Catholic Outlook September 2015
Catholic Outlook September 2015
Catholic Outlook September 2015
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CatholicOutlook
The official publication of the Diocese of Parramatta
VOLUME 18, SEPTEMBER 2015
CELEBRATING FATHER’S DAY
A father needs to ‘be close to his children as they grow:
when they play and when they strive … when they are
carefree and when they are distressed, when they are
talkative and when they are silent …’
(Pope Francis)
page 10
CARING FOR
THOSE WHO
CARED
Please give generously to
the Father’s Day Appeal for
Retired and Sick Priests.
page 3
IT’S AN
HONOUR
Diocesan awards recognise
service and commitment to
Church and community.
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
As many of you know, my postgraduate
study was in liturgy and I try to keep up in
the field by receiving various publications
and journals.
Recently, the latest copy of Worship (from
the Benedictines in Collegeville, US)
arrived, and in a regular column called
‘The Amen Corner’, there was an article by
my friend and colleague, Fr Paul Turner,
with the title: ‘Between Consultation and
Faithfulness: Questions That Won’t Go
Away.’
In the opening paragraphs he makes
mention of a venerable letter from
Decentius, the Bishop of Gubbio, sent
to Pope Innocent I on 19 March 416 in
which he sought advice from the Pope on a
number of liturgical questions.
The first of these concerned the Greeting
of Peace and where it should be placed in
the liturgy.
The Roman tradition had always been that
it was placed after the Lord’s Prayer and
before the reception of Holy Communion.
This is attested to by many early Roman
Church documents and even by St
Augustine in one of his sermons where
the custom had also been adopted by the
Church of Hippo in North Africa.
It would seem that some of the clergy
in Gubbio wanted to place the Greeting
of Peace at the offertory and before the
Eucharistic Prayer, which was, and is still,
the custom in the churches of the East.
What intrigued Fr Paul Turner was, and
to quote: “Why – after 1600 years – are
we still hearing differences about the sign
of peace? ... People argue over when the
peace should take place, whether it should
take place, and, if it takes place, how
should it be done?”
The extension of the Greeting of Peace to
all who participate in a Eucharistic liturgy
was one of the reforms that emerged from
the Second Vatican Council, but is one
reform that had not really been properly
understood and which still sits, I think,
uneasily with many people in the assembly.
The practice of Christians greeting each
other with a Holy Kiss is very ancient
and St Paul mentions it four times at the
conclusion of his letters and St Peter in one
of his letters.
Ritually, it found its way into the very
earliest Eucharistic celebrations and it
would seem that this exchange, either
during the liturgy or at the end of it,
had profound meaning to the Christian
community.
FROM THE DIOCESAN ADMINISTRATOR
Very Rev Peter G Williams
The Greeting of Peace
In the Greeting of Peace we are united by the common bond of Baptism. Photo: Alfred Boudib.
Clearly then, it was not some casual
greeting or awkward exchange.
The most recent edition of the General
Instruction of the Roman Missal explains
its purpose and meaning: “There follows
the Rite of Peace, by which the Church
entreats peace and unity for herself and
for the whole human family, and the
faithful express to each other their ecclesial
communion and mutual charity before
communicating in the Sacrament.”
What does it mean to express ecclesial
communion and mutual charity?
Firstly, the exchange is a gesture. Unlike
the Tridentine Rite where at High Mass the
clergy in the sanctuary said “Pax tecum”
(peace be with you) there are not meant
to be any words uttered in the reformed
rite. The gesture is a sign that requires no
words.
In the Australian adaptations to the Missal,
authorised by the Bishops, it states that
the gesture is to be a hand clasp to those
immediately around you.
The ecclesial communion expressed here
is that often those we greet in this manner
are not necessarily known to us personally,
but are united to us by the common bond
of Baptism.
The other meaning relates to mutual
charity. It is a desire to intend to live in
harmony and love with other members of
the Christian community.
Sadly, this solemn moment before the
reception of Holy Communion often
becomes in some congregations a ‘break
out’ moment where general chatter and
free movement erupts in the assembly.
I am convinced this occurs because
there has been inadequate catechesis
on this part of the rite and some are
clearly embarrassed and default to casual
conversation.
In the Maronite rite that I sometimes
attend, this Greeting of Peace has
somewhat more decorum and while it
is placed following the ancient Eastern
liturgical tradition before the Eucharistic
Prayer, it is a very ordered yet a moving
and meaningful exchange.
Given the fact that life in the Church and
in parishes can be fractious at times as
we discern what is the best way to live the
life of the Gospel, and our own personal
lives can also periodically be a source
of disquiet, this moment in the liturgy
provides a privileged opportunity to
restore ourselves grounded in the peace
that only Christ can give.
It might well be worthwhile for clergy
and liturgy committees in our parishes to
revisit the Greeting of Peace with a view to
inviting a revised practice with appropriate
liturgical formation.
Signs and gestures are important means
of communicating that which otherwise
cannot be expressed in words.
Our liturgy is a treasure trove of such
signs that lead us to the mystery of God
expressed in the person of Christ to whom
we are united in the Eucharist as a visible
expression of His Body.
Let us not lose that moment, which can
express such a profound understanding of
who we are in Christ.
With my prayers,
Very Rev Peter G Williams
Diocesan Administrator
CONTENTS
NEWS & EVENTS
YEAR OF
CONSECRATED LIFE
FAMILY & LIFE
NEWS FROM THE CCD
DIOCESAN PASTORAL
PLAN
2015 FATHER’S DAY
APPEAL
CATHOLIC
EDUCATION
CATHOLICCARE
SOCIAL SERVICES
CATHOLIC YOUTH
DIOCESAN HONOURS
LAUDATO SI’
SOCIAL JUSTICE
CatholicOutlook
The official publication of the Diocese of Parramatta
Publisher:
Very Rev Peter G Williams
Diocesan Administrator
Tel (02) 8838 3400
Fax (02) 9630 4813
PO Box 3066,
North Parramatta, NSW, 1750
Email: diocese@parra.catholic.org.au
Website: www.parra.catholic.org.au
Editor:
Jane Favotto
Tel (02) 8838 3409
editor@parra.catholic.org.au
PO Box 3066,
North Parramatta, NSW, 1750
Journalists:
Adrian Middeldorp
Elizabeth McFarlane
Designer:
Aphrodite Delaguiado
School news:
Catholic Education Office
Tel (02) 9840 5683
news@parra.catholic.edu.au
Deadlines:
Editorial and advertising
– 10th of the month prior to publication
Advertising:
Tel (02) 8838 3409
Accounts:
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Tel (02) 8838 3437
ARamirez@parra.catholic.org.au
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Printing:
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Warm welcome for
Archbishop Miller
NEWS & EVENTS
Diocesan honours include
2 new awards By Elizabeth McFarlane
During lunch, Archbishop Miller spoke about the Church in Vancouver. Photo: Alfred Boudib.
The Archbishop of Vancouver, Most
Rev J Michael Miller CSB, addressed
a gathering of Clergy, Principals and
Religious Education Coordinators (RECs)
at a forum at Rosehill Gardens Racecourse
on 6 August.
Archbishop Miller has served as
Secretary of the Vatican’s Congregation for
Catholic Education and Vice President of
the Pontifical Work of Priestly Vocations.
Over lunch with diocesan clergy and
clergy from the Archdiocese of Sydney and
the Diocese of Broken Bay, the Archbishop
gave a talk about the Church in Vancouver.
The day was a celebration of St
John Vianney Day with Jubilarians
acknowledged including Rev Robert
Anderson and Rev Paul Hanna, both 50
years, and Rev Chris Sharah FSF and Rev
Giovani Presiga, both 25 years, from the
Diocese of Parramatta.
In the morning, Archbishop Miller
gave a keynote address to Principals and
RECs entitled, ‘Educating for today and
tomorrow: a renewing passion’.
In his address, he said Catholic schools
played a vital role in the evangelising
mission of the Church, asking the
question, “is personal witness to the
Gospel evident in the life of a school?”
“It is necessary now, more than ever, to
make people aware of the responsibility to
give witness to Christ and the Gospel,” he
said.
“In addition to all the other things
Catholic teachers do, they have the
proclamation of the Gospel at the centre of
everything they do.
“The best way anyone supports it is
by personal witness of life, being a joyful
Christian around students and on occasion
to share explicitly what makes their own
heart sing.
“Teaching is one of the noblest
vocations because you touch the
minds, the hearts, the souls of the next
generation.”
The Executive Director of Schools,
Greg Whitby, said Archbishop Miller
challenged leaders in their work of
Catholic schooling.
“Archbishop Miller brings an
understanding of the universal Church
and affirmed our direction of ‘renewing
and adapting’,” Greg said.
“In a simple yet powerful way he asked
the hard questions and laid before our
leaders four challenges if they are to truly
lead schools that live up to the evangelising
mission of the Church.
“At the heart of his challenge is the call
to act and be Church, not just talk about
being Church.”
Sr Monica Armstrong SGS received the Diocesan Medal of Honour in recognition of her compassion and
dedication to her parish of St Matthew’s, Windsor, and St Thomas Aquinas Primary, Springwood. Sr Monica was
congratulated by St Thomas Aquinas’ Principal Sergio Rosato, Sr Veronica Griffith SGS and Sr Moya Weissenfeld
SGS (right).
The recipients of two new categories
of awards were among those who
received diocesan honours at a
ceremony in St Patrick’s Cathedral on 7
August.
Following vespers, the Diocesan
Administrator, Very Rev Peter G Williams,
presented the inaugural Diocesan Citation
of Merit for Youth and the Diocesan
Certificate of Recognition, together with
the Diocesan Medal of Honour.
Award recipients included seven
Citations of Merit for Youth, one
Certificate of Recognition, 48 Medals of
Honour and two posthumous Medals of
Honour.
The Diocesan Citation of Merit for
Youth seeks to encourage and recognise
young adults between the ages of 18 and 25
who have shown outstanding contribution
and service to the parish, Diocese and
community.
The Diocesan Certificate of
Recognition seeks to encourage and
recognise outstanding contribution by
non-Catholic members of the community
for work supporting the parish, Diocese
and community.
These new awards are in addition to
the Diocesan Medal of Honour, which
was instituted by the previous Bishop of
Parramatta, Most Rev Anthony Fisher OP,
in 2012.
The Medal of Honour seeks to
encourage and recognise outstanding
contribution and service by members of
the diocesan community in work on behalf
of the Church and society. It is awarded
for outstanding services to parish, Diocese
and community.
Fr Peter Williams said the recipients
were “honouring their Baptism and
proving that the Holy Spirit can work in
the lives of ordinary human beings.”
He said the night was about
“honouring the fact that the Grace of
God can work in those who have opened
themselves up to the Holy Spirit.”
See Pages 17-19 of this issue for the full
list of award recipients.
A photo gallery can be viewed on
Flickr – CatholicDioceseofParramatta
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CatholicOutlook | SEPTEMBER 2015 3
NEWS & EVENTS
Men, women and children wait for help in the Dadaab refugee camp in Somalia. Photo: hikrcn/Shutterstock.com
FOR THOSE WHO’VE COME ACROSS THE SEAS:
Justice for refugees and asylum seekers
This year’s Social Justice Statement by
Australia’s Catholic bishops is entitled,
For Those Who’ve Come Across the
Seas: Justice for refugees and asylum seekers.
The Social Justice Statement for 2015–16
challenges Australians to think again about
our national response to asylum seekers,
especially those who come by sea. It invites
us to recognise the desperation that has
driven these people to seek refuge far from
their homes.
The title, taken from the words of our
National Anthem, is intended to remind all
Australians of how this nation has aspired to
be a place of welcome and inclusion.
The bishops address the divisive national
debate over asylum seekers, especially those
who arrive by boat. They confront Australia’s
current deterrence-based response and
remind us of the needs of the nearly 60
million people who are displaced around the
world.
The statement takes its inspiration from
the actions and words of Pope Francis on his
2013 visit to the Italian island of Lampedusa,
where he met the survivors of a refugee
tragedy and mourned for those who had
died.
It begins and ends with the Pope’s own
words and is strongly based on the Scriptures
and Catholic teaching.
The bishops’ document traces the
experiences of asylum seekers from their
flight from persecution and danger, through
their perilous journeys, to their experience in
Australia of indefinite detention, deprivation
and insecurity.
It asks why both sides of Australian
politics have felt the need to introduce such
cruel and self-defeating policies as offshore
processing and indefinite detention.
This Social Justice Sunday we are invited
to reflect on the call of Jesus to welcome
those in most need and to give comfort to
those who come to us in flight from fear and
suffering.
Complementary resources
The Australian Catholic Social Justice
Council’s website will have resources
available for download free of charge on
10 September. They will include Social
Justice Sunday liturgy notes, a PowerPoint
presentation and community and education
resources.
