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DIOCESAN NEWS Finding and supporting volunteers in parishes By Richard McMahon, Director, Pastoral Planning & Implementation IN GENERAL, PEOPLE ARE happy to volunteer but shrink away from the two extremes of “we are desperate for help” and “you can do whatever you want”. People are prudent about how they share their time. Will I be waiting around with nothing to do? Will I be asked to do too much with no direction or support? What is the point of this ministry or group? Am I recognised for my efforts? Are there appropriate safety standards in place for me and those I work with? To review your current practices, your first checkpoint is the excellent resources available at Volunteering Australia: http://www. volunteeringaustralia.org/volunteeringresources/volunteer-managers/ and the NSW Centre for Volunteering http://www. volunteering.com.au/for-organisations/ managing-volunteers/. These websites offer best practice, provide great tips, and ensure due diligence and safety for both volunteers and those they are supporting. The following can act as a checklist to assist: Step 1: Put supports in place before you get started Strong support by parish leadership in ongoing communication, spiritual guidance and presence is critical. Ensure ministry leaders are appropriately formed, trained and supported in dealing with volunteers. Establish clear policies and documentation including a code of conduct, volunteer engagement forms, database, clear role descriptions and contracts, work, health and safety standards, appropriate checks, e.g. Working With Children Checks and Police Checks. Parishes would benefit from having a volunteer coordinator or team to oversee volunteer recruitment and retainment. Step 2: Be clear on what you want and who you want What is at the heart of the role? How is it building up a community centred in Christ, and evangelisation – drawing people into communion with Christ? Are we clear on the skills, qualifications, age and health requirements, checks needed, time commitment and number needed for the ministry? This is also a good time to consider what gifts, strengths and passions would suit the role and what benefits they will receive by stepping forward, e.g. learn a skill, make friends or serving God’s people. This can help target who to invite. Step 3: Advertise, invite and hold information sessions There is much that can be done here, but one rule is: promote in seven different ways, repeating your message seven times! Broaden advertising to schools, sporting groups, local volunteer groups, e.g. Rotary and your local council. Information sessions are a great way to help people dip their toe in the water before jumping in. They reinforce why this role matters, what is involved, what support is offered, the impact you will make and the skills you will gain. Step 4: They signed up? Follow up! When someone signs up, it is critical that you follow up with a big thank you, clear instructions of what is happening, a reminder of the mission they are supporting and clear contact details. Step 5: Orientation, training and commissioning At orientation, it is good to offer an overview of their ministry – what is the effect of their work? How is it an act of service? How does it help the community and reign of God? Offer formation in being stewards, not ‘owning’ their role. Be clear about the goals and overall strategies of the role. Ensure they know what to expect and what is expected of them. Commissioning should be during a public ceremony. This both acknowledges the individual and informs the community that the leadership has authorised them to carry out their role. Step 6: Commencement Commencement procedures are critical to offering a good first impression. Are volunteers checked in, greeted, introduced to others? Is there time to connect them to the mission and to prayer? Are they thanked? Step 7: Review and next steps A good review process includes elements of intentional reflection – on service, self, and next steps – with group discussion. Each year, it is good to offer formal acknowledgement such as expressing gratitude in a Mass, a community meal or day, or a retreat. Finally, pathways to develop as leaders or additional skills within ministry help sustain your volunteers. If your parish offers clear policies, entry paths and support, you will build confidence among people to step forward and remain within your sphere of volunteers. And don’t forget to say thank you! OLMC student Annie Gittany uses an umbrella to shelter Sr Ailsa Mackinnon RSM and Dr Geoff Lee MP at the opening. Image: OLMC Parramatta. New Ailsa Mackinnon Community Centre opens at OLMC Parramatta THE NEW AILSA MACKINNON Community Centre at OLMC Parramatta was officially opened by Dr Anne Bunde-Birouste and blessed by Bishop Vincent Long OFM Conv on 17 February. The special afternoon event was attended by Sr Ailsa Mackinnon RSM, Sisters of Mercy Parramatta, members of the College Board and Alumnae, College staff, students and parents, as