of religiousorganisations, community groupsand unions from across Sydney.Now, the Alliance has steppedinto the public arena as a newvoice for Sydney’s civil societyand launched its Agenda for theCommon Good.At the assembly, the CatholicDiocese of Parramatta contingentwas led by Right Rev MonsignorRobert McGuckin VG EV andincluded parishioners from parishesin Penrith, St Clair, Glenwood-Stanhope Gardens, Blacktown andBlacktown South, Guildford andthe Hills.The group also included migrantchaplaincies and representativesfrom Josephite Community Aidand Young Christian Workers.Msgr McGuckin told theassembly, “The Catholic Churchin Western Sydney is proud topartner and work with the SydneyAlliance to create a society that isjust and fair for all.”To help build trust and goodwillamong a coalition the Alliance hastrained thousands of citizens frompartner organisations and conductedmany thousands of one-toonemeetings.Partner organisations also ran‘listening campaigns’ over sixmonths across the geographicspread of Sydney, connecting withmore than 6,000 people from variousmigrant, religious and socioeconomicbackgrounds.The issues, hopes, dreams andaspirations of these people contributedto the Alliance’s multiissueAgenda for the CommonGood, which was launched at theassembly. The agenda focusedon three issues; community careand health, social inclusion, andpublic transport.State politicians such asVictor Dominello, Minister forCitizenship and Communities andMinister for Aboriginal Affairs,and Charles Casuscelli, Chair of theLegislative Assembly’s Committeeon Transport and Infrastructure,were invited to begin working withthe Alliance on these issues.If you are interested in findingout more about the Sydney Alliancevisit: www.sydneyalliance.org.auIf you would like to get involved,contact Evan Ellis – Social JusticeCoordinator for the Diocese ofParramatta tel 0409 399 505.Msgr McGuckin addressesthe assemblyPhotos: Alphonsus Fok & Grace LuParishioners from St Patrick’s, Blacktown, at the assemblyBuilding Community HarmonySt Patrick’s Parish, Blacktown,ran the largest listening campaignof any group within the SydneyAlliance. Styled as a ‘call to conversation’,the Parish Priest, FrPeter Confeggi, invited all parishionersattending one of the Massesover a particular weekend to sharetheir hopes for their parish andthe struggles they were facing intheir community.Sitting quietly in the pews wasVincent Obwoya, aged 12. Theyoung school captain was hesitantto speak in front of the packedchurch. “I waited for a few peopleto go first and just when it wasabout to finish I got up,” he said.Given the microphone, Vincentanswered with one word, “Racism.”The cavernous church becamesilent with his response.Arriving in Australia fromSudan in 2004, Vincent has bothexperienced and witnessed racismin Australian society. “Thereare some kids at school whoalways get teased for their colour,”he said.While racist remarks can beflung by strangers, he has seen thecasual racism between friends. “Ithink they think it’s a joke.”Vincent, who felt proud ashe returned to his seat, spokeup because he believes all racismis hurtful.In listening campaigns acrossSydney people shared their experiencesof racial vilification, religiousdiscrimination and socialisolation, inclusion and exclusion.The Sydney Alliance hasput together a diverse team to doresearch and plan action to alleviatethese pressures.

CatholicOutlook October 2011 11Carolyn D’Mello: “People with disabilities have gifts and talentsand are able to contribute.” Photos: Alphonsus Fok & Grace LuMore than 2,000 people from over 45 organisations packed the Sydney Town HallCommunity Care, Health and SupportParticipating in the Sydney AllianceFounding Assembly was CarolynD’Mello, case worker with Aging,Disability and Homecare, part ofthe NSW Department of Familyand Community Services.A parishioner of St Nicholas ofMyra, Penrith, Carolyn is there tosupport people with disabilitiesand their families; both by makingknown available services andhelping families access additionalresources. In doing so she hopesto build the capacity of families torespond, giving them greater controlin their lives.For Carolyn her entire approachechoes the ‘Don’t DIS my ABILITY’campaign. “People with disabilitieshave gifts and talents and are ableto contribute,” she said.For Carolyn a major problem isthat society struggles to recognisethis. Stigma and the dislocationcaused by parallel services (separateservices for people with disabilities)works against this recognition.The flow-on effect is thatmany “… people with disabilitiesaren’t citizens participating in thecommunity as yet.”Her concern is that this canlead to the professionalising ofrelationships for people with disabilities.“Some people with disabilitieshave professional carers,but not friends.”Carolyn’s approach, of focusingon people’s gifts and talents,finds expression in asset-basedcommunity development.This approach to communitydevelopment is popular withinthe partner organisations of theSydney Alliance.“Too often people ask what’swrong with a community andthen try to fix it,” she said. “Inasset-based community development,we say, ‘Hey, what’s workingwell in a community? Let’s domore of that.’ It’s about workingwith the community.”Carolyn is not alone. In listeningcampaigns across Sydney peoplespoke up about their vision fora Sydney where everyone can participatefully in their communityand at work because everybodyhas care and coordinated servicesat significant times of their lives,and those providing care are supportedand valued.

12 CatholicOutlook October 2011Celebrating the hardwork of teachersWorld Teachers’ Day 2011 provides a greatopportunity for me to say thank you to theteachers in our schools who work on behalfof the evangelising mission of the Church.I know they do a great job and over the past12 months I have had the opportunity withBishop Anthony to visit many of our schoolcommunities for the opening and blessingof their new building projects funded underthe Australian Government’s Building theEducation Revolution program.As I said in my video message to teachers tocommemorate this day, the thing that reallystrikes me is how proud our communitiesare of their schools. And, in particular, howmuch our students and parents valuetheir teachers.Often the general community andeducational commentators seem to undervaluethe work of teachers by focusing onbasic measures of student achievement, likeNAPLAN results. These results, which haverecently sent home to parents of Years 3,5, 7 & 9 students are good diagnostic testsdesigned for our teachers to use to measurewhere each individual student is at, at aparticular moment in time. They shouldnot be used as a way to make a generalassessment about the quality of learning atthe school, nor the performance of teachers.Richard Elmore made the comment,‘teaching is not rocket science, it’s muchmore difficult’ and I agree with him. Thework of teachers is complex and in a Catholicschool is a work of the human heart, as wellas the mind.It does us no good as a society to minimisethe role of teachers, nor will it ultimatelyserve the children in our schools. We havemuch work to do in developing meaningfulmeasures for student performance, and ergo,the evaluation of the work of their teachers.Within this context, I would like toacknowledge our teachers, and those whosupport them, for their enormous hard work,their commitment and professionalism. Wevalue what you do, each and every day, forthe benefit of the children and young peoplein your care.Photo: Hamilton LundWorld Teachers’ Day 2011Recognising the great work of teachers“Appreciation is a wonderful thing. It makes what is excellent in others belong to us as well” – VoltaireOlivia O’ConnorWorld Teachers’ Day will be celebrated in Australia onFriday 28 October and is an opportunity to acknowledgethe great work of teachers.The Oxford dictionary defines the practice of teaching as“to give lessons to students in a school; to help somebodylearn something by giving information about it”.As highlighted in the September issue of CatholicOutlook, the role of teachers is undergoing a significantchange as the needs of learners changes in a connected,knowledge-rich and global world.The Oxford dictionary definition of teaching doesn’tbegin to do justice to the work of the 4,500 teachersworking in our schools in the Catholic Diocese ofParramatta, or the contribution of the many teachers’ aidesand classroom helpers supporting learning and teaching.The work of a teacher today goes well beyond theteaching of facts or providing information. Teachers seekto develop within each student the ability to becomelifelong learners; to think critically and creatively; to workindependently and collaboratively; to find solutions to realworld challenges.In Catholic schools, the work of a teacher goes furtherin support of the evangelising mission of the Church.Catholic school teachers seek to provide opportunities forstudents to come to know their faith and the teachingsof the Church; to experience their faith through prayer,celebration of the sacraments and in the lived example oftheir peers, teachers and leaders; to make the world a betterplace through outreach and action.For many students it is the relationship with theirteacher that makes a lasting impression – the teacher asmentor or guide on the learning journey – the simple signsof encouragement; the joy a teacher shows when theirstudents grasp a complex concept; the teacher who staysawake half the night trying to work out how to teach adisengaged student.Gregory B WhitbyExecutive Director of Schools@gregwhitbyBlog: bluyonder.wordpress.comAsher Taccori and Jim GillespieSilviana Alberti with Kate Owens