Prayer Cards and Ten Steps leaflets can
be ordered from the Council tel (02) 8306
3499 or admin@acsjc.org.au
Catholics tackle housing crisis
in New South Wales
By Elizabeth McFarlane
Housing is a fundamental human need
because it provides security and a
bedrock for raising a family, but
to be able to access housing it needs to be
affordable.
The Family & Life Office and the Social
Justice Office of the Catholic Diocese of
Parramatta organised and ran a Table Talk
on Housing Affordability at the Institute for
Mission in Blacktown on 19 August.
The night gathered Catholics from across
the Diocese to share their personal struggles
in finding and buying a house, as well as the
issues faced when renting.
Jon O’Brien from UnitingCare NSW
provided statistics on the night.
House prices in Australia are the second
most expensive in the world but the option
to rent is limited, with a shortage of 539,000
rental properties.
The largest number of homeless
Australians are in NSW. Unaffordable housing
is clearly rife and it is the low income and
disadvantaged who are wearing the costs.
Social housing is in demand but people can
be waiting for up to 10 years to secure a place
to live.
A young family also gave a glimpse into
the issues surrounding renting for those with
very young children, “We have to tell our kids
to behave so the agent doesn’t think we’re
going to destroy the house. The whole system
is very hard for young families.”
For those who attended the evening Table
Talk, it was obvious that the personal stories
were also very much a public story.
Ben Smith, Director of the Family
and Life Office, spoke on the night about
why Catholics should care about housing
affordability. “To be denied housing is to lose
a sense of dignity and to lose a sense of hope,”
he said.
“As Catholics, we believe everyone is made
in the image of God and has an inherent
dignity. We believe families are of the utmost
importance to our faith community, using the
Holy Family as our guiding star.”
Affordable housing increases financial
stress, leading many to work extensive hours.
Pope Francis warned against this way of living
the day before the event in his weekly general
audience:
“When work separates itself from the
Finding a place to live is a critical issue for many young
families. Photo: Elizabeth McFarlane.
covenant of God with man and woman, when
it separates itself from their spiritual qualities,
when it is hostage to the logic of only profit
and scorns the attachments of life, the
discouragement of the soul contaminates all:
even the air, the water, the herbs, food.”
Sister Louise McKeogh FMA, Coordinator
of the Social Justice Office, said that being a
nun does not make housing affordability any
less relevant to her.
“My family couldn’t afford a lot and we
lived on the outskirts of Melbourne,” she said.
“My dad was a builder. He built our house and
he even built the Catholic School and Church
I attended. He built a home for the whole
community.
“I know what having a home means and
why it is important. I also have four nieces
and nephews who are all still at home and I
can see the impacts on them.”
The night’s organisers made sure that the
discussion led to practical engagement with
the community. The ‘asks’ on the night were:
1. For the NSW Government to commit
to a formal plan, with numerical targets, to
increase the supply of social and affordable
housing in NSW over the next four years. The
plan should be developed on a cross-portfolio
basis within the NSW government and in
partnership with the Federal Government.
2. For a new planning provision to be
created for all new developers, building in
30% affordable housing at the seven Urban
Growth precincts. Inclusionary zoning
requires a given share of new construction to
be affordable by people with low to moderate
incomes.
4 CatholicOutlook | SEPTEMBER 2015
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YEAR OF CONSECRATED LIFE
Religious called to ‘Wake up the World’
By Sr Ailsa Mackinnon RSM
The day’s celebrations for the Year of Consecrated Life began with a Solemn Mass in St Patrick’s Cathedral. Photos: Alfred Boudib.
Mass was celebrated on the 2nd Sunday in National Vocations Awareness
Week.
The Schoenstatt Sisters’ display stand at the Vocations Fest.
It was standing room only in St Patrick’s
Cathedral in Parramatta on 9 August
as many religious gathered with
parishioners during National Vocations
Awareness Week to celebrate the Year of
Consecrated Life.
The Diocesan Administrator, Very Rev
Peter Williams, was the principal celebrant
for the 11am Solemn Mass, which was
concelebrated by Emeritus Bishop Kevin
Manning, many of the religious priests
in the Diocese and the priests of the
Cathedral Parish.
Specially selected hymns
complemented the readings of the day. In
an inspiring homily, Fr Peter encouraged
the congregation to aspire to the heights of
Christian life, just as the founders of many
religious orders have done in the past.
The celebrations then moved to the
Cloister, where there were displays of the
lives and works of many of the religious
congregations who minister in Western
Sydney.
The Cathedral hospitality team
graciously provided lunch while the
visitors perused the displays.
Guests then sat down to listen to talks
Enjoying the Vocations Fest are, from left: Sr Justina Pham
CMR, Sr Margaritta Vu CMR, Sr Kate Atkins MGL, and Fr John
Paul Escarlan.
on aspects of religious life – reflections
from religious on how religious life is
lived, reflections from those who had been
educated in schools conducted by religious
congregations and inputs from family
members on the impact the religious had
on the family.
The MC was stand-up comic and
television star Rob Shehadie, who provided
plenty of entertainment in the midst of
inspirational and insightful reflections.
The day concluded with a holy hour
of prayer and benediction during which
those gathered prayed for vocations to
Sr Rosie Drum MGL entertains the guests with her guitar playing.
consecrated life. The religious of the
Diocese are grateful for the support of all
the people.
Father Peter’s concluding words are
still ringing in our ears – we don’t know
what challenges the future will bring, yet
we do know that religious life will endure
in our Church.
Pope Francis has challenged religious
to ‘Wake up the World’. May religious life
not only endure, but flourish.
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5
FAMILY & LIFE
Witnessing
to the
strength
and value
of marriage
With Bishop Anthony Fisher OP at Celebrating the Journey last year are Morna and John Faehrmann, who have been married for more than 50 years.
Jonathan Doyle, renowned speaker on relationships and
founder of Choicez Media, in his address to the 2015 Faith
in Marriage Conference on 23 August outlined to the
audience the transforming nature of the witness to marriage
and family life by Christians in ancient Rome.
On Sunday 20 September, the Celebrating the Journey
Mass will be such an example of witness to the strength and
value of lifelong marriage.
Each year many couples in the Diocese attend this special
Mass of witness to blessings and longevity of their marriages.
All couples celebrating anniversaries of 25 years or more
and their families are warmly invited to attend the 11am Mass
in Saint Patrick’s Cathedral in Parramatta.
The Diocesan Administrator, Very Rev Peter Williams, will
be the Principal Celebrant.
Those couples celebrating significant anniversaries of 25,
30, 35, 40, 45, 50 years and over will receive a certificate of
blessing. All couples and their families are invited to attend a
light lunch in the Cathedral hall afterwards.
To participate in Celebrating the Journey this year please
register by 12 September through your Parish Secretary or
contact CatholicCare Social Services Diocese of Parramatta tel
(02) 9933 0222 or send an email to: marriage@ccss.org.au
NEW APPOINTMENTS
The Diocesan Administrator, Very
Rev Peter G Williams, has confirmed
the following appointments in the
Catholic Diocese of Parramatta:
Rev Christopher Antwi-Boasiako
Administrator
Padre Pio Parish, Glenmore Park
From 6 September 2015
Rev George Suresh Kumar
Incardinated into the
Diocese of Parramatta
11 August 2015
Mr Richard McMahon
Director of Pastoral Planning &
Implementation
From 28 September 2015
Rev Walter Fogarty
Chair, Diocesan Interfaith
Commission
Greg Whitby
Chair, Diocesan Ecumenical
Commission
RETIRING
Paul Worthington will be retiring
as Director of the Confraternity of
Christian Doctrine (CCD) on
18 December 2015
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Fatherhood: A journey that changes you forever
By Ben Smith, Director of the Family & Life Office
I
hope all fathers enjoy the presents and affection they
receive on Father’s Day on 6 September. The wonderful
hand-made cards that I get from my children are
special and make me reflect on how fatherhood has
changed me over the past 10 years. I believe these changes
have been at an emotional, a physiological and a spiritual
level. This process has been aided by the paternity leave
that has allowed me to spend at least three weeks at home
after the birth of each of my five children.
Emotionally, I am more vulnerable now that I have
children and I have developed the capacity to shed a tear
or two, especially when I am away from home and missing
my family. This tendency is new and I think it has resulted
from the emotional bonds that I have developed with my
wife and children.
At a physiological level, I can recall how in the lead-up
to the birth of a new child, I experienced a vagueness that
meant that I became a little forgetful. I think it could be a
form of baby brain syndrome.
But isn’t this syndrome something that only pregnant
women experience? My scientifically trained mind
ignored this experience as I thought it was a figment of
my imagination.
But that all changed when I discovered the results of
some recent research studies on this topic. Firstly, in 2011,
US researchers from Northwestern University found that
fathers experienced a reduction in testosterone after their
baby was born.
Another group of US researchers from the University
of Michigan in 2014 found that these changes in
testosterone also occured in fathers before their child was
born.
The researchers believe that the reduction in
testosterone may reduce the level of aggression in males
Proud father Joseph Younes cradles his firstborn son, Charlie.
and make them more committed to helping nurture their
child. Now there is an explanation for my prenatal baby
brain!
But other researchers have discovered changes in the
levels of other hormones. A study published in 2010 by
Israeli researchers from Bar-Ilan University found that
fathers experienced an increase in bonding hormones
such as oxytocin and prolactin.
The size and duration of these hormonal changes is
impacted by the level of involvement that fathers have in
caring for their newborn child.
This new area of research is bound to reveal a range of
amazing discoveries and enhance our understanding of
FAMILY & LIFE
the biological basis of fatherhood and its importance in
the upbringing of children.
At a spiritual level, fatherhood has taught me to be a
lot less selfish. I no longer get to watch much sport on the
television and it doesn’t really bother me too much.
I regularly have an interrupted sleep but I am happy to
tuck my kids back into bed and I love saying a little prayer
with them to settle them down. This level of self-sacrifice
would have seemed impossible before I became a father.
Being a father has developed my spirituality as I now
see myself as the spiritual leader of my family. I have
grown as a person to be able to be a strong leader to my
five strong-willed children. I have had to reflect on the
example I give my children in matters big and small. A
father’s behaviour has a big impact on their children.
Pope Francis spoke about the importance of fathers
in his general audience on 4 February this year. He spoke
about the need for a father to “be close to his children as
they grow: when they play and when they strive, when they
are carefree and when they are distressed, when they are
talkative and when they are silent, when they are daring
and when they are afraid, when they take a wrong step and
when they find their path again; a father who is always
present.” He also pointed out that “a good father knows
how to wait and knows how to forgive from the depths of his
heart.”
The change that men undergo when they become
fathers prepares them to play an indispensable role in
their family. Good fathers find time to be present to their
children. When fathers let their work take priority over
their family, their wife and children can suffer.
St Joseph is a great model for fathers. While he was a
man of few words his example spoke volumes to his foster
son, Jesus, the Word of God.
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CatholicOutlook | SEPTEMBER 2015 7
NEWS FROM THE CCD
Celebrating the service of Special Religious Educators
Bishop Kevin with recipients of the Papal Award for 20
years of SRE service.
Representatives of Catholic schools whose students support parishes in providing SRE in state primary
schools. Photos: Alfred Boudib.
Last month’s annual Mass for the
Confraternity of Christian Doctrine
(CCD) and presentation of service
awards was a wonderful celebration
and acknowledgement of the dedicated
ministry of SRE personnel across the
Diocese.
The Diocesan Administrator, Very Rev
Peter Williams, was the principal celebrant
for the Mass on 21 August at St Paul the
Apostle Parish, Winston Hills.
Awards were presented to 58 SRE
personnel whose length of service ranged
from 15 to 40 years.
More than 500 people attended the
Mass, which was concelebrated by Bishop
Emeritus Kevin Manning and 13 priests
assisted by two deacons, two seminarians,
an acolyte and altar servers.
Fr Peter spoke of the important
evangelising role that SREs undertake on
behalf of each parish.
The Diocesan CCD Director, Paul
Worthington, spoke on behalf of the
retired SRE Parish Coordinators and
commended their service to their parishes,
their SRE teams and their support for their
parish priests.
Bishop Kevin presented the years of
service and Papal Awards for the 20-year
Bishop Kevin presents Lesley
Bosci with her 35 years of service
award.
Norma Carlon receives her award
from Fr Peter Williams for teaching
the whole school in the Megalong
Valley for the past 25 years.
recipients. The Chair of the CCD Advisory
Board, Fr Ian McGinnity, presented
Graduate Certificates to Level 3 personnel.
This year, parishes have also been
supported by students from 18 Catholic
secondary schools. More than 500 students
are involved in teaching and supporting
SRE parish teams.
These young people are a wonderful
resource for the parishes and a great help
to experienced SREs and certainly the
students in state primary schools.
Paul Worthington will retire as CCD
Director on 18 December. He was lavish
in his praise for members of the diocesan
Fr Ian McGinnity with Level 3 award recipients.
CCD Team for their wonderful work as a
servant ministry to the parishes.
It was excellent to see four CCD
Regional Coordinators receive service
awards for their commitment to their own
parishes.
