Catholic Outlook Magazine Lent & Easter Edition 2022

M A G A Z I N E
Holy Week and Easter in the Diocese of Parramatta | Choosing your next step in life
What’s the value in after school activities? | Help stamp out Modern Slavery
Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, Seven Hills, in profile | ‘Letting Go’ with Mary
Lent and Easter | Autumn 2022

The official publication of the Diocese
of Parramatta
Imprimatur and Publisher:
Bishop Vincent Long OFM Conv
Bishop of Parramatta
(02) 8838 3400
PO Box 3066,
North Parramatta, NSW, 1750
bishop@parracatholic.org
www.catholicoutlook.org
Editor & Vicar for Communications:
Br Mark O’Connor FMS
(02) 8838 3400
PO Box 3066,
North Parramatta, NSW, 1750
comms@parracatholic.org
Communications Manager:
Christina Gretton
Communications Officers:
Mary Brazell
Sr Sophie Boffa csfn
Nihil Obstat:
Fr Wim Hoekstra
Accounts:
Alfie Ramirez
(02) 8838 3437
alfie.ramirez@parracatholic.org
Printing:
IVE Group Australia Pty Ltd
All material in this publication is copyright and
may not be reproduced without permission of
the publisher. 43,500 copies are printed and
distributed to 47 parishes and more than 80
schools, after-school care centres and early
learning centres in Western Sydney and the
Blue Mountains.
Catholic Outlook is a member of the
Australasian Catholic Press Association.
© Diocese of Parramatta 2022
In the spirit of reconciliation, we acknowledge the traditional
custodians of the lands in which our Diocese sits, the land of the
Darug and the Gundungurra people.
We would like to pay our respects to the Aboriginal Elders past,
present and future, for they hold the traditions, memories and
wisdom of Mother Earth on which we place our feet upon today.
Pictured: Station 4, Jesus meets his mother.
The artist John Dunn is a member of the Stolen Generations. These
Stations of the Cross are an exploration of his own journey and they
illustrate beautifully how Aboriginal people resonate with the sufferings
of Jesus. The set of Aboriginal Stations of the Cross Prayer cards can
be purchased from Aboriginal Catholic Ministry, Victoria. For information
contact Odette Lo Castro at Odette.LoCastro@cam.org.au.
The Diocese of Parramatta reaffirms the
wise axiom attributed to Saint Augustine of
Hippo, “In essentials, unity; in non-essentials,
freedom; in all things, charity.” In this spirit,
Catholic Outlook publishes a variety of
Catholic viewpoints. They are not necessarily
the official views of the Diocese of Parramatta.
Cover Image: All Creation Sings His Praise by Jen Norton.

From Bishop Vincent
Dear Sisters and Brothers,
We will soon celebrate, once again, the great feast
of Easter and begin a season of joy.
For two years now, our liturgical celebrations have
been muted by the pandemic. Over the past years,
we have witnessed serious illness and death,
social unrest and the economic hardships faced by
individuals, families, and communities here at home
and throughout the world.
Many people in Australia and beyond are still
suffering the loss of loved ones, unemployment,
and fear and anxiety. We grieve that so many people
in poorer countries have not been given access to
vaccines. This global injustice is folly, as it not only
damages the lives of so many children of God but
makes more likely the rise of even more dangerous
COVID variants.
Yet, there is hope. Christ is risen! He has liberated us
and made a lasting peace and joy possible for our
chaotic and troubled world.
Pope Francis often speaks of joy. With characteristic
humour, the Pope says that Christians should not
look like ‘sourpusses’ (literally “vinegar faces” in the
original Spanish). We should rejoice in our freedom
and remain confident in God’s love for us. The joy of
Easter springs from our deep gratitude to God for his
gentle and compassionate presence in our lives.
“
As my fellow Franciscan, the medieval friar, Giovanni
Giocondo, once put it:
The gloom of the world is
but a shadow. Behind it, yet
within our reach, is joy. There
is radiance and glory in the
darkness could we but see – and
to see we have only to look!
”
May this season of grace bring us such lasting
joy. Please share this joy generously with others,
especially those in the ‘shadows’ and on the margins
of our society, during this blessed time and always!
Alleluia! Christ is risen!
Recently we have seen natural disasters like the
destructive floods in NSW and Queensland, the
volcanic eruption in Tonga, and tragedies such as the
pandemic and invasion of Ukraine. While these and
other hardships persist, Easter celebrates what Pope
Francis says so powerfully:
“
We are not loved after we
are forgiven, we are forgiven
because we are loved.
”
Bishop Vincent Long OFM Conv
Bishop of Parramatta

26
16
42
On the Inside
Lent and Easter / Autumn 2022
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4 OutlookLooks
8 Short & Sweet
9 A Prayer For Our Earth
10 Holy Week: a family affair
in the Diocese
14 St Bakhita’s example empowering
a challenge to slavery today
16 Making time for our mothers
18 Should I love my job?
20 Faith and a flourishing career
22 Letting the love of a marriage
spill over
24 Mastering decision-making
26 Continuing learning outside
the school day
28 Lenten reflections from
a new school leader
30 News from the Catholic
Education Diocese of
Parramatta Mission Team
33 Looking deeper
34 Mary: Exemplar of Faith
36 Mary pondered all these
things in her heart
38 Letting go with Mary
40 Mary’s visit to Elizabeth
42 A cuppa with the priest:
Fr Henry Huu Duc Tran
Our Lady of Lourdes, Seven Hills
44 Our Lady of Lourdes Parish,
Seven Hills
47 Pope Francis’ Prayer for Peace
48 Love your neighbours
as God loves you
50 Listen, Watch, Read, Think
52 Bringing wonder to Holy Week
and Easter for students
in public schools
54 Easter egg hunt
56 Directory of services
57 Latest appointments
57 Voice of the people

OutlookLooks
Our Easter Traditions
It’s time to commemorate Holy Week.
You can find the times for the many
different Masses in the Diocese at
catholicoutlook.org/holyweek2022
starting with Palm Sunday on 10 April
through to Holy Thursday, Good Friday,
the Easter Vigil and Easter Sunday.
Other services include Tenebrae on 11 April,
a beautiful liturgy, using music, words, light
and darkness commemorating the death of
Jesus at St Patrick’s Cathedral, Parramatta.
The Chrism Mass on 13 April brings all
the priests of the Diocese together at St
Patrick’s Cathedral to renew their priestly
promises. At this Mass the holy oils used
throughout the year are blessed.
Fr Vincent Savarimuthu washes parishioners’ feet at
Holy Thursday Mass 2021, at St Madeleine Sophie
Barat Parish Kenthurst.
Image: Diocese of Parramatta
Giving this season
Lent is a time of sacrifice and thinking of others.
Help fight poverty overseas and donate to Project
Compassion, the major fundraising event for Caritas
Australia. Donate at caritas.org.au
Image: Diocese of Parramatta
Closer to home our Good Samaritan Appeal is raising
funds for Catholic Care’s drop-in centres which have
provided support for vulnerable people in the
community, such as those traumatised by bushfires.
You can donate at yourcatholicfoundation.org.au/
appeal-neighbours
Decision time
Around this time of year, many people are making
decisions about their future working life. They may be
choosing subjects or courses, or maybe considering
whether they are happy in their job. Last year marked 40
years since Pope St John Paul II released his letter on the
importance of work as part of our humanity. In this edition
we look at the role faith can play in making decisions
on our future, and how to look for the clues that God is
providing. You might be surprised.
Image: Pexels
4

Choose slavery-free
chocolate this Easter
Last month the Church held a day of prayer,
reflection and action against human trafficking
on the feast day of St Josephine Bakhita, the
patron saint of human trafficking survivors.
Modern slavery is a very real problem in our
world. Our article on page 14 explains how you
can play a part in eradicating modern slavery
and slave-like practices.
You can start this Easter by purchasing
slavery-free chocolate!
Look for the following symbols on the
products you buy.
Seminarian David Sebastian and his mother Sophia. David joins
others in reflecting on mothers and Mother’s Day on page 16.
Image: Diocese of Parramatta
Mother’s Day
May is all about mothers including Mary. On
Mother’s Day we give thanks to our own mothers
and grandmothers for the selflessness they shower
us with, day after day. The centuries-old tradition
means May is also a time to honour and connect
with our spiritual mother Mary, who prays for us
and with us.
New ways to
pray the Rosary
May, being the month of Mary,
we are encouraged to say the
Rosary each day. You may
find your parish has a daily
Rosary recitation. Alternatively,
the Pope’s Prayer Network and
the The Vatican’s Dicastery
for Laity, Family and Life have
created a beautiful ebook to
help your family pray together.
They have also created a free app
which personalises your Rosary
experience.
The Click to Pray eRosary app
provides a range of background
music, and the mysteries of the Rosary
and the Gospels read aloud.
An interactive dashboard keeps track.
Image: Unsplash
5
Find details
catholicoutlook.info/erosary
Image:
Click to pray the eRosary.

