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David Armstrong was a Protestant minister in Northern Ireland in the worst of the times of religious divisions. When heattempted to make a connection with the Catholics in the church across the road, he was brought to task by the eldersof his own church. In the end he had to leave the town. When commenting on this he made this statement which is sotrue:A community that has nothing to say about reconciliation has nothing to say.It strikes me as I talk with many groups of parents throughout our Diocese, that this sacrament is at the very heart ofwho we are as family and who we are as Christians. What parents do not live out this sacrament daily in their familylives when they are daily living unconditional love? Who among us does not live out the essence of this sacramentevery day in our daily interactions? We cannot be a Christian in isolation. Our movement towards God is a response tobeing loved by God, which we experience in and through each other – this is the very heart of what it means to be theBody of Christ. Every time we do something for each other, we are doing it for Christ. Every time we suffer for eachother, we identify with Christ. This is the real gift of the incarnation we can find so hard to believe.Reconciliation calls us to metanoia, to a change of heart that comes about as a response to being loved by God andbrings about a conversion in how we choose to live out our lives.What God gave Adam, was not forgiveness of sin.God gave Adam the right to begin again.Elie WiesselReconciliation, (and the new Rite is careful to point this out), is not just a matter ofgetting rid of sin. Nor is its dominant concern what we, the penitents do. The reallyimportant thing is what we allow God to continue to do in us and through us.(Awakenings Level 4 p3)The Parable of the Father and the Two Sons (Luke 15:11-32) is perhaps the moststrikingly powerful illustration of the human process of reconciliation and of thetheology inherent in the new Rite of Reconciliation, but we usually find it to difficultto believe the story. The father welcomes the son back instantly – he doesn’t evenwait for him to get to the house and he isn’t at all interested in the young man’sconfession. Only in celebrating his return no matter what he did. God is like themerciful parent in this parable: not out to catch us in our sin, but intent on reachingout and hanging on to us in spite of our sin. God will never turn from us but we, inour humanity, can easily turn from God.Can we believe how much God is wanting and waiting for us to turn around? (and around and around).PRAYER OF ST THERESA OF AVILIAChrist has no body but mine,Christ has no hands but mine,Christ has no feet but mine.Mine are the eyes through whichChrist’s compassion must look out on the world.Mine are the feet with whichChrist is to go about doing good.Mine are the hands with whichChrist is to bless us now.Sr Veronica Quinn SGSDiocesan Parish Sacramental Team & Catechist Resource PersonOUR DIOCESAN COMMUNITY (ODC)A joint publication of the Catholic Diocese of Ballarat and the Catholic Education Office of Ballarat.The Editorial Committee of OUR DIOCESAN COMMUNITY wishes to thank the many people who have contributed to this issue. We alsoacknowledge the support through sponsorship of the Catholic Superannuation Fund, Catholic Church Insurances, the Ballarat CatholicDevelopment Fund and Australian Catholic University - Aquinas Campus.EDITORIAL BOARDSr Anne McMillan, Mr Allen Moloney, Sr Geraldine Mugavin, Mr Peter Schreenan, Mrs Julie Boyd,Mrs. Jane Collins, Mr John Corrigan, Mrs Jenny Kingston, Ms Fiona Tonkin, Mr Peter KerwanDuring 2009, ODC will be published in April, September and December.All contributions to ODC may be forwarded to: OUR Diocesan community, PO Box 576, Ballarat 3353. Phone: (03) 5337 7179Fax: (03) 5333 5148 Email: odc@ballarat.catholic.org.au

LANDCARE AWARD FOR ST. FRANCIS XAVIERSt. Francis Xavier Primary School, Ballarat East received a‘Certificate of Recognition’ for outstanding contributions to Landcarein Corangamite’ at the Regional Landcare Awards.St. Francis Xavier School continues to work towards creating aschool setting that educates the school and wider community aboutenvironmental sustainability. Children at the school are directlyinvolved in the management of several project areas or‘Learnscapes’ as they are known at the school. The latestdevelopment being a Community Kitchen Garden incorporatingvegetable gardens, chook pens, hothouse, shade house and pond.The school is happy to share its journey with others. Most recently,seventeen students from St. Malachy’s School Edenhope visitedwhile on camp in Ballarat.The award is recognition of the work that has been done while at thesame time a reminder of the work that still needs to be done. Constantenergy and enthusiasm is required to maintain an environment that trulydoes educate our students in environmentally sustainable practices thatwill stay with them for life. Working with organisations such as Landcareand the Catchment Management Authority has kept the school in touchwith people who are passionate about the environment and willing toshare their expertise.Tony PerkinsPrincipalPUPILS BEGIN TO SETTLE INof a classroom”.A New Catholic primary school with a design far removedfrom a traditional classroom setting opened in Ballaratyesterday. Emmaus Primary School pupils yesterday walkedfrom the school’s temporary location in Jones Avenue to thenew school in Geelong Road. Principal Brendan Maher saidplanning for the school began in 2006 to provide a Catholicpresence in the Mt Clear, Mt Helen and Buninyong areas.The school opened at the temporary location in the groundsof Damascus College Ballarat with just 25 children last yearand has since grown to 75 pupils. Another 38 preps havealso been confirmed for next year.The new school has bean bags scattered about thecommunal space known as a “learning mall” and wirelessinternet access throughout. There is also a kitchen and largedecking area in the building which was designed with a focuson modern teaching practices. “We have tried deliberately tochallenge some of the contemporary thinking that has beenaround and come up with a model of education that works forus,” Mr. Maher said, “Rather than having kids in the four wallsParents and friends accompanied the pupils for the start of their first day at the new school yesterday. Mt Clear residentMichelle Leonard is a parent of twins who are in prep at the school. She yesterday described the new building as “fantastic”. “Ijust love how bright and vibrant it is”, she said. Mrs. Leonard said she and her husband had wanted to give their children aCatholic education. Meanwhile, the school’s pupils were also enjoying the extra space. Grade 5 pupil Alice Monkman said theschool was “really cool”. “I like how the classrooms are very big and there’s a lot of spaces,” she said.Article courtesy of “The Ballarat Courier” July 15 2009, by Cathy MorrisPhoto courtesy of Damascus College Ballarat & Leon Beaton