Celebrating the Journey
Diocesan Development Fund
Catholic Diocese of Parramatta
Supporting the
growing needs of the
institutions and agencies within
the Catholic Diocese of Parramatta
www.parra.catholic.org.au/ddf
St Patrick’s Cathedral
on Sunday
20 September
at 11am
Open to all married couples and
their families but with special
acknowledgement to those
couples who have significant
wedding anniversaries
of 25 years and over.
The Diocesan Administrator,
Very Rev Peter Williams, will
be the Principal Celebrant
for the Mass and will
host lunch afterwards.
Disclosure Statement
The Diocesan Development Fund Catholic Diocese of Parramatta (DDF) is not subject to the provisions of the Corporation Act 2001 nor has it been examined or approved
by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission.
Deposits with the DDF are guaranteed by CDPF Limited, a company established by the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference for this purpose.
We welcome your investment with the DDF rather than with a profit oriented commercial organisation as 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 prudentially supervised by the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority;
contributions to the DDF do not obtain the benefit of the depositor protection provisions of the Banking Act 1959; the DDF is designed for investors who wish to promote
the charitable purposes of the DDF.
Couples celebrating
anniversaries of 25, 30, 35,
40, 45, 50 years and over will
receive a certificate of blessing.
Please register by 12 September through your Parish Secretary
or contact CatholicCare Social Services
tel (02) 9933 0222 or email marriage@ccss.org.au
8 CatholicOutlook | SEPTEMBER 2015
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Great resources for parishes and groups to
advance God’s mission! By Fr Paul Roberts – Institute for Mission, Blacktown
Pastoral Plan goals
DIOCESAN PASTORAL PLAN
Many will be familiar with Faith in
Our Future, the Diocese of Parramatta’s
Pastoral Plan. It was the result of extensive
consultation led by Fr Paul Marshall and
Daniel Ang.
Daniel then contributed so richly for us as
Director of Pastoral Planning until his recent
move to assist our neighbouring Diocese of
Broken Bay.
We look forward to the arrival of Richard
McMahon on 28 September. Richard will
work with us in the key role of Director of
Pastoral Planning and Implementation.
In the meantime, the Pastoral Plan continues
where it belongs, in the hands and hearts
of those in grassroots ministry in our
communities in the Diocese. Its five key broad
goals or pastoral priorities, in summary, are:
Goal 1 – Supporting family life
Goal 2 – Connecting better with the young
Goal 3 – Building upon our ethnic diversity
Goal 4 – Growing and supporting laity and
clergy
Goal 5 – New Evangelisation
FORMING
THEYoung
&
Church Adult
A PARISH RESOURCE
IN SUPPORT OF
GOALS 2 AND 4 OF
‘Faith in Our Future
2014-2018’
GOAL 2 – CONNECTING BETTER WITH THE YOUNG
GOAL 4 – GROWING AND SUPPORTING LAITY AND CLERGY
Connecting Better with the Young
Invite and support youth and young adults to grow in holiness and to become
leading participants in the renewal of society and the Church by living their faith
with commitment and enthusiasm.
A superb resource collection to
help us is here!
Earlier in the year, helped by his parttime
staff of Margaret and Lindsay, Daniel
prepared a major collection of resource links
and suggestions to support Goals 2 and 4
of the Pastoral Plan. He drafted this into a
resource book entitled Forming the Young and
Adult Church.
A number of the diocesan agencies, especially
Catholic Youth Parramatta and the Office for
Worship, were hugely helpful in contributing
ideas to the resource book.
As well, many clergy and ministry leaders
contributed recommendations from their
pastoral experience. We recently took it
on at the Diocese’s Institute for Mission at
Blacktown to do the finishing touches to the
resource book and arrange for its publishing.
If you scan through the pages of the resource
book, you’ll see plenty of evidence of the
ministry, energy and best practice that
is being exercised through the Church’s
networks to connect people and faith.
It contains a wide spectrum of offerings from
youth ministry and leadership formation to
prayer and liturgy support to ideas for faith
formation, RCIA, seniors’ ministry, pastoral
councils and bereavement care.
Fostering a sense of belonging
Youth groups present an opportunity to develop fellowship among our Catholic
youth and foster within them a sense of belonging to parish community.
The first one related to Goals 1 and 5 and was entitled Welcome and
Evangelise. For parishes or groups who would also like more of that first
resource book, contact us at the Institute for Mission on (02) 9831 4911.
Getting the new resource book to parishes and groups
This month, our small team from the Institute for Mission is visiting
every parish in the Diocese. We’ll hand deliver a bundle of the new
resource books, Forming the Young and Adult Church, for use by parish
teams and ministry group leaders.
During these visits we also look forward to sharing outlines of the
current and upcoming initiatives of the Institute for Mission to support
the work and goals of parishes. Other groups keen to receive the new
resource book are welcome to contact us on (02) 9831 4911.
Growing and Supporting Laity and Clergy
Provide lifelong support for laity in their vocations, and grow and support our
priestly vocations as well, provide opportunities for faith formation, and encourage
the development of pastoral leadership in service to our common mission
as the People of God.
The biggest problem for parishes and groups
will be how to limit the number of resources
and new ideas they access and use, as the
opportunities suggested are many indeed.
This new resource book is the second one
available to support the Pastoral Plan.
Contact us at the IFM
Fr Paul Roberts and the team at the Institute for Mission
can be contacted on (02) 9831 4911.
Called to live the mission of the Church
‘Parish Pastoral Councils are councils of the whole church,
where priests, religious, church workers and laity all come together
and give leadership to the parish as it discerns its call to
live the mission of the Church in these times in this community.’
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CatholicOutlook | SEPTEMBER 2015 9
2015 FATHER’S DAY APPEAL
CARING FOR THOSE WHO CARED: Your support for retired and sick priests
By Elizabeth McFarlane
Your priest has been at some of your
most memorable and meaningful
family events. They were there when
you married. They were there when your
child was baptised. They were there when
you lost loved ones. They were there every
Sunday, watching your family grow, not
just in number but also in faith.
Priests often reflect on the honour
that comes from being a witness to such
significant moments. The Diocesan
Administrator, Very Rev Peter Williams,
reflected, “As priests it is a privilege for us
to be able to share in the joyful moments
of your lives and to be with you in times of
heartache and sadness.”
But what happens when a priest
retires? What happens when a priest
becomes sick? They have been a part
of your family for so long and in their
retirement and through their sickness and
age, they can still remain a part of your
family.
Last year you gave more than $195,000
to support the retired priests and sick
clergy of the Diocese through the Father’s
Day Appeal. There are 27 Parramatta
clergy who are currently retired – two
bishops, 23 priests and two deacons.
Your donation helps them cover
healthcare costs and expenses associated
with everyday living, supplementing the
pension that some receive.
“The appeal is a way of acknowledging
the priests who have ministered
throughout our Diocese over many years,
but who are now in need of our assistance,”
Fr Peter said.
Parishioners continue to inspire
Fr Mick O’Callaghan
A
priest for almost 40 years, Fr
Mick O’Callaghan said he has
been sustained in his faith by
parishioners who continue to inspire him
with their inherent goodness.
“Parish ministry is the greatest joy of
my life as it enables me to touch and be
touched by people from all walks of life,”
he said. “Every day is different and so,
often, the best laid plans are thwarted by
an unexpected visitor or event.”
At the age of 73, Fr Mick is
transitioning to retirement and is currently
Administrator of Our Lady of the Way
Parish at Emu Plains.
Reflecting on his vocation journey,
Fr Mick said his parents were great role
models in ensuring that the Catholic faith
played a significant part in family life.
“There was always weekly Mass, the
rosary (especially in May and October)
and frequent visits by the parish priest for
family meals,” he said.
“In my early teens I considered
priesthood and it was a persistent thought
over many years.
“When I was in high school, Sr Adrian
RSM was a great influence in my life.
She posed the idea of priesthood and
encouraged an interest in the Carmelites as
her brother was a member of that order. Sr
Adrian remained a family friend until her
death.”
After leaving school he worked in
banking and studied accountancy. While
living in Melbourne he was active in the
YCW and in the Victorian Catholic Lawn
Tennis Association.
“Despite having a great social life, I
always felt drawn to the priesthood. In my
20s I made contact with the Carmelites
and eventually joined them in 1971,” Fr
Mick said.
His first five years of priesthood were
involved as Vocation Director and Youth
Minister, which gave him great insights
into the lives of young people.
“I worked with a number of religious
orders running retreats and discernment
weekends for high school pupils and
university students,” he said.
In 1986, Fr Mick approached Bishop
Bede Heather regarding the possibility of
transferring from the Carmelites to being
a priest of the newly formed Diocese of
Parramatta.
Fr Mick said that in his gentle manner,
Bishop Bede guided him through a process
of transfer and in 1987 accepted him as
member of the diocesan priesthood and
appointed him to Our Lady of Lourdes
Parish at Seven Hills.
“We are blessed to have many clergy
aged over 65 still in active ministry. It is
also true that in the near future, many of
them will need our support.”
The retired and sick clergy of our
Diocese have served our community well
and can continue to do so with your help.
They are grateful for your support now and
in the future.
Last financial year, the Clergy Support
Foundation spent about $500,000 caring
for the needs of these retired priests. The
Foundation also spent just over $90,000
in preparing for the future retirement of
clergy, of whom about 10 may be seeking
to retire over the next five years.
There are units under construction for
retired priests and seminarians, which will
be located next to Holy Spirit Seminary in
Fr Mick O’Callaghan and seminarian Joe Murphy inspect construction of the new units at Harris Park with site
manager Josh Haymen. Photo: Alfred Boudib.
Subsequently, Fr Mick has served
in the parishes of Leura, Richmond,
Baulkham Hills and now Emu Plains.
Fr Mick said the scourge of clerical
sexual abuse had caused huge changes in
the Church and in a priest’s relationship
with the people. “I find this very sad. I
love children and have always had a good
relationship with them,” he said.
“In my early years of priestly ministry
there was much more trust, openness and
freedom to be yourself amongst the young
people – and people in general.”
As he approaches retirement Fr Mick
said he tends to stay in his comfort zone
rather than be challenged with new
ideas. “This is frustrating as I have always
considered myself a bit radical.”
Harris Park.
The retired priest building will consist
of nine rooms with two bedrooms and two
bathrooms, basement parking, a chapel
and a common lounge area.
The seminary accommodation will
consist of 22 studio apartments, dining
room, library, common lounge, outdoor
entertaining area, extensive landscaping
and parking.
Construction is scheduled for
completion in April 2016.
Donations to the Father’s Day Appeal
can be made through the envelopes
available from your parish or online at:
www.csfparra.org.au
Donations of $2 or more are tax
deductible.
He hopes to have more time for
reading, listening to classical music and
attending the opera.
Fr Mick’s favourite passages from
Scripture are the parable of the ‘Prodigal
Son’ and Jesus’ encounter with the
‘Woman at the Well’. “They show God’s allencompassing
love in action. My favourite
hymn is Here I Am Lord.”
But priests never really retire, and Fr
Mick will celebrate Mass whenever called
on and hopes to stay in touch with many
of the parishioners he has come to know
over the years.
Asked for advice to men contemplating
priesthood, he said: “Give it a go. Nothing
ventured – nothing gained!”
theLMent.com
Our retired Priests have always been a part of
your FAMILY,
in your celebrations, unions,
happiness & sadness
CATHOLIC DIOCESE OF PARRAMATTA CLERGY SUPPORT FOUNDATION
In their retirement,
they can still remain a part of your
FAMILY
CARING FOR THOSE WHO CARED
Please support our sick and
retired Priests through the Clergy
Support Foundation.
Donations are welcome at any
time – amounts of $2 or more are
tax deductible.
If you are preparing or changing
a Will you may consider
bequeathing a donation to the
Foundation.
For more information please call
(02) 9639 0598 or donate online
at www.parra.catholic.org.au
10 CatholicOutlook | SEPTEMBER 2015
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CARING FOR THOSE WHO CARED
THE FATHER’S DAY APPEAL FOR RETIRED AND SICK PRIESTS
SATURDAY 5 & SUNDAY 6 SEPTEMBER 2015
They have always been a part of
your FAMILY,
in your celebrations, unions, happiness & sadness
In their retirement,
they can still remain a part of your
FAMILY
Please give generously
Donations to the Father’s Day
Appeal will help to ensure that our
‘spiritual fathers’ are cared for in
their retirement. We know that you
are most grateful for the dedicated
ministry of our priests and that you
want to see them properly housed and
looked after. So please give generously
to the Father’s Day Appeal.
How to support the Father’s
Day Appeal for Retired and Sick
Priests
EITHER add the appeal envelope with the
details of your contribution to the special
Father’s Day collection.
OR, if you are unable to make a contribution on
Father’s Day, ask your parish office for an appeal
envelope and post your donation to the Clergy
Support Foundation, PO Box 702, Baulkham Hills
BC, NSW, 1755.