OutlookLooks
Invite a friend to Mass
Recent research has found that that
two-thirds of Australians would attend
a church service online (64%) or in
person (67%) if personally invited.
So don’t be afraid to offer to take
someone you know to Mass with you.
There’s a good chance they want to
be asked, and Easter is the perfect
time to invite them.
Image: Shutterstock
Purposeful prayer
Pope Francis asks us to have purpose through
a specific intention each month. Find videos and
social media posts you can download and share
at popesprayer.va.
MARCH | For a Christian response to bioethical
challenges
We pray for Christians facing new bioethical
challenges; may they continue to defend the dignity
of all human life with prayer and action.
APRIL | For health care workers
We pray for health care workers who serve the sick
and the elderly, especially in the poorest countries;
may they be adequately supported by governments
and local communities.
MAY | For faith-filled young people
We pray for all young people, called to live life to the
fullest; may they see in Mary’s life the way to listen,
the depth of discernment, the courage that faith
generates, and the dedication to service.
Image: Shutterstock
6

What’s On in the Diocese?
6 to 7 APRIL
Sydney Alliance Foundations Training – all welcome.
Details at bit.ly/sydalliance
10 APRIL
Natural Fertility Session. Details at parralmf.org.au
10 APRIL
Palm Sunday starts Holy Week.
Check Mass and liturgy times at
catholicoutlook.org/holyweek2022
11 APRIL
Tenebrae – St Patrick’s Cathedral, Parramatta
13 APRIL
Chrism Mass – St Patrick’s Cathedral, Parramatta
2 MAY
Formation for Ministers at the Altar Course.
Details: anne.stanton@parracatholic.org
or (02) 8838 3456.
11 MAY
Peace Justice Ecology Sharing Online – all welcome.
Details at parracatholic.org/socialjustice
13 MAY
Theology Hour for young adults 18 to 25.
ACU St Josephine Bakhita Campus, Blacktown.
Details @catholicyouthparra
20 MAY
LIFTED Live Unplugged – a night of praise and
worship for young people.
Details @catholicyouthparra
1 to 3 JULY
LIFTED Retreat - a weekend of friendship, prayer,
community, reflection for young adults over 18 years.
Details @catholicyouthparra
EACH MONTH
Pre- marriage education courses.
Details at parralmf.org.au

Do not let the devil tell you, as he tried to tell
Jesus, that the hard things of life are a sign that
the Father has abandoned you. It’s a lie. When
it’s darkest, God is closest.
Short & Sweet
Mother Hilda Scott OSB
reflection for Palm Sunday from
the Diocese of Wollongong’s
Remember Lenten program.
In Jesus, we worship a God who was not content to
look down upon us from some safe haven, light years
away. We follow a saviour who gets down, right down
on the same plain with those in the deepest pain, with
those who have nothing left.
Bishop Vincent Long OFM Conv
Bishop of Parramatta.
Homily for 13 February 2022
Jesus Christ is being raised up on the cross before us,
and we are able to say that, not only did he give up his
life for those who actually stood at the foot of the cross
some 2,000 years ago, but we are able to say that this
is what Christ did for me—this is what Jesus is doing
for me during the celebration of Mass.
Fr Anthony Jukes
reflection for Palm Sunday from
the Diocese of Wollongong’s
Remember Lenten program.
Visiting the sick is an invitation that Christ addresses
to all his disciples. How many sick and elderly people
are living at home and waiting for a visit! The ministry of
consolation is a task for every baptised person, mindful
of the word of Jesus: “I was sick and you visited me.”
Pope Francis
30th World Day of the Sick
Though the types of modern-day slavery may
differ from that of Roman times, all slavery is itself
the exploitation of the weak and vulnerable. It is
the power of the strong over the weak.
Bishop Vincent Long OFM Conv
Bishop of Parramatta.
Diocese of Parramatta’s
Modern Slavery Statement
Connect with the Mission Enhancement
Team in the Diocese of Parramatta
Pastoral
Formation
Catholic Youth
Parramatta
Peace, Justice,
Ecology
Worship
Marriage, Family
and Natural Fertility
pfparra.org.au
parracatholic.org/cyp
parracatholic.org/socialjustice
officeforworship.org.au
parralmf.org.au

A PRAYER FOR
Our Earth
All powerful God, you are present in the whole
universe and in the smallest of your creatures.
You embrace with your tenderness all that exists.
Pour out upon us the power of your love,
that we may protect life and beauty.
Fill us with peace,
that we may live as brothers and sisters, harming no one.
O God of the poor,
help us to rescue the abandoned and forgotten of this earth,
so precious in your eyes.
Bring healing to our lives,
that we may protect the world and not prey on it,
that we may sow beauty,
not pollution and destruction.
Touch the hearts of those who look only for gain
at the expense of the poor and the earth.
Teach us to discover the worth of each thing,
to be filled with awe and contemplation,
to recognise that we are profoundly united with every
creature as we journey towards your infinite light.
We thank you for being with us each day.
Encourage us, we pray,
in our struggle for justice, love and peace.
Pope Francis
Laudato Si’: On Care for our Common Home, 2015.
Image: Shutterstock
9

Holy Week:
a family affair in
the Diocese
BY MARY BRAZELL
Holy Week
begins on
10 April this year.
How will your
family mark this
significant time?
Members of the St Patrick’s Cathedral
Choir participate in the Tenebrae
service at St Patrick’s Cathedral,
Parramatta, during Holy Week 2021.
Image: Diocese of Parramatta.
Since March 2021, the Catholic Church has
been highlighting the role of families in our faith
with Pope Francis launching “Amoris Laetitia
Family” Year.
Now our churches are once again open to all, we’ve
asked families and those in faith communities from
our Diocese how they prepare for Holy Week, the
traditions they follow and the values they share.
It’s all about family during Lent
Gianna Tabone, aged 11, is the youngest of five
children in a family belonging to Mary, Queen of the
Family Parish, Blacktown.
Despite Gianna’s youth, she recognises the value
in bringing the family together to celebrate the
traditions of Lent and Holy Week. She explains
how prayer and fasting together slows down and
connects the family when the rest of life is so busy.
“The family that prays together, stays together,” she
reminds us.
Lent is a particularly important time in the household,
with the family marking the Stations of the Cross
each Friday and each one giving up a food they
particularly enjoy. To her credit, her mother still
manages to cater to each member and create a great
meal. “Mum always finds a way to ‘cook around’
what everyone has given up,” says Gianna.
10