CatholicOutlook October 2011 13Annique Quinlivan, Jessica Landrebeand Danielle AlexanderThese are the intangibles that can’t easilybe taught in teacher training but come fromthe passion and commitment of the manywomen and men who teach in our schools.We went out to some of our schoolsacross the Diocese and spoke to a handfulof students about their teachers. Theiracknowledgement and description of why aparticular teacher has had a significant impacton them recognises the way many teachers goabove and beyond to impart an experience forstudents that exceeds the Oxford definition.Asher Taccori, Year 12 – St Columba’sHigh School, Springwood, on teacher JimGillespie: “Mr Gillespie is a very committedteacher and everything he does is for us. Hewill do anything he can to help us succeed.”Silviana Alberti, Year 6 – St Francis ofAssisi Primary, Glendenning, on teacherKate Owens: “Mrs Owens gives us thefreedom to work with different types oftechnology and to choose what areas wewant to learn in.”Annique Quinlivan and JessicaLandrebe, Year 11 – Xavier College,Mary Jo Mason with students Christian,Garth, Madalyn and CharlotteHannah Plaatjesand Lisa HurstLlandilo, on teacher Danielle Alexander:“Can you imagine giving up yourlunchtimes, every week, over three termsto work with students? This is what MrsAlexander does to guide and help usdevelop our skills in Agriculture.”Hannah Plaatjes, Year 4 – St Aidan’sPrimary, Rooty Hill, on teacher Lisa Hurst:“Mrs Hurst is really active, teaches me alot of things and she is so expressive. Sheshares stories about what happens in herlife and I also get to share things with her.”Christian, Garth, Madalyn andCharlotte, Kindergarten – St Monica’sPrimary, North Parramatta, on teacherMary Jo Mason: “Mrs Mason helps uslearn lots of information on the laptopsand computers.”Courtney Ceh, Year 6 – St Francis ofAssisi Primary, Glendenning, on teacherFrank Daglis: “Mr Daglis gives us thechance to learn new things and to usedifferent technology.”Video testimonials can be viewed at:www.parra.catholic.edu.auCourtney Cehwith Frank DaglisFormer US Governor impressed by Parramatta Catholic schoolsFormer Governor of West Virginia in the US, BobWise, visited the Diocese on 26 August to explore howdigital learning is being incorporated into educationin Australia. President of the Alliance for ExcellentEducation, Governor Wise co-chairs the DigitalLearning Council with Jeb Bush the former Governorof Florida. As part of his tour, Governor Wise visitedParramatta Marist High School, Westmead, andSt Margaret Mary’s Primary, Merrylands, and wasGovernor Wise with Greg Whitby,extremely impressed by what he saw. “I came hereDirector of System Learning Sue Walsh,and Team Leader Gary Brownto see how Catholic schools use digital learning andI learned so much more. This experience has made me the richer; you have shown what works.We are looking for the best practice and policy and would like to use the Catholic Diocese ofParramatta as a sounding board for our work in the US.”Apple supports ‘changing’ learning at St Aidan’s PrimaryStudents collaborating and learningin their integrated unitOver five weeks, from 22 August to 23 September,St Aidan’s Primary, Rooty Hill, utilised theopportunity to work with Apple technology toimplement an integrated style of learning intoYear 4. Based on the idea that students acquireknowledge and skills best when learning is viewedas a whole day and when they can connect whatthey are learning to the real world, integratedlearning is different to traditional learning wherestudents would learn specific subjects like Mathsand English in set blocks, at set times of the day, with little connection to one another. Withenough technology on loan from Apple to allow for each of the 60 students to have theirown MacBook, teachers selected the broad topic of ‘change’ and gave students the choiceto narrow their focus to a specific aspect of change, e.g. technology, the environment,etc. allowing students to learn about their topic and to meet learning outcomes acrossseveral key learning areas including Maths, English, Creative Arts, etc, at the same time.Xavier students and staff hit record blood donations to save livesOn 30 August, the Australian Red Cross acknowledgedthe generous efforts of Xavier College, Llandilo,presenting students and staff with the Red CrossVampire Shield for the most donations in theHawkesbury-Nepean-Blue Mountains region. XavierCollege progressed beyond the local region to achievean overall fourth place in NSW and Cerdon College,Merrylands, achieved an overall fifth place, markinga very generous achievement for both Xavier andXavier College made 268 donationsCerdon as the top two Catholic schools in the state.to the Red Cross’ ‘Vampire Shield’David Lette, Careers Advisor and ‘Club Red’ coordinator at Xavier College, said he was incrediblyproud of the achievement with Xavier’s donations contributing towards helping more than 800people. “Looking at the number of lives we, as a school community, have helped is impressive.But it is nothing compared to the lives our actions have impacted upon when you consider thateach person who requires blood has family and friends who are also affected.”E-Library takes school libraries to the next levelBethany Primary, Glenmore Parkstudent’s Leia, Claire, Jessica and Oliviademonstrate e-Library at the launchOn 22 August, Catholic Education, Diocese ofParramatta, launched e-Library, an online portalto more than 300,000 books and resources acrossthe system of 78 Catholic schools. E-Library isaccessible 24/7 with students and teachers ableto access the system from home. It enablesthem to easily find a book in their own library,or other connected libraries; to read or write areview; and to access a range of eResources anddatabases. Team leader from Catholic Education’sLearning Exchange, Gary Brown, officiallylaunched e-Library and said it would take school libraries to a new level. “School librariesand teacher librarians are more important than ever before. The more our schoolsmove into this connected, global world, the more we need to rely on the skills of ourteacher librarians to make those connections and source relevant information.”Dick Smith inspires Loyola trade training students to succeedOne of Australia’s most renowned entrepreneurs, DickSmith, visited Loyola Senior High School Catholic TradeTraining Centre (CTTC), Mt Druitt, on 22 August toshare his story from humble beginnings to becomingone of Australia’s ‘national treasures’. Arriving byhelicopter, Dick Smith toured the CTTC then wasserved a three-course lunch prepared by hospitalitystudents. In speaking to the students, Dick Smithadvised them that risks should be well thought out Australian entrepreneur Dick Smith sharedand the key to being successful was respecting others. his experience with Loyola CTTC studentsHe encouraged the students to use their skills to build upon the qualifications gained at theCTTC to allow them to draw connections between their learning and the real world. Loyola TradeTraining Centre provides Year 11 and 12 students with the opportunity to complete their HigherSchool Certificate while starting a trade qualification in Hairdressing, Hospitality, Electrotechnology,Automotive, Carpentry, Shop Fitting or Engineering.For more information visit www.loyolamtdruitt.catholic.edu.au

14 CatholicOutlook October 2011Photo: Wendie ParkinsonEffective study tips for studentsJust as each student learns differently,there is not a one-size-fits-all approach tostudy. Students should try a range of studyapproaches in order to find those that bestsuit their particular needs.As the Higher School Certificate andend-of-year exams approach, here are somegeneral tips for students to keep in mindwhen preparing for examination:• Study in a quiet environment;• Break big tasks down into manageablechunks so you’re not overwhelmed;• Use a variety of study techniques– reading, writing, diagrams, questionand-answer,note-taking, summarisingand essay formats all help you preparefor the different types of questionsyou may face in the exam – findapproaches that best work for you;• Consider studying with a friend aslong as it doesn’t distract you, orfind out if your school offers studygroups or additional support;• If you don’t feel well prepared, don’tstress just try to focus on whatyou can do in the time remaining– speak to your teacher/s for adviceon the key areas to focus on;• Try to exercise regularly andeat a balanced diet;• Get sufficient sleep and stick to a routine;• A little bit of pressure is not a bad thing– it’s to be expected and can enhanceperformance. However, let someoneknow if you’re feeling overwhelmed;• Have regular breaks. After a whileconcentration decreases andyou become less productive;• When you take a break – enjoy it.Don’t spend this time worrying aboutwhat you should be doing; and• Stay positive.Other tried and tested tips from pastHSC students include:• Visualisation: “Taking a few minutes eachday to visualise what you’d like to happen,whether it’s acing an exam, sharing yourmarks with your family or somethingelse that will support your success, itwill help you re-focus and give meaningto your efforts.” – Hannah (2010)• Know what to study: “There is nopoint studying what you already know,recognise the areas where you need toTop five foods to boost brain power1.Blueberries – research has proventhat regular blueberry consumptioncan improve memory function,balance and coordination;2.Salmon – Omega-3 fats areproven to boost brain function;3.Flaxseeds – healthy fats such asALAs aid the part of the brain that isresponsible for processing information;4.Avocados – promoting blood flowand keeping your mind functioningat its peak, avocados are a provenfood to boost brain power; and5.Chocolate – dark chocolate isfull of antioxidants that can helpimprove focus and concentration.improve and prioritise them, makingsure you still refresh up on those areasyou feel confident in.’ – Tara (1995)• Utilise technology: “The internet hasbecome the world’s largest source forinformation. Utilise online libraries anddatabases to source credible informationfor research. Websites like NSW StudentsOnline (www.studentsonline.bos.nsw.edu.au) and the Board of Studies (www.boardofstudies.nsw.edu.au) can helpwith study material, tips, quizzes andpast exam papers.” – Annette (1988)• Maintain Concentration: “When takingbreaks from study, keep your mindfocused with brain exercises such ascrosswords, Sudoko, games of strategy– even juggling! This ensures that youenjoy your study break while keepingyour brain active.” – Olivia (2001)• Reduce stress: “Be focused,be calm.” John (1966)• Make your study relevant: “I oftenfound remembering facts, theoriesand equations difficult so I wouldmake up stories and use acronymsabout something I was interestedin (friends, family, etc.) to triggermy memory.” – Katie (2001)Referenceshttp://www.dirjournal.com/health-journal/top-10-brain-foods/http://www.studentsonline.bos.nsw.edu.auhttp://www.boardofstudies.nsw.edu.auSt John’s celebrate love of reading at family eveningOn 24 August, St John’s Primary, Riverstone, invitedstudents and parents to celebrate their love ofbooks as part of Book Week activities leading intoNational Literacy and Numeracy Week (29 August– 4 September). With the theme of Book Week ‘OneWorld, Many Stories’, students and staff were invitedto come to school dressed as characters from storiesset in another continent for a book parade and fair. In Students participated in a book paradethe evening, students and their parents were invited to return to St John’s for a sausage sizzle aspart of a family curriculum evening where parents were given the opportunity to see first-handsome of the learning activities their children experience during the day. St John’s acting principal,Michael Mifsud, said the curriculum evening was part of the school’s focus on literacy. “We used aset book to share with parents some of the things we do to help develop reading skills, so they areable to support their child’s reading at home.”Debating win for Patrician Brothers’ BlacktownFrom left: Peter Brown,Joshua McNulty and Hayden SmithOn 29 July, Patrician Brothers’ College, Blacktown,defeated more than 60 schools across Sydney totake first place in the Catholic Schools DebatingAssociation senior competition. Year 12 studentsJoshua McNulty, Hayden Smith and Peter Brownfrom Patrician Brothers’ College were the winnersof the open division grand final. With a final topic,‘That society’s needs should come before theindividual’, Joshua, Hayden and Peter defeatedOur Lady of Mercy College, Parramatta, successfully debating the negative stance to takeout the championship. This is the first time Patrician Brothers’ College has won the CatholicSchools Debating Association finals and Principal Santo Passarello said he was delightedwith the result. “This is a momentous occasion for the school community. We have had greatsuccess in this field having also being crowned the public speaking champions this year.”Opening and Blessing ceremonies to recognise BER programThe Australian Government’s Building the EducationRevolution (BER) program is a once-in-a-lifetimeopportunity for schools and has successfully beenimplemented across primary and secondary schools inthe Diocese with the focus on improving the learningoutcomes for all students. The following schools heldceremonies during September:5 September (Blessing) Blessed John XXIII Primary,Stanhope Gardens, $3 million multi-purpose hall andrefurbished classrooms (opening was held 19 August);From left: Fr James Stack; Sue Guilfoyle;Jason Clare MP; Bishop Anthony Fisher OP;Greg Whitby and student Aneesa Eldickat Holy Family Primary, Granville East7 September (O&B) Holy Family Primary, Granville East, $2.5 million library and refurbishedclassrooms; 7 September (O&B) St Oliver’s Primary, Harris Park, $2 million multi-purpose spaceand refurbished classrooms; 7 September (Opening) Cerdon College, Merrylands, $3.1 millionlanguage centre and refurbished administration building (Blessing was held 8 September); 9September (O&B) Chisholm Primary, Bligh Park, $3 million multi-purpose hall and refurbishedclassrooms; 23 September (O&B) St Michael’s Primary, Blacktown South, $3 million multipurposehall and refurbished classrooms; and 23 September (O&B) St Finbar’s Primary,Glenbrook, $2 million multi-purpose hall and refurbished classrooms.(O&B – Opening and Blessing)For details about each ceremony please visit our website: www.parra.catholic.edu.auWebcast a cyber success as Mary MacKillop concert goes globalThe website of Mary MacKillop Primary, SouthPenrith, was inundated with hundred of hits on6 and 7 September as the community logged onto watch the live stream of the school’s concert.Streamed over two nights, the performancesallowed students from Kindergarten to Year 6 toshowcase their learning in Music to their parentsThe school media team filming the concert and friends, and the world. The audience enjoyeda special guest performance by Wiggly dancer and singer Brad Carroll performing with theMacKillop choir and ensembles. Brad has just returned from the US where he toured asthe purple Wiggle with ‘The Wiggles’. MC and Year 5 teacher Darren McErlain guided theaudience through the different performances. “I enjoyed using the technology to communicatewith both the online audience and those present within the multi-purpose centre.”Br Pat celebrates his Golden Jubilee as a Marist BrotherOn 9 September, Br Patrick Howlett FMS celebratedhis 50 th anniversary as a Marist Brother with a Mass atParramatta Marist High School, Westmead, during theday and a dinner at Oatlands House in the evening.Vicar General Rev Peter Williams VG was the principalcelebrant for the Mass, which was concelebrated by FrArthur Bridge, Parish Priest at St Oliver’s, Harris Park. Inwelcoming the school community, Fr Peter spoke aboutVicar General, Fr Peter Williams (left)celebrated the Mass for Br Pat (right)Br Pat’s vision and leadership as principal. “Br Pat has always been on the front foot to providethe best learning outcomes for students.” Addressing the students, Br Pat recalled his experienceof schooling. “A lot has changed over the years, but change is important and will most certainlyoccur in your lifetime.” Br Pat has been a teacher for 44 years. He joined the Marist Brothers inJuly 1961 and trained for six years before making his final profession.For more school news and to follow us on and visit www.parra.catholic.edu.au

Building Levy Annual Statement 2010Parramatta Diocesan Catholic Schools CouncilDiocesan School Building Levy Fund Statement for 2010Opening Balance (broughtforward from previous year)Actual $2010Actual $20093,267,073 7,652,572Commercial kitchen at the Loyola Senior High SchoolTrade Training Centre, Mount DruittBishop Anthony Fisher OP blesses the Diocese’s newest school, OurLady of the Angels Primary, Rouse Hill with Fr Warren Edwardsplus Cash Receipts:School Building Levy 12,423,481 11,891,186Other Cash Contributions -Interest 166,841 260,371Total Cash Receipts 12,590,322 12,151,557less Cash Payments:A MESSAGE FROM BISHOP ANTHONY FISHER OPOver recent months, I have been visiting many schoolsin the Diocese for the opening and blessing of their newlearning spaces, which are funded under the AustralianGovernment’s Building the Education Revolution (BER)program. These vibrant and well-planned spaces have been avery worthwhile addition for our communities and will supportthe provision of a quality Catholic education to our families.The success of the Diocese’s response to the BER programis in a large part due to the commitment of our parishes andschools, and the Catholic Education Office, to plan spaces thatwill meet the needs of students and teachers now and as theDiocese continues to grow for many years to come. The hallswill also be a boon for our parishes and local communities.While the BER will run its course in the near future, the ongoingsupport and planning for future capital works projects willcontinue primarily through the Diocesan School Building Levy.The building levy enables us to combine our resources andensure all parish communities in the Diocese are able to meetFROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF SCHOOLSThe Diocesan School Building Levy has enabledthe Diocese of Parramatta to fund the building andupgrade of our 78 schools over the past 14 years.The capital needs of our school communities have been metthrough the contribution of our Catholic school families andthe assistance of the Diocesan Development Fund, as well asfrom funding from successive state and federal governments.The support of our families through the building levy ensures theDiocese can continue to provide quality infrastructure and facilitiesto meet the learning and teaching needs of our school communitiesand cater to the growth of the system in the fast growing areasof western Sydney. The school building levy contributes to therepayment of loans for past building projects, currently accountingfor about two-thirds of the total annual levies received.Over the past two years, the Australian Government’s Buildingthe Education Revolution program has also provided a once in alifetime opportunity for schools to fast-track some building andSince the commencement of the Diocesan School Building Levy in1997, parishes have been relieved of any financial responsibility forsystemic Catholic schools in the Diocese. The cost of providing newfacilities and upgrading school buildings is shared by families withchildren attending our schools, the Parramatta Diocesan schoolsystem budget, and funding from state and federal governments.The building levy is charged per family and is collectedat the school attended by the eldest child in the family. Allrevenues from the levy are pooled and used to meet the costsof annual payments of principal on those school building loanstaken over from parishes from 1 January 1997, and one-offcash contributions and annual loan payments (debt servicing)associated with all new building projects