To make a donation online please visit www.csfparra.org.au
BEQUESTS
If you are preparing or changing a will you may
consider bequeathing a donation to the Foundation.
Ask your solicitor or executor to telephone the
Clergy Support Foundation on (02) 9639 0598.
theLMent.com
CATHOLIC DIOCESE OF PARRAMATTA
CatholicOutlook | SEPTEMBER 2015 11
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CATHOLIC EDUCATION www.parra.catholic.edu.au @CatholicEdParra facebook.com/CatholicEdParra
Faith and
action
STEM
from
Catholic
education
At our recent Priests, Principals and RECs Forum, we
had the opportunity to listen to the Archbishop of
Vancouver, Most Rev Michael J Miller CSB, speak about
the future of Catholic schools.
During this address, Archbishop Miller shared a powerful
statement from Pope Francis to Jesuit teachers and
alumnae in 2013: “I also want to encourage you
educators to seek new unconventional forms of
education so as to comply with the needs of places,
times and people. This is important. Always go a step
further and never be satisfied with conventional things.”
When Archbishop Miller went on to call for “boldness,
creativity and courage” in Catholic education, my mind
immediately turned to a new project we have announced
at the Sydney Science Park in Luddenham.
We will be establishing an innovative new STEM school
inside the Science Park, which will offer students
unprecedented learning opportunities in Science,
Technology, Engineering and Mathematics.
So how does STEM relate to Catholic education?
American presidential candidate Rick Santorum recently
dismissed Pope Francis’ leadership on climate change
with the comment that the Church should leave “science
to the scientists”.
Mr Santorum was quickly reminded that Pope Francis
is a university graduate in Chemistry. Not only does
the Holy Father draw on scientific learning in his
recent papal encyclical Laudato Si’, he advocates for
environmental education for young people.
I’m excited about the growth of STEM education, and
the Sydney Science Park project in particular, because
STEM education is about problem solving: education in
action.
Pope Francis in his encyclical, The Joy of the Gospel, said
“there can be no true evangelisation without the explicit
proclamation of Jesus as Lord”. He also said that the very
essence of evangelisation is bringing Jesus to those we
meet in the every day.
“It has to do with bringing the Gospel to the people
we meet, whether they be our neighbours or complete
strangers … constantly ready to bring the love of Jesus
to others, and this can happen unexpectedly and in any
place: on the street, in a city square, during work, on a
journey.”
Catholic schools offer opportunities for young people to put faith into action.
A deep dive into formation
By Kim Brownlie
Across the Catholic Diocese of Parramatta, schools and parishes have
partnered with diocesan agencies to focus on the evangelisation of young
people and support the formation of students.
The first session had an unexpected 150 students attend
and the initiative has had a profound effect on the
personal formation of the students.
St Mark’s School Captain, Alex Surdich, said the youth
group was an opportunity to connect with students from
across the school.
“Youth group is not centred towards a certain year group,
it’s different individuals from different year groups
professing their faith and sharing how they got to that
journey,” Alex said. “Everyone’s faith journey is different.”
As Archbishop Miller reflected on curriculum, he spoke
with passion about the study of Science from a Catholic
worldview. I’d like to think of Catholic STEM education
as faith and education in action, an opportunity to lead
on what Archbishop Miller called “the complementarity
of faith and reason”.
The NSW Minister for Planning, Rob Stokes MP,
announced the approval of the first stage of the project,
which will see this semi-rural spot hold 3400 homes,
12,000 high-skilled jobs and places for approximately
10,000 students, including those to be enrolled at the
Catholic STEM school.
As Western Sydney has some of the highest youth
unemployment rates in Australia, the Catholic STEM
school is an innovative way to meet a community need
for pathways to employment, particularly in the areas of
Science and Mathematics.
The Sydney Science Park school is just one of a number
of projects we will be developing in the coming years
that will enable new models of schooling to support the
needs of today’s learners and the community.
It is part of our response to the call from Archbishop
Miller to be bold, creative and courageous.
Greg Whitby
Executive Director of Schools
@gregwhitby
blog: bluyonder.wordpress.com
Catholic schools play a key role with families and parishes
to offer opportunities for young people to deepen and
explore their faith and to put their faith into action. Here
are some of many formation initiatives across the Diocese.
St Mark’s Youth Group
The Catholic Learning Community of St John XXIII,
Stanhope Gardens, is uniquely placed where the primary
school and college accommodates for the evangelisation
of students from Kindergarten through to Year 12.
The students of St Mark’s Catholic College, Stanhope
Gardens, the secondary school within the learning
community, has started an initiative that invites students
from Years 7-12 to join youth group to support social
justice activities.
Leading the initiative in his first year of teaching is
Anthony Ndaira, who said the youth group started in
Term 2 and offered students the opportunity to talk about
the ‘big questions’ in life and to help students deepen their
personal formation.
“When we evaluated where the students were at in their
spiritual journey, we thought a youth group would act as
the hands and feet of social justice in the school and help
students deepen their faith,” Anthony said.
Year 11 student Chloe Nguyen said although her faith was
already strong, she wanted to discuss her faith in a group
setting with other people experiencing the same journey.
“It was a chance for me to open up about my beliefs and
to be with others who are also on the same page as me,”
Chloe said. “In this day and age, it’s hard to talk about
things like faith with others who don’t experience it or
who don’t feel the same way.”
Anthony said that although the initiative was still in its
infancy, the future of youth group was bright. “What it
needs to have in the future is the idea that it will always
continue to unite people from Years 7-12 and the teachers;
it brings the school together,” he said.
“Another part of the future is to train up young people
specifically to be leaders of ministry in the school to help
sustain the movement in the school in the long term, we
want them to be agents for change.”
Encounter pilot program
The Encounter Student Leadership pilot program
commenced this year in Our Lady of Queen Peace
Parish, Greystanes. The program is a joint initiative
of Catholic Education and Catholic Youth Parramatta
(CYP) with students attending three Saturday events
and a commissioning ceremony at Campion College,
Toongabbie.
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CATHOLIC EDUCATION
Students at the commissioning ceremony of the Encounter program.
St Mark’s students participate in their Friday lunchtime youth group initiative.
Encounter was developed as a means of forming
secondary school leaders in a way that helps them learn
more about Jesus Christ as a key model for Christian
leadership.
Year 10 students from Catherine McAuley Westmead,
Cerdon College, Merrylands, Parramatta Marist High,
Westmead, St Pauls Catholic College, Greystanes and Our
Lady of Mercy College, Parramatta, who had attended
primary school at Our Lady of Queen Peace Primary,
Greystanes, were invited to be involved in the program.
CYP Director James Camden said Encounter acted as a
stepping-stone for students who wanted to participate
in and attend other youth evangelisation events and
leadership roles in the coming years.
“Encounter opens up opportunities for students to attend
other festivals that are directly tied to the Diocese,”
James said. “We believe the program trains the students
to become leaders either within their school or in the
community.”
Year 10 students from St Pauls Catholic College, Lucas
Bertoncelj, Kieren Gerardis and Luigi Vella, said the
program gave them a greater understanding of the
Catholic faith and taught them how to become leaders
within their own communities.
“I have been part of the parish youth group since I was in
Year 6 and I feel like the parish is looking to me to step up
and become a leader one day,” Kieren said.
“Something I really took away from the program was
‘don’t just say it, be it’ and it is something I want to apply
to my life after Encounter,” Luigi said.
“The more I learned about Catholicism, the more I started
to believe and to see what Jesus did as a leader, and this
showed me how to become a leader,” Lucas said.
The pilot program is being evaluated to see how it will run
in the future.
Special Religious Education
Secondary students from across the Diocese have been
involved in teaching Scripture in government primary
schools as part of the Special Religious Education (SRE)
program for more than 17 years.
The joint initiative with the Confraternity of Christian
Doctrine (CCD) has grown from 50 students in one
school to more than 500 students across 19 schools.
CDD Director Paul Worthington said he hoped more
students would choose to be involved in SRE in the future
and the program would continue to grow.
“I’m hoping students will one day be able to teach SRE in
state secondary schools and not just primary so that they
can do a bit of youth to youth ministry,” Paul said.
Australian Catholic Youth Festival
The Australian Catholic Youth Festival, established by
the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference, is a national
gathering of young people which aims to deepen their
faith and empower them to be evangelisers in their dayto-day
lives.
The festival includes plenary sessions, workshops,
dialogue spaces, prayer experiences, live music and social
justice activities.
It is hoped that 130 young people from the Diocese of
Parramatta will join around 3000 young people from
across Australia at the festival hosted by the Archdiocese
of Adelaide in December.
For more information visit
http://youthfestival.catholic.org.au/
Prayer is a day to day part of the school community.
World Youth Day
In 2016, World Youth Day (WYD) will be held in Krakow,
Poland. Millions of young people from around the world
will join Pope Francis for a week-long festival of faith.
The Diocese of Parramatta is hoping more than 350 young
people aged 16-35 from Western Sydney will attend.
Following on the success of WYD 2013 Rio and
immersion in Lima, Peru, the Diocese will include a
mission immersion experience to the Philippines in the
lead-up to WYD2016.
The immersion to Bohol Island, which was devastated by
an earthquake in 2013, will allow the pilgrims to spend
four days working with young people in schools, parishes
and orphanages.
Following the mission immersion the pilgrims will travel
to Poland for World Youth Day week in Krakow, the
homeland of St John Paul II who founded the first World
Youth Day.
The WYD2016 Coordinator for the Diocese of
Parramatta, Mark Tuffy, said it was a terrific opportunity
for young people to come together to share their faith, to
share the sacraments, to pray, to be involved in liturgy and
to meet the Pope.
“The four-day mission immersion and pilgrimage will be
a cultural exchange of the Filipino and Australian cultures
where there are many differences, but where we all share
the same faith,” Mark said.
“In Krakow, pilgrims will visit a number of shrines,
including the Shrine of Divine Mercy, and will visit
Auschwitz.
“The young pilgrims will visit the concentration camps,
which show the worst of humanity, contrasted with the
best of humanity through their outreach to the Filipino
community and the joy of World Youth Day.”
For more information about WYD2016 visit
http://worldyouthday.com/krakow-2016
For more school news, visit:
CatholicEdParra
@CatholicEdParra
www.parra.catholic.edu.au
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CatholicOutlook | SEPTEMBER 2015 13
CATHOLIC EDUCATION www.parra.catholic.edu.au @CatholicEdParra facebook.com/CatholicEdParra
Principals visit sacred
sites of Australia
Catholic Educations wins WSABE
award for Excellence in Education
Group photo in front of the church
at the Santa Teresa Mission after
Mass with the community.
Uluru just before sunset.
Principals from across the Diocese
recently embarked on an Australian
pilgrimage, visiting sacred sites
and places of spiritual significance,
including Penola and Uluru.
Pilgrimage Chaplain and
Sacred Heart Parish Westmead
Administrator Fr Walter Fogarty
celebrated Mass at locations
including Mary MacKillop Chapel in
Adelaide and Kata Tjuta (Olgas) in
Central Australia.
Executive Director of Schools Greg
Whitby said the pilgrimage was an
important formation opportunity
for schools’ leaders.
“It’s not only important that we
have excellent educators, but we
need leaders who witness to the
Catholic world view,” Greg said. “The pilgrimage provided an
opportunity for our schools’ leaders to spend time in prayer and
reflection on how they can best be leaders.”
Mother Teresa Primary, Westmead Principal, Gary Borg,
said the pilgrimage allowed him the opportunity, space and
companionship to understand the life and spirituality of St Mary
MacKillop.
“Through the people we encountered and the stories told,
we began to understand how this ordinary woman lived an
extraordinary life,” Gary said.
Sacred Heart Primary, Westmead Principal, Mary Harb, said
that the pilgrimage reflected the significance that Mary placed
on having fun and being open to whatever life brings us in each
moment.
“During the celebration of Mass in Penola, Fr Walter reflected in
his homily that we must ‘see with the eye of the heart’ and, like
Mary, enjoy ourselves, be happy and above all serve the Lord
with a big heart,” Mary said. “In the busyness of our lives and the
demands of being connected 24/7 we often forget to switch off
and connect with the people around us, to see with the eye of
the heart, to find the joy in every circumstance.
“Everyone has a cross to bear, and while we may feel our crosses
are more difficult at times, we are challenged to have courage, to
trust in the Lord, and like Mary believe in the providence of God.”
Xavier College, Llandilo Principal, Michael Pate, said the journey
was a meaningful formation experience.
“The pilgrimage into the desert allowed me to realise that the
heat of the desert leaves us nowhere to hide and the cold of the
night reminds us that without the constant flow of grace and
divine energy we cannot exist,” Michael said.
“Both St Mary of the Cross and our Aboriginal brothers and
sisters remind us that in the desert we have no option but to let
God be God.”
Catholic Education WSABE award winners.
At a gala dinner on 14 August, Catholic Education
Diocese of Parramatta was recognised with
the award for Excellence in Education at the
prestigious Western Sydney Awards for Business
Excellence (WSABE).