Palm Sunday
Palm Sunday Mass in the culturally diverse parish of
Holy Family Parish, Emerton, is always full of music.
A well as uplifting music, the Masses also feature
the blessing of the palms and olive branches at the
large white cross at the front of the property, and a
procession through to the church.
In particular, the Tenebrae service, this year held
on 11 April at St Patrick’s Cathedral, Parramatta,
enhances his experience of Holy Week. The sombre
but beautiful service features 15 candles which are
gradually extinguished in between psalms, readings,
lamentations and motets. The Cathedral ends up
completely dark, until the ‘Christ’ candle is brought in.
“It draws me more to the weight and gravity of
the mysteries of Our Lord’s Passion, Death and
Resurrection and ultimately His love for me and His
people the Church,” says Samuel. “Tenebrae helps
me in prayer and contemplation for the rest of the
Holy Week liturgies.”
Young people lead parish in prayer
on Good Friday
Lesina Vete, parishioner of Holy Family Parish, Mt Druitt,
with her family. Image: Supplied.
Lesina Vete, a mother of four from the parish, and her
extended family form one of the multicultural choirs
which will sing during Holy Week this year. Although
it may be exhausting preparing all the music, she
says it is wonderful.
For 30 years, St Bernadette’s Parish, Castle Hill, has
been re-enacting the Passion of Christ on the morning
of Good Friday. For Laura Burton, the parish’s Youth
Coordinator and Sacramental Coordinator, allowing the
young people and young adults to participate in the
Stations gives them an opportunity to reflect on what it
would have been like to be at Christ’s crucifixion.
After Easter Sunday Mass at the parish, the joy of the
Resurrection continues as Lesina and her extended
family come together at her parent’s house for a feast
on Easter Sunday with plenty of food and more singing.
Catholic teachers acting as
role models during Lent
At St John Paul II Catholic College, Schofields,
Religious Education and Music teacher Len Lara
ensures that his students are aware of the significance
of each element of Lent and Easter. “I try to model
being more reverent during this season and hope to
inspire the students to do the same too,” he says.
Young people and young adults re-enact the Stations of the
Cross on Good Friday at St Bernadette’s Parish, Castle Hill.
Image: Supplied.
Year 12 student Maddison Cauchi explains that the
school celebrates a Holy Week liturgy, which focusses
on lighting a candle each day and participating in the
Stations of the Cross. “Easter is a time to glorify, thank,
and worship God for all his sacrifices,” she says.
Sorrow leads to joy
In addition to singing spectacular music during Holy Week,
St Patrick’s Cathedral Choir Librarian Samuel Verceluz
is honoured to be able to give his gifts and talents back
to Christ during Holy Week by aiding and enhancing the
worship and contemplation of the faithful.
“The Stations are such an impactful moment of prayer
for the parish,” she says.
“
The reflections and prayers
between each station help us to
consider our own lives and the
way we show God our love and
faith in
”
Him.
11

CATHOLIC EDUCATION
DIOCESE OF PARRAMATTA
Enrolling now
for 2023
Belong.
BE WELCOMED | BE VALUED | BE CONFIDENT
Visit www.parra.catholic.edu.au today to find your local Catholic school and join one of our
caring, faith-filled communities.

Laura is particularly moved by Station 4 - When Jesus
meets his mother.
“When Mary walks up to Jesus, pushing her way past
the soldiers, to be with her son in his time of pain, this
really helped put me into the perspective of Mary. How
brave and strong, and trusting in God she would have
had to have been to stand firm in front of her son as he
was in absolute agony, to provide him with a moment of
comfort,” she said.
Sisters of Holy Family of Nazareth journeying
alongside Christ
The święconka (“blessings”), or Easter basket, that
is blessed during Holy Saturday at the Our Lady of
Częstochowa Polish War Memorial Chapel in Marayong.
Image: Supplied.
“Easter is the reason for our faith”
Maria and Mick Pastoors from the Parish of Richmond
have three children and during the Lenten season, they
will be welcoming their fourth child.
Maria and Mick try to make Easter as important to
the children as Christmas. The family learn about how
Easter eggs and the Easter bunny symbolise Jesus’
new life through the Resurrection. They read and watch
kid-friendly versions of the Easter story and have a
calendar that counts down the 40 days of Lent with
family prayers.
“
Without Easter, there’s no
Mass, there’s no faith, no belief
in Christ, which makes us
Christian,” Maria says. “Easter,
to me, is the reason for our
”
faith.
At Our Lady of Częstochowa Polish War Memorial Chapel
in Marayong in the days leading to Easter, the decorations,
atmosphere, times of prayer, and cultural traditions are
designed to lead you, with Jesus, from the humiliation of
Holy Thursday to the triumph of Easter Sunday.
Holy Saturday brings crowds of people to the chapel for
the traditional blessing of the święconka (“blessings”),
or Easter basket. The basket contains specific foods
with meaningful symbolism, including a lamb cake for
Jesus as the Lamb of God, eggs for new life, meat
for God’s mercy, and cheese as a sign of moderation.
Once the food is blessed in a short prayer service,
families take it home to enjoy on Easter Sunday.
Mick and Maria Pastors from the Parish of Richmond with
their three children. Image: Diocese of Parramatta.
This Easter, like Easter 2021, is a time to reinvigorate
and re-energise our faith, particularly coming after a
long period of restrictions. As of the time of writing,
our Churches are open to all, and parish communities
are preparing a warm welcome to those wishing to
participate in our Easter traditions.
For details on Holy Week services
in the Diocese of Parramatta, go to
catholicoutlook.org/holyweek2022
Parish Priest Fr Ephraim Lam consecrates the Eucharist during
the Easter Vigil for the Chinese Chaplaincy at St Monica’s
Parish, North Parramatta. Image: Diocese of Parramatta.
13

“Modern slavery exists in our world,
including Australia. This Easter you
can take action.
”
St Bakhita’s example
empowering a challenge to
slavery today
STORY SR SOPHIE BOFFA CSFN
The year is 1877. Arab slave traders invade the
Sudanese village of Olgossa. Their practice of
abducting children and forcing them into slavery is
feared. Among the children they seize is a young
eight-year-old girl. The daughter of a respected
village leader, she has lived a carefree life in a loving
family. Her captors force her to walk 950 kilometres
barefoot. She is sold several times along the way and
endures unimaginable punishments and torture. Over
time, she forgets her own name, adopting the name
the slavers call her: Bakhita, or “lucky”.
Through the kindness of the prosperous Italian
family to whom she was eventually given, Bakhita
learnt about God and Christianity. She converted
to Catholicism, and entered the convent of the
Canossian Daughters of Charity as Sr Josephine
Bakhita. Bakhita was canonised in 2000. She has
been declared patron saint of South Sudan and
Sudan and of victims of modern slavery and human
trafficking. Her feast day, which is celebrated on 8
February, is also the World Day of Prayer, Reflection
and Action Against Human Trafficking.
Slavery may seem like an archaic or old-fashioned
practice, but it is still a reality for many people
around the world. Deacon John Cinya, who serves
the community of Mary, Queen of the Family Parish,
Blacktown, and who came to Australia as a refugee
from South Sudan, says St Josephine Bakhita’s
experience of captivity and slavery is felt by many
in South Sudan. “Children are still forcefully taken
from South Sudan by Arab slave traders, mistreated,
converted to Islam and sold in the north of Sudan,
and their parents and relatives cannot even trace
their location. People work with no pay, are abused,
or are smuggled with the false promise of a good
wage and a good life,” he says.
Human trafficking and slavery even touch the
lives of those in Australia. Deacon John identifies
exploitation and slave labour as realities which can
easily go unnoticed. “Some people are paid only
minimal wages, some work cash in hand with no
employment contract, some have no work cover if
they are injured, and young girls are made to work in
the sex industry. This is slavery,” he says.
14

The International Labour Organisation has
found that almost one in ten children are
involved in child labour worldwide.
Image: Shutterstock.
How can you join the fight
against modern slavery:
Buy slavery-free
chocolate this Easter
It is estimated that there are more than two
million children, many of whom have been
enslaved or are being exploited, working in
the cocoa sector in West Africa where about
70% of the world’s cocoa is produced.
This Easter buy chocolates carrying the
labels Fairtrade, Rainforest Alliance or UTZ.
Learn more at acrath.org.au/take-action/
slavery-free-easter/
Visit
the ACRATH website with resources on topics such as
modern slavery, human trafficking, forced marriage,
and domestic servitude at acrath.org.au
Read
the Diocese of Parramatta’s own Modern
Slavery Statement at catholicoutlook.info/
DoPModernSlavery .
Listen
to speakers such as those you can
find through ACRATH.
Ask
questions like “Who is making my clothes?” and read
the Ethical Fashion Guide at bit.ly/Ethicalguide .
Pray
to end all modern slavery and human trafficking.
15