50 YEARS OF CATHOLIC EDUCATION IN ROBINVALECatholic Education Week came to an end which coincided with the 50 thanniversary of St Mary’s School, Robinvale. A great two days of celebrating andreminiscing was a fitting way to remember 50 years. There were many exstudents,parents, teachers and visitors in town to join in the celebrations. Itstarted on Saturday, May 2 with many generous staff showing people through theschool. The fun and formalities combined on Saturday night, as 120 peopleenjoyed a two course meal and a very social night at the Robinvale Golf Club.Photos of former staff and students were displayed around the room and therewas plenty of blue, St Mary’s traditional colour, on show. In the background, animpressive slide show full of memories of the past 50 years played on the wall.Principal, Mary Knight, opened the evening and welcomed everybody. After reading out apologies from those who couldn’tmake it, former Parish Priest Fr Les Sheahan led grace. Fr Les was instrumental in founding St Mary’s School all those yearsago. After sharing the first course part of the meal, guests were then treated to a wonderful line-up of stories and memories frompast staff and students. Who better to start the ball rolling than a teacher whose name is synonymous with St Mary’s - MariePragt. With a career of 40 years at St Mary’s, Mrs Pragt is a much loved and respected teacher at the school. She entertainedand had everyone in stitches with her many stories involving past students. She also talked fondly about her memories of livingnext door to the nuns, as well as their generosity and compassion.Former student and previous Board Member, Trevor Jury, had the difficult task of following Mrs Pragt, but did so in fine style.He started by asking how many of the original students from 1959 were in attendance, and 16 people stood up. Mr Jury talkedabout the intrigue of the youngsters in the town when the famous nuns arrived. Needing no encouragement, former student andBoard President, John Pisasale, shared some entertaining stories on what he remembered from his school years. There wereplenty of laughs as he relived some of the moments that were funny many years later. At the end of the speech, Mr Pisasalemade a toast to the Staff, Sisters and Parish Priests who contributed so much to make St Mary’s what it is today. The personwhose name was the first on the student register in 1959, Pat Curran, spoke next. He talked about the important role of theoriginal farmers who were involved in working bees and influential in building the school.The Sisters of Mercy were the founding and original teachers in 1959. They have always had a special relationship with StMary’s and the people of Robinvale, and so it was only fitting that they were a big part of the celebrations. Former teacher,Principal and all-round hard and devoted worker for the school and parish, Sister Connie Walsh, spoke about her manymemories. After Sr Connie, Sr Geraldine Mugavin, who taught at the school in 1979 for four years, shared her memories ofRobinvale. She described it as a place where the nuns enjoyed a wonderful social life which included tennis. It was then openslather, and several people took the opportunity to share a story or anecdote from St Mary’s. At the end of the night, Mrs Knightthanked everyone for coming and the festivities came to an end, but the stories and good times that were shared are sure to bearound for another 50 years.ANNIVERSARY MASSOn Sunday, May 3 the celebrations culminated with Mass in St Mary’s Church. Celebrants for the Mass were Fr Bill Melican andFr Les Sheahan with many past and present students, families and staff taking part. A special feature of the Mass was whencurrent Chairman of the Board, Phillip Englefield, made a speech. In his speech he commended the Sisters of Mercy and talkedabout their significant contribution to the school. “I find it hard to get my head around the fact that in 1959, we had the samenumber of students we have now and only five nuns teaching. Now we have 25 staff,” he said.He paid tribute to the incredible involvement that the Sisters of Mercy had in the school. Sisters Connie Walsh, Pat O’Brien,Sheila Belleville, Agnes Connellan, Geraldine Mugavin, Emmanuel Cooke and Mary Madden attended the dinner on theSaturday night and presented the offertory at Mass.In Mr Englefield’s speech, he announced that the new library would be named the Mercy Library in recognition of their work forthe school. Congregational Leader of the Ballarat Sisters of Mercy, Veronica Lawson, accepted the honour on behalf of theSisters. In response, she presented several books and DVD’s to the library honouring the Mercy founder Catherine McAuley.She said that all the Sisters who had any involvement in Robinvale were always very positive about the experience, evenquoting one nun saying that “Robinvale is the place of my heart.”Photos:Left, L-R: Ballarat EastSisters of MercyCongregational Leader,Veronica Lawson,Chairman of the Board,Phillip Englefield, CatholicEducation OfficeConsultant, Chris Robartsand St Mary’s CatholicSchool Principal, MaryKnight.Right: L-R: Srs GeraldineMugavin, Sheila Belleville,Mary Madden, EmmanuelCook, Pat O’Brien.Front L-R: AgnesConnellan, Connie Walsh.Text and photos courtesy of “The Robinvale Sentinel” 7/5/2009

St Vincent de Paul Society -Continuing their good works in our Diocese“Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, protect the rights of those who are destitute. Speakout and pronounce a sentence of justice, defend the cause of the needy and the poor.” (Proverbs 31:8-9)WarracknabealIn early August 2007, I received a request to assist Bert and Joan to obtain a permanent Visa in Australia. This was anarranged marriage in the Philippines, one which they can be justly proud of.This family had been sponsored by a local machinery dealership to work as a qualified mechanic in Warracknabeal. They wereloaned money for temporary Visas, travel and associated costs to resettle in the small country town in my region, eg. rent,furnishings, etc. These costs were then deducted from his wage, which meant there was little to live on. Then they wereexpecting their first child – there were no Medicare benefits available to them due to the restrictions of the temporary Visa. Weused all our contacts to assist them through the pregnancy and eminent birth to a beautiful little daughter.Whilst settling in Joan showed an amazing ability to utilise all resources, eg. she bought a huge roll of material from a secondhandshop for $5.00, borrowed a sewing machine and made new and bright covers for her second-hand lounge suite. Weeventually gave her a sewing machine, which has proved most valuable. The cost of applying for this Visa was $5365.00. Thenumerous documents, eg. passport, birth certificates, marriage contract, police clearance, certified copy of licencedqualifications, was never ending. Checking the progress with the Department of Immigration takes months and tries one’spatience.With the assistance of John McLean and ABC Global Services (long and detailed), who were the agents who sourced andrecruited this family, plus interaction with the employer, we eventually obtained the necessary finance to apply for a permanentVisa. This also included a small loan, which the family diligently repaid.As you can imagine, the many letters, emails, phone calls, faxes and visits to the family were ongoing, but it was so rewardingas this family was so grateful and really appreciated our efforts. Only at the end of last year did we find out our application wasgranted, so allowing the family to eventually obtain the benefits we all enjoy.At our Regional Conference, we invited Bert and Joan to be our Guest Speakers on their experiences. They respondedbeautifully and all in attendance were so impressed, which makes our work so interesting and fruitful, not to mention myeducation into Government protocol and patience.Bride Schaefer, Wimmera Regional President, St Vincent de Paul Society Victoria Inc.Joan & Bert’s StoryPutting my pen down to write something about our life backhome is like reminiscing of what we left behind. It’s been awhile, but it seems like this page could not encompass thejoy and pains and the kind of life we had grown to love andaccept, but had to leave behind for the great opportunities -for a greater future that was laid at our feet.Bert and I both came from the lovely mountainous region ofthe Philippines and proud to say, a lovely place enrichedwith beautiful people and a culture that tourists love to comeand see. We both hail from the so-called “Igorot Tribes”,which is an ethnic minority of the country. Though we grewup with a culture that has its own tribal customs andpractices that we grew to love, accept and respect, we alsogrew up with a Christian faith that greatly differentiates usand separates us on the traditional practices of our ethnicity.Amidst the beauty of our roots and the luscious greenery ofour environs, it is also easy to proclaim the phenomenon offinancial instability and how the poor and average standard of living for people fills the major percentage of the levels of society.Beneath the rhetoric lies the reality of a system that puts personal profits ahead of millions of lives. That’s why we grew up withparents inculcating on our minds the value of education and how it is the best and only inheritance they could ever impart on us.It is the key of the good life we have always aimed for.Our parents strove to send us to school and university to be somebody, as only Batchelor Degree holders could hold a positionor a job in the society. But then employment is so hard that we have always dreamed and tried our luck in applying for jobsabroad. Before Bert and I got married, he was like a working treadmill of long, low paid hours, knowing not when he is going toget paid – in the next month or next three months – or maybe not. And there I was, not keeping a good job also as the monthlypay was too low or the opportunity was too unlikely for me. I ended up helping my Mum in a business that didn’t work out aswell, as competition was too tight.

We were both in a position thinking of how we could finance our upcoming wedding. But we lived in faith that God wouldprovide all our needs. Indeed, by God’s grace, we had a beautiful wedding – more than we could ever have hoped for.Ironically, just a few weeks after the wedding, Bert left for this beautiful country for a job he was so blessed to have. It’s like wejust got married and then he’s going away again. Though the time was too short for us to be together, we have always lookedforward to that day when we could be together again, in this new country our God had set forth for us to build our new lives.We came from a place where income alone is insufficient to provide a decent standard of living and well-being, wherein life isthe tyranny of late or unpaid bills and escalating debts without the hope of being able to pay it off. Now, here we are in abeautiful place, enriched with beautiful people and enjoying every moment of it. Though sometimes it really gets tough, we justtake one day at a time and thank God always that He is really looking after us as He had always done. Truly, we started withnothing but wherever, whatever and whoever you are, we’ve always believed that life is what you strive to make it - and notforgetting who you were and where you came from and who were with you - because it’s what makes you distinct and moveforward.Birchip – The Garcia Family StoryAs I set forth to sail to Australia, I am very much hopeful that Icould one day have my family with me and be raised in thisplace. I thought to myself that I am really so lucky to be chosenas one of the five Mechanics that our employer selected towork in J J O’Connors Company, out of 18 applicants.During my first days here, I observed the good traits that theAustralians have towards foreign workers. They are veryfriendly, trusting, honest and always greet you whenever theysee you in the street. They are very warm, generous andcaring people. That’s why when my boss told me I could nowget my family, it’s really an answered prayer.As soon as my family arrived, that’s the time that we reallywere in need of financial aid. Well, with the four kids and I wasthe only one earning at that time and with piles of bills thatneeded to be settled, we were really in financial distress.Thank goodness that one day St Vincent de Paul played Santa,as it was nearly Christmas time when my family arrived here,offering some goods not only for the kids, but for the entire family. It was really a memorable Christmas that we had. And itdoesn’t end there, because when the school year started, St Vinnie’s again showed their generosity by giving us the schooluniforms, bags and all the things that my kids would be needing for their schooling, plus the payment of their school fees. I wasalso helped by the School Principal, Mr John Richmond, who bought shoes for my kids out of his own pocket. He even helpedmy wife get a job, by being one of her referees.Maybe the workers of St Vinnie’s had seen my difficulties in our settlement here, because one day Mrs Merrilyn Kelly, togetherwith Mrs Moya Connelly and Mr Brian Lea, came to our house asking what else we needed, and I took that opportunity to sharemy problems with regards to my residency status. Having permanent residency, it would surely lighten my load. And I also letthem see what I am receiving as my wages and what is left after paying all the bills. And they noted that I am really in need offinancial aid. They decided to help me in the process of my application for permanent residency.During the processing of my permanent residency, maybe I was struck by bad luck. I say that because our permanentresidency application was denied or disapproved on the first attempt due to some reasons. It takes us six months to wait, thenwe received that information. It was really very depressing that time because we were hopeful that we would get the approvaland then it was not.Then we asked the help of Mrs Merrilyn Kelly, who has been very supportive to us, and she tried her best to be of help, to thepoint that she is ringing our Case Officer and asking them what else we need to submit just to be able to get the approval.Then on February 25, 2009, after more than a year in the making and with our Case Manager who handled our case, we got ourresidency at long last. This we owed to the unending support that we got from the good people of St Vincent de Paul. Really, Ifeel blessed to have had their help in our settlement in this beautiful place of Birchip. Now I can say that I, too, can do my shareand be one of them, that’s why I joined St Vincent de Paul. In addition to that, I am also an active Church worker - being acollector – and also a Lions Club member of Birchip. I am happy to be part of these, because somehow that’s my way ofrepaying all the good things that I have received.Now-a-days I am happily working still at J J O’Connor’s, my wife is with the Hospital and the IGA supermarket and is hoping topursue her Nursing course. And with my kids, they are doing well in their school.In fact my older boys are enjoying their footy games, which serves as our family bonding during Saturday’s. I can finally saythat we are completely settled in, we have our own house too and all things are in the right places.I am really a lifetime indebted to those people who helped us out.Arnel, Tina, Nikko, Mikko, Nariel & Neril Garcia.