well as a host of special guests, including Dr Geoff Lee MP, the state Member for Parramatta. The centre is named after Sr Ailsa Mackinnon RSM, who was Principal of the College from 1990-2004. It features an indoor multi-purpose sports and gathering place with seating for approximately 1200 as well as four teaching and learning spaces, a roof top outdoor sport area and a gymnasium. Sr Ailsa said she was honoured to have a building named after her and pleased that it is a community centre dedicated to physical education. “To call it a community centre speaks volumes about the importance of community to OLMC,” she said. “It’s also a beautifully constructed building that is light and airy with plenty of space for physical activities. Students are encouraged to reach their potential at OLMC and it is important to have facilities such as this building to help enable this. “I feel that naming buildings after Sisters of Mercy helps to keep the history of the College alive and reminds the community of the importance of living the Mercy values.” In his address, Bishop Vincent congratulated Sr Ailsa, who is Vicar for Consecrated Life in the Diocese of Parramatta. “This building is truly magnificent and an icon. It has set a very high standard for other civic buildings nearby,” he said. “This is a celebration not just of a building but, above all, talents that will be developed, lives that will be transformed, relationships that will be affirmed and enhanced.” Internationally respected for her expertise in social change, Dr Anne Bunde-Birouste is the driving force behind Football United – a program that uses the magic of the ‘world game’, together with other strategies, to inspire young people, to foster their educational engagement and to promote social justice and cross-cultural harmony. Anne is Convener of Health Promotion at the University of NSW School of Public Health and Community Medicine and is passionate about demonstrating how sport can help young people build self-esteem and forge strong community bonds. OLMC’s Principal, Stephen Walsh, said the community was very excited about the opportunities the brand new community centre will bring. “The magnificent new sports facilities and contemporary learning spaces will perfectly complement the mix of learning areas already in use at the College,” he said. “It will be especially wonderful to have a space large enough to fit the whole school and guests; it will further enhance our very strong sense of community.” The Centre is the final element of an ambitious master plan which began in 2008 and saw the construction of the Janet Woods Building (featuring multiple, fully equipped Science labs, a new library, state of the art Food Technology spaces and a botany room), a new dedicated Student Centre, a Dance Studio and the purpose-built Christina Creede Music Centre. Established in 1889 by the Sisters of Mercy, OLMC Parramatta is a leading independent Catholic girls’ school that provides contemporary learning and academic excellence in the rich Mercy tradition. The College is hosting an Open Day from 10am-2.00pm on Sunday 12 March and an Enrolment Information Evening on Tuesday 21 March. For more information, visit: www.olmc.nsw.edu.au 30 CatholicOutlook MARCH 2017 www.catholicoutlook.org
Church supports people experiencing domestic violence in Western Sydney By Jordan Grantham WESTERN SYDNEY HAS been identified as a domestic violence ‘hot spot’ by the Federal Government and Catholic organisations are working hard to provide families with support and access to relevant services. At its bi-annual National Conference held in Parramatta in 2015, the Catholic Women’s League Australia (CWLA) passed a motion to advocate for the Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence. Just over one year later, a significant amount of the motion has been achieved. Carolyn Metcalfe was the President of the CWLA in 2014 and 2015. “Domestic violence is something that we have to be constantly aware of,” she said. “For all intents and purposes everything looks fine, but inside the home it’s another thing altogether. We need to be aware and on the alert.” The motion tabled at the conference sought to lobby the Federal Government to allocate more funding and support to “programs and initiatives that aim to eradicate the existence of domestic and family violence”. The first initiative the motion advocated was a “national advertising campaign, aiming to combat domestic and family violence against women”. The Federal Government’s national program has achieved much of what the advocated motion suggested, with a $100 million package to stop domestic violence. The national advertising campaign has been viewed 32.3 million times, according to a report in The Daily Telegraph (Domestic violence: Six Western Sydney suburbs identified as ‘hot spots’, 26 September 2016). The report revealed that six Western Sydney suburbs had been identified as domestic violence ‘hot spots’ in a national action plan of the Federal Government. Four of these areas are in the