approved by theParramatta Diocesan Catholic Schools Council (PDCSC). If, dueto financial hardship, a family is unable to pay the building levy,arrangements can be made to have the levy reduced or waived.The school building levy is a successful initiative which hasrefurbishment projects. However, the Australian Government’sinvestment is given on the proviso that our system will maintaincurrent levels of investment to school infrastructure in the future.The Diocese is committed to the ongoing investmentof world-class educational infrastructure to supportquality learning and teaching now, and in the future.I would like to thank our families, parish and schoolcommunities, the Parramatta Diocesan CatholicSchools Council under the chair of Bishop AnthonyFisher OP, and state and federal governments for theirongoing support of our capital works program.Gregory B WhitbyExecutive Director of SchoolsABOUT THE BUILDING LEVYthe desire of families for Catholic education, to a consistent highstandard, despite socio-economic differences in some areas.State and federal governments do provide some financialassistance, however we receive significantly less assistance forland purchase and building per capita than our governmentschool counterparts. This is why the Diocesan School BuildingLevy is a vital source of income for our school communities.In commending this report to you, I wish to thank allthose who have given of their time and resources toensure the ongoing sustainability of our school buildingprogram and thank those who have contributed fortheir continued cooperation and generosity.Most Rev Anthony Fisher opBishop of Parramattaenabled necessary school facilities to be established in thediocese far sooner than would otherwise have been the case. Asa consequence, staff and students are accommodated in learningenvironments consistent with the high standard of education thatparents have come to expect of Catholic schools in the Diocese.Substantial levels of capital investment will be required wellinto the future to meet the needs of our fast growing Diocese.Furthermore, to maintain standards at their present level, and tomake improvements where necessary, funds for capital replacementwill also be needed. The use of the levy for these purposes isas important today as it was when the fund was established.In determining the projects that will be undertakeneach year, the PDCSC receives advice from its Financialand Physical Resources Committee based on submissionsreceived from schools. Priority is based on educationalneeds and standards relating to area, the functionality andrelationship of spaces, and the quality of accommodation.Debt Servicing (7,623,197) (7,210,848)Cash Contribution (4,030,829) (9,326,209)Total Cash Payments (11,654,026) (16,537,056)Closing Balance (carry forward to next year) 4,203,369 3,267,073less Commitments:Non-Loan Cash Contributions(for approved projects awaiting construction in 2011)(4,600,000) (4,500,000)Total Funds After Commitments (396,631) (1,232,927)Note 1: Accounts are prepared on a cash basisNote 2: 2010 Financial Year covers the period from 1 January 2010 to 31 December 2010.Construction Program:The continuing success of the Diocesan School Building Levy has enabledthe Parramatta Diocesan Catholic Schools Council to implement its policy tobring all schools up to the levels established by the Bishops of NSW, basedon Australian Government standards. The current construction program totals$232m of projects planned for construction between 2011 and 2020:SchoolLocationSt Michael’s PrimaryBaulkham HillsSt Michaels PrimaryBlacktown SouthProposed PrimaryBox HillProposed SecondaryBox HillSt Bernadette’s PrimaryCastle HillGilroy Catholic CollegeCastle HillMcCarthy Catholic CollegeEmu PlainsDelany CollegeGranvilleOur Lady Queen of Peace Primary GreystanesSt Paul’s CollegeGreystanesSt Patrick’s PrimaryGuildfordSt Clare’s Catholic CollegeHassall GroveOur Lady of the Rosary PrimaryKellyvilleMarian Catholic CollegeKenthurstSt Andrews PrimaryMarayongSt AndrewsMarayongCerdon CollegeMerrylandsSacred Heart PrimaryMount DruittLoyola Senior High SchoolMount DruittGood Shepherd PrimaryPlumptonSt John’s PrimaryRiverstoneSt Agnes High SchoolRooty HillOur Lady of the Angels PrimaryRouse HillSt Josephs PrimarySchofieldsTerra Sancta High SchoolSchofieldsSt Columbas High SchoolSpringwoodOur Lady of the Rosary PrimarySt MarysJohn XXIII Catholic PrimaryStanhope GardensSt Mark’s Catholic CollegeStanhope GardensMother Teresa Primary*WestmeadCatherine McAuleyWestmeadParramatta Marist HighWestmeadBede Polding CollegeWindsor SouthTO VIEW THE FULL BUILDING LEVY REPORT VISIT WWW.PARRA.CATHOLIC.EDU.AU

16 CatholicOutlook October 2011Living in a multifaithcommunityPeter HerbornThe Catholic Diocese of Parramattacovers a diverse region physicallyand socially. It extends from theurban heart of Parramatta to WorldHeritage wilderness in the BlueMountains. For many thousandsof years it was the home of theDharug, Gangandara, Darkingjungand Guringai people.It was one of the first areas ofsettlement in colonial NSW. Todayit is a rapidly growing, multiculturalregion in Australia’s largestand most cosmopolitan city. It isthe home of many recent migrants,refugees, Indigenous people andAustralians with ancestry goingback to colonial times.In August this year, theAustralian Government conductedits five-yearly Census ofPopulation and Housing. Whenthe figures become available it willbe interesting to examine trends inreligious affiliation.An analysis of the 10-year periodfrom 1996 to 2006 reveals somefascinating trends in the geographyof religion in Sydney. In overallterms Sydney did not becomemore secular. There was a verysmall increase in the number ofpeople declaring “no religion” inSydney, which has a smaller percentageof non-believers than theaverage for Australia.Secularisation has advanced in afew specific areas in the inner westbut there has been little changeoverall. The bigger changes havebeen in the declining proportionsof Christians and the growingproportions of non-Christianreligions. This has been mostpronounced in the outer westernsuburbs, which have becomeincreasingly multi-faith, ratherthan increasingly secular.The epicentre of change in themove from dominantly Christian tomulti-faith has been the local governmentarea of Auburn. In 1996,more than half of the populationin Auburn was Christian, but by2006 Islam was the largest religiousgroup and non-Christians outnumberedChristians.In every local governmentarea in Sydney the percentage ofnon-Christians grew in the period1996-2006. This growth wasmost marked in Sydney’s westwith increases greater than 8%in Bankstown, Holroyd, Fairfield,Auburn, Strathfield, Parramattaand Liverpool.Christians are in the majorityin every local government areaexcept Auburn but the mix haschanged and the movement hasbeen in the direction of the multifaithcommunity.Within our Diocese there areinteresting patterns of religiousaffiliation. St Patrick’s Cathedral,Parramatta, is located in the postcodewith the lowest proportion ofChristians and highest proportionsof Hindus and Buddhists.Islam finds many adherentsWe are all travelling on a spiritual journey. Photo: Hamilton Lundaround Granville, Guildfordand Merrylands.The proportion of Christians ishighest in the Hills District, thenorth west growth sector and in thesuburbs along the Nepean River.The Blue Mountains has the highestproportions of people professingno religion.One response to a multiculturaland multi-faith society is to buildwalls and retreat to the old andfamiliar social network and worldview.Behind the walls fear andignorance grow.A more constructive response isto build bridges. Cultural differencewith mutual respect is a signof a healthy and resilient society.One way of building bridges is bybeing inclusive in the workplace,neighbourhood and family. Insteadof making assumptions about whatothers think and believe we can listendeeply and engage in dialogue.Within the Diocese there are agrowing number of opportunitiesto engage in multi-faith prayer,social justice and education. We areall travelling on a spiritual journeyand we have much to learn fromliving in a multi-faith community.Peter Herborn is a member of theCommission for Ecumenism andInterfaith Dialogue in the CatholicDiocese of ParramattaHAWKESBURY DISTRICT HEALTH SERVICEWindsorPastoral Care WorkerPermanent Part Time‘pilgrims of truth,pilgrims of peace’An Ecumenical and Interfaith ConversationSunday 23 October 2011, 3.30pm-6pmSt Patrick’s Cathedral Hall, 1 Marist Place, ParramattaRemembering and celebratingWorld Day of Prayer for Peaceat Assisi in 1986We are all pilgrims of truth and peace regardless of our beliefs.We are all seekers of the truth and are conscious of a shared responsibilityfor the cause of justice and peace in this world of ours.Program3.30pm: Begin with afternoon tea4.30-6pm: Ecumenical and Interfaith conversationRSVP: Thursday 20 October tel (02) 9683 6277Hosted by the Catholic Diocese of ParramattaCommission for Ecumenism & Interfaith DialogueThe person we seek will have a deep sense of the Christian spiritual tradition anda desire to build relationships which add life and meaning to people’s lives.ESSENTIAL CRITERIA:• At least one unit of Clinical Pastoral education;• Recognised training in Theology (preferably Tertiary or working towards);• Previous experience in Pastoral Care;• Commitment to and demonstrated understanding of the Pastoralneeds of patients in a general hospital setting;• Willingness to support the Mission of CHCS (Catholic Healthcare);• Willingness to undertake further training and development;• Demonstrated knowledge of and commitment to confidentiality;• Ability to work as a member of a multidisciplinary team; and• Basic counselling skills training.DESIRABLE CRITERIA:• Experience and / or training in bereavement counselling; and• Experience in preparing and supporting worship services or other appropriate rituals.HOURS OF DUTY:Two days – 16 hours per week.SALARY: $26.50 per hour – HDHS Contract.ENQUIRIES: Steve Blunden tel (02) 4560 5731.CLOSING DATE: 14 October 2011.For an information pack which outlines the full selection criteria please contactRobyn Knowles tel (02) 4560 5664 or email: rknowles@chcs.com.au