RECONCILIATIONThe four boys presenting for the Sacrament Reconciliationcompleted a four week program involving parents andchildren together.A DVD (Destructive David) from the Resource Centre madea strong impact on the group and provided food fordiscussion. A PowerPoint presentation that follows theceremony step-by-step, helped to ground the concept andto bring the sacrament to the level of the participantsOn Wednesday, March 25 the community gathered withthose receiving the Sacrament and joined in prayers andreadings, followed by the Sacrament of Reconciliation.SACRAMENTS OF INITIATIONOn Sunday, June 21, local parishioners were joined byfamilies, extended families and members of the local parishcommunity for the celebration of the Sacraments ofInitiation.Four excited boys andone lovely baby girl wererecipients of thesacramentsofConfirmation and FirstEucharist, and theBaptism of baby TessaSheahan.The impact of the occasion on the local church and beyondwas evident.. A PowerPoint presentation giving a picturestory of each of the participants was prepared by RobertJames and shown to those present.CONFIRMATION AND FIRST EUCHARISTParents & childrenwho were receivingthe sacramentscame together withthe catechists for thepreparation program.Following the “Letthe Children Come”program, allparticipants wereactively involvedL – R: Fr John Monaghan, Lauren Hogan andthrough the use of Paul Fawcett (hidden), John Forrester, Paulaworksheets and Hogan, Mitchell Cole, Meaghan Walsh,making posters,Leanne Poyner and Karen Williams.which were displayed in the Church to inform parishionersof the content of the program and also to involve thecommunity in prayer for the participants. Names andphotos of those receiving the Sacraments were displayed.BAPTISMThe Baptism of Tessa Sheahan, daughter of Rickyand Di Sheahan, was one more celebration for theNullawil Catholic Community. The Baptism wasincluded in the Eucharistic Celebration, which alsobecame a community celebration welcoming Tessainto the Catholic and wider community.An Ecumenical Service combining the Catholic,Uniting Church and representatives from otherdenominations, gathered for prayer and reflection twoweeks before Easter. The Primary School children,who participate in the Religious Education Program,presented the Easter Story through words and song.This was followed by the presentation of a Caritasstory, telling of the effect on the lives of people inIndonesia where land is being cleared of trees,especially the rubber trees, which provided anincome on which people were totally dependent. Theloss of dwellings because of landslides was also anissue. Links were made with the Jesus story and ourfaith in everyday life journey.REFLECTION DAYSeveral of the Nullawil people came together in theCommunity Complex to reflect on our faith and howthis is lived in our community. Nourished by a goodbreakfast together, Fr John McKinnon began theprogram for the day with some insights into the life ofSt Paul and his missionary work. This was followedby a DVD showing segments of the life and times inwhich Jesus lived. We then took time for quietmeditation. After a delicious lunch, Sr VeronicaQuinn directed us through the process of discoveringLectio Divina (an ancient way of praying thescriptures) as a means of exploring the Gospels.The latter part of the reflection day required of us, theparticipants, some serious thinking about our faith inrelation to our Church, to the wider community and tothe environment. We were left with many questionsand with the message that our faith is a work inprogress. Our day was enriched when we werejoined by the wider community for 5.00pm Mass.We sincerely appreciate and thank Fr John and SrVeronica for the gift they have been to us and webelieve the benefit of the day will remain with us.L - R: Joan Smith, Carmel Sheahan, Fr John McKinnon, SrVeronica Quinn, Denise Hogan, Moira Sheahan and LeannePoyner.

MINISTRY TO 30 - 49 YEAR OLDSIn the 2006 National Church Life Survey, it was identified that almost 1in 5 of the respondents in the Ballarat Diocesewere aged between 30-49 years. In response to this, the Ballarat Diocesan Pastoral Council proposed that Catholicswithin that age bracket come together to examine their role in the Church and to meet other people at a similar stage oflife.A trial group was set up in Warrnambool, with an initialmeeting held in late October 2008. Representativesfrom each of the three Warrnambool parishesexpressed a wish for further faith formation and aforum for socialising.A series of three adult faith sessions were held at StJoseph’s Parish Hall, facilitated by Fr Barry Ryan. Anaverage of 30 participants for each session braved thewet, cold wintry weather of Warrnambool to cometogether to nourish their faith. Barry’s sessions wereenjoyable and thought provoking. His presentationschallenged the group to examine beliefs, scripture andpractice of Catholicism in a way that many had nothad the opportunity to do since being at school.Due to requests from the group, three more sessions will be held later this year in the lead-up to Advent. Special thanks toFr Barry, Vin Dillon and the Diocesan Office for their work in getting this great project off the ground. Thanks also to ourparish priests Fr Michael Linehan, Fr John Fitzgerald and Fr Lawrence O’Toole for their ongoing support.Joe & Gabrielle Ewing and Steve & Jenny CallaghanDIOCESAN YOUTH COUNCILThe creation of the Diocesan Youth Council is an essential part of the Diocese’scommitment to youth ministry. The profoundly rewarding and participatoryexperience of the Sydney World Youth Day Pilgrims, highlighted the need for thecontinued involvement of young Catholics at a Diocesan level and an affirmation oftheir contribution to everyday parish life. Throughout 2009, several events havebeen held to advance the formation of a responsive and representative body ofyouth. Expressions of interest led to a Discernment Day in April, led by Sr. MargaretCarmody SGS and attended by an enthusiastic group of young women and menfrom a variety of parishes. Through a focus upon gifts, responsibilities and mission,a preferred model for the Council was established and the Bishop made thefollowing appointments to the Council:Belinda Brown - WendoureeTara Fitzgibbon - MaryboroughAnna Kemp - TerangRobert O’Shea - CororookeJandree (Jaz) Patel - AraratMichael Rix - WendoureeSiobhan Simper - WarrnamboolAs well as benefiting from the support of the Bishop, the Council is enhanced by the assistance of Fr Andrew Hayes andFr Ed Moloney, the Youth Chaplains of the Diocese. This group held their first formal meeting on Sunday, June 28 inBallarat, and intends to hold regular meetings in different areas of the Diocese, so as to remain connected to the diversityof youth and their issues. The Council members will also share in a Formation Weekend in August, facilitated by Fr ChrisRyan, who was responsible for the journey of the World Youth Day Cross and Icon across much of the Diocese. TheCouncil’s initial tasks include organising a one-year reunion for the region’s World Youth Day Pilgrims, while futureprojects shall seek to further encourage the active and important role of young people within our faith communities.Robert O’Shea, Diocesan Youth Council Member