MAKING TIME
for our mothers
BY CHRISTINA GRETTON
What are your plans for celebrating Mother’s Day? Perhaps, as well as gifts
or flowers, it is a chance for reflection on the role of our mothers, including
our spiritual mother, Mary.
David and his mother Sophia. Image: Diocese of Parramatta.
As Mother’s Day approaches, we asked two of our
seminarians at Holy Spirit Seminary, Victor Atuhura,
and David Sebastian, and Fr Shinto Francis,
Assistant Priest of St Thomas Aquinas Parish
Springwood, about their mothers and the role that
their spiritual mother, Mary has played in their lives.
Friendship
All three count their mother as a friend.
“The greatest friend,” says Victor. “My dearest
friend,” says Fr Shinto. They talk about the long
conversations they find themselves having with
their mothers. “We speak for hours,” says Victor.
Our first teachers
It’s true that our parents are our first teachers, even
before words are said. “Seeing Mum working hard,
being a leader in her field, being attentive to her work
plus my father, sister, and I, which is no easy feat,
mind you, gave me a visual model which I have tried
to embody in my own life,” explains David.
Victor’s mother used to be a medical nurse in his
home in Uganda where he grew up. When he went to
social events with her as a child, he noticed people
handing her money. One day he asked what the
money was for, and she replied, “Victor, I treat them
in my Clinic on debit. For most of these people it’s
on the condition that when they obtain money, they
would pay. Some take months or even years to pay,
but it’s not an issue - they pay slowly by slowly. We
are here to serve each other.”
“To me, this was the most important love lesson I’d
ever learn,” says Victor, “and if I had to define love,
Mom would be it.”
16

Faith journeys
Their mothers have played an important role
in their journey to priesthood. “I owe my faith
to my mum,” says Fr Shinto, explaining that
as well as handling the logistics of getting him
and his three brothers to altar service, she also
prays for their faith.
“It wasn’t the externals alone that supported
my faith journey, like taking me to Mass and
confession, altar-serving practices, even carrosaries,”
says David. “It was her hospitality,
welcoming friends and strangers alike into our
home. That showed me the faith in action.”
Victor’s mother is Anglican (his father is
Catholic), and is his biggest, and at one time
sole, supporter for becoming a Catholic priest.
When the rest of the family were trying to
convince Victor to look at other life careers, his
mother stood by him. “My son, there is nothing
you can offer to God than to lay down your life
for Him and His people. Go for it, if that is what
your heart wants,” she told him.
Mary
May is also the time we particularly think about
Mary. All three explain the significant role she
has played in their lives.
“Mary has played such a big role in my own
personal faith journey because she leads me to
her Son,” says David. “In moments of hardship
and temptation, the rosary has brought me such
great peace. Totus Tuus.” David continues,
“So often our society promotes getting a name
for yourself, pursuing power and status, and
yet Our Lady shows me the humble way, ‘be it
done unto me according to thy word’. Mary’s
life shows me that none of this is up to me, that
in everything my life should witness to Jesus.”
Fr Shinto at his ordination at St Patrick’s Cathedral in 2017.
His mother, Alice Francis is on the far left.
Image: Diocese of Parramatta.
Showing our appreciation
What do the seminarians and Fr Shinto
recommend as a great way to show our
appreciation to our mothers this Mother’s Day?
All three agree, that while a gift is nice,
nothing is better than spending time with
your mother, showing how you appreciate
everything she does for you, and telling her
how much you love her.
Fr Shinto admitted that he turned to Mary when
feeling anxious about his future. “The statue
of Our Lady of Grace in the (Holy Spirit, Harris
Park) Seminary chapel became a lovely place
for me to pray through her intercession. Mary’s
intercession has worked miracles in my life on
multiple occasions.”
“Out of all the many qualities of Our Lady, I
admire her perseverance in following God’s
will the most. Despite being full of grace, her
journey passed through both ‘storms’ and
‘calms’,” he reflects.
Above image: Victor.
Victor’s mother Sally.
Image: Supplied.
17

“
Choosing your future direction in life is a
big decision. Fr Jack Green reminds us that
we’re not alone when deciding our future
and God gives us clues to help us flourish
through our work.
” Should I love my job?
STORY CHRISTINA GRETTON
Fr Jack Green, who until last year was a priest at
Mary, Queen of the Parish, Blacktown, and currently
on study leave, understands making decisions
around your future can be stressful. Plus, he half
jokes, young people right now generally seem
more resistant to locking themselves into long-term
pathways than generations before.
That’s not necessarily a bad thing, he says, but if it
creates stress and uncertainty or holds up progress,
it needs to be addressed.
“It’s scary, but the reality of life is that to get on in
your life, you have to make some decisions and stick
to them,” he says.
“When it’s a decision that has a long-term impact,
like your work, there’s a lot to think about. Having
some stress indicates how important the decision is.
The good news is that there’s a way to deliberately
and intentionally consider your choice. It gives you a
sense of control and can help you feel calmer.”
While making decisions usually involves a number of
factors, Fr Jack says the key is to be methodical, and
to remember God’s wisdom and love is there for us.
“If we are paying attention, God gives us clues to
what work is suited to each of us, and what He
would like us to do,” he says.
“Something I have learned, is that God is not asking
us to play a guessing game,” says Fr Jack. “God is
not like that. Instead, He has given us the tools to
make good decisions.”
To start with, we need to pay close attention to
the desires that we are drawn to, and to what is
happening around us, he explains. It’s a way of
thinking that has been a part of the Catholic Church
since the time of St Augustine, but Fr Jack finds
many Catholics aren’t aware of this.
“We need to learn how to listen closely to ourselves
and think about what our desires are telling us about
what we want,” he says. “This can be a way of God
guiding us.”
Sometimes you may still end up with a number of
conflicting emotions. This is when Fr Jack recommends
tapping into the wisdom we have around us, through
people who have more experience, and who can help
us rank what’s most important.
The gift of dignity in work
The great news, says Fr Jack, is that we can have
confidence that God wants us to have work that
enables us to flourish as human beings. And He
wants each of us to find what that is.
“God wants us to work,” he says. “Right from
Genesis, we are told about His work creating the
world, and the work He gave Adam and Eve in the
Garden of Eden.
“In this sense, work brings us closer to God. It’s part
of the human experience. We find references about
working supporting human dignity, documented
in the scriptures. Popes have also written about it
such as Laboris Exercens, released 40 years ago in
September last year by Pope St John Paul II.”
He reassures young people making their first real
decisions about their future careers, that as time
goes by, the decisions made at age 15, 16 or 17
won’t determine their whole life.
“The main thing,” says Fr Jack, “is to trust that God
is guiding you. Be open to what he is saying.”
18

Things to remember
• God is with you, and your work is His gift.
When you hand over to God in this way, you
might find new joy in an aspect of your work
you didn’t like before.
• Sometimes a job you don’t always enjoy
might also be preparing you for your
next step. Be patient.
Fr Jack Green.
Image: Diocese of Parramatta
• You can be a witness to God in
whatever field you work in. How you
carry out your job can demonstrate
your faith when you act with integrity,
kindness and compassion.
• If you really don’t know what you
want to do, or what you want seems
unattainable, trust that God has given
you the ability to work it out. Pray. Then
be open to the opportunities you may
start to see.
Image: Unsplash

“
Faith and a
flourishing career
If the pandemic has caused you to decide to take action
on your career, there are a few things to consider, says
Linda Reardon, Careers Advisor with Australian
Catholic University.
“
Image: Shutterstock
Linda Reardon, Careers Advisor with ACU, provides
career guidance and support to students on their
career development learning journey.
Linda has worked in higher education for many years.
She enjoys her work and feels a perfect fit at ACU’s
campuses at Blacktown and Strathfield. “I was raised a
Catholic and had an opportunity for a short stint at ACU
when I quickly realised I felt at home,” she says.
She feels faith can positively impact your relationship
with your work.
“If you have a faith in the overarching forces at
play and feel intuitive that the positive is at play,
it can make a difference to your attitude. I feel
that kind of faith can play a special role in your
work and can help to make things flow with ease.
Having this kind of backup at work can give you an
unwavering confidence and can allow you to be the
best person you can be at work.”
20