The award nomination highlighted the innovative
and evidence-based practice that teachers
and leaders have embraced, supported by the
use of three high-yield strategies: data walls,
instructional walks and case management. Some
specific examples of innovation highlighted in
the nomination were Parramatta Marist High,
Westmead, and St Monica’s Primary, North
Parramatta’s use of project-based learning
to develop students’ 21st Century skills in
communication, collaboration, critical thinking
and creativity.
Other successes acknowledged in the nomination
were the Delany Connective at Delany College,
Granville, which uses connected and agile spaces
to support a contemporary model of learning and
teaching, Loyola Catholic Trade Training Centre’s
innovative careers hub and the Nirimba Education
Precinct, which provides flexible post compulsory
schooling opportunities for students.
McCarthy student recipient of
Rotary Youth Award
McCarthy Catholic College,
Emu Plains Year 10 student,
Elayna D’Ermilio.
McCarthy Catholic
College, Emu Plains,
Year 10 student, Elayna
D’Ermilio, has won
the 2015 Rotary Youth
Community Service
Award.
Elayna has served
the college and local
community through her
involvement in many
activities including teaching Scripture at local
public schools, assisting with Salvation Army
programs and raising money for the Red Cross
appeals.
McCarthy’s Careers Adviser, Craig Laffin, said
Elayna was an extraordinary young Australian who
set a fine example of what it meant to be a part of
the Catholic community.
NSW Governor hears stories of
hope at St Thomas Aquinas
His Excellency General the Hon David Hurley AC
DSC (Ret’d), Governor of NSW, accompanied by
Linda Hurley, visited St Thomas Aquinas Primary,
Springwood, on 11 July to speak with students and
families who had lost their homes in the October
2013 bushfires.
NSW Governor David Hurley meets Blue Mountains families.
Governor Hurley said he seized the opportunity to
see first hand how the rebuilding was progressing.
“I really wanted to meet people and hear their own
stories face-to-face,” he said.
St JPII students benefit from HSC
holiday tutorials
St John Paul II Year 12 students undertaking HSC holiday tutorials
with HSC Food Technology Teacher, Melissa Scott.
With HSC trial exams underway and final exams
only months away, the dedicated teachers at St
John Paul II Catholic College (StJPII), Nirimba-
Schofields have run 18 HSC holiday tutorials
during the school holidays to help students
prepare.
Since 2010, students have benefited from the
additional assistance and time that StJPII teachers
have offered as these tutorials give students the
opportunity to bring all their questions to the table
and receive study advice to prepare for the HSC
trial exams.
Loyola hosts the chefs of the future
HTN Master Chef, Michael Lopez, demonstrates the spatchcock
chicken competition dish to competitors.
Loyola Catholic Trade Training Centre (CTTC),
Mt Druitt, hosted the annual Hospitality Training
Network (HTN) Inter Schools Culinary Challenge
on 18 June. Three student competitors had 90
minutes to replicate the dish of spatchcock
chicken.
The five-hour event was a huge success with all
participants, sponsors, schools and industry
representatives impressed by the unique learning
challenge.
14 CatholicOutlook | SEPTEMBER 2015
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CATHOLICCARE SOCIAL SERVICES
DIOCESE OF PARRAMATTA
… providing compassionate, professional and relevant support to the people in our diverse community
SERVICE
SPOTLIGHT
Family & Relationship Counselling
Counselling and support for individuals, couples or families
CatholicCare Social Services have a team of friendly qualified social
workers, counsellors and psychologists who are able to listen and
assist you and or your loved ones to work through challenging
times or situations.
Our Family Relationship Service may be useful if any of the below resonate
with you:
• Struggling with couple communication and family issues,
• Thinking of separating from partner due to unresolved issues,
• Parenting issues after separation,
• Personal issues that impact on relationship with partner, family, others,
• Personal issues impacting your employment,
• Support for life transitions such as loss of job, diagnosis of illness,
empty nesters and readjustment,
• Adjusting to parenting together for the first time,
• Struggling to feel safe and trusting in a relationship,
• Unable to resolve family issues,
• Children struggling with parents separation or parent having a new
partner,
• Step parenting issues, family issues, feeling stuck and unable to move on.
Our services are offered from Blacktown,
Parramatta, Penrith, Springwood and Emerton.
Call 02 9933 0222 or email enquiries@ccss.org.au
COURSES
& EVENTS
• Family Bush Dance –
Saturday 19 September at
St Thomas Aquinas School
Hall, 168 Hawkesbury Rd
Springwood. Free Sausage
sizzle from 5.30pm.
Dancing 6.30pm – 9.30pm.
• International Day of Older People –Food,
Fun and Socialising 1st October 2015
10am – 4pm 20 Sir Hercules St Bungarribee.
• Problem Gambling Saturday Support
Group – every Saturday 10am – 11.30am.
Allawah St Blacktown. Call 02 8822 2222
• Recover Wellbeing comprising REACH
(Black Dog Accredited 9 week program)
and support groups for people
experiencing mental distress and carer
support groups. Call 02 8822 2222 for
more info.
• Bereavement Support Program – 8
sessions fortnightly from Wednesday 2nd
September, St Thomas Aquinas Parish
Centre, 168 Hawskesbury Rd, Springwood
10.30am-12.30pm Cost: $5.00 per session
Register by calling 02 9933 0205 or
email: soloparentservices@ccss.org.au
Volunteers
needed
If you are interested in making a difference
for local services email volunteer@ccss.org.au or
call 02 8822 2222.
At the moment we are eagerly looking for a
second volunteer Bus Driver to take elderly clients
of our Blacktown Neighbour Aid Service to and
from various activities.
WIN!
Can you recommend a great family/
child friendly app, book or movie?
Please email support@ccss.org.au to be eligible
to win 1 x $30 Event Cinema gift voucher.
We will announce the winner in the October edition.
Our SEPTEMBER winner ...
Congratulations to Dominick who recommended
Evan the Almighty. “The family had some laughs and learned some
lessons like spending time together and supporting each other
through ups and downs”.
• Post Separation Recovery Program –
7 consecutive Wednesday nights:
21st October to 2nd December 2015
7:30pm - 9:45pm at DAC 1-5 Marion
Street, Blacktown. Fee $80.00. Register
by calling 02 9933 0205 or email:
soloparentservices@ccss.org.au
Parramatta: (02) 9933 0222 Blacktown: (02) 8822 2222 Springwood: (02) 4751 4956
Visit www.ccss.org.au
www.parra.catholic.org.au @parracatholic facebook.com/parracatholic
www.facebook.com/CCSSParramatta
CatholicOutlook | SEPTEMBER 2015 15
CATHOLIC YOUTH
‘Made For Each Other’
explores authentic love
By Madeline Arnold
CatholicYouthParra @cyp_parra @cyp_parra
Live webcasting of
youth festival sessions
By Rebecca DiGirolamo
The day was an opportunity to share personal insights and experiences.
On the Feast of the Assumption
last month, about 20 young
people from across the Diocese
of Parramatta and beyond gathered at the
Institute for Mission in Blacktown to take
part in ‘Made For Each Other’.
This day-long seminar on 15 August
was organised by the diocesan Family
& Life Office and focussed on the
complementarity of man and woman.
The program was centred on six
short films from the Humanum series,
supported by the Congregation for the
Doctrine of the Faith and co-sponsored by
the Pontifical Council for the Family, and
others.
The dignity and beauty of the family
and marriage was at the forefront of
discussion.
The day began with prayer, followed
by a screening of each film combined with
small and large group discussion. This was
a great opportunity to hear other young
people’s views and thoughts about the
concepts touched on in the films, and to
share personal insights and experiences.
Fr Benedict Mackenzie FSF celebrated
Mass and gave a homily about what Mary’s
Assumption tells us about the value and
dignity of the human person and what this
means for the body.
The youth were blessed to hear some
insights and wisdom about married life
from Ben Smith and Annabelle Bhandoo
from the Family & Life Office.
Those participating in the seminar
heard about how the dignity of the body
has been degraded by society and the
consequences of this in light of how we are
made in God’s image and likeness and how
the body is an outward expression of the
human person.
At the end of the day, Chris Da Silva
and Frances Hopkins from The Culture
Project spoke about their mission to
restore culture through advocacy of life
and love.
Chris and Frances explained the
difference between ‘solid love’ and ‘liquid
love’, a concept touched on in the films,
and shared personal insights into their role
in upholding this idea of authentic love in
today’s culture.
All the participants went home with a
deeper understanding of the beauty and
dignity of every human, how to love others
with a ‘solid love’ and the beauty of the
complementarity of man and woman.
As part of a broader plan for
engagement of young people in the
Church, the Diocese of Parramatta
will facilitate the involvement of up to
100 young adults to attend the Australian
Catholic Youth Festival (ACYF) to be held in
Adelaide from 3-6 December.
The rapid pick-up of new social media
applications by Catholic youth is playing a
major part in the coordination, planning and
delivery of the festival.
Project Manager for the Australian
Catholic Bishops Conference (ACBC) Office
for Youth, Gabrielle Sinclair, said over the
past five years social media had become an
essential part of communicating any event,
particularly to young people.
The ACYF in Adelaide will be the first
of the ACBC-sponsored events to stream
live radio. This will be in addition to live
webcasting of the plenary sessions.
Gabrielle said the official hashtag
#ACYF15 would be used to encourage youth
to search for friends and post live during the
festival. An event app is also being developed.
Youth can follow the conference @
ACBCYouthMin on three platforms:
Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Social
media will be used to communicate special
announcements and feature particular
elements of the festival.
Radio broadcaster and journalist Gianna
Gianna Lucas will
be coordinating live
radio streaming for
ArchD Radio at the
Festival.
Lucas will coordinate and co-present live
internet streaming of Adelaide’s ArchD Radio
program at ACYF 2015.
She will head a team of Catholic youth to
plan interviews and special guest appearances
before a live audience at the Adelaide
Convention Centre over the three-day event.
“Live streaming is perfect for people who
cannot get to the festival,” she said. “They
might be working in Adelaide or interstate
and so in this way they can be right among
those at the festival just by tuning in on their
laptop or smartphone. It’s a great initiative.”
Catholic Youth Parramatta has secured
beds at the Mercure and Ibis Hotel across
the road from the venue. Catholic Education
Diocese of Parramatta has secured a similar
number at the Adelaide YHA for Year 10
students.
Young adults from the parishes of
Baulkham Hills, Blacktown, Castle Hill,
Granville, Greystanes, Harris Park, Lalor
Park, Marayong and Mt Druitt have already
reserved beds in these sponsored rooms.
Young adults and priests in the Diocese of
Parramatta who would like more information
about the festival can contact CYP Director
James Camden tel (02) 8838 3428, JCamden@
parra.catholic.org.au
More info about ACYF is available at:
http://youthfestival.catholic.org.au/
Saturday 12 Sept
8.30 – 4pm
Strathfield Campus
25A Barker Rd Strathfield
www.acu.edu.au/openday
CRICOS registered provider: 00004G
16 CatholicOutlook | SEPTEMBER 2015
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Citation of Merit for Youth: from left, Very Rev Bob Bossini, Troy Gordon, Bishop Emeritus Kevin Manning, Christina Asimus, Very Rev Peter
Williams, Lisa Hoban, Julia Hoban, Rev Chris de Souza, Walker Falemaota Aloiai and Michael Constantine Setefano. Photo: Alfred Boudib.
Mr Walker Falemaota Aloiai
For his commitment to the
Youth of Parramatta through
his work in the Parramatta
Young Christian Workers and
Students movements. While at
Loyola Senior High, Mt Druitt,
he created the Dei Gratia Group
with a mandate to serve the
community.
Miss Christina Asimus
St Michael’s Parish, Baulkham
Hills: For her tireless work,
planning and coordinating
parish youth ministries.
Mr Troy Gordon
St Finbar’s Parish, Glenbrook:
For his dedication to parish
Youth and Music Ministries,
from his early days as a member
to being a leader of these
groups.
Miss Julia Hoban
Christ the King Parish, North
Rocks: She continues to set
an example for the youth
through her Music Ministry and
charitable activities.
Miss Lisa Hoban
Christ the King Parish,
North Rocks: For her tireless
involvement in Youth and Young
Adults groups, Music Ministry
and SRE classes.
Mr Anthony Mackett
St Anthony of Padua Parish,
Toongabbie: For his constant
dedication to the parish, first
as a member and now leading
the Youth Music and Liturgical
ministries.
Mr Michael Constantine
Setefano
Good Shepherd Parish,
Plumpton: For his commitment
to youth through his work
in the Parramatta Young
Christian Workers and Students
movements. While at Loyola
Senior High, Mt Druitt, he
created the Dei Gratia Group
with Walker Falemaota Aloiai.
DIOCESAN HONOURS
It’s an honour – celebrating our diocesan award winners
2015 Citation of Merit for Youth recipients
2015 Certificate of
Recognition recipients
Mr Derrick Slade
Holy Spirit Parish, St Clair:
For his quiet generosity to
the parish, behind the scenes
over many years, offering his
professional services and advice
as an electrician.