“THE JOURNEY” PROGRAMME ATST PATRICK’S COLLEGE, BALLARATOn Thursday, May 28 ,194 students and twelve staffexperienced a night of homelessness as part of the College’sYear 10 Programme, “The Journey”. Each night in Australia,an affluent country by any measure, a staggering 36,000people from the 12-25 age group, will sleep out in theelements. This rate of homelessness is of great concern andis literally on our own doorstep. It is imperative that we raiseawareness about this issue and look at the many underlyingfactors that contribute to young people’s homelessness.students have already committed to organisingpractical assistance for the homeless at local level. It isalso central to the College’s charism as a Catholicschool in the tradition of Blessed Edmund Rice.Mark WaddingtonDevelopment Manager - St Patrick’s College, Ballarat.STUDENTS READY TO PEDALAGAINST POVERTYLater this year Damascus College, Ballarat, studentswill cover more kilometres than riders in the Tour DeFrance, in less time.Using their new solar pedal assisted bike calledADIMOV Dreaming, students of the EnergyBreakthrough Team will head to Darwin and ride backto Ballarat, all in the name of raising money for povertyand to highlight climate change.However getting there is not a cheap exercise. Thereare flights, food and accommodation to consider andthat is before fundraising can begin.The experience was co-ordinated by the College’sLeadership and Standards Officer, Mr Jamie Bobrowski, andis part of a holistic leadership development programme inYear 10, titled “The Journey”.Mr Bobrowski noted that for boys used to the comforts ofhome and supportive families, “One Night of Homelessness”was a challenging, and at times confronting experience, thatintroduced Year 10 boys to just some of the conditions thathomeless young people in Australia experience on any givennight. Students were able to experience areal-life soup kitchen and meet workers and volunteerswhose dailyreality brings them into contact with some of societiesmarginalised.“One Night of Homelessness” complements the St Patrick’sCollege leadership programme, “The Journey”, by enablingboys to experience a real life situation that provided insightsinto the challenges faced by those living at the margins. Italso reinforced that the causes of homelessness are multifaceted– many people who live on the streets attendedschool, had jobs and families but for reasons linked to mentalhealth, social connectivity and substance abuse, now findthemselves living on our streets. Other experiences for thenight included a range of team challenges and experiencesincluding eating a meal from a soup kitchen, sleeping withonly the assistance of a blanket, exposure to the elements ofnature and midnight informative sessions from Open FamilyMelbourne, who work with homeless youth on a daily basis.The boys’ response to the evening was outstanding. Theexperience was a voluntary one, which attracted a responserate of over 99% from boys in the year level. Several boys,who due to medical reasons could not sleep in the elements,participated in the programme till well after midnight beforefinding shelter.The experience was an invaluable one for students,highlighting that homelessness is literally on our doorstepsand a number ofThe RODE RAGE (Ride Against Greenhouse GasEmissions) team will leave November 23 andyesterday received some help in the form of $20,000 inState Government funding.Teacher Mark McLean said he was hopeful up to$100,000 would be raised through their website, whichwill stream the journey live.‘‘The students are involved in raising funds for it, butwe hope to raise funds not only to just cover the eventand costs, but raise funds to fight poverty,’’ he said.‘‘People in poverty do it tougher when we say let’sreduce greenhouse gas emissions, so we are trying todo it from a two-pronged approach by highlighting theneed to reduce emissions but also support those whowill be most affected.’’Ballarat East MLA Geoff Howard said the money wasin recognition of the program’s ongoing success.For more details visit www.roderage.com.au.Text and photo courtesy of the “Ballarat Courier”, 17/7/2009Article by James Kelly, photo by Lachlan Bence.

SS. MICHAEL AND JOHN’S PRIMARY SCHOOL, HORSHAMBUILDING FOUNDATIONS FOR THE 21ST CENTURYIt has been a very hectic 12 months for our school community. It was Holy Thursday in 2008 when we received initial reports thatindicated Brigid House was structurally unsound. The Building Committee members were stunned by the news. Subsequentreports confirmed our fears about Brigid House and since then we have worked diligently through the process of demolition andthe development of plans for a new school.It was with sadness that we farewelled the building and moved into our temporary accommodation after the third term holidays.Commemorative photos and tours of the building were provided in late 2008. Many took the chance to visit and relive old timesand tell stories about escaping from the boarders’ rooms for dances and the like! The demolition process has been a slow one.There have been many hold ups along the way. Most recently the long awaited rains forced closure of the tip and therefore a haltto demolition work, as there wasn’t anywhere close to dump the rubble.We are now moving into a new phase, a phase of development and construction rather than the gloom of demolition andtemporary buildings. At the end of 2008 we were successful in gaining a $1.35 million grant from the Federal Government. Asthe world economy headed toward recession, the Rudd Government announced a stimulus package, “Building the EducationRevolution”. We were excited to get news of two more grants through this package: $125,000 National Schools Pride Grant and$2 million for Primary Schools of the 21st Century. These grants will enable us to redevelop the area once covered by BrigidHouse and build a new primary school containing 12 learning areas, new student and staff amenities, a resource hub and adminfacilities. Twelve months ago this all seemed a dream!The new school of the 21st Century has the learner at its heart. Today’s learners are different and so we need to build schools forour children’s future - not our past. Have you considered how today’s learners are different?They devour technology - internet, email, sms, facebook, wikis, blogs. They want to create and collaborate. The jobs that they willhave (and they are likely to have many), will be different and in fact some haven’t even been invented yet. Companies wantemployees who are able to create new ideas and problem solve.As we embark upon this new journey into 21st Century Learning, we are packing our suitcases full of the great practices we havein place, but looking to other examples of 21st Century Learning to create a place for the students of today - our future problemsolvers and creative thinkers.Left picture:Before DemolitionRight picture:After DemolitionBUILDING EDUCATION REVOLUTION IN FULL SWING AT ST MARY’S, SEA LAKEThe Building Education Revolution is well underway at St Mary’s Primary School.We have won $50,000.00 from the “National School Pride Grant” and the Board have decided to upgrade office and staff roomfacilities. The office and the staff room lounge will be extended forward by three metres, allowing staff and visitors to comfortablyenjoy their breaks. This also allows for a workbench area for staff around the photocopier. Administration will have much neededoffice space, with an area that will allow much more flexibility and freedom. The Principal’s office will now enjoy an interviewarea, which it is currently lacking.The school has employed local builder, Rick Collier, to co-ordinate the project andwithin a week, Rick already had half the slab down. The project is expected to befinished in about six weeks and the school is proud to support local contractorswhere and whenever possible.St Mary’s has an application in for the “Primary Schools for the 21 st Century” grantfor about $250,000.00. We are hoping to hear an answer to this application by theend of July. The proposal, at this stage, is to use this money, should it becomeavailable, to build a Multi-Purpose Hall. Busy and exciting times lay ahead for StMary’s!