Linda stresses the importance of three things when
choosing a career: having self-awareness, exploring
specific avenues you feel you would be good at through
networks and connections, and being open to exploring
much wider options that may not seem obvious.
Writing down the pros and cons and the reality as to
whether these might be a fit for you is a good starting
point. Working part-time or volunteering in your planned
career also helps you discover what you enjoy and what
you don’t. Talking to others helps enormously.
She encourages people to think about where to find
networks, especially through social platforms such as
LinkedIn. “Networking is very important, particularly
because there exists what we refer to as the ‘hidden
job market’ where around 80 per cent of jobs are
not simply advertised, but rather they are filled when
people are recommended by someone they know or
have worked with,” she says.
Networking is more than just knowing people, says Linda.
“We advise our students to form genuine and
thoughtful connections with people and when they
do connect, they should think about it from the
mindset of ‘how can I help this person?’, rather than
‘what can this person do for me?’.”
The benefits of finding the right job extend beyond
satisfaction, to boosting your success and those
around you.
“When someone is flourishing in their role, things
will seem to flow more easily,” says Linda. “With
less stress to contend with, people are able to apply
creativity and thoughtful consideration to their work.”
“People who are flourishing in their role will also
usually have the confidence and drive to go the extra
mile to help someone else within the team or to bring
in new ideas for the team to explore.”
Will you
love your
neighbours
as God
loves
you?
Your compassionate gift will enable Catholic Care
“ to provide welcoming places for everyone in our
community to come for support, information,
acceptance, or to connect with others and feel loved.
Bishop Vincent Long OFM Conv, Bishop of Parramatta
Please give generously to the
Bishop’s Good Samaritan Appeal
yourcatholicfoundation.org.au/appeal-outlook

Image: Unsplash
Letting the love of
a marriage spill over
STORY DEBRA VERMEER
22

By looking at marriage as something that God
wants for us, we’re opening ourselves to new
possibilities of love for ourselves and for others.
“We talk about grace and the opportunity to have
children and grow your family.”
When a bride and groom join together in Christian
marriage, they’re embarking on more than a pathway
to personal happiness. A loving marriage with God at
the centre will ‘spill over’ into their family, their friends
and their community.
Looking at it this way, marriage is a way of living
out the love God wants for us. Basing our marriage
on love for others draws us closer to Him, and by
sharing that love, bring others closer as well.
Many people may not see marriage in terms of
being what the Catholic Church calls a ‘vocation’,
but long-time marriage educators in the Diocese
of Parramatta, Rowena and Angel Penano, say the
word hints at what marriage is all about.
“ “
”
It’s called a vocation
because it is something you
do not just for yourself, but
for others, out of love,
says Rowena.
“And that is a mirroring of God’s love for the world.
It’s a thing that helps others.”
Joan and Declan Sally are also pre-marriage
educators in the Diocese of Parramatta and say a
healthy marriage is always “evolving and growing”.
“The feedback we get is that people love the premarriage
course because it’s a chance to talk about
things they might not have heard before, like the
meaning behind the Church’s vows and the notion of
entering into marriage freely and wholly – two single
people coming together to form one unity,“ says Joan.
When a couple in a marriage see themselves in
partnership with God, they can also call on grace
when times get tough, say the marriage educators. It’s
something Rowena and Angel found out themselves
and remind new couples of, for when they experience
the inevitable bumpy times in a relationship.
“Our issue came down to different ideas about
finances, which came from different ways of looking at
money in our families of origin. In the end, it was grace
which helped us through, and to remember that we
loved each other. We were able to call on the grace of
the sacrament to strengthen us,” says Rowena.
We say that grace is one
of the ‘superpowers’ of
Catholic marriage,
”
she says.
The educators say it’s important for couples to
discuss difficult topics and to have strategies to
deal with and resolve the conflicts that will arise
in any marriage.
“We talk about marriage being a circle of connection,”
says Joan. “It’s not only about ourselves, but about
God and others. It’s bigger than us.”
Marriage preparation courses are held
face-to-face or online throughout the year.
For more information and bookings go to
www.parracatholic.org/pmp or call the MET
Marriage Team on (02) 8838 3460.
Debra Vermeer is a freelance writer.
Keeping the ‘we’ in marriage
• Stay connected. Find regular time to connect with
each other. It can be as simple as morning and
evening hugs or a phone call through the day.
• Make regular deposits in your marriage account. If
you build up deposits of fondness and admiration, it
will provide a buffer in the hard times.
• Be gentle with each other. Be aware of the language
you use and always try to speak gently and with
respect, especially during an argument.
• Remember the love that brought you together. Your
spouse is your best friend, the person you love. It’s very
hard to stay angry when you operate in this mindset.
• Be forward-thinking. Try to understand each other
and identify the pressures that might arise and
positive strategies to respond.
• Live your vocation in your Domestic Church. Allow
your faith practices to enhance your marriage and
support your journey together to eternal life.
23

“
Mastering
decision-making
“
Do your children struggle with making good decisions?
When you think about it, it’s not easy but there are things
parents can do to build their skills and confidence.
Helen explains, we must allow children to make
wrong choices in order to learn.
“Afterward we might ask them if that was the right
choice? What else could they have done? How they
respond depends on their language skills, maturity
and age.”
Learning to make decisions as a preschooler is very
important, say Helen, because once children get to
school, if they’re unable to make good choices, it can
lead to genuine struggles and frustration for the child
and their parents. “When they get to school, they
could struggle and fall behind,” Helen says.
Helen Camilleri. Image: Diocese of Parramatta.
Helen Camilleri, Early Childhood teacher and
Educational Leader at Ambrose Catholic Early Learning
Centre (CELC) Emerton knows decision-making is
something children learn. “We find some children come
to us still learning to make decisions for themselves and
we assist them to learn how to make decisions. Maybe
they have limited opportunities to do so at home or they
simply aren’t confident. We give children guidance in
learning how to make decisions through role modelling.
We also discuss choices, and help children narrow
down their options.
“Decision-making can be overwhelming. Some
children shut down, simply refusing to choose
anything or to engage. We also see some children
who have had limited play-based experiences and
go through the centre like a hurricane, overwhelmed
by too many choices but not wanting to miss out on
any opportunities. I encourage them to sit with me
and role model how each activity works, teach them
how to play and guide them. Then I step back and
encourage them to choose which activity they want
for themselves.”
“They need to learn to choose to listen, to take turns,
to participate constructively with their peers before
they reach school. Otherwise, we find they struggle in
a classroom setting, or with making friends, because
they might not share well or make poor choices that
make them harder to play with.”
Helen acknowledges parents are busy, and it’s often
easier to limit choices for children at home, but home
is the perfect place for children to practise their
decision making.
“An example is when we do a pancake breakfast
every year. The children can choose to have it served
with one of two toppings or plain. That’s plenty of
choice for a young child. Something easily replicated
at home.”
There are six Catholic Early Learning Centres
operated by Ambrose, an enterprise of
Catholic Diocese of Parramatta Services
Limited supporting families through early years
education as well as 41 school-age out-of-hours
care services in Western Sydney and the Blue
Mountains. Find out more at ambrose.org.au
24

Decisions can be overwhelming
for some children.
Image: Diocese of Parramatta.
The Union of Frenchspeaking Africa are blessed with many young men answering the
call to become priests. With ongoing training, they will build the church of the future.
• Over 50 seminarians at various stages
of formation; Pre-Novitiate in Dakar
(Senegal), Pre-Novitiate in Righini (DR
Congo), Novitiate in Kimwenza (DR
Congo), Post-Novitiate in Nkolbisson
(Cameroon)
• Many of the buildings require
maintenance
• Students need money for fares,
accommodation, seminary fees, food,
medicines, books
• Funding from the home Provinces
of the MSC in France and Belgium
is decreasing as church numbers in
Europe diminish
• The African Union does not have the
resources to fully fund formation as
people are still poor.
Faith with a FUTURE in Africa
Enclosed is my gift for Africa
Formation
Cardholder’s signature: Card Expiry /
$
Cheque Cash Card
Mr/Mrs/Miss/Dr/Fr/Sr/Br:
Address:
Email:
Postcode:
Phone:
Send to: PO Box 177, Kensington, NSW 1465
www.mscmission.org.au