15 profess vows as Dominican Sisters of St CeciliaFifteen young women professedthe simple vows of poverty,chastity, and obedience asDominican Sisters of St CeciliaCongregation in Nashville,Tennessee, in the US. Amongthose who made their FirstProfession on 28 July wasSr Cecilia Rose Pham OP, aformer parishioner of GoodShepherd Parish, Plumpton.Sr Cecilia Rose is the daughterof Ngoc Thanh Pham and ThiHong Nguyen, also parishionersat Good Shepherd. Her brother,Bro Tam Pham, professedsimple vows as a FranciscanCapuchin on 6 August this year.Sr Cecilia Rose is a graduateof Good Shepherd Primary,Clare Catholic High Schoolat Hassall Grove, and LoyolaCollege at Mt Druitt. She earneda Bachelor of Nursing Degreefrom the University of Sydney.Sister served as a volunteer inyouth ministry for the Archdioceseof Sydney (2007-09) prior toher entry to St Cecilia Convent.Presently, she is studying atAquinas College in Nashville toprepare for the teaching apostolate.Most Rev David Choby, Bishopof Nashville, was the principalcelebrant for the Mass for the Riteof First Religious Profession atthe Cathedral of the Incarnationin Nashville. The homilist wasRev André-Joseph LaCasse OP.The Congregation ofDominican Sisters of St Ceciliawas established in Nashville in1860. The Sisters of St Ceciliaare dedicated to the apostolateof Catholic education.The community of 270sisters serves in 38 schoolsthroughout the US. They havea house in Sydney and newmission houses opening thisyear in Houston, Texas, and inVancouver, British Columbia.St Cecilia Motherhouse islocated in Nashville, Tennessee.For more information onthe Dominican Sisters of StCecilia Congregation, pleasevisit their website atwww.nashvilledominican.orgCatholicOutlook October 2011 17Sr Cecilia Rose Pham OP was one of 15 Dominican Sisters ofSt Cecilia who made their first profession of vows in NashvilleCommunity leader at Ryde Bro Mark Ryan FSP with Bishop Anthony‘Old Boy’ welcomed at Holy Cross CollegeA warm welcome greetedBishop Anthony Fisher OPwhen he returned to HolyCross College, Ryde, as theschool’s 2011 distinguished‘Old Boy’ on the Feast of theHoly Cross on 16 September.Bishop Anthony was theprincipal celebrant for the Mass,which was concelebrated byFr Paul Monkerud, ParishPriest of St Charles BorromeoParish, Ryde-Gladesville.In his homily, the Bishop spokeof the power of the Holy Crossto transform lives through whatit represents – the person andthe example of Jesus Christ.At the Patrician CommunityService Awards ceremony thatfollowed, Bishop Anthony gavethe feast day oration. He spoke ofhis role as Coordinator of WorldYouth Day 2008 when more than amillion of the world’s youth cametogether in Sydney for a festivalof faith with Pope Benedict.Bishop Anthony describedthe experience of WYD Madridin August this year and saidhe was delighted that thebiggest single group of highschool pilgrims in the Dioceseof Parramatta’s contingentwas from a fellow PatricianBrothers’ school – PatricianBrothers’ College at Blacktown.The Patrician CommunityService Awards were presentedto a student in every year groupat Holy Cross. The awardrecognises individuals for theway in which they live their livesand the service they provideto others. Bishop Anthony waspresented with the Holy CrossCommunity Service Award.Student award recipients were:Brendan The (Year 7), LukeBiady (Year 8), Andrew Dong(Year 9), Bradley Denlow (Year10), Liam Brundle (Year 11),and Dae-Uk Han (Year 12).Holy Cross Principal AdamTaylor said the attentiveness,reverence and respect shownby the students throughout theMass and awards ceremony wasoutstanding. “It was a very proudday for Holy Cross College.”FertilityCare Information Night for Doctors7pm on 14 October at The Epping ClubThe Catholic Diocese of Broken Bay is sponsoring an informationnight about the Creighton Model FertilityCare System.The system can be used by doctors to help treat causes ofinfertility and a number of gynaecological conditions.All doctors are invited to attend the information night at 7pm onFriday 14 October at The Epping Club, 45 Rawson St, Epping.RSVP by 7 October to Agi Reefman:(02) 9847 0474, agi.reefman@dbb.org.au

18 CatholicOutlook October 2011WORLD YOUTH DAY MADRIDParramatta pilgrims Post-WYD celebrationAnthony GordonPlanted and Built Up in Jesus Christ was a dynamicPost-World Youth Day celebration attended by about500 young people on 11 September 2011 at St Patrick’sCathedral and Cloister in Parramatta.The Bishop of Parramatta, Most Rev AnthonyFisher OP, welcomed back his fellow WYD pilgrimsand encouraged them to be leaders of the NewEvangelisation in Western Sydney.Bishop Anthony delivered an inspiring catechesis inwhich he invited the young people of the Diocese to“… find new places to lead and serve as agents of theNew Evangelisation; to draw ever more closely into theordinary life of the Church while making that ordinarylife extraordinary. Can you do it? Will you do it? Willyou walk with me as disciples of Christ and His missionariesin Western Sydney?”The young people asked questions of the Bishop as aroving microphone was circulated throughout the sunbathedcloister. The rapport between the pilgrims andtheir chief shepherd was evident in the humorous, directand thorough way they communicated in the Q&A.“It was fantastic to be able to have such an intimateexperience with the Bishop where we were able toask him questions, helping us develop a strongerunderstanding of our faith,” said Holy Land pilgrimJonathon Foley.Fellow Holy Land pilgrim Jay Pamintuan said, “Todayis a dream come true to listen to the words of wisdomfrom our wonderful Bishop and receive his encouragement.We are now called to be disciples of the NewEvangelisation – to set Western Sydney on fire with thelove of Christ!”CFC Youth for Christ Global Band created a beautifulatmosphere of worship playing a range of WYD andcontemporary religious songs. The celebration beganwith a rousing rendition of the WYD Madrid song,Firm in the Faith. The atmosphere reached fever pitchwith the youthful audience joining in the singing of thefamous WYD08 Sydney anthem, Receive the Power.Powerful testimonies were given by pilgrims ClaireBrown and Luke Streher. Claire spoke of her incredibleexperience of having lunch with Pope Benedict XVI, aman she described as “gentle and peaceful”. Luke spokepassionately about the ways in which he felt that thechallenges of the pilgrimages had brought him into acloser relationship with God.St Patrick’s Cathedral was full for the post WYD Masswith pilgrims carrying Australian, Vatican and Spanishflags in the entry procession. A rich and vibrant atmosphereof worship was led by the talents of the CFC Youthfor Christ band.In a moving prayer, Bishop Anthony prayed theTHEOLOGYON TAPMonday 10 th October at 6.30pmSpeaker: Fr Alexander Sherbrooke(on tour from London)TOT is a casual and relaxed forum where friends from all walks of life gatherfor straight talk, hard facts and real answers on our faith and how it appliesto daily life. Come for a listen (and maybe a drink!). Invite your friends,especially those wanting to learn more (or debate) about the Catholic faith!Fire off the questions you have never had the opportunity to ask!prayer that Pope Benedict XVI had intended to pray atthe WYD Vigil by consecrating the youth to the SacredHeart of Jesus.The journey towards WYD Rio de Janeiro 2013was symbolised by the Brazilian flag leading the closingprocession.Santo Passarello, principal of Patrician Brothers’College Blacktown, said it was a privilege to be in StPatrick’s Cathedral to celebrate the Eucharist and welcomeback the pilgrims.“I witnessed first-hand why my boys and staff singledout the Bishop’s catechesis as their highlight of thepilgrimage. Bishop Anthony’s leadership, spiritual guidanceand personal care were the cornerstones of thesuccess of the pilgrimage.“My students and staff have returned with a remarkablesense of purpose and fulfillment. They are effusive intheir praise of the gift of faith renewal and enrichment. Itis certainly encouraging to hear 16-year-old adolescentmales speaking fervently about their faith journey!”Sunday’s celebration ended in the Cloister with aBBQ cooked by members of the Catholic EducationOffice, Parramatta. Pilgrims gathered over hot sausagesto share memories of their WYD adventures.An important topic of conversation was the importanceof ensuring that the spirit of WYD continued inthe work of the Diocese. Pilgrim Lisa Garland commented,“Great to see that the spirit of WYD was aliveand well in the youth and I believe will continue onthrough to the next WYD.”Bishop Anthony has established a Post WYDCommittee with the mission of ensuring that themomentum of WYD lives on. A range of initiatives isbeing discussed such as:1. Assisting young people to establish or strengthenyouth groups or activities within their parishesand schools;2. Providing retreats for youth such as the CatholicYouth Parramatta Retreat (25-27 November 2011);3. Promoting youth forums such as Theology on Tap,where young people gather in a social context toshare and discuss their faith;4. Forums for regularly gathering with Bishop Anthonysuch as Breakfast with the Bishop (a well-establishedforum that meets regularly);5. Providing training in evangelisation and youth ministry;and6. Diocesan youth celebrations such as Planted andBuilt Up in Jesus Christ.The Diocese of Parramatta has a faith-filled futurewith our WYD pilgrims leading the way as leaders ofthe New Evangelisation, Firm in the Faith.Anthony Gordon, Team Leader – Evangelisation and RE,Catholic Education Office, Parramatta.Live music from 6pm. Note new venue:The Commercial Hotel, 2 Hassall St, Parramatta.TOT is for young adults 18-35. Details: www.theologyontap.com.au16-21 AUGUST 2011‘Planted and built up in Jesus Christ, firm in the Faith’Photography byAlphonsus Fok & Grace LuEdmund Rice Retreat &Conference Centre“Winbourne”(Conducted by the Christian Brothers)Winbourne is a place of quiet reflection, peace andtranquillity, set on 100 hectares, located in Mulgoa.Our Centre offers a variety of facilities, includingtwo styles of accommodation suitable for adult andschool groups, various sized conference rooms with modern facilities and sporting grounds.Catering is available. The Centre is well equipped for school self run retreats,parish retreats, meetings and picnic days, staff spirituality days, year groupreflection days and sporting groups. We welcome your enquiry.EnquiriesPhone: 02 4773 5555 Fax: 02 4773 5500Email: reception@winbourne.cfc.edu.auWebsite: www.winbourne.cfc.edu.auAddress: 1315 Mulgoa Road, Mulgoa NSW 2745