Centacare, Catholic Diocese of Ballarat Inc. has been providing support to communities throughout theSouth West, Western Victoria and the Sunraysia for over 30 years.One of the many programs provided by Centacare is respite services for carers of people with a mental illness, who may befinding it difficult to provide the support and care to their family member or friend.The focus of the respite program is to assist carers in reducing their stress and to strengthen relationships between the carerand the person they care for, as well as supporting relationships within the broader family and social network of both the carerand care recipient.The program is flexible and adaptable to individual needs and circumstances. Centacare staff liaise with the carer, the client,and other family or friends to develop options and support which enable the carer to continue their caring role, while enhancingcapacity for their own social participation and work needs.There are a variety of options that the Centacare mental health respite program can provide to carers and clients. Some ofthese options are; in-home respite, where skilled staff can provide support in the home; social respite, that enables the carer toparticipate in social events or activities; and residential respite providing short term supported accommodation for the carerecipient; emergency respite and holiday respite- providing holiday accommodation options for the carer and ensuring support isprovided for the care recipient.For further information on the Centacare Mental Health Respite Program, please telephone (03) 5336 7900.It was indeed a privilege to attend for six Thursday evenings the “Called & Gifted” workshops, run by Clara Geoghegan and FrChris Ryan MGL.Clara lives in Ballarat North and is a woman of great theological intellect. She lectures at the Catholic Theological College inMelbourne a few days each week. Amongst the busyness of her life as a mother, wife and lecturer, she is also the Director ofthe Catherine of Siena Institute in Australia. Clara and I had often talked about the possibility of holding a workshop in Ballarat.I and 35 others are now very grateful that this possibility was able to become a reality. Clara was assisted by Fr Chris RyanMGL. Fr Chris, you may recall, was the Chaplain for the Journey of the Cross and Icon as it travelled around Australia for WorldYouth Day. Fr Chris was the priest who sat in the commentary box with Ray Martin during the Stations of the Cross. Fr Chris ishandsome, has an engaging style with a captivating speaking voice and only a mere 34 years old - a gifted and able young manwith a strong Charism of teaching. The Religious Order from which Fr Chris comes has a dedication to forming men to bepriests for the ‘New Evangelization’. I am sure this focus fits well for Fr Chris as he encourages and teaches the laity, that itreally is not all that difficult to work out what your Charisms may be.What are Charisms and what is “Called & Gifted” all about, you may be wondering? Charism is the Greek word for Gift. Byvirtue of our Baptism we are all called and we are all gifted - not some of us, but all of us.I had been eager for some years to attend a “Called & Gifted” workshop, having listened to Clara talk about her work and thewonderful way in which it empowers people to identify their gifts and pursue their vocation as lay people in the Church. Afterthe first workshop we were invited to take home a copy of “The Catholic Spiritual Gifts Inventory”. We were asked to complete itand bring it back the following week. We were asked very simple and straight forward questions which required a Never, Little,Some, Often answers. You were encouraged not to spend too much time pondering your responses rather, the first thing thatyou think that sums up, for example, your feelings to a series of questions such as “I have sensed a “call” to pray intensely forpeople or places that I didn’t know well and have prayed for that situation “until” I felt that I was done” or another example “Igladly open my home and give food and shelter to others, even when I am not prepared to have guests”. From this you comeup with scores that are then added up and compared alongside some of the most common Charisms, eg. administration,craftsmanship, encouragement, evangelism, faith, giving, healing, hospitality, intercessory prayer, leadership, mercy, music,teaching, etc. The top 5 or 6 areas where you scored the highest numbers suggest that you may have a particular Charism inthese areas.I enjoyed the task of confirming what I had previously thought were possibly my gifts and the challenge that this has presentedme in stepping out in faith, as I begin to further explore and test out my Charisms. We were treated along the way to greatCatholic teaching, learning more about the lives of the Saints and how all of these great men and women were able to do muchfor those around them, because of recognising and knowing that they had been given certain gifts.The future of our Church today depends more and more on people been able to recognise their Charisms or Spiritual Gifts, asspecial abilities given them by the Holy Spirit. For we are all companions on the journey and are therefore, all called to beenablers and channels of God’s love and redeeming presence in the world.Ruth Marquand

On 29th May the restoration of the historic Fincham & Hobday Organ at StJoseph’s Warrnambool was celebrated with a Dedication Ceremony conducted byBishop Peter Connors and a recital of Organ and Choral music. The organ,installed in 1893, has been an important part of liturgical celebrations at StJoseph’s and is valued greatly by the community. The organ underwent a partialrestoration by a group of parishioners in the 1970’s but over the past few years itbecame apparent that large sections of the organ were not functioning at all. It wasimportant to bring the organ back to full capacity and in 2006 Fr John Fitzgeraldcommissioned the restoration of the organ. This latest restoration, which tookabout two and a half years, was undertaken by Ken Turner of Goldfields PipeOrgans and has ensured the organ will continue delighting congregations for manyyears to come.Leanne Earl, who grew up in the parish but who now lives in Adelaide, was theguest organist and her recital comprised music from Bach, Couperin, Jehan Alain,Dupré and Monti. Tony Herbert, one of the St Joseph’s organists, accompaniedtwo local choirs, the St Joseph’s Singers and the Warrnambool Chorale, whichsang a variety of choral music, some sacred, some secular. The WarrnamboolString Quartet entertained in the Gathering Space during supper atthe end of the recital.About 300 people attended the evening and enjoyed very beautiful music.A DVD of the Dedication is available from St Joseph’s Parish Office for $12.00Pastoral care within a community can take a multitude of forms. In thecase of the Cororooke Parish, the illness of two three-year-old girls,Genevieve McGuane and Emily Smith, provoked a varied andcommitted response. Both girls are undergoing treatment for leukemia,and have constantly received both practical and spiritual support fromthe local community. On June 28, over three hundred people of all agesgathered in the Performing Arts Centre in Colac, for a very public act ofpastoral care: a variety concert fundraiser. The extensive programme forthe evening featured entirely local talent - even the surprise guest,operatic cobbler Peter Brocklehurst, resides in nearby Pomborneit.Moreover, countless local businesses contributed valuable items for theauction and raffles and the St Brendan’s Care Group providedhospitality.The importance of acknowledging Emily and Genevieve individually was exemplified by a group of teenagers, who performedthe requested favourite songs of each of the girls, whilst a play (in Italian!) by the St Brendan’s Primary School childrenprovided an opportunity for siblings from the Smith and McGuane families to perform alongside their friends. The spirit ofgenerosity and co-operation which permeated the evening is indicative of the strong relationships that exist within smallcommunities - bonds which are reinforced by times of difficulty.Robert O’Shea, Cororooke ParishionerOver the past year at St Joseph’s in Warrnambool a number of feast days have beenhonoured with Evening Prayer, either as vigil prayer or on the actual feast day. The aimhas been to give more people an experience of the Prayer of the Church and those takingpart have found it a very fulfilling experience. The psalms are sung in choir andleadership is shared.Since the initial Prayer, on Mary MacKillop’s Day 2008, we have become much moreconfident with our chanting skills. We have celebrated Prayer on the Feast of theImmaculate Conception (8th December), the Presentation of the Lord (2nd February), theAnnunciation of The Lord (25th March) and on Tuesday of Holy Week. As well as theabove we celebrated Evening Prayer on the Feast of Ss Peter and Paul (29th June).Siobhan Simper is pictured delivering her reflection at Evening Prayer.Mary Lancaster

E-CONFERENCE EXPERIENCEThe first ever on-line National E-Conference was held on Tuesday, June 30, 2009. It was an initiative of the Australian CatholicBishops Conference and the Broken Bay Institute on the Year of St Paul. Some 5,000 people gathered during the internationalE-Conference to mark the end of the Pauline year, a landmark event for the Australian Church, according to the Broken BayDiocese.The "online learning community" dedicated to be a source of information on St Paul, featured webcast lectures and panelsessions from Biblical and Media scholars including Fr Brendan Byrne, Sr Michele Connolly and Fr Richard Leonard and washosted by prominent media personality, Mike Bailey.The sessions included facilitated discussion opportunities for participants, who joined up online. Some of the individual siteswere hosting groups of up to 200 or more participants. More than 1,700 questions were received following the sessions in thefirst half of the day alone."This is a wonderful opportunity for people to learn and share in the wisdom of the great Church communicator Paul,"Archbishop John Bathersby, Chairman of the Bishops' Commission for Mission and Faith Formation, said in his openingaddress from Brisbane. "It is a fitting way to close the year that has celebrated his life and mission."Prime Minister Kevin Rudd also sent a message of support: "The Year of St Paul E-Conference ... will enable Catholic Diocesesacross Australia to join together in reflecting on the legacy of one of the most important, yet elusive, figures in Church history”."I trust the conference will facilitate a productive exchange of ideas for those who share in the Catholic tradition in Australia, andthat it will benefit the communities you represent across the nation."In the Ballarat Diocese there were 10 host sites, with over 200 people attending. One notable international participant was SrPatricia Day rsj, formerly Parish Leader of St Joseph’s, Ouyen and now working in the Missions in Peru.ARARATApproximately 30 people, including Parishioners from Stawell, Willaura, Maryborough and Lake Bolac, gathered at MarianCollege for the recent E-Conference on St Paul. The sessions were very enlightening and the presenters were most engagingand understandable, encouraging further personal reflection. The different personalities and approaches kept up the interest.Local discussion was animated and some good sharing took place. The whole experience broadened our appreciation of StPaul.Fr Richard Leonard’s enthusiastic manner challenged us to a more positive appreciation of the Church, at a time when we needto hear this. The use of hi-tech presentation was a great way to bring people together and allow us to be able to access suchgreat speakers. Our reception was in the capable hands of our youth, supported by Technician Kevin. It was a really goodexperience and opened the way for future sessions. Thanks to Marian College and all who prepared us for this day.Maree HoltBALLARATIn Ballarat, the E-Conference was held at Loreto College, andapproximately 45 people attended. There was a short delay in thebroadcast initially and it was slightly unfortunate that we missed FrBrendan Byrne’s first presentation on “Who was Paul”. However, due toquick thinking a DVD of Archbishop Mark Coleridge was shownspeaking on the subject and he outlined his thoughts on who Paul was.This DVD is part of a lecture series by the Archbishop on St Paul called“Christ Lives In Me”. It is available from the Diocesan Resource Centre.When the broadcast began Sr Michele Connolly was presenting and shespoke about Paul’s missionary journeys from Asia to Europe, spreadingthe word. She spoke about the physical difficulties of his journey, thekilometres he travelled and the hardships he would have encountered.In her next presentation Sr Michele talked about Paul’s relationshipswith women and imparted her knowledge on how to read a Paulineletter.In his second presentation, Fr Brendan Byrne emphasised Paul’s sense of God – Grace, Spirit and Hope. The Grace of Godbeing of utmost importance to Paul - Grace being beauty, lovable, a gift and simply freely given. The Spirit was the feltexperience of God’s love and the overall message from Paul is one of Hope because of God’s love.Fr Richard Leonard was the third presenter and he spoke about one facet of Paul, being that he actually went out in the world towhere the people were to proclaim his message. He went on to say the knowledge of who you are evangelising is imperativeand that Courage, Adaptability, Right Judgment and Unity Through Love were the essence. The use of media is vital in theworld today in this work and in this respect, Fr Richard stated that the E-Conference is a “ground breaking moment”.After each presentation there was local facilitated discussions in small groups, which enabled people to discuss what they heardand give their thoughts on Paul. The day was a huge success and was a wonderful way of bringing Catholics together and alsohearing the story of St Paul.Jane Collins