Children at Ambrose Activities at
Santa Sophia Catholic College.
Image: Diocese of Parramatta.
Continuing
learning outside
the school day
STORY CHRISTINA GRETTON
Mabel Osei. Image: Diocese of Parramatta
Ever wondered about the real value of your
children’s after-school activities? The new
team behind Ambrose Activities explains what
they add to a child’s development.
Raine is in Year One at the recently-opened Santa
Sophia Catholic College, Box Hill. She is putting the
finishing touches to the picture she has just drawn
in her first art class at Ambrose Activities. She tells
me that before the classes, she didn’t know she was
good at art. Her class is held in the school’s spacious
art rooms and the art of the senior students is hung
on the walls. She looks at their paintings and asks,
“Who did that?” When I tell her it was done by the
older students at her school she declares: “I want to
paint like that too.”
Being inspired by others is only one of the benefits
that the team behind Ambrose Activities points
to when discussing the value of extra-curricular
activities for children’s development. Currently, three
Ambrose Activities centres operate ‘masterclasses’
like basketball, art and cooking classes as part
of their after-school care programs at schools
in the Diocese of Parramatta. Masterclasses are
schoolteacher-led activities extending the traditional
after-school care program in Ambrose services.
Mabel Osei is the Senior Manager of school-age care
at Ambrose. “Extra-curricular activities encourage
children to develop passion and interests for things
they wouldn’t normally do,” she says. She finds
children are often in tune with what they are good
26

at, sometimes more than parents may realise. Being
able to do something they want to do and enjoy can
build a child’s self-esteem, says Mabel.
At Ambrose Activities, the ideas for the programs
comes from the children themselves.
“Giving children a voice in what they want to learn
builds their confidence. It’s something they can take
with them to high school and university,”
Mabel says.
She has seen very quiet children start to talk more,
once they realise their opinions are heard and valued.
Children develop other social skills from masterclass
activities as well. “There are a lot of studies that show
children who engage in after-school activities have
higher levels of social skills,” explains Mabel. She gives
the example of sport. Not only does it teach hand-eye
coordination, but also provides the setting to learn
about winning and losing. Mabel has found some
children really struggle with this important concept at
first, but over time learn to cope with their feelings.
Being in a group of mixed ages, which is common
in extra-curricular activities, also develops a child’s
social skills and, like Raine and her artistic ambitions,
can give them a goal to aim for. “Older children can
take on a mentoring role with younger children too,”
says Mabel.
“
Older children can take on a
mentoring role with younger
children
”
too
Ambrose is a social enterprise of the Diocese, and
operates six early learning and 41 out-of-hours
primary school centres as part of Catholic Diocese
of Parramatta Services Limited. Ambrose Activities
currently operates at St Luke’s Catholic College,
Marsden Park, Santa Sophia Catholic College, Box
Hill and St Madeleine’s Primary School, Kenthurst.
For more information about Ambrose, go to
ambrose.org.au
Raine. Image Diocese of Parramatta.
Choosing extra-curricular activities
Raine (right) and Penelope show their art.
Image: Diocese of Parramatta.
• Listen to what your child says they would
like to do. This is their chance to be heard
and make choices.
• If your child seems to enjoy or be skilled
in a particular area, consider what
activities they might enjoy and may help
grow their confidence and self-esteem
• Think about the social skills your child
may need to develop. Perhaps they might
need to make new friends outside of
school, or get more practice in winning
and losing.
• Ensure it’s fun!
27

Gavin Hays (right) with Marian Catholic
College school captains Ryan Muscat
and Olivia Tesoriero.
Image: CEDP.
Lenten reflections
from a new school leader
BY DR GAVIN HAYS PHD
28

Lent provides an opportunity for reflection
and preparation, leading us to gain insight and
perspective in our lives. Ash Wednesday marked my
first 40 days as the new Principal at Marian Catholic
College Kenthurst, giving a unique opportunity to
reflect on what has transpired so far.
In 40 days, I have needed to navigate a frequently
changing landscape in response to COVID, provide
guidance and support to my community impacted by
the recent floods and respond innovatively to current
workforce shortages facing the teaching profession.
Yet the opportunity to reflect has highlighted the
honour and privilege it is to be a school Principal.
Previous leadership experience and completing a
PhD as the father of four young children provided
some insight into the complexities of such a key role
in a community. Yet I have found myself schooled by
the realities of the role and the lessons I take from
this each day.
To be welcomed into the life of my community and
have the opportunity to inspire students to recognise
their talents and empower them to continually strive
to be the best people they can be is a gift. The key
messages to my students so far have been of grit,
perseverance and resilience in facing adversity.
Now I realise I am practising
what I preach!
As I reflect on my journey there have been three key
areas that have helped me build connection and
respond to these extraordinary times: presence,
principles and partnerships.
Presence
Critical in the first 40 days of leadership has been
establishing a visible presence. This not only lets
students know who you are, but also allows you to
understand all the intricacies of your community. I
have always been a leader who rolls up my sleeves
and leads by example.
However, the opportunity to be present in the
classroom or playground and talk to students and
staff has allowed me to ask genuine questions
of why we do things and gain a valuable insight
into our school culture. Without realising, I have
accelerated my understanding of the school
community, and this allowed me to respond
appropriately to the challenges faced so far.
Principles
The opportunity to think about and communicate your
key messages through communications across social
media, letters to the community, assemblies and in
professional learning have been a crucial component of
making a positive start to the first 40 days.
The constant articulation of the values that underpin
my vision have also supported my decision-making
as a leader and fostered greater collective buy-in
from staff, students and parents. I have found the
use of stories a significant asset in helping people
share the vision and then make connections to their
lives and how they can be agents for change.
Partnerships
In faith, we are never alone – I feel truly blessed in the
support of our Catholic community. Whether through
the pastoral leadership of our Parish Priest Fr Vincent
Savarimuthu or walking with parents and carers, this
companionship makes for a better journey.
The passionate and inspiring staff that I work with each
day who are responsible for supporting the growth
of all students are a source of constant support and
partnership. I am constantly amazed at their dedication,
professionalism and community spirit.
I am always amazed at the generosity of my fellow
Principals in providing time, support and advice.
In the midst of responding to their own complex
environments and facing the same challenges in their
communities they are always willing to reach out,
connect and ensure that I feel supported.
As people of faith, we live in hope. Hope is a powerful
force that keeps us striving for each other and
ourselves. It is the notion that what we experience in
the now, even how overwhelming, always leads to a
better tomorrow.
Dr Gavin Hays PhD is the Principal of Marian
Catholic College, Kenthurst. Prior to commencing
in this role, Gavin previously worked as Head of
Contemporary Learning and Research at Catholic
Education Diocese of Parramatta and served as
Assistant Principal at Parramatta Marist High.
29

“
News
Human fraternity, compassion
and community.
”
from the Catholic
Education Diocese of
Parramatta Mission Team
STORY CATHOLIC EDUCATION DIOCESE OF PARRAMATTA
With 80 schools across Western Sydney and the
Blue Mountains, Catholic Education Diocese of
Parramatta nurtures more than 43,000 children and
young people to grow in learning and faith each year.
A dedicated faith-filled group of educators work
together as a Mission Team to develop partnerships
with school communities and diocesan agencies at
every level; listening and learning from each other.
In 2022, the CEDP Mission Team has an exciting
new model of working which has been created
to develop a synodal approach to their work.
“The time has come for us to implement decisively
[a] participatory, inclusive and collaborative
model in our diocesan and parish structures....
a new culture of humility, accountability and
service. It is not a top-down and centralised
approach … Rather, it is a synodal church at
every level, with everyone listening to each
other, learning from each other and taking
responsibility for proclaiming the Gospel.”
Most Reverend Vincent Long Van Nguyen OFM Conv
Picture: Members of the Catholic Education Diocese of
Parramatta Mission Team (front row L-R) Amanda Bentley,
Monica Officer, Tania Melki and Lyn Taye and (back row
L-R) Mark Smith, Daniel Petrie, Nehme Khattar and Andrew
Wilson. Image: Diocese of Parramatta
Through humility, accountability and service,
in 2022 the Mission Team aims to grow in their
accompaniment of others for the work of Mission
within the Diocese of Parramatta.
Supporting the vision of Bishop Vincent Long for
Catholic education in the Diocese of Parramatta, the
Mission Team focuses on accompanying students,
schools and staff. This includes opportunities for
Professional Learning in Scripture, pedagogy,
curriculum and theology; formation for school and
office staff; religious leadership and Catholic identity.
As the community would expect, there is also a
strong focus on providing meaningful social justice
opportunities including through support of the work
of Catholic Mission, the St Vincent de Paul Society,
Caritas Australia and other Catholic agencies and
organisations with a strong local presence such as
Jesuit Refugee Services and the House of Welcome.
Quality professional learning and resource development
is a vital component of ensuring the ongoing high
standard of Religious Education in local Schools. To
create professional learning opportunities for staff, the
Mission Team will continue to develop partnerships with
academic experts and institutions.
30