20 CatholicOutlook October 2011WORLD YOUTH DAY MADRIDFINDING THE SPIRIT IN WORLD YOUTH DAY‘A moment I can’t forget’Bethany LenternFor the past 12 months, I have livedand breathed World Youth Day. Ithas been on my mind all day, everyday. I even dreamed about WYD.I had a nightmare once that I hadslept in and missed the plane thatwas meant to take me to Madrid.After getting home, I’m still strugglingto get my head around the fact that it’sover. Even though I was there, I showup to work every day thinking I needto do something to get ready for it.WYD11 was my third WYD, so inmany ways I knew what to expect.There would be crowds, heat, differentfood, daily Mass and catechesis,vocations expo, and the major events.At the same time there are alwaysexperiences and moments that you neverexpect. These are the moments that standout in your mind for years to come. AtWYD11 I experienced two such moments.I was blessed during WYD Week to beone of the Oceanic representatives at thePapal Arrival. This event required twodays of rehearsal and preparation. Weknew that being a part of the event wouldallow us to stand near to Pope Benedictand to follow him as he left Puerta deAlcala and drove to Plaza de Cibeles.What we didn’t know was that as heapproached us, he would stop and takethe time to meet each of us. For me,this moment was incredibly rushed andfrantic. I was shoved forward, shovedaway, I felt completely overwhelmed!That said, somewhere in the middleof this madness was a moment I cannotforget. It was the moment where I washolding the Holy Father’s hands, I lookedup at him and he gave me the mostgentle and warm smile I have ever seen.Since meeting Pope Benedict, I’vebeen asked over and over “what didhe say to you?” He didn’t say anything,but he didn’t need to. His smile saidmore than words could. I felt asthough, at that moment in time, I was16-21 AUGUST 2011‘Planted and built up in Jesus Christ, firm in the Faith’In the searing heat at Cuatro Vientos Airfield pilgrims enjoyed fellowshipand watermelon. Photography: Alphonsus Fok & Grace Luthe only person he cared about. AllI could say was, “God bless you”.I don’t think many people stop toconsider the gift Pope Benedict XVIhas given us by continuing the WYDcelebrations. They were not startedby him, yet he has embraced themwith great gusto and he cares notonly for the youth of the world as awhole, but for each individual youngperson. This moment was one I neverexpected and it still leaves me lostfor words whenever I think of it.At previous WYDs, the final weekend(the walk, Vigil, sleep out and FinalMass) has always a defining point of thepilgrimage, and WYD11 was no different.We had arrived at Cuatro VientosAirfield, had spread out our sleepingmats and sleeping bags, and wereexploring the contents of our foodbags. At one point I found myselfsitting with a group of students wolfingdown half a watermelon and discussingvocations. I have never felt more likea pilgrim than I did at that moment.In the midst of the heat, dirt, ants,watermelon, people and conversation theHoly Spirit found a niche to settle in andspend some time with us. It’s rare thatI am privileged to have such an honestand important conversation. This wasone that I walked away from thinking,“if only I could do this every day”.WYD was full of insights, challengesand faith-filled moments. As we settleback into our places of work, educationand worship I pray that we can allshare these moments, that is, share thespirit of WYD with those around us.Bethany Lentern is the Catholic Diocese ofParramatta’s Schools WYD Coordinator.Catholic Youth ParramattaYOUTH ANDYOUNG ADULTS CAMPWithout Christ I am NothingAge group: for youth aged 16-35Date: From 7pm on Friday 25 Novemberto 3pm on Sunday 27 NovemberLocation: Naamaroo – Uniting Venues,Lady Game Drive, Chatswood.Host: Catholic Youth ParramattaCost: $110 (covers accommodation,meals and activities)How: Download a registration form fromwww.parra.catholic.org.au/youthClosing date: registration closeon Monday 7 NovemberMore information: Call Fr SureshKumar MSFS (02) 8838 3419 oremail youth@parra.catholic.org.auEDUCATION AND PATHWAYSThis YCW campaign aims to empowerand support young people through theschool leaving process, providing volunteersfor services such as learning centresand facilitating educational workshops.Learning centres include providinghomework help with subjects such asMathematics, English and Science,with internet access for school work.An integral part of this campaign is theopportunity for the review to take placein relation to the service used by volunteersand support workers. Throughthis, volunteers gain ownership of theservices they run for the community.Details: educationpathyways@ycw.org.auJUST ANDMEANINGFUL WORKThe campaign’s mission is to help youngpeople find meaningful employmentopportunities by facilitating a weekly jobclub where employment skills for findingfull time or part time work are provided.Also, parts of this campaign are communitywork experience opportunities,recreational and social activities and acomputer refurbishing and IT group.Email Alex: meaningfulwork@ycw.org.auInformation EveningFriday 4 November 2011, 6pm-8pmA great opportunity to explore what is possible and available atthe Catholic Institute of Sydney:• Presentations by faculty about available courses• Guided tours of the facilities and the Veech Library by students• Time for questions and discussions over refreshmentsCIS is a member institution of the SydneyCollege of Divinity and teaches its awards.Have you been considering broadening your faith understanding?Wondering where to next in your pastoral activities?What paths study may lead to?Or simply interested in finding out more about the Institute!For more information call (02) 9752 9500Catholic Institute of Sydney99 Albert Rd, Strathfield, NSW, 2135Visit our website: www.cis.catholic.edu.auInstitute for MissionCertificate in Pastoral Formation 2012A holistic approach to adult faith formation in the areas of:• Spirituality • Scripture• Theology • MinistryA 40-week course offering an opportunity for the gaining ofknowledge, skills and reflection on the experience of Christiandiscipleship through the integration of four elements:• Formation Days • Spiritual Direction• Spiritual Companioning Group • 4 Core UnitsTime: All lectures are on Tuesday nights from 6.30pm-9pmCost: $520. Registrations close: 28 October 2011Venue: Institute for Mission, 1-5 Marion St,Blacktown (next to Patrician Brothers’ College).Bookings essential: (02) 9831 4911 or mh@instituteformission.com.auParramatta Diocesan Centre for Catholic Adult Faith FormationIf you would like more information about our activities and events in 2012 contact:Institute for Mission tel (02) 9831 4911; ifm@tpg.com.auwww.instituteformission.com.au

Helping families through separationA new program which aims to assistseparated families with complex needswas launched in Sydney recentlyby the Chief Justice of the FamilyCourt of Australia, Diana Bryant.‘Keeping Kids in Mind’ is a collaborationof four Catholic social welfare agenciescovering the greater Sydney area:CatholicCare Social Services Parramatta,CatholicCare Sydney, CatholicCareWollongong and Centacare Broken Bay.This innovative joint venture aims tosupport families through the separationprocess, especially where there are highlevels of parental conflict, mental healthissues and other complex needs.‘Keeping Kids in Mind’ provides anintegrated case management modeland offers a range of therapeutic,educational and family dispute resolutionservices to couples and familiesexperiencing conflict in separation.The program is designed to inform andimprove parents’ awareness regarding theimpact of their conflict on their children’spsychological and emotional developmentand to increase the resiliency of childrenand families in separated situations.People can access the service by callingtoll free 1800 55 46 46 or through thewebsite: www.keepingkidsinmind.orgIn launching the program, Chief JusticeBryant said Australia had the environmentin which programs such as ‘KeepingKids in Mind’ could grow and flourish.“This unique and innovative program isa tailored post-separation service bringingtogether four locations, and it is targetedto disadvantaged families,” she said.Chief Justice Bryant said the use of aWhat’s a life for?A discernment weekend forsingle men, 19-40 years.This weekend is offered regularly and beginson a Friday night and includes prayer,meditation, reflection and self discovery.It is designed to help discern life:Married, Single, Religious, Priest …To make a booking or chat further please call:Fr Chris McPhee MSC 0419 149 793 or (02) 4630 0217St Mary’s Towers, Douglas Park, NSWMISSIONARIES OF THE SACRED HEARTcommon assessment framework and theprovision for providing feedback to courts,all combined to better support separatedfamilies, enabling them to be better parents.More than 45,000 couples applyfor divorce each year and manymore who are not married but livingtogether, separate. More than 50% ofthese separations involve children.