BIRCHIPSeventeen gallant believers gathered at the Birchip P-12 Community School, keen to be part of a new and innovative learning.We had some trouble at the beginning in getting access to the site – the doorway was not big enough for all of those whowanted to get through to hear about Paul. (I think Paul himself would have loved the excitement and the buzz. I think he wouldalso have enjoyed the fact that many had to wait to gain entrance and to hear his teachings).By lunch time we had caught up on all our sessions and were well into the afternoon sessions, when we were caught in themidst of a storm and a blackout. We caught up again on what we had missed and were waiting for the final session when wehad another blackout. This one had a certain finality about it, consequently we had to disband – something I’m sure oftenhappened to Paul’s original followers.We, however, are able to make sure we hear it all again – the local learning centres at Birchip and Wycheproof are sure to becalled on to enable us to hear the entire message.Sr Veronica Quinn SGSCAMPERDOWNAbout twenty people gathered at Mercy Regional College, Camperdown for the E-Conference on St Paul. Our participantscame from Camperdown, Mortlake, Simpson, Terang and Timboon and included a couple from the Uniting Church and awoman from the local Anglican Church. Vin Dillon was our facilitator. The participants were grateful to be part of such an historichappening and came away with a much deeper appreciation of St Paul as a person, and a better understanding of his message.NoreenCOLACThe communities of Apollo Bay, Colac and Cororooke were represented at the E-Conference at Trinity College, Colac. Therewas a strong sense of being united with others across the nation and internationally. Locally, our participants enthusiasticallyresponded to Paul's story - a story that gives meaning, identification and motivation to our communities and to us as individuals.There was serious discussion, much laughter and enjoyment of each other's company. The stimulating presentationschallenged us to consider the authenticity and sincerity of our faith in action. The love, mutual respect and harmony which Paulsought and set in the context of our equality in Christ, remain a challenge for us today. We thoroughly enjoyed our experienceof the E-Conference. I found it difficult to capture the essence of our day in a few lines, but this is my attempt. I hope theexperience was a positive one for others.Marita O’SheaA huge thank you to all involved in the E-Conference in Colac – many parishioners participated which was great! Thank you toGerard, Mary and the team at Trinity College for their support and help with proceedings - couldn't have done it without you.Thank you to Clare for facilitating on the day (even with such short notice!)Fr Michael O’Toole, Colac PPHAMILTONThe gathering at Monivae College attracted eighteen interested people from the parishes of Hamilton, Portland, Casterton andPenshurst. Our local facilitator was Fr Andrew Hayes, Parish Priest of Casterton, Coleraine, Harrow and Edenhope.Participants found that each of the three presenters added a little more to their knowledge and understanding of St Paul'smission in the mid-first century A.D. Further lively group discussions followed into such areas as the reading of Pauline letters,Christianity and Judaism in the early Church, the role of women in the Church and the place of the Media in the Church of the21st century. All attendees contributed well to an interesting day of Adult Faith Education.John DoneganHORSHAMAbout thirty people participated in the E-Conference on St Paul at St Michael's & St Johns, Horsham. There was a hiccup at thebeginning of the day due to computer problems, but Fr Peter and Sr Jacinta kept St Paul to the fore with a sheet on Paul'sletters. We all appreciated the marvellous speakers and to be able to hear them so close to home was an extra bonus. We,who live so far from the city circuit, would greatly appreciate further E-Conferences.Sr Patsy Bourke RSM

MILDURAFourteen people gathered at St Joseph’s College totake part in the innovative, first ever online E-Conference. It was wonderful to have access tosuch credible scripture scholars, without having tomove far from home. All presentations were easy tolisten to and the speaker’s knowledge and love ofPaul as presented to us, encourages us to return toa more profound reading of Paul’s letters, with somehandy hints as to how to go about it.We came away with a greater understanding of themeaning of Paul’s conversion on the road toDamascus; his work as an apostle of God’s limitlesslove and his sense of God as Grace, Spirit and Hope.We trust that this innovative experience will be repeated again and we would like to suggest that Evangelisation and theChurch’s Social Justice Teachings could be topics which would be well received.Thank you to those who organised this experience for so many Catholics seeking to increase their knowledge and love ofScripture.Rosemary GrahamSWAN HILLThree ladies from Quambatook travelled to MacKillop College, Swan Hill to be a part of the E-Conference, “St Paul in the 21stCentury”. It was a most historical and spiritual lesson on the life and journey of Paul. Sr Michelle Connolly RSJ, Fr. BrendanByrne SJ and Fr Richard Leonard were easy to listen to and understand, and have helped us to appreciate the life and writingsof St Paul. We also enjoyed very much listening and sharing thoughts with others at discussion times.Thank you to our facilitator Catherine, who was most proficient and Jules for the cuppas. A wonderful educational day.Judy CameronWARRNAMBOOLThe E-Conference revealed Paul to me as a real person. There was great value in watching the presentations as a group andbeing able to discuss amongst ourselves between each session. It was good to hear the insights others had gained and themany further questions the talks had elicited. I have always relished the parts in Paul’s letters where he talks of Grace and theSpirit, but have tended to shut out the Sin and Law parts - not really understanding the significance as regards negatives andpositives. I now see that the negatives actually give more meaning to the positives of Grace and the Spirit. There was addedvalue for us in knowing that we could go home and listen to the talks again – and further digest. There is a desire within me toknow more of Paul and to really think about the man, his vision and his mission. I did enjoy the day and Mary Delaney was agreat facilitator.Mary LancasterACU National Appoints Dean of Theology and PhilosophyAustralian Catholic University (ACU National) has appointed Professor Anne Hunt asFaculty Dean of Theology and Philosophy.The recent appointment of Professor Hunt as Faculty Dean makes her the first womanat a Catholic university in Australia to receive the title.Professor Hunt has been Rector of ACU National’s Ballarat Campus since 2002 whilecontinuing her academic roles as lecturer, thesis supervisor and examiner.“I’m honoured to be appointed to the role of Dean of this new and exciting Faculty ofTheology and Philosophy,” she said. “I am looking forward to assisting theology andphilosophy to thrive and flourish within ACU National - these two disciplines lie at thevery heart of what we strive to be and do as a distinctly Catholic university.”“Theology is one of the great loves of my life and I feel very privileged to serve theUniversity, the Church, and theological education more broadly in this way.“I particularly look forward to collaborating closely with other theological educationproviders, nationally and internationally, to promote and advance theologicaleducation in Australia.”ACU National’s Faculty of Theology and Philosophy was established this year. The Faculty has a distinctive role in fostering anever deeper understanding of the Catholic intellectual tradition through its research, scholarship and teaching in the areas ofTheology and Philosophy and to making explicit the values and beliefs which lie at the heart of Australian Catholic University.