Diocese of Parramatta: Mount Druitt, Parramatta, Blacktown and Penrith. The CWLA’s motion also advocated changing the attitudes of perpetrators, ongoing education about the issue and support for victims. The San Miguel Family Refuge in North Richmond is part of the Lasallian welfare agency yourtown and provides support to families in need of temporary accommodation. In addition, San Miguel provides access to legal and medical support, education for school aged children and personalised case managers. CatholicCare Social Services is the social services agency of the Diocese of Parramatta and provides relationships and family counselling to couples who have experienced difficult circumstances or events that impact their relationships with others. CatholicCare’s Houses to Homes and Project Elizabeth programs can assist women aged 16-25 who are pregnant or caring for children in the Blacktown and Hills council areas with accommodation, support and counselling. The St Vincent de Paul Society also provides a range of services, including shelters. Holy Family Parish at Emerton is connected to St Mary’s Parish, North Sydney, which supports Mary’s House, a shelter for female victims of domestic violence. Domestic Violence Line 1800 RESPECT (1800 65 64 63) 24/7 San Miguel Family Refuge 02 4579 6622 CatholicCare Social Services 02 8822 2222 St Vincent de Paul Family Assistance Hotline 1800 606 724 Mary’s House info@maryshouse.org.au NEWS & EVENTS CALENDAR MARCH 2017 18 ST PATRICK’S FAMILY FESTIVAL This festival is organised by the Life, Marriage & Family Office and will be held from 2pm-5pm at St Patrick’s Cathedral Precinct, 1 Marist Plc, Parramatta. The Irish themed event will include live entertainment, food, rides for all ages and a historical display about the contribution the Irish have made to our Diocese. The event will also raise awareness about the World Meeting of Families taking place in Dublin next year and raise funds for families to be able to attend. All are welcome! For more information check out: www.parralmf.org.au/St-patricks-day Anyone interested in volunteering to help run stalls, prepare food, assist with crowd management and other duties tel (02) 8838 3441, lmf@parra.catholic.org.au 19 FORMATION FOR YOUNG ADULTS AT MT SCHOENSTATT For young adults aged 18-35: Love of Mary. Love of the Church. Love of the Mission of Christ. Want to know what it means to be human? Want to become an authentic Christian? If Yes, then join us for formation in the Schoenstatt Spirituality. On 3rd Sunday of every month, noon-3pm, please bring a plate to share for lunch. Mount Schoenstatt, 230 Fairlight Rd, Mulgoa. Further details tel 4773 8338. 23 CATENIANS’ 17TH ANNIVERSARY DINNER You are invited to meet Bishop Vincent Long OFM Conv at the Catenians’ 17th Anniversary Dinner meeting. Commencing 6.30pm for 7pm at Lachlans Restaurant Old Government House, Parramatta Park. Cost $50 per person, $65 per couple. RSVP to Michael Tan tel 0419 279 743, mghtan@tpg.com.au 24-25 24 HOURS FOR THE LORD – LIVING WATER @ SCHOENSTATT SHRINE Come and spend some time with Our Lord and His Mother in the Schoenstatt Shrine during this very special 24 hours. This annual gathering will begin with Holy Mass at 6pm on Friday and finish with Holy Mass at 5pm on Saturday. Reflection and music every hour for 30 minutes following by silent pray time. Accommodation at the retreat house is available for anyone who might wish to immerse themselves in this 24 hours. Schoenstatt Shrine, 230 Fairlight Rd, Mulgoa. Inquiries & bookings tel (02) 4773 8338 or email manager@schoenstatt.org.au For more events please go to: http://parracatholic.org/events/ Celtic Saints, English Martyrs & Aussie Links Lindisfarne Priory: Tom Blackwell • Pilgrimage Information Afternoon • Sunday 12 March at 2.30pm • Fr Wim Hoekstra EV, Parish Priest of St Michael’s Parish, Baulkham Hills, is accompanying a pilgrimage to Ireland, Scotland and England, departing 25 September, returning 25 October. Saints include: John Henry Newman, Patrick, Oliver Plunkett, Catherine McAuley, Columba, Mary MacKillop, Hilda of Whitby, Venerable Bede and Thomas Becket. English martyrs: Margaret Clitheroe, Edmund Campion and John Fisher. Itinerary includes: Birmingham, Stratford-upon-Avon, Oxford, Glastonbury, Dublin, Knock, Fort William, Iona, Holy Island (Lindisfarne), Durham, York, Cambridge, Walsingham, London and Canterbury. Downey Room, St Michael’s Parish Offices, 1-3 Chapel Lane, Baulkham Hills For a brochure: wimh@parishofbaulkhamhills.org.au Or write to: PO Box 1501, Baulkham Hills, NSW, 1755 “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 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..................................................... .................................................................. .................................................................. .................................................................. www.catholicoutlook.org MARCH 2017 CatholicOutlook 31
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