2015 Diocesan Medal of
Honour recipients
Mrs Felicitas Apparthurai
St Patrick’s Cathedral Parish,
Parramatta: For her unceasing
commitment to parish for nearly
40 years. Her kindness and
service have touched the lives
of many.
Sr Monica Armstrong SGS
St Matthew’s Parish, Windsor,
and St Thomas Aquinas
Parish, Springwood: For her
compassion and dedication to
her parish of St Matthew’s in
Windsor and St Thomas Aquinas
Primary School in Springwood.
Mrs Vicki Baiada
St Anthony of Padua Parish,
Toongabbie: For her active
participation in the parish since
its inception. From when she
was a young child with her
family, Vicki’s involvement has
continued through her youth to
the present as a parent.
CONTINUED ON PAGE 18
Put those you love in the hands
of those who care
Edmund Rice Retreat &
Conference Centre
Winbourne
(Conducted by the Christian Brothers)
Winbourne is a place of quiet reflection, peace and tranquillity, set on 100 hectares, located in Mulgoa.
We welcome:
School self run retreats
Staff spirituality days
School day groups
Church groups
Professional groups
Sporting groups
Reflective groups
Special occasions
Hermitage available for single retreat
Our Centre offers various sized conference rooms with all AV equipment supplied, including free
wifi. Accommodation is available on site along with catering. We welcome your enquiry.
Enquiries
Phone: 02 4773 5555 Fax: 02 4773 5500 Email: reception@winbourne.org
Website: www.winbourne.org Address: 1315 Mulgoa Road, Mulgoa, NSW, 2745
OOf all life’s celebrations
the funeral liturgy can touch
us the most deeply.
We prefer to place our trust and
reliance on those who have the skill
and experience to plan a funeral that has
meaning and dignity.
At least that’s what Sydney families look for
when they choose WN Bull Funerals.
As the funeral liturgy expresses faith, it also
contextualises the life of the deceased with
traditional and contemporary elements.
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AUSTRALIAN OWNED
CatholicOutlook | SEPTEMBER 2015 17
DIOCESAN HONOURS
Mrs Patricia Barry
Our Lady of the Rosary Parish,
Kellyville: For her contribution
as a catechist, sacristan
and member of the parish
community over many years.
Mrs Constance Bennett
Our Lady of the Way
Parish, Emu Plains: For her
compassionate dedication
spanning nearly 40 years,
Connie has been active in the
primary school and parish life.
Mr Joseph Butler
Our Lady Queen of Peace
Parish, Greystanes: For more
than 40 years, he has been
a generous and dedicated
presence at the parish, in
particular for members of the
Sudanese community and those
who are struggling.
Mr Louis Camenzuli
Our Lady Queen of Peace
Parish, Greystanes: For his
involvement in the parish
since its foundation; Lou has
participated in committees,
co-ordinated marriage
preparation courses and given
of his professional building
experience.
Mrs Wilhelmina de Raadt
St Thomas Aquinas Parish,
Springwood: For her active
dedication in the parish for
many years; she has always
been willing to take on
additional catechism classes and
participate in parish life.
Mrs Maria Loretta Doohan
Our Lady of the Way Parish,
Emu Plains: For her commitment
to the parish for more than
40 years, Laurie has been a
dedicated catechist and minister
to the sick.
Mr Edward Duffy
Our Lady Queen of Peace
Parish, Greystanes: For his
conscientious care of the parish
for more than 20 years; Ted has
cared for the parishioners in
their Baptism preparations, the
parish grounds and as a member
of various committees.
Mrs Margaret Edmunds
St Nicholas of Myra Parish,
Penrith: For more than 40
years Margaret Edmunds
has contributed to Liturgical,
Pastoral and Eucharistic
ministries.
Mr Brian Arthur Flynn
Our Lady of Mount Carmel
Parish, Wentworthville: For
nearly 60 years, he has been
active in parish life; as a member
of various committees and
charities, his quiet mentorship is
a wonderful legacy.
Mrs Catherine Forbes
Sacred Heart Parish, Blackheath:
For sharing her gift of music
through her support of liturgies
and ministries for more than 25
years.
Mrs Giuseppina Frasca
Our Lady of the Rosary Parish,
Kellyville: For her support and
care of those in need at the
parish and the Shrine of the
Holy Innocents; Pina has been
a compassionate presence for
more than 45 years.
Cameroon
Mrs Doreen Friend
St Nicholas of Myra Parish,
Penrith: For more than 40 years,
Doreen Friend has served the
parish in various ways; ranging
from Eucharistic Ministry to
banner making.
Mr Peter Gardner
St Anthony of Padua
Parish, Toongabbie: For his
contributions to the parish for
more than 30 years; assisting in
various areas from technological
to charitable and the Men’s
Breakfasts.
Mr Charles Hage
Our Lady Queen of Peace
Parish, Greystanes: For serving
as an acolyte for more than 35
years; bearing witness to each
liturgy whether Mass, Baptism
or Funeral.
Mr Lorensz Herft
Holy Spirit Parish, St Clair:
For his dedication to the
parish for more than 30 years;
supporting the Sri Lankan and
local Indigenous communities
through his charitable works,
both at home and overseas.
Mr Christopher Jaja
St Nicholas of Myra Parish,
Penrith: For his contribution
spanning more than 30 years
in both leadership and support
roles, giving of his time and
skills whenever there was a
need.
Mr John Karam
Holy Family Parish, Granville:
For his quiet dedication to the
parish for more than 50 years;
caring for the clergy, church and
parishioners.
Mr John Knight
St Anthony of Padua Parish,
Toongabbie: For his dedication
for more than 50 years with
his wife, Maureen, helping to
maintain the school and church
grounds and as a football coach.
Mrs Maureen Knight
St Anthony of Padua Parish,
Toongabbie: For her many
and varied efforts spanning
more than 50 years; actively
volunteering on both parish and
school committees.
Mr Anthony John Lette
St Anthony of Padua
Parish, Toongabbie: For his
contributions spanning more
than 50 years since his youth,
including as President of their
Catholic Youth Organisation, an
Acolyte and Music Director.
Mrs Mary Lopez
St Finbar’s Parish, Glenbrook:
For sharing her gift of music
for more than 35 years; she
has been an inspiration in
her dedication to nurturing
musicians of all ages, especially
the children’s choirs.
Mr Kevin Denis Lyons
Mary Immaculate Parish,
Quakers Hill-Schofields: For his
A priest in the Andes
annointing the sick
Monaghan
& Gleeson
FUNERAL DIRECTORS
Catholic Outlook
18 CatholicOutlook | SEPTEMBER 2015
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DIOCESAN HONOURS
The inaugural Diocesan Citation of Merit for Youth and Diocesan Certificate of Recognition were presented with the 2015 Diocesan Medal
of Honour. Photo: Alfred Boudib.
creative support for more than
two decades; supporting the
Liturgical team by ensuring the
decorations reflect the season.
Mr Brian Masonwells
Our Lady Queen of Peace
Parish, Greystanes: For his
conscientious guidance for
more than 40 years, sharing
his professional knowledge to
ensure the financial security of
the parish.
Mrs Annette Morris
Padre Pio Parish Parish,
Glenmore Park: For her tireless
and generous efforts; teaching
SRE classes and ensuring those
who are in need are provided
for.
Mrs Margaret O’Connor
Our Lady Queen of Peace
Parish, Greystanes: For her
nurturing guidance of new
members through the RCIA
for more than 35 years; she
continues to be involved in
parish life.
Mr Vincent Gerald O’Farrell
St Nicholas of Myra Parish,
Penrith: For his generous and
immeasurable support spanning
more than 85 years, always
offering care to those most in
need.
Mr Frank O’Malley
St Anthony of Padua
Parish, Toongabbie: For his
immeasurable contributions
over more than 50 years in
maintaining the parish and
coaching the local sports teams.
Mrs Anne Marie Pletkan
St Nicholas of Myra Parish,
Penrith: For her passionate and
tireless support of the parish,
continually working to better
the education experience of
children.
Mrs Marian Polizzi
St Patrick’s Cathedral
Parish, Parramatta: For her
warm hospitality and gifted
contributions for more than 20
years, including establishing the
Cloister Café, the Hospitality
Ministry and St Pat’s Matters
publication.
Mrs Lorraine Robertson
Holy Spirit Parish, St Clair: For
her energetic participation and
co-ordination of various groups,
which ensures the parish is
always beautiful, warm and
welcoming.
Mrs Sophie Ryan
Catholic Education Diocese
of Parramatta: For her faithful
and continuous dedication
for nearly 40 years to support
opportunities of education to
children through her work as a
teacher, principal and leader of
education in the Diocese.
Mr Raymond Samonte
St John XXIII Parish, Glenwood-
Stanhope Gardens: For his
dedication and leadership of the
Music Ministry since the earliest
days of the parish when church
services were held in Holy Cross
Primary School library.
Mr Roberto Sarlabus
St John XXIII Parish, Glenwood-
Stanhope Gardens: He has
been active in considering the
needs of the parish and tireless
in ensuring the clergy feel
supported.
Mrs Robyn Sawtell
St Nicholas of Myra Parish,
Penrith: For her creative and
generous contributions to the
parish, in particular designing
the liturgical banners and
guiding the production team.
Mrs Patricia Shaw
Our Lady Queen of Peace
Parish, Greystanes: For her
diligent and compassionate
service, most notably in the
Eucharistic Ministry for more
than 30 years and leading the
Heart Speaks to Heart Prayer
group for more than 25 years.
Mrs Shirley Stewart
St Anthony of Padua Parish,
Toongabbie: For her tireless
dedication for more than 40
years in both her official and
unofficial activities at the parish,
including as Parish Secretary for
half that time.
Mrs Janice Van Rys
St Patrick’s Cathedral Parish,
Parramatta: For her quiet
generosity over nearly 30 years,
assisting the Sacristan and
involved in the Music Ministry
both as a chorister and in the
production of choir robes.
Sr Joyce Vella RSM
St Anthony of Padua Parish,
Toongabbie, and Mary,
Queen of the Family Parish,
Blacktown: For her inspirational
commitment to these parishes
and her efforts during the
inception and development of
the Mamre Project under the
auspices of the Sisters of Mercy
Parramatta.
Mrs Manel Viswasam
St Nicholas of Myra Parish,
Penrith: For her enthusiastic
participation in the parish and
local community for 40 years;
a dedicated Catechist who
ensures those most in need are
remembered.
Mrs Sue Walsh
Catholic Education Diocese of
Parramatta: For her passionate
commitment to improve
educational opportunities
for more than 33 years as a
teacher, principal and now
Deputy Executive Director of
Catholic Education Diocese
of Parramatta; Sue continues
to advocate for support of the
parishes through education.
Mr Richard Ward
Our Lady Queen of Peace
Parish, Greystanes: For his
compassionate dedication for
more than 40 years as both
Parish Manager and parishioner,
caring for clergy and his
community.
Mr Leo Weekes
Holy Spirit Parish, St Clair:
For his active participation on
various committees, especially
his work on behalf of the St
Vincent de Paul Society.
Mrs Shirley Wehbe
St Patrick’s Cathedral Parish,
Parramatta: For her quiet
generosity for more than two
decades in the Cathedral Parish
and in the Maronite community;
most notably for her family’s
tradition of hosting a Christmas
Day Lunch at the Town Hall for
those in need.
Sr Pauline Marie Wong SPC
Chinese Chaplaincy, Diocese
of Parramatta: For her tireless
and inspirational ministry
to the Chinese Chaplaincy;
encouraging and passionate
in her example of serving the
community.
Mr Phillip Youngman
Our Lady of the Way Parish,
Emu Plains: For his many
contributions over four decades;
unstinting with his time and
participation through various
committees and ministries.
2015 Diocesan Medal
of Honour Posthumous
recipients
Mr Thomas Joseph Coogan
Our Lady of Mount Carmel
Parish, Wentworthville: For his
generous support of the parish,
local and religious communities
for more than eight decades;
his warm hospitality and sense
of service ensured that no
need was unmet and no one
went unwelcomed. His widow,
Mrs Pat Coogan, accepted the
award.
Mrs Kathleen Mary O’Farrell
St Nicholas of Myra Parish,
Penrith: For her unceasing,
selfless support of the parish
spanning more than 85 years,
with her husband Vincent.
Kate befriended many through
the years with her kindness
and charity. Her daughter, Ms
Catherine O’Farrell, accepted
the award.
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ALBERT & MEYER
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www.parra.catholic.org.au @parracatholic facebook.com/parracatholic
CatholicOutlook | SEPTEMBER 2015 19
NEWS & EVENTS
Bicentenary of Don Bosco celebrations at St Marys
Principal celebrant Fr Shane Reade SDB
The bicentenary of the birth of St
John Bosco, founder of the Salesians
of Don Bosco, was celebrated at St
Marys on the weekend of 15-16 August
2015.