Sovereign Hill celebrated Catholic Education Week with twoevents. In the Gold Museum we invited teachers, interestedstaff members and the general public to listen to two Ballaratnotables. Jill Blee, Board Member of the Ballarat MechanicsInstitute and novelist, spoke about the beginnings of CatholicEducation in Ballarat. Michael Taffe, Secretary of the BallaratCatholic Diocesan Historical Commission and Archivist for theDiocese of Ballarat, spoke about the material culture of theCatholic Church in Western Victoria.As a finale to Catholic Education week, a Mass was said in StAlipius Diggings Church at Sovereign Hill, celebrated by FrAdrian McInerney from St Alipius Parish, Ballarat East. TheSovereign Hill Diggings Church is a recreation of St AlipiusChurch in 1853, featuring dirt floor, rough wooden seats,timber sides and a canvas roof.Jill Blee gives a colorful explanation of Catholic education.Jill began by setting the scene in early Victoria when theCatholic population was overwhelmingly Irish, as was theclergy. She read out comments made by the district Inspector:“Much pleased with the honesty, morality and intelligence of theteachers”. The same inspector commented that there was afailure of parents to pay fees especially at the St Alipius school.A few years later, St Alipius was described as “dilapidated andbarely habitable”. A report in 1858 stated there was muchimprovement and that desks had been obtained for the children,but no blackboard and a shortage of maps, there was howevera “handsome sundial” in the school yard. Jill explained that thishad the dual purpose of teaching the children and getting theirparents to church on time on Sundays. Jill painted aninteresting and comprehensive picture of early Catholiceducation in Victoria.Michael spoke about the objects in the Gold Museum andDiocesan collections, some of which were on show on the night.The collections held by the Ballarat Diocesan HistoricalCommission, as with those relevant artifacts in the GoldMuseum, are not maintained simply for gratification or hordingpurposes. They have an important story. Michael gave somecolourful explanations of the various vestments on display. Hemanaged in his talk to draw together the theme of educationweek – ‘Walking in the Footsteps of St Paul’ and the materialculture.Paul’ and the material culture.There was a flag raising ceremony (as was the habit of FrMatthew Downing and later Fr Patrick Smyth in the 1850s)before the Mass began. Lighted candles lined the walls of theDiggings Church which created a wonderful atmosphere, asthe students sang modern known songs. Fr McInerney mademention of the faith of the Catholics on the goldfields andtheir hope for a better life. Mass began with a little Latin andexplanation of priests saying Mass with their back to thecongregation.The Sovereign Hill Education team hopes this inaugural eventwill become part of Catholic Education Week celebrationsand an opportunity for schools to have student leadershipteams involved in a bit of Catholic faith history.Annemarie Kierce, Sovereign Hill Education Officer“Paul was a tent maker - he worked in leather and textiles - atextile worker. In Ch 18 of Acts, Paul is in Corinth where hestayed with Aquila and Priscilla. We are told ‘Paul went to visitthem and when he found they were tentmakers, of the sametrade as himself, he lodged with them and they workedtogether.’”

CATHOLIC EDUCATION OFFICE - 30 YEAR AWARDS DINNERThe 30 Year Awards dinner was held on Friday, April 24,2009 at the Mercure Ballarat Hotel and Convention Centre,following the launch of the Catholic Education Week Mass.The dinner recognised the outstanding contribution madeby staff in our Diocesan schools that have completed 30years of service. Five staff from the Australian CatholicUniversity, Ballarat Campus were also recognised for their30 years of service to Catholic education, some of them asformer teachers in our schools and all of them for theircurrent roles working in teacher education.Sr Sylvia Williams was the guest speaker, who comparedand contrasted her Catholic education journey to thejourneys of St Paul. Sr Sylvia spoke of her various roles inschools around Victoria and mentioned the challenges and highlights she experienced as a Principal across a number ofschools. Her successful career culminated as Principal at St Joseph’s College Mildura.The awardees were presented with a certificate by Bishop Peter Connors.Maree Bandt St Patrick’s Primary School, St Arnaud Leon Beaton Damascus College, BallaratJennifer Coffey St Patrick’s Primary School, Port Fairy Barbara Collins St Joseph’s College, MilduraEugene Dalton OLHC Primary School, Warrnambool Dr Marian De Souza Australian Catholic UniversityCarmen Duxson Damascus College, Ballarat Julie Duynhoven Catholic Education Office, BallaratBarry Griffiths St Augustine’s Primary School, Creswick James Guinan St Joseph’s Primary School, WarrnamboolAnthony Haintz Damascus College, Ballarat Joan Guinan St Pius X Primary School, Warrnambool WtDianne Johnson St Brigid’s Primary School, Ballan Brendan Maher Emmaus Primary School, Mt ClearMark Moloney St Patrick’s Primary School, Koroit Dr Peter Morris Australian Catholic UniversitySr Mary Nuttall Australian Catholic University Sue O’Keefe Catholic Education Office, BallaratJoanne Rix Australian Catholic University Sr Annette Schneider Australian Catholic UniversityPhillip Sherry St Patrick’s College, Ballarat Lynn Stewart Monivae College, HamiltonKevin Towns St Joseph’s College, Mildura John Yurisic St Pius X Primary School, Warrnambool WtPeter Kerwan, Catholic Education OfficeVinnies Budget Grocery First AnniversaryOn June 25, 2009 a celebratory Dinner was held to mark the first birthday of theoperation of VBG Mildura. The dinner was a way of expressing thanks to all thevolunteers, patrons and benefactors who have helped with the store.Thanks were also expressed to Bob and Pat Pollock who have given an amazingcommitment to this project and have spent countless hours to bring the project tofruition.The aim of the VBG is to provide grocery items, fresh fruit and vegetables and meat atcheaper prices for those on low incomes. All are welcome to use the shop because themore stock we sell, the cheaper the prices can be.The second aim of the project is to provide training and expertise for the manyvolunteers who help in the store. In the last twelve months ten people have moved onto paid employment in various fields.PhotosTop: Shirley & Brian Stephens cutthe birthday cakeLeft: Red Cliff ConferenceMembers B & M Pollock & Fr FrankMonaghanRight: Fr Tom Brophy - MilduraParish Priest, Garry Webb – StVincent de Paul, & Cr Mark Eckel

CONTINUED SUCCESS FOR THE CATHOLIC DEVELOPMENT FUND(CDF)The successful operation of the Catholic Development Fund continues to provide a reliable source of income for thepastoral initiatives and services offered by the Diocese of Ballarat. The CDF are able to report that it has experiencedanother year of exceptional growth in 2008. Deposit holdings, loan balances, reserves and total assets have all increasedsignificantly. The surplus for the year is yet again an improvement on the previous years result.ResultsOur financial result continues to improve.Some significant highlights of the years results worth noting include:-• Surplus up by 25%• Deposit funds up by 5%• Loan balances up by 17%• Reserves up by 15%• Total assets grew by 6%• Contributions to Diocese increased by 18%Total AssetsDistribution to the Diocese8060$million402001998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 200870000 060000 050000 040000 030000 020000 010000 0019 98 1999 200 0 20 01 2 002 2003 200 4 20 05 2 006 2007 200 8The improvement in earnings has enabled us to maintain our annual contribution to the Retired Priests Fund, furtherincrease our distribution to the Diocese and again significantly increase our reserves which are now well in excess of$7.4m.The year’s surplus has been distributed as follows:-• Retired Priests Fund $ 50,000• Diocese of Ballarat $ 600,000• Retained Earnings $ 961,639Total $ 1,611,639LoansFor the second year in a row, loans advanced to parishes and schools in our Diocese exceeded $9,000,000. Thishighlights that strong development continues to occur right throughout the Diocese. Loans outstanding at years endamounted to $35,389,640 which is over $5.3 million more than at the same time last year.DepositsDeposits with the CDF are not a donation. While every dollar you deposit works for the benefit of the Diocese, at the sametime it earns you a healthy return, free of administrative fees and charges.The success that the CDF has achieved has been due to the support and loyalty that we receive from depositors, clergy,parishes, schools and colleges and other catholic entities. Thank you for your support in making the CDF such an integralpart of the Diocese.Please feel free to contact the Fund on 1800 134 100 for further information.Recent projectspartially fundedfrom the CDF:Right:DamascusCollegeLeft:St Augustine’sPrimary SchoolCreswick