Director of Mission Monica Officer is passionate
about providing her colleagues with opportunities to
develop both spiritually and academically.
“We want every child and
every colleague to grow in
understanding of the Catholic
faith through belonging to our
communities,” Monica said.
“Opportunities for spiritual development are also
an important aspect of the way that we accompany
students and staff in their journey of flourishing by
providing high quality resources and programs for
staff that promote encounter with the Holy Spirit
and enable deep listening with the ears of the heart.”
The CEDP Mission Team is committed to developing
Religious Leadership in local schools through
engagement with staff at all stages of their service
from beginning teachers to Principals. Religious
Education Coordinators have a special role to play in
supporting the faith lives of their communities.
In 2022, the Mission Team will aim to continue
to help build the Catholic identity of our learning
communities across Western Sydney and the Blue
Mountains through ongoing encounters and dialogue
with their rich traditions and diversity.
It is the purpose of the 2022 Mission Team to support
the vision of Bishop Vincent, that all students will
come to know Jesus, to love his teachings and to
follow in his footsteps. They will seek opportunities
to engage with Diocesan agencies and parish
communities in supporting students across Western
Sydney and the Blue Mountains to grow in faith,
learning and flourish.
Members of the Catholic Education Diocese of Parramatta Mission Team Daniel Petrie
and Amanda Bentley set up a sacred space. Image: Diocese of Parramatta
31

Sunset view of boat on Sea of Galilee. Image: Shutterstock.

Looking Deeper
Looking deeper
The following articles encourage deeper reflection,
prayer and personal learning.

Looking Deeper
Mary:
Exemplar of Faith
BY DR DEBRA A SNODDY
Mary’s responsive faith and active faithfulness to the
Word exemplify a theology of discipleship. It is the
appropriate response to the Word of God, revealed
in Jesus. The phrases “responsive faith” and “active
faithfulness” are from the work of Yves Congar, one of
the Fathers of the Second Vatican Council. But what
do “responsive faith” and “active faithfulness” mean?
The answer to this question is rooted in the Bible.
The Bible is God’s Word, God’s dialogue with
humanity. However, the Word must be received
and welcomed (2 Cor 9:3), so that, “the Word of
God serves to create a relationship: the religious
relationship which takes root in us through faith”
(Congar).
Our deepest encounter with Mary, happens in the
work of the evangelist Luke. In his Gospel, Mary
hears and listens to God’s messenger, Gabriel.
She responds fully and authentically and is open to
participate in the miracle of the Incarnation. At first
afraid, she overcomes her fear to respond, “‘Here am
I, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according
to your word’” (NRSV: Luke 1:38). In the poverty of her
position and the humility of her response, she faithfully
hands everything she is over to God. By so doing,
by saying “yes” to God’s invitation, she becomes the
mother of the Christ of God and begins the process of
bringing God’s reign to earth.
The Magnificat (Luke 1:46-55) further
demonstrates her ongoing dialogue with God and
the scriptures. What she had said to Gabriel at the
Annunciation is unfolded in greater detail here.
For now, we will focus on only one aspect of this
marvellous hymn of praise, Mary as the voice of the
anawim, meaning “poor ones”.
In her world, poverty and the oppression of the anawim
were the daily lot of the poor in Galilee. The threat of
starvation was never far from their door. A Nazarene
herself, betrothed to an artisan, but now pregnant
before they come to live together, her situation is one
of great peril. She would have fully understood this,
but instead of hiding away, she voices her confidence
in God her Saviour for the things God has done for her,
and through her for all humanity.
Her faith in God and the power of God’s Word
has transformed her experience of reality. The
threats of poverty and oppression have not
magically disappeared, but for her they have been
transformed. She sings of the confidence she has
that her Son will bring about the Kingdom of God,
offering hope and redemption to God’s anawim.
It seems then, that the discipleship embodied
by Mary asks those of us who follow after her,
to do as she did. We must overcome our fears,
our hesitations and say yes to God’s invitation
to participate in the continuing work to make the
reign of God real in our time and place, to help the
anawim of our world.
In Luke 2:19 we hear that, “… Mary treasured
all these words and pondered them in her heart”.
May we too, find room in our hearts to ponder the
treasure of our Mother Mary.
Dr Debra A Snoddy is a Lecturer in
Biblical Studies at the Catholic Institute of Sydney.
34

Image: Magnificat Br Michael O’Neill McGrath, OSFS

Mary pondered all
these things in her heart
(Luke 2:19)
BY DR LAURIE WOODS
Image: Annunciation by Ivanka Demchuk
Luke follows his description of the unexpected visit
of the Bethlehem shepherds to the newborn Jesus
with the words, “Mary pondered all these things
in her heart.” The Greek word that Luke chose for
‘ponder’ means to toss things around and compare
them in order to put the pieces together and arrive
at a satisfactory interpretation. In the culture of
ancient Israel, the heart was seen as the centre of
thought, mind and intellect. Thoughts, emotions and
impressions are carefully weighed and frequently
revisited in the process of pondering.
In the wisdom tradition of Israel, it was the wise who
stored up events, words and experiences in their
heart to reflect on them so they might learn from
them and continue to walk in the way of wisdom.
Is there a mother who does not think her baby
is special? In this case, Mary had experienced a
revelation outside herself and her own imagination
that her child was unique and in some mysterious
way the ‘Son of the Most High’. She has to take this
in and process it along with all the things that had
happened to her since she conceived. And just now
she had been visited by some shepherds who were
also acting on a revelation that this baby was to grow
and become a saviour to Israel. How could these
lowly rough diamonds be aware of her baby boy?
The unexpected arrival of the shepherds, the witness
they bore of their spiritual experience and the
testimony of their homage had a profound impact on
this young mother as her heart and mind opened to
36

Looking Deeper
the poetry of faith and deep trust laid out before her
– another sign of the faithful hand of God. Struck with
the reality of the glory of the Lord, she saw in these
shepherds a living example of how the poor and
lowly have the good news brought to them.
Night falls and she lays her baby down to sleep and
then settles down herself in the dark beside Joseph to
drift into sleep. But she cannot help going over all these
events in her own quiet time and pondering them in her
inner self. One day the pieces may fit. For now, there is
only letting go to trust in the Divine Presence.
Luke presents Mary as a model of mindfulness,
carefully taking time to engage in deep listening so
she can discern with wisdom and arrive at some
understanding of the life-changing experiences
associated with giving birth and nurturing a newborn.
She is unaware of the storms she will be asked to
walk through, but her muted pondering will shape the
course of her ongoing trust and endurance.
We are witnessing a young woman of maturity whose
inner silence is at peace with all she has felt and
witnessed. She knows she is not alone. With the
support and loving companionship of Joseph, she is
confident that the next phase of her life will unfold in
its own time, in keeping with the divine plan.
Mary exemplifies the level of awareness and
reflection that promotes sound mental health. She
is engaged in deep listening, which her adult son
referred to as bringing rest for the soul or, to copy his
Aramaic phrase more accurately, profound calm in
one’s inmost being, where there is no hint of anxiety
or psychic restlessness.
Like Mary, we can choose to abandon perfectionism
and the need for control, and practise letting go. Going
calmly with acceptance and trust is a matter of choice.
Dr Laurie Woods is a retired senior lecturer in Biblical
Studies from the Australian Catholic University and
currently conducts teacher inservice sessions and
parish reflection days. He lives in the Diocese of
Parramatta and is a member of Our Lady of the Nativity
Parish, Lawson.