‘Keeping Kids in Mind’ includes aneducational DVD and a group workprogram for separated parents experiencingmedium to high levels of conflict.The new program includes an approachto helping separated families that placesan emphasis on the importance of the firstcontact a family makes with the serviceand assisting a family through the process.The collaboration between the fourCatholic agencies also means separatedfamilies can be assisted in a coordinatedway across a broad geographic area, andthere is a streamlined access point for theCourts, family lawyers and other referrers.Otto Henfling, Executive Director ofCatholicCare Parramatta, said it wasnot uncommon for separated familiesto live both within and beyond theboundaries of service organisations.“This new collaborative project betweenour four agencies enables a much greatercoordinated response for families and willassist in improving outcomes for childrenwhere their parents are experiencinghigh levels of conflict,” he said.“The aim of ‘Keeping Kids in Mind’is to assist separated parents tofocus on the needs of their children,and to find ways to develop morecooperative parenting practices.”The CatholicCare Parramatta team (from left): Karolyn Ellis,Otto Henfling, Ann O’Brien, and Dr Oscar Modesto RamirezCatholicOutlook October 2011 21Couples Celebrate the JourneyMarried couples celebrating significantwedding anniversaries and theirfamilies joined Bishop Anthony FisherOP for the annual diocesan Mass,Celebrating the Journey, in St Patrick’sCathedral on 18 September 2011.Hosted by CatholicCare Parramattaand the Cathedral Parish, Celebrating theJourney is an occasion to promote andacknowledge the vocation of marriage.While the invitation was extendedto all married couples to give thanksfor their contribution to the Churchthrough the faithful living out of theirvocation, special acknowledgment wasgiven to those married couples whohad significant wedding anniversariesof 25 years and over this year.In his homily, Bishop Anthony describedChristian marriage and family life as “aschool in virtue, a school in generosity andpeace-making. Christian marriage preparesyou to say yes to God, right to the end”.“Thanks be to God that you have saidyes to working in His vineyard that isyour marriage and family and home.Your long years of marriage – some ofyou 25 years, 30, 40, 50, 60 and more– says loud and clear where you stand.“Without being vain or presumptuous,you know that living your marriage welland doing good in your family forms youfor something more. You are readyingyourselves for the marriage feast of heavenand eternal life in the family of God.”ALBERT & MEYERFUNERAL DIRECTORSServing theParramatta Diocesesince 1967Australian Family Owned & Operated301-303 PENNANT HILLS ROAD, THORNLEIGH9484 3992ALL SUBURBS 24 HOURSwww.albertmeyer.com.auPhotos: Alphonsus Fok & Grace LuRebecca Pincott Michael Bolton

22 CatholicOutlook October 2011A journey of faith and new learningsJeanette Reid“You can’t change your past butyou can change your future.”Sometimes in life we are on ajourney not knowing what we willencounter, whether it will be confronting,and what we will learn toshare with others. In July this year,I had such a journey.With the support of CatholicCareParramatta, I attended Rachel’sVineyard Leadership Conferencein Malvern, Pennsylvania, in theUS. The theme of the conferencewas: ‘Disciples of Love, Witnessesof Hope.’My role with CatholicCareParramatta is as manager of ProjectElizabeth, a family and communitysupport service that providesa comprehensive pregnancy andcounselling service for women.Knowing how important it isto be there for those in need,we work collaboratively withRachel’s Vineyard to promote ahealing journey.The Malvern Retreat Centrewas on several acres with babblingbrooks and trails that wounddown a valley to a grotto, whichreplicated the cave in Francewhere St Bernadette saw our Ladyof Lourdes.The conference brought togethermore than 200 delegates fromvarious parts of the world, includingseven from Australia. Many ofthe participants were priests andreligious. Others were from otherfaiths and different life journeys.We were all present to learnmore that would enable us to furtherserve those suffering fromgrief, loss and guilt around theprocedure of abortion.The keynote address was presentedby Fr Frank Pavone, oneof the most prominent pro-lifeleaders in the world and an inspirationalspeaker. Fr Pavone wasasked by the Vatican to help coordinatepost-abortion healing asan official of the Pontifical Councilfor the Family.From the very first sessionyou could feel the atmospherechange, and be changed with witnessesof hope.Participating in the sessionsgiven by Therese Burke was deeplyconfronting and emotional, asshe helped us to imagine walkingin the shoes of those whohave participated in a Rachel’sVineyard Retreat.Therese lectures internationallyand trains professionals on thesubject of post-abortion traumaand healing. Research has linkedtrauma and the brain and how itfeels from abortion.Medical research analyst EveSilver Sanchez presented furtherresearch linking breast cancerand abortion.Other sessions focussed onthe role of men in the abortiondecision/experience and itsimpact on them. Far too oftenfathers of aborted children areseen as having negative reactionsto their involvement.Abortion procedures impact onthe lives of many people. For someit can be the loss of their onlygrandchild and the hidden tabooof not talking about it.Many people go to their graveswithout closure and many live infear of others finding out. For someit is the feeling of despair whenagreeing to a medical termination– did we do the wrong thing, makea wrong decision? After all, thedoctors could have been wrong.It is important that those in needare encouraged to attend a Rachel’sVineyard Healing Retreat and,hopefully, take that step towardshealing. The next retreat is from18-20 November at the Mount StBenedict Centre in Pennant Hills.For more information or to makea booking ring Rachel’s Vineyardand leave a message on the confidentialvoicemail (02) 9440 7980or email the confidential addressinfo@rachelsvineyard.org.auMay God Bless and encourageall those who labour in Rachel’sVineyard to bring divine mercy tothose in most need.Project Elizabeth is a family andcommunity support service forwomen provided by CatholicCareParramatta, which offers outreachservices through home visits andhospital visits.The service assists women toreduce the risk of having physicaland emotional problems caused bylack of support before, during andin the months following the birthof their children.For issues relating to pregnancy,which may include extended family,past issues that recur, someone tolisten or refer on, you are welcometo contact Project Elizabeth, tel(02) 4721 5331 or click on ‘Services& Programs’ at: www.ccss.org.auRachel’s VineyardHealing Retreat18-20 November 2011in Pennant HillsThe next Rachel’s VineyardHealing Retreat begins on Friday18 November at 5.30pm andfinishes after lunch on Sunday20 November (approx. 1.30pm).The retreat will be held atthe Mount Saint BenedictCentre, cnr Hull and PennantHills Roads, Pennant Hills.For more information or tomake a booking ring Rachel’sVineyard and leave a messageon the confidential voicemail(02) 9440 7980 or emailthe confidential addressinfo@rachelsvineyard.org.auMassSaturday:Sunday:Daily:Public Hols:Vigil 6pm8am, 9.30am, 11am, 6pmMon-Fri 6.45am, 12.30pm; Sat 8am;8amReconciliationMonday-Friday: 11.45am-12.20pmSaturday: 8.30-9.30am; 5.15-5.45pmAnointing of the Sick within Mass3rd Friday: 10am (every month except Jan.)Filipino Mass:DevotionsAngelus:Rosary:Eucharistic Devotion:Morning Prayerof the Church:Novena – 3rd Friday:2nd Sunday 12.30pmMon-Fri noonMon-Thurs 12.05pmMon-Fri 11.30-12.20pmMon-Fri 6.30am;Sat & Sun 7.30am7.30pm• Baptism by appointment. • Marriages by appointment •Contact the Parish Secratary tel (02) 8839 8400 or (02) 9630 1115 admin@stpatscathedral.com.auCatholic Diocese of Parramatta10 th Annual Shopping Coach TripSaturday, November 19, 2011Shop & Chat in Chauffeur (coach) Driven Comfort !In the Company of a group of your Good Friends,Book Now & Don’t Miss this Great Day Out !Come shopping with us on a Full Day Trip to more than 15 Sydney factory outletsLadies, mens & children’s clothing & shoes, manchester, homewares, bags, toys etcA selection of warehouses: Home & Giftwares, Manchester, Toys, Footwear, Cosmetics,Mens, Womens & Children’s Clothing, Handbags & Luggage, Surf & Sportswear,Kitchenware & Electrical Goods, Bath & Body Products, Chocolates & Confectionary,Find all your favourite brands; 20 – 75% Discounts:Maui, Hot Tuna, Hang Ten, Scanpan, Jag, Corelle, Barker, Marina Galani, Napoleon Perdis,Vivienne, Royal Doulton, Oxo, Wedgwood, Versace, Russ, Chassuer, Roc, Cab 55, Jamie Oliver,Hilton, Ralph Lauren, Fiorelli, Von Dutch, Simone Turpin, Guess, Canning Vale, David Lawrence,Dri-Glo, Sheridan, Pyrex, David Lawrence, Candy, Mattel, Raco, Cuisena, Tony Bianco, Cellini,Breville, Kambrook, Blunt, Joan Weisz, Wiltshire, Vision, Analon, Eesteele, Elite, Salt & PepperMorning & Afternoon Tea & Bistro LunchOn Board Raffl e & Lucky Door PrizesAdults $ 50, Children (5 – 17) $ 20,Seniors/Students $ 40 (All GST inclusive)Tour departs from either7.00am – Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, Grantham Rd,Seven Hills (on site parking)7.00am – Parramatta Stadium Carpark, O’Connell St,Parramatta (on site parking)6.30am – Information Kiosk, Panthers Leagues Club,Penrith (on site parking)For individual or group bookings contactVirginia Knight at the Diocesan Offi ce on (02) 8838 3412Bookings close November 4, 2011Payment accepted in cash, cheque, money order, mcd or visaThank you to our sponsors: Shop & Save Tours, Pick of the Crop Coaches & Scanlin CoachesCome &join the partyIt’s Our10thAnniversary!