Visit of Karl Schultzto the Ballarat DioceseOctober 2-22, 2009Karl A Schultz is the Director of the Genesis Personal Development Centre in Pittsburgh. He is anauthor, speaker and retreat leader on personal and organisational development and biblicalspirituality, particularly the practice and application of lectio divina to such topics as:Parish and Family SpiritualityPotential Fulfilment and WellnessGender Relations and CommunicationsTime and Stress ManagementCare-giving and SufferingJournalingTheology of the BodyThe teachings of Pope Paul VIKarl has presented programs in diocesan, Church, retreat, corporate, hospital, hospice, association and conventionenvironments throughout the United States and Canada. He has discussed his work on numerous television and radioprograms, including several EWTN programs.Karl will spend weekends in three major centres in the Diocese - Hamilton (October 2-5), Horsham (October 9-12) and Ballarat(October 16-19). There is also a possibility for him to visit other centres during the week. The program for the Ballarat Dioceseis yet to be fully finalized, but it is expected that sessions will include a full day on using Lectio Divina, a Retreat for Men,Christian Time Management, Spirituality for Busy People and a gathering for Youth.Parishes will receive a final copy of the Karl’s timetable and some promotional material by the end of August. Further enquiriesto Vin Dillon (ph. 53377125) or vin.dillon@ballarat.catholic.org.auNew Statue for MaryboroughLast August Fr Ed Moloney and Fr Marcello Colasante from the Dioceseof Ballarat, together with Fr Brendan Hogan and Fr Michael Williamsonfrom the Diocese of Sale, accompanied Fr Lihn Tran and Fr Nhan Le fora holiday and visit to their homeland of Vietnam. Fr Nhan Le and FrLihn Tran, who both came from Vietnam as Refugees when theywere teenagers, are both now working as priests in the Archdiocese ofMelbourne.Whilst in Vietnam, the priests attended a celebration to mark the Feastof the Assumption of Mary into heaven to which over 600,000 attended.The gathering was larger than World Youth Day, which had been held inSydney a month earlier. During the trip, Fr Nhan Le purchased a statueof St Joseph to be placed in the Church at Emerald and Fr Edpurchased a statue of Our Lady to be placed in the gardens of theChurch and school grounds of St Augustine’s, Maryborough. A numberof hurdles were encountered along the way in transporting the statuesby sea from Vietnam to Australia. There was even a suspicion from custom authorities that Mary and Joseph containeddrugs!!! A reminder that all things were not smooth sailing for the real Mary and Joseph when they escaped to Egypt!!Many parishioners helped out in preparing the place for Mary. BrendanDwyer and Peter Weir built the grotto to house the statue and Frank andMichael Fitzgibbon collected the statue from Melbourne. The Crameri,Dridan and Pascoe families also helped with the lighting and installation ofthe Grotto and statue. Blue stones were provided by the Moloneybrothers from Kolora and the Maryborough Council. Finally after ninemonths of preparation and negotiations, parishioners from St Augustine’sgathered around a newly erected Grotto to Bless the statue of Mary afterthe Saturday evening Vigil Mass on April 24 . A few hours after Mary wasinstalled in the Grotto, rain began to fall. Hopefully a sign of things tocome!May Our Lady watch over and protect the people of Maryborough andbeyond.

Reconciliation & Right Relationships Resourcesat the Diocesan Resource CentreDVD: APOLOGY TO THE STOLEN GENERATIONThe apology in Federal Parliament to the Stolen Generations of Australia, by Prime Minister Kevin Rudd was a defining momentin the nation's history. Crowds gathered across the country to mark the occasion with tears, cheers and emotional displays ofrelief, happiness and in some cases, anger.Presented by Tony Jones (Lateline) and Miriam Corowa (Message Stick) this DVD includes complete coverage of the speechesand proceedings with expert analysis and reaction from members of Australia's Stolen Generation.As seen on ABCTV 1 & 2 8.55am Wednesday, 13 February 2008CD AUDIO: WIHISPERS OF PEACEA wonderful new resource for worship and peacemaking has been made available by the National Council of Churches inAustralia.BOOK:Rue, Charles. (2009). THE LET THE SON SHINE: AN AUSTRALIAN CATHOLIC RESPONSE TO CLIMATE CHANGE.Strathfield, NSW: Columban Mission Institute.Christian beliefs can help people to identify the central values they bring to the climate change issue. Faith can be a source ofcourage to help people urgently confront the changes needed in their individual and community lifestyles. Catholics need tocooperate with others on the climate challenge at a deep level, but at this time they must strive to get the church’s own house inorder. Neglect would be a sin of omission.PICTURE STORY BOOK:Weninger, Brigitte. WHAT HAVE YOU DONE DAVEY?What is it about Davey that keeps landing him in trouble? He means well, but wherever he goes accidents happen. LuckilyDavey has a close and loving family who shows him that if he makes up for his mistakes he will soon be forgiven.All titles are available for loan from the Diocesan Religious Education Resource Centre5 Lyons Street South, PO Box 576, Ballarat 3353Ph: 03 5337 7149, Fax: 03 5333 5048e-mail: jkingston@ceoballarat.catholic.edu.auWeb Site: http://www.ballarat.catholic.org.au or http://www.ceoballarat.catholic.edu.au/libraryBishop Returns to his RootsBishop Les was also pleasedto renew acquaintances withformer class mates and parishioners in the sharing of a cup of tea afterMasses in Mildura and Red Cliffs.On Monday July 13, Bishop Les celebrated Mass for the pupils ofSacred Heart Primary School and visited St Joseph’s College.Photos: Top – Bishop Les with his sister, Jan GaffyRight: Fr Tom Brophty, Bishop Les, Fr Frank Monaghan andFr Matthew ThomasOn July 11, 2008 recently ordained Auxiliary Bishop of Melbourne, Leslie Tomlinson,returned to Sacred Heart Parish Mildura for a visit. Bishop Les was accompanied byhis sister, Jan Gaffy.Bishop Tomlinson celebrated the evening Mass on Saturday night and was officiallywelcomed back to his old parish by the Vice-Chairman of the Sacred Heart PastoralCouncil, Mr Brian Grogan.In his homily Bishop Les paid tribute to the role Sacred Heart Parish, priests(particularly Fr Frank Monaghan) and people paid in the nurturing of his faith and hisvocation to the priesthood. He also thanked the sisters of Mercy for the goodeducation he received at Sacred Heart Primary School, St Joseph’s Red Cliffs and StJoseph’s College.

When I was appointed Bishop of Ballarat twelve years ago, I was required to choose a motto for my Crest to be used forofficial documentation. By an act of God’s providence I decided upon “That we may be one”. I saw it as a response to theprayer of Jesus at the Last Supper, when he prayed that his disciples might “be one as you Father are in me and I am inyou. May they be one in us; so that the world may believe that you have sent me” (John 17: 21).A few years previously in May 1995, Pope John Paul II had published an Encyclical Letter “On Commitment to Ecumenism”which he introduced with the same theme: “That they may be one”. One of my first duties was to sign a covenant forgreater co-operation between the Anglican and the Catholic Dioceses of Ballarat.My close association with the late Archbishop Frank Little over many years, prompted me to reflect on the importance ofunity among all Christians if we are to give true witness to Jesus Christ. Archbishop Little was renowned for hiscommitment to the cause of Christian Unity.Our whole nation felt relieved and involved when Prime Minister Kevin Rudd said “Sorry” to our indigenous brothers andsisters, in Federal Parliament in February 2008. It was an important step along the road to true reconciliation, with thosewho have suffered so much over the past two hundred years.On several occasions I have expressed my sincere regret and apology for the suffering and trauma caused by the actionsof some of our priests. I know that this will be for the survivors but one step upon the road towards healing, and perhapsone day being reconciled with the Church.Because we are human and capable of sin, reconciliation is at the heart of life’s business. We recall the many occasionswhen Jesus dealt with the issue of forgiveness and of the need to be reconciled with our sisters and brothers before we canapproach God (cf. Matthew 18: 21 -22; Luke 17:33-34). The final prayer of Jesus on the Cross was for the forgiveness ofhis executioners (cf. Luke 23:34).The parable of the Prodigal Son is above all the story of the inexpressible love of a Father – God – who offers to his sonwhen he comes back to him, the gift of full reconciliation. The elder son portrays the selfishness that divides the brothers.Sadly it is the story of the human family.Let us keep before our eyes the image of the Prodigal Son, whose anxiety for conversion represents those who are awareof the existence in their inmost hearts, of a longing for reconciliation at all levels and without reserve.+ Peter J ConnorsBISHOP OF BALLARAT“We forgive freely or we do not really forgive at all."Lewis B. Smedes - Forgive & Forget:Healing the Hurts We Don't Deserve