Looking Deeper
Letting go with Mary
“
It’s good to remind ourselves that Mary, the first
disciple, played such a crucial role in setting
Jesus ”‘free’.
BY BR MARK O’CONNOR FMS
Our vocation, as Christians, is also to set people
free in the way of Mary.
Mary had to constantly ‘let go’ in her life of faith and
surrender to the surprising paths where the Spirit
took her.
So do we, for our entire lives are likewise all about
learning to ‘let go’ and allowing the Spirit lead us to
‘places’ where we sometimes would prefer not to go.
As we journey through life, we hopefully learn as
Gabriel Daly OSA observes “that the world is not
simply there for our convenience and that, although
we are stars in our own drama, we have mere walkon
parts in the dramas of others. We go through the
alienating experience of adolescence, the leaving
of home, the loss of friends. And so it goes on, with
each crisis inflicting lacerations and bruises which
combine to make an average life both an exercise in
survival and an adventure story.”
If, however, we can’t surrender and ‘let go’ as
Gabriel Daly suggests, then the risk is that we
become people who try to control others. Often, we
can end up suffocating those we love with what we
think is best for them!
Nothing is more destructive of the Gospel than that!
For so many people are alienated in our Church and
families when the ‘control freak’ part of each of us
forgets Pope Francis’s wise advice:
“we are called to form consciences,
not replace them.”
We all know that when we experience
possessiveness in any relationship, it is a sign that
our ‘needs’ are predominating and not the authentic
good of the other.
38

How different must have been the relationship
between Jesus and Mary! As John Haughey SJ
points out in his study, The Conspiracy of God,
Mary must have played an enormously important
role in forming Jesus to become the free human
person he was.
Fr Haughey argues that the significance of the
virginity of Mary may pale in importance by
comparison with her ability to accept the complete
otherness of her Son, Jesus, without erasing any of
His uniqueness that she could not fully understand.
Luke, the Evangelist, speaks of Mary’s capacity for
pondering events and others’ words. She makes
room in her heart for the words of others, especially
angels who speak of unexpected things. She
receives them in their otherness.
Having made room in her heart and mind for
that which is other, she accepts that which is
incomprehensible to her, and the Word of God
becomes incarnate in her womb.
So, even before the full presence of God as ‘Abba’
could be experienced by the earthly Jesus, there
had to be a capacity in Jesus for relationship, if He
was truly a full human being.
Surely, it was Mary’s freeing non-possessive love that
gave Jesus the relational space to grow and be fully
present to others in their deep need and suffering.
Jesus, as the ‘fruit of the womb’ of Mary, was able
to fully love others with such compassion precisely
because His sacred heart was set free by Mary.
No wonder Jesus urged His disciples to “love one
another.” For without such love, we can miss the
point. This is the mission of the Church—to form
people as Mary did Jesus, in a love that liberates
the heart rather than imprisons it.
In a certain sense, to follow the example of Mary in
‘letting go’ is to disappear whenever appropriate. In
the Christian idiom, ‘disappearance’ does not mean
failure or proof that something must have gone
wrong. It has always been necessary so that the
Spirit may come.
Unless our discipleship of Jesus is grounded in a
love that is non-possessive like Mary’s, it will not
bring new life to others.
With the poet Cecil Day Lewis, reflecting on his
relationship with his adolescent son, such a Marial
love discovers that:
Nuestra Señora de las Sandias by William Hart McNichols
frbillmcnichols-sacredimages.com
Mary, pray for us and help us to
“
let go and
let God.
”
“Selfhood begins with a walking away, and love is
proved in the letting go.”
Br Mark O’Connor FMS is the Vicar for Communications
in the Diocese of Parramatta.
39

Mary’s visit to Elizabeth
An inspiration to those
who care
BY MARY BRAZELL
“There have been times where, because family
members aren’t able to visit patients, patients will
want to cling to you and ask you to stay a bit longer,
because they have no one to talk to and no one to
see them,” Sr Rita says.
“We try and do as much as we can to support them
emotionally and spiritually, as well as reassuring
their families that their loved ones are cared for.
“This is what we are called to do as chaplains. We
are called to journey with people, meet them where
they are and be Christ for that person.”
Mary visited her pregnant cousin Elizabeth
without hesitation, despite being pregnant
herself. Chaplain Sr Rita Apura draws on the
example of this selfless act in her own work
with the ill at Blacktown Hospital.
Sr Rita Apura from the Congregation of the Sisters
of the Holy Family of Nazareth is a chaplain for
Catholic Care Western Sydney and the Blue
Mountains, who has been in pastoral care ministry
for over seven years. She is currently based at
Blacktown Hospital.
Windsock Visitation by Br Mickey McGrath, OSFS.
© Michael O’Neill McGrath, OSFS www.bromickeymcgrath.com
Sr Rita credits Mary as a model for her own
visits to patients.
“Mother Mary was always there, through the joys
and struggles of life,” she says.
“When Mary heard that her cousin Elizabeth was
pregnant, even though she was pregnant herself,
she went to visit her. She didn’t wait to be asked
and stayed there for months.
“Most of the patients I visit are a bit like Elizabeth
who were surprised and overjoyed at the visitation
of Mary. The visits are often unique. They tell me
how lucky they feel to be visited.
40

“Some people may not understand what a
chaplain is or what they do, but I hope that
my visits broaden their faith experience,
even if it’s just being still and present with
the patient and to listen to them as much
as possible.
“
I also gain comfort in
reading the Scriptures,
especially stories of women
in Scripture and how God
gives them support. It
really shows me that I am
not alone.
”
Sr Rita Apura csfn. Image: Diocese of Parramatta
Have you been considering
broadening your faith
understanding?
Wondering where to next in your pastoral activities?
What paths study may lead to?
• Many tertiary theological degrees to choose from
• Small class sizes and quality of lecturers ensure a personalised learning experience
• Classes can be audited (attended without completing assessment)
• Government assistance for tuition fees is available to eligible students
For more information contact us on:
T: 02 9752 9500 I e: registrar@cis.catholic.edu.au
or visit our website: www.cis.catholic.edu.au
CIS is a Partner Institution of the University of Notre Dame, Australia
99 Albert Road, Strathfield NSW 2135

Images: Diocese of Parramatta
A cuppa with the priest
Fr Henry Huu Duc Tran
Our Lady of Lourdes, Seven Hills
STORY CHRISTINA GRETTON
While pandemic restrictions replaced a ‘cuppa’ with
a chat over the phone, Fr Henry Huu Duc Tran, Parish
Priest of Our Lady of Lourdes, Seven Hills, revealed
that Mary has walked beside him throughout his life.
Now, he rejoices in seeing the impact faith in Mary
can have on the lives of others.
As a young boy in Vietnam, as a prisoner in
Cambodia for running away from the Communist
Vietnam, or as a refugee in a Thai refugee camp, Fr
Henry could never have imagined that he would
one day be a parish priest in Australia.
He started life on an island village in Vietnam. His
first memories are of the simple routines of village
life, including prayers at the village shrine to Mary
each morning and evening. Even the Buddhists of
the village would pray to Mary alongside the Catholic
families. “They believe she is a powerful intercessor,
generous and good,” he says.
Mary is special to Vietnamese people, explains
Fr Henry. In 1798, a group of Vietnamese Catholics
who were fleeing persecution in the forests of La
Vang, saw an apparition of Our Lady. Catholicism
had come to Vietnam in the 1600s, but Vietnamese
Catholics over the following centuries endured
42

vicious persecution by their rulers. Those who saw
her in the forest that day said Mary reassured them
their prayers were being heard. Since then, Our
Lady of La Vang has been an important figure in the
Vietnamese Catholic Church.
“
Over two hundred years later, 12-year-old Henry was
encouraged by the priests and nuns of his village
to attend a seminary school on the mainland. He
remembers the sadness each time he had to say
goodbye to his mother as she saw him off on the
boat that would take him back to school. “I would
imagine her going to the markets after she dropped
me off,” he says, comforting himself with familiar
memories of her until he would see her again.
“
Mary is special to Vietnamese
people, explains Fr Henry
Parish Priest Fr Henry Tran (front row second left) poses
with members of the parish’s Lourdes Young Adults group.
Image: Supplied.
imprisoned. Alone, in prison, removed from those he
loved, and thinking this was possibly the end of his
life, he remembers that all he could do was put his
faith in God. After a lucky escape on a boat out of
Cambodia (which he is eternally grateful to a good
friend for) he ended up in a refugee camp in Thailand,
then finally Australia where he returned to his studies
to become a priest.
In the mid-2000s, he was Assistant Priest at Holy Trinity
Parish, Granville, before becoming Administrator at Our
Lady of Lourdes (OLOL), Seven Hills. When Monsignor
John Boyle, then Parish Priest at OLOL, was appointed
to St