Our Lady of the Rosary Parish is in the
pastoral care of the Salesians who also have
an outreach to young people with the Don
Bosco Youth Centre.
Celebrations commenced on Saturday at
Penrith local community centre where more
than 280 people enjoyed a fantastic night.
The young people from the parish and local
schools preformed a program of dance,
choirs, solo singing and gymnastic acts.
Cutting the 200th birthday cake.
On Sunday, the 10.30am Mass was
celebrated in honour of Don Bosco with
a Filipino youth choir. Fr Shane Reade
SDB, rector, was the principal celebrant
for the Mass, which was concelebrated
by Fr Brendan Murphy, parish priest, Fr
Guy Riolo SDB, assistant priest, Fr John
Walenciej (youth centre co-director), Fr
Chris Riley SDB (founder and director of
Youth Off The Streets) with Br Thuy Nguyen
SDB (youth centre assistant).
A large number of Maltese, Filipino and
South American past pupils of Our Lady of
the Rosary Primary were present to share in
this joyful occasion.
After Mass, parishioners and young
people continued the celebrations in the
Don Bosco Youth Centre. The celebration
commenced with prayer, acknowledgement
of country led by Sr Louise Mc Keogh FMA
and young people of the centre.
Sr Jenny Doudle FMA gave a short talk
on Don Bosco, which was followed by the
cutting of the 200th birthday cake.
Activities and entertainment included
a dance by pupils from Our Lady of the
Rosary Primary. Cultural dances were
performed by the Samoan community,
the Atafu Lotomau Tokelau and Kajo-Keji
communities from South Sudan, and the
Madi community.
There were gymnastic and trampoline
displays, circus and unicycle displays and
face painting. There were pool and table
tennis competitions. A live band was led
by Br Jeff Miller SDB, Carlos Escobar and
Malia.
St John Bosco
St John Bosco was born in 1815 in
Becchi in northern Italy of a poor farming
family. At the age of nine he had a dream
where Our Lady appeared to him and told
him that one day he would be a leader of
boys if he remained humble, steadfast and
strong.
Overcoming tremendous obstacles and
setbacks, Don Bosco was ordained a priest
in 1841 and began his ministry among the
street kids of Turin. Many of these boys
had come from the countryside in search
of work, and most of them had little or no
family support. They were often the victims
of unscrupulous employers and became
involved in petty crime to survive.
Don Bosco gathered these boys on
Sundays for games, fun, education and
evangelisation.
In time, the numbers of boys grew and
so did the need for Don Bosco to find more
permanent places for them to gather.
From the ‘Pinardi Shed’ in a rough
area of Turin, an educational empire was
born that has spread throughout the world
and has ensured the continued holistic
education of the young, especially those
most in need.
In 1856, Don Bosco founded the
Salesian priests and brothers and in 1872,
with St Mary Mazzarello, the Salesian
Sisters to carry on his vital mission, using
the spirituality of the Preventive System of
Education, Reason, Religion and Loving
Kindness.
Don Bosco was often heard to say, “I
would give my life for my boys”, and, “It is
not enough to love the young, they must
know that they are loved”.
The Don Bosco Youth and Recreation
Centre continues his legacy, providing the
young with a place of fun and recreation
where they feel loved and noticed. The
loving gaze of Mary and Jesus the Good
Shepherd reaches out to them and gives
them hope and confidence for a bright
future.
May the Lord bless all who continue
Don Bosco’s legacy of kindness and love to
the young.
Fr Shane Reade SDB and
Sr Jenny Doudle FMA.
Have you ever thought
God might be
calling you
to the priesthood?
ST PATRICK’S CATHEDRAL
MASS TIMES AND REGULAR SERVICE
Weekend Masses
Saturday 8am, 9:30am
(Mass in the Extraordinary Form – Latin),
6pm (Vigil) Sunday 8am, 9.30am (Family
Mass), 11am (Solemn Mass), 6pm
Weekday Masses
Monday to Friday 6.45am,12.30pm
Public Holidays 8am
Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament
Monday to Friday 11.15am-12.20pm
First Friday of the month 6pm-7pm
Sacrament of Penance
Weekdays 11.15am-12.20pm
Saturdays 8.30am-9am, 5pm-5.30pm
Vocation Discernment Afternoon
Sunday 27 September 2015
All young men who feel God might be calling them to the priesthood are invited
to the Catholic Diocese of Parramatta’s Vocation Discernment Afternoons. The
afternoon starts at 2pm and concludes with a shared meal at 6pm.
Venue: Holy Spirit Seminary,
31-33 Allen Street, Harris Park
To find out more about priesthood in the Catholic Diocese of Parramatta, contact:
Fr Warren Edwards
Director of Priestly Vocations
tel 0409 172 700
email: vocations@parra.catholic.org.au
visit: www.parra.catholic.org.au/vocations
www.parra.catholic.org.au/holyspiritseminary
Devotions
Morning Prayer of the Church
Monday to Friday 6.30am
Saturday and Sunday 7.30am
Angelus
Monday to Friday noon
Rosary
Monday to Friday after Angelus at noon
Canticle of Our Lady’s Marian Movement
Friday 1pm
Christian meditation
Tuesday 9.30am-10.15am
Baptism - Sunday 12.45pm by appointment
Marriages - By appointment
Contact the Parish Secretary
tel (02) 8839 8400 or email
1 Marist Place, Parramatta
20 CatholicOutlook | SEPTEMBER 2015
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Conference to
focus on domestic
violence and
human trafficking
By Elizabeth McFarlane
NEWS & EVENTS
Mark Gronow, with his academic supervisor Assoc Prof Joanne Mulligan and Archbishop Anthony Fisher OP
at the presentation of the 2014 Br John Taylor Fellowship.
Prize aims to lift numbers
studying mathematics
For Mark Gronow, the goal of having
more students studying, and enjoying,
mathematics is something of a
personal mission.
A teacher for more than 30 years, Mark
said mathematics ‘has had a bad rap for too
long’ - and he is determined to change that.
“The number of students studying
higher level maths at school and university
has been falling.
“As a nation, we are heading towards
a shortage of skilled maths teachers in
our schools, and that’s something that
is troubling schools, government and
business.”
Mark said the problem was rote
learning and the teaching procedures used
to prepare students to pass exams.
“The research is in and this is why most
people hate mathematics.”
In 2014, Mark applied to Macquarie
University to begin a PhD in mathematics
education, and thus began his journey to
study how maths teaching and learning
could be improved.
It also motivated him to apply for the
Brother John Taylor Fellowship, an annual
prize offered by the Catholic Education
Commission NSW (CECNSW), to support
his research.
“The fellowship has been a lifechanging
experience,” he said. “It’s enabled
me to attend national and international
mathematics and teaching conferences in
the US and the UK.”
In April, Mark attended the National
Council of Teachers of Mathematics
Annual Conference and Research
Symposium in Boston.
“It was incredible – 10,000 maths
teachers in one arena, hearing about
new research and insights into teaching
mathematics. I visited Boston College, a
Jesuit University, to meet with mathematics
research academics.”
Mark also attended the Mathematics
Educational Research Group of Australia
in Queensland and has travelled to the UK
to attend two workshops – one at Oxford
University.
He is now working with a mentor to
finalise his research and publish it for the
teaching profession.
“The opportunity to travel and attend
conferences and workshops and to meet
leaders in the field of my research has
been an opportunity that could only have
happened through this fellowship.
“I encourage anybody involved in
Catholic education who is passionate about
teaching and how it can improve young
lives to apply for the 2015 fellowship.”
CECNSW’s Executive Director, Dr
Brian Croke, said the fellowship provided
up to $25,000 in travel and accommodation
to an applicant involved in Catholic school
education, as an employee in schools or
associated bodies, to research a challenge or
priority in Catholic school education.
“We want to build a body of research
that helps the teaching profession address
current priorities or challenges in Catholic
schools,” Dr Croke said.
The award honours John Taylor, a
Christian Brother, who made his mark on
NSW education over three decades as a
teacher, principal and Executive Director of
CECNSW.
Applications for the 2015 Bro John
Taylor Fellowship must be submitted by
30 September using the electronic form at
www.cecnsw.catholic.edu.au
Domestic violence and human
trafficking will be under the spotlight
at a national gathering of Catholic
women in Parramatta this month.
About one in five Australian women
has experienced violence at the hands of
an intimate partner (ABS, 2013) and the
global problem of human trafficking is also
occurring in Australia.
The Catholic Women’s League Australia
Inc. will hold its 47th National Biennial
Conference from 22-24 September at the
Novotel Parramatta.
The CWLA strives to be a ‘voice for
the voiceless’ and at national, state and
local levels, speaks out about issues such as
violence against women and children, human
trafficking, adoption, poverty, gambling,
prostitution, and pornography.
This month’s conference will focus on
domestic violence and human trafficking
and the need for greater education, strategies
to overcome abuse and a renewal of hope
around these issues.
Gladys Meaney-Budd, a representative
from the CWL in Parramatta, supports
the belief that education is at the heart of
positive change.
“We are going to address this sad
situation in our society by learning more
of how we can support the victims of these
crimes,” Gladys said.
“Our education will be further enhanced.
We will have more information and
strategies to combat these evils in our society,
remembering the words of the Holy Father,
‘Open our ears to hear God’s word.’”
Domestic violence can have dire
consequences on the family unit. The World
Union of Catholic Women’s Organisations
(WUCWO) has launched a ‘campaign for the
enhancement of the family’ to address these
impacts.
Gladys said domestic violence cannot
be tolerated if a family is to live a normal
life. “There has to be tolerance and
understanding, and when this is not there, a
family is always in disarray,” she said.
“Domestic violence is not always
physical. Many times, one member can be
controlling and lack any understanding of
Gladys Meaney-Budd, a member of the
CWL Diocese of Parramatta.
the damage being done.”
Pru Goward MP, State Minister for the
Prevention of Domestic Violence and Sexual
Assault, will be a keynote speaker.
“It is a great privilege to have Pru
Goward with us on this occasion, and it is
hoped in her address she will be able to give
hope and perhaps some solace where that
need exists,” Gladys said.
Sr Hilda Scott OSB, a Benedictine
Sister from the monastery at Jamberoo,
will also speak at the conference. Other
speakers include: Pat McDermott, Australian
Women’s Weekly columnist of more than
30 years; Jennifer Burn from the Faculty
of Law University of Technology; and Ken
Smith OAM, historian from the Parramatta
Historical Society.
Jennifer Burn, director of Anti-Slavery
Australia, will speak about human trafficking
in Australia.
The ‘Child not Bride’ campaign was
launched in February this year and both
Jennifer Burn and Pru Goward spoke,
focusing on young women and community
leaders from multicultural communities.
This campaign has been supported by
fact sheets translated into Arabic, Farsi,
Urdu, Nepalese and Hindi. “This signifies
the spread and range of growth in the
community in general and the Parramatta
area in particular in recent years,” Gladys
said.
Both women and men are welcome to
attend the conference. “We would encourage
anyone to attend, especially those interested
in, and wanting to learn more about, the
issues,” Gladys said.
The Opening Mass of the Conference
will be celebrated at 6pm in St Patrick’s
Cathedral on Tuesday 22 September. Light
refreshments will be served in the Cathedral
Hall afterwards.
For more information about the
conference, please visit: www.cwla.org.au
To register tel Pauline O’Malley (02) 4358
1801, treasurer@cwla.org.au
Allan Drew OAM, JP
Supporting families in a time of need is
what Allan from Allan Drew Funerals
has done best for more than 25 years.
Tel (02) 9680 1344
allandrewfunerals.com.au
www.parra.catholic.org.au @parracatholic facebook.com/parracatholic
CatholicOutlook | SEPTEMBER 2015 21
LAUDATO SI’
Laudato Si’
Living and integrating
the new encyclical
By Sr Louise McKeogh FMA, Social Justice Coordinator
Sixty people from across the Diocese
of Parramatta gathered at Mt Druitt
last month for a public forum on
Pope Francis’ new encyclical, Laudato Si’ –
‘Praise be to you’.
The day, entitled ‘Pope Francis has
written you a letter’, was hosted by
Australian Religious Response to Climate
Change at Loyola Senior High on 15
August.
Fr Gregory Jacobs SJ from Holy
Family Parish, Emerton, began the day by
providing context and background to Pope
Francis’ spirituality, formation and life as a
Jesuit.
Challenging us to hear both the cry
of the poor and the cry of the earth,
Dr Hamish Clarke, senior climate and
atmospheric scientist from NSW Office
of Development and Heritage, provided a
local perspective by raising our awareness
of the statistics and records of our local and
changing climate.
He said technology was accurate
enough and detailed enough to provide
local facts and statistics on the Mt Druitt
and Parramatta regions.
Prof Neil Ormerod Professor of
Theology at Australian Catholic University,
gave an overview of Laudato Si’ and the
spiritual and theological content.