Afternoon Tea for Ministers of Communion to the SickOn 26 June, the Feast of the Bodyand Blood of Christ, St ThomasAquinas Parish, Springwood,held an afternoon tea forMinisters of Communion to theSick. It was attended by ParishPriest, Fr Peter Connelly, Fr TedTyler recently appointed ParishPriest of Katoomba, and about20 parishioners who regularlytake Communion to the sick.Communion is given weekly atthree nursing Homes (Endeavour,Buckland and Uniting Care) andto parishioners in their own homes who cannot attend Mass. The afternoon provideda great opportunity to say thank you to the wonderful work done by these volunteers.Their ministry is invaluable and is greatly appreciated by the parishioners they visit.Parish ladies group celebrates 25 th AnniversaryRecently, members of the Quakers Hill/Schofields Parish Ladies Group celebrated their25 th Anniversary. Some of the founding members are still in the group along withnewer members, making some 20 members. The Deputy Mayor of Blacktown, KathieCollins, was in attendance as were some past members. One of the founding membersspoke about the inception of the group and the important role it has played in thelife of the parish. Parish Priest Fr Ian McGinnity was the celebrant on the day. Invitedguests came from Blacktown Hospital Auxiliary and Blacktown Uniting Church.Annual Penafrancia Fiesta celebrated in PenrithWith this year’s theme ‘ShowYourself as a Child of Ina’,Australian devotees of OurLady of Penafrancia celebratedthe Penafrancia Fiesta on 17September with a concelebratedMass at St Nicholas of MyraChurch, Penrith, and a colourfulfluvial procession at the nearbyNepean River. This great Filipinotradition, now in its 5 th yearin Australia, was coordinatedby the Australian Devoteesof Our Lady of Penafrancia,headed by Jose Relunia Jr,under the guidance of the Filipino Chaplaincy of the Catholic Diocese of Parramatta,the Penafrancia Basilica and Archdiocese of Nueva Caceres in Naga City, Philippines.Cardinal NewmanFaith Resources Inc.342 Merrylands Rd, Merrylands, NSW, 2160Phone: (02) 9637 9406Fax: (02) 9637 3351Mon-Fri: 9.30am – 4pmSat: 10am – 2pmwww.cardinalnewman.com.aufr@cardinalnewman.com.auOCTOBER3 Labour Day.5 CWL Parramatta Silver Jubilee: Celebrating25 years of the Catholic Women’s Leaguein the Diocese of Parramatta. BishopAnthony Fisher OP will preside at Massin St Patrick’s Cathedral at 11am.6 Forming Children in Christian Sexuality: Aprogram for Christian Education in HumanSexuality with Dr Gerard O’Shea, seniorlecturer in RE at the John Paul II Institute(Melbourne) who has a keen interest inCatechesis, particularly the Montessorimethod of Catechesis. Topic covers: Thenature of the Human Person; Physiologicalgrowth & development – puberty & fertility;and Establishing the context – vocation,friendship, marriage and family. View DrO’Shea’s new book As I Have Loved You:a parent resource for training children inhuman sexuality according to the mindof the Church. Presented by the NationalAssociation of Catholic Families. Venue:Under croft, Tangara School for Girls,Franklin Street, Cherrybrook. Time: 7.30pm.Inquiries: nacf.sydney@hotmail.com7 & 8 Sacred Music at St Patrick’s Cathedral: TheChoir of the John Paul II Catholic Universityof Lublin, Poland, is touring Australia andwill present a concert of Sacred Musicin St Patrick’s Cathedral, Parramatta, onFriday 7 October at 7.30pm. The programincludes works by Chopin, Gorecki, Mozartand Rutter. Tickets available at the dooror by calling 0425 250 623. The Choir willalso sing at the 6pm Vigil at St Patrick’sCathedral on Saturday 8 October. Not tobe missed by lovers of Sacred Music!10 Theology on Tap: Fr Alexander Sherbrooke(on tour from London) is this month’sspeaker. Theology on Tap (TOT) is a casualand relaxed forum where friends from allwalks of life gather for straight talk, hardfacts and real answers on our faith and howit applies to daily life. Come for a listen andinvite your friends, especially those wantingto learn more (or debate) about the Catholicfaith. Fire off the questions you have neverhad the opportunity to ask. The CommercialHotel, 2 Hassall Street, Parramatta. Time:6.30pm. Details: www.theologyontap.com.au14 Green & Gold Day: For Mary MacKillopFoundation to raise funds and awarenessto help support small life-changingprojects. Green & Gold Day is all aboutsupporting Aussies who make a difference,and celebrating the Australian helpingspirit that St Mary MacKillop is knownfor. On Green & Gold Day, the Foundationinvites you to wear Australia’s nationalcolours and to join a Zumba Fitness Partyin your area as part of the celebration ofthe Aussie spirit of helping those in need.Register at http://greenandgoldday.org.au14 FertilityCare Information Night for Doctors:The Catholic Diocese of Broken Bay issponsoring an information night about“Do you ever take your veil off?”A Tyburn Benedictine Nun answers questions froman English class of Junior High School students …and we would like to share it with you!For your FREE copy send yourname and address to:Tyburn Priory325 Garfield Road EastRiverstoneNSW 276502 9627 51712011CatholicOutlook October 2011 23the Creighton Model FertilityCare System.The system can be used by doctors to helptreat causes of infertility and a numberof gynaecological conditions. All doctorsare invited to attend the informationnight at 7pm on Friday 14 October at theEpping Club, 45 Rawson Street, Epping.RSVP by 7 October: Agi Reefman tel (02)9847 0474, agi.reefman@dbb.org.au15 Blackheath Reflection Morning: Presenter:Sr Eileen Quade RSM. Entry by donation.No need to book. Time: 10am-1pm.Where: Sacred Heart Parish Hall, cnrSturt & Wentworth Streets, Blackheath.Details: Carmel (02) 4787 8706.16 Blue Mountain Centre for Religious EnquiryForum: In 2007-08 the Blue MountainCentre for Religious Enquiry conductedoccasional forums on a Sunday afternoonin Lawson. These forums will recommencein October. Initially, members of the BlueMountains Interfaith Group will be invitedto describe their faith. The scope of religiousenquiry is seen to include science andhumanities. Speakers at the first forum willbe John D’Arcy May and several Buddhistpractitioners in the Blue Mountains. JohnD’Arcy May is known internationally for hisinvolvement in Christian Buddhist dialogue.Admittance is free and everyone is welcome.Venue: Our Lady of the Nativity Church,Great Western Highway, Lawson. Time: 1pm.22-23 Worldwide Marriage Encounter Weekend:For married couples. Where: Winbourne,Edmond Rice Centre, Mulgoa. Bookings:(02) 4283 3435 or www.wwme.org.au22 Retreat Day: Join the Missionaries of God’sLove for a retreat day at the Sisters’ home,11 Torbert Ave, Quakers Hill. For furtherinformation contact the sisters tel (02) 96268382 and check out www.mglvocation.org22 Blessed John Paul II.23 World Mission Day – Hear My Voice: theuniversal day for the Catholic communityto focus on the vital work of global mission.Please give generously: freecall 1800 257296 or visit www.catholicmission.org.au23 Pilgrims of Truth, Pilgrims of Peace: anEcumenical and Interfaith Conversationto remember and celebrate the WorldDay of Prayer for Peace called by PopeJohn Paul II at Assisi in 1986. Hosted bythe diocesan Commission for Ecumenism& Inter-faith Dialogue. The programbegins at 3.30pm with afternoon tea. AnEcumenical and Interfaith Conversationwill take place from 4.30-6pm. Venue: StPatrick’s Cathedral hall, 1 Marist Place,Parramatta. Everyone is welcome.28 Family Fair & Bush Dance: join the parishcommunity of Our Lady of the Angels andenjoy all the fun of the fair: show bags,pony rides, plant stall, white elephant,Indian, Italian & Middle Eastern food. Time:5-10.30pm includes fireworks at 9pm. Cost:$20 per family. Where: Our Lady of theAngels Parish, 1 Wellgate Ave, Kellyville.Catholic books, catechisms, sacramental programmes, DVDs, apologeticsCDs, First Communion and Confirmation gifts and devotional items.Parcel post available.

WELCOMETO THE DIOCESANDEVELOPMENTFUNDThe idea behind any investment is to put your moneyto work. That’s all very good, but have you everthought about what it could do in its spare time?At the Diocesan Development Fund Parramatta, we have. When youinvest with us you have a chance to give a little back to the pastoralwork of the Church. While your money is earning a fi nancial returnvery close to the market rate, a small fraction of your return helps theBishop to run programs in your parish and throughout the Diocese.Like any managed fund, the DDF is able to increase earningsby pooling the resources of its investors. But there is oneimportant difference; the DDF directs all surplus earningsto the Bishop of Parramatta to be used for the works of theDiocese, such as counseling programs, adult education,youth development, pastoral and liturgical activities.The DDF investment policy is built around traditionallystable investment products and every one of ourinvestments is guaranteed by the Diocese.You have the security of knowing not only that your moneyis well invested, but that it’s doing some good as well.To find out more call ourfriendly staff on (02) 9683 6077or visit our web site atwww.parra.catholic.org.au/ddfDIOCESAN DEVELOPMENT FUND PARRAMATTADisclosure StatementThe Diocesan Development Fund Catholic Diocese of Parramatta (DDF) is not subject to the provisions of the CorporationAct 2001 nor has it been examined or approved by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission. Depositswith the DDF are guaranteed by CDPF Limited, a company established by the Australian Catholic Bishops Conferencefor this purpose. We welcome your investment with the DDF rather than with a profi t oriented commercial organisationas a conscious commitment by you to support the Charitable, Religious and Educational works of the Catholic Church.Neither the DDF nor the Trustees of the Roman Catholic Church for the Diocese of Parramatta are prudentiallysupervised by the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority; contributions to the DDF do not obtain the benefi t of thedepositor protection provisions of the Banking Act 1959; the DDF is designed for investors who wish to promote thecharitable purposes of the DDF.