He highlighted the significant
contribution that this encyclical would
now play in the Church’s long tradition of
Catholic Social Teaching. Laudato Si’ is
unique in its significance and focus on both
creation and human ecology.
Prof Ormerod outlined the framework
and background of the encyclical with its
starting point being the prayer of St Francis
– Praise to You Lord.
The day was an interactive experience
as participants watched two videos on the
effect of climate change on the poor in
Pastoral Care
Accredited Qualifications
Pastoral Care attends in a sustained
way to the emotional and spiritual
needs of people through a ministry of
presence, companionship and support.
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developing countries such as Bangladesh.
Discussion groups provided an
opportunity for each person to share both
their experience of caring for creation
and Laudato Si’s clear theology. The same
applied to the input from Dr Clarke.
Discussion continued around caring
for creation as a family and at local levels,
as well as our concerns and hopes for our
world.
Although a challenging and daunting
issue, the discussion in small groups led
us to have hope for action and make
small changes together, as the encyclical
highlights all of creation is interconnected.
Lunch provided time for continued
lively discussion and supporting a sound
human ecology. Hospitality students from
Loyola Senior High fulfilled an assessment
requirement, providing us with a threecourse
seated lunch.
We can all affirm the skill, competence
and warmth of the Loyola students.
Participants were informed and
enthused by the day as they shared the
following comments and feedback:
“I never realised there were so many
active Catholics on a topic very dear to my
heart. Good to know that the environment
is a focus of Catholic teaching.”
Another participant commented on
their highlight:
“All sessions were both interesting and
informative. Prof Ormerod’s session was
a centrepiece, but extremely thorough
and made the theology clear. The same
applies to the session by Dr Hamish Clarke.
The input was excellent – moving and
informative.”
Perhaps the thoughts of this participant
sum up the day:
“The information was excellent, sharing
was inspirational, the spirit is moving and I
will listen.”
The much-anticipated Laudato Si’ was considered by many to be the strongest pontifical action on the
environment and climate change yet.
A diversity of perspectives
The first comprehensive response of its
kind to Pope Francis’ encyclical on
the environment has been developed
by three Catholic agencies with the aim of
informing Catholic leaders on the latest
teachings of the Church.
The Francis Effect II: Praised Be You
– On Care for our Common Home was
developed collaboratively by Catholic
Religious Australia, Catholic Earthcare
Australia and Catholic Mission.
Catholic Mission’s Deputy National
Director and co-editor, Peter Gates, said
the diversity of perspectives was what made
The Francis Effect II so compelling.
“All of the chapters in The Francis
Effect II are contributed by authors who
understand the relationship between
nature, people and God, and the
interconnectedness of creation,” Peter said.
Among the 14 individual contributors
are renowned Catholic leaders, including
eco-theologian Prof Denis Edwards,
Director of Catholic Earthcare Jacqui
Rémond, National Aboriginal and
Torres Strait Islander Catholic Council
Chairperson Thelma Parker, and Lend
Lease National Sustainability Manager
Building, Ann Austin.
Jacqui Rémond, who also co-edited
the book, said its chapters drew on the
teachings of Laudato Si’ and offered critical
reflections with insightful perspectives
from Indigenous peoples, youth, health
and aged care, social services, education,
parish life, family, business, governance,
and theology.
The much-anticipated Laudato Si’ was
considered by many to be the strongest
pontifical action on the environment and
climate change yet.
The Francis Effect II, with its expert
analysis, allows readers to explore
the themes of the encyclical and its
implications for the local Australian and
global communities.
The book is the second release in the
series, following The Francis Effect: Living
the Joy of the Gospel – the first worldwide
response to Pope Francis’ 2013 exhortation
Evangelii Gaudium.
The Francis Effect II Colloquium
The colloquium will assist participants
to explore this vision, offering inspiration
and practical ideas for caring for our
common home.
Tuesday 27 October from 8.30am-4pm
at Dooleys Lidcombe Catholic Club, 4-28
John St, Lidcombe.
Cost $195 (concession $95). Contact
Anita Lee, Catholic Mission, tel (02) 9919
7800 or alee@catholicmission.org.au
The Francis Effect II can be purchased
and read online at www.shop.cm.org.au For
more information on The Francis Effect II:
Praised Be You – On Care for our Common
Home, or the colloquium, visit www.
thefranciseffectii.com.
Shrine of Our Lady of Mercy
Penrose Park
Fatima Day: Sunday, September 13
Main Celebrant: Fr Stephen Onyekwere
Assistant Priest Of St. Patrick’s Parish, Albury
Divine Mercy Devotions
First Sunday of the Month
Fatima Family Sunday: September 20
Thank you!
91561 NSW Diploma of Ageing
and Pastoral Care
For further information contact:
Holy Family Services
Registered Training Organisation
Tel (02) 9678 8200
email: educator@holyfamilyservices.com.au
www.holyfamilyservices.com.au
91448NSW
The Pauline Fathers and Brothers of Penrose Park would like to thank all our
pilgrims for their help and support over the past years. The first section of the
building project (i.e. the toilet blocks) is well underway, the work will continue in
approx. 1 months. We thank you for your continuing material help and prayers
to continue the building of our Pilgrim Hall. May God abundantly bless you all!
Pauline Father’s Monastery
Address: 120 Hanging Rock Road, Berrima, NSW, 2577
Phone: 02 4878 9192 Fax: 02 4878 9351
Email: paulinefathers@yahoo.com.au Website: www.penrosepark.com.au
22 CatholicOutlook | SEPTEMBER 2015
www.parra.catholic.org.au @parracatholic facebook.com/parracatholic
SOCIAL JUSTICE
MYC has created social enterprises that provide a supported entry point into the labour market.
Marist Youth Care (MYC), a
national non-profit organisation
with its head office in Blacktown,
is making a real difference to the lives of
unemployed and disengaged Aboriginal
young people.
With the Aboriginal unemployment
rate hovering around 18%, approximately
three times that of the national
unemployment rate of 6%, MYC has
identified the need for a new approach in
creating sustainable jobs for Aboriginal
and Torres Strait Islander job seekers.
MYC’s CEO, Cate Sydes, said 2.7%
of Blacktown LGA’s population (8195)
were Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
(ATSI) people, compared with 1.2% for
Greater Sydney.
“This is the highest proportion of
ATSI population in urban NSW,” Cate
said. “Blacktown LGA is in the lowest
30% for both general disadvantage and
also for education and occupational levels
measured by the ABS Socio-Economic
Index.”
In response, MYC has invested heavily
in creating social enterprises that provide
a supported entry point into the labour
market, cultural mentoring, and on-thejob
training.
Examples of three of these include:
MYC Painting Services is a qualified
and licensed painting and decorating
contractor. Working primarily as a
Tackling
disparity
with
innovation
sub-contractor, MYC Painting Services
prides itself on first-class workmanship on
a range of residential and commercial jobs.
Currently experiencing growth, a total of
six Aboriginal apprentices have been hired
in the first six months of operation.
Having already partnered with
Programmed, Blacktown City Council and
the Sarina Russo Group, MYC Painting
Services is looking to expand its services
and, in turn, create further social impact
with its employment model.
MYCafe operated for 12 months in
2014-15, servicing construction workers
at IKEA, Bunnings and Masters within the
new Sydney Business Park development in
Marsden Park.
In this short window, MYC directly
employed eight Aboriginal trainees, in
many cases providing job seekers with
their first employment opportunity.
Reclaimed is a recycled furniture and
homewares enterprise that engages young
Aboriginal job seekers, providing a safe
and rewarding activity that builds skills,
confidence and employability.
MYC currently employs 35 Aboriginal
staff, which represents 10% of its total
workforce.
For more information about MYC
or to discuss employment partnership
opportunities, please contact Adam
Makepeace, Senior Manager Employment
and Training Services, tel 0407 95 49 84.
5
11-13
11-13
12
12
17
19
19
20
22-24
27
SEPTEMBER CALENDAR
BLESSING OF ST JOHN PAUL II STATUE
Everyone is invited to gather in St Patrick’s Cathedral forecourt at 12.30pm
when Archbishop Anthony Fisher OP will bless a series of statues celebrating
the life of St John Paul II.
CONSECRATED LIFE WEEKEND
Meet the Missionaries of God’s Love Sisters: hear what they do, day-to-day,
how they discerned their vocations, and what consecrated life is all about.
Sr Rosie rdrum@parra.catholic.org.au
WORLDWIDE MARRIAGE ENCOUNTER WEEKEND
An opportunity to reconnect, rekindle and refresh your relationship. Mt Carmel
Retreat Centre, Varroville. Ardell & Bill Sharpe tel (02) 4283 3435, wsharpe@
bigpond.net.au
ST PATRICK’S CATHEDRAL SPRING FAIR
Craft and plant stalls, cakes and Devonshire teas. Fun for all the family. From
10am-4pm in Prince Alfred Park, Church St, Parramatta.
CORPUS CHRISTI SPRING MARKET
Stalls, sausage sizzle, popcorn, cakes, art, small homewares, baby and children
items, candles, plants and more. From 11am-4pm at 86-92 Andromeda Dve,
Cranebrook
HOLY HOUR FOR VOCATIONS
Adoration, prayer, music and quiet time from 7pm-8pm in the Blessed Sacrament
Chapel in St Patrick’s Cathedral, Parramatta.
FEAST OF OUR LADY OF PENAFRANCIA
Novena at 9am followed by Mass at 9.30am in St Nicholas of Myra Church,
Penrith. Fluvial procession on the Nepean River at noon – board the Nepean Belle
at 11.45am at Tench Reserve wharf. Free lunch and entertainment from 1pm-4pm
at the Factory Rd Reserve, Jamisontown.
BLACKHEATH REFLECTION MORNING
‘Praying with Images and Symbols’ with Bernadette Corboy SGS. From 10am-1pm,
Sacred Heart Parish Hall, cnr Sturt & Wentworth Sts, Blackheath. Carmen Vanny
tel (02) 4787 8706.
CELEBRATING THE JOURNEY
For all married couples and their families but with special acknowledgement to
those couples who have significant wedding anniversaries of 25 years and over.
Mass at 11am in St Patrick’s Cathedral followed by lunch. Register by 12 September
through your parish or CatholicCare tel (02) 9933 0222, marriage@ccss.org.au
CWLA NATIONAL CONFERENCE
47th National Biennial Conference at the Novotel Parramatta. Keynote speaker
the Hon Pru Goward MP, Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence and
Sexual Assault. Pauline O’Malley tel (02) 4358 1801, treasurer@cwla.org.au
VOCATION DISCERNMENT AFTERNOON
All young men who feel God might be calling them to the priesthood are invited
to the Diocese of Parramatta’s Vocation Discernment Afternoon. Starts 2pm and
concludes with a shared meal at 6pm at Holy Spirit Seminary, Harris Park.
Fr Warren Edwards, Director of Priestly Vocations, tel 0409 172 700, vocations@
parra.catholic.org.au
29th Annual
Parramatta Diocesan
Golf Day
Tuesday 22 September 2015
Richmond Golf Club
Tee off 8.30am sharp! ‘Shot Gun Start’
(be there by 7.30am)
Ambrose Competition
Clergy, CEO Staff, School Staff and Parents & Friends
Cost $60 per head (includes GST)
if prepaid by 16 September
Includes delicious buffet, soft drinks,
green fees, trophies, mystery prizes
Limited to 30 teams this year
Book early to avoid disappointment
Ian Jordan 0408 219 942, ijordan@parra.catholic.edu.au
Proudly sponsored by the Diocesan Development Fund,
Catholic Church Insurance, Oz Fashions
“The most beautiful
and visually
compelling film
I have ever seen. I did
not want it to end.”
Kim, Brisbane.
Filmed and Edited by
Michael Luke Davies
www.parra.catholic.org.au @parracatholic facebook.com/parracatholic
A unique inside portrait of
the world of the Tyburn Nuns.
“This film takes you into
another realm…”
What is life in a cloistered Benedictine
community really like? Let the Tyburn
Nuns take you to their 9 monasteries
around the world. Witness the nuns’ holy
life of prayer and work, centred on the
Eucharist, in this remarkable film.
ORDER ONLINE:
www.tyburnconvent.org.uk
or send cheque/money order for $25
payable to:
Tyburn Priory, 325 Garfield Road East
RIVERSTONE NSW 2765
Name ........................................................
..................................................................
Address .....................................................
..................................................................
..................................................................
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CatholicOutlook | SEPTEMBER 2015 23
Mamre Festival
Sunday 25 October
9am – 3pm
at Mamre House & Farm
181 Mamre Road, Orchard Hills
Face painting for kids – coin donation!
Free art exhibition “SHARING THE SEEDS”
Teacup rides & jumping castle
Summer slush puppies
Sausage sizzle AND bacon & egg rolls
Music & entertainment
Plants and seeds
Entry is gold coin donation with
kids under 12 free!
A service provided by
Ample parking available!
24 CatholicOutlook | SEPTEMBER 2015
www.parra.catholic.org.au @parracatholic facebook.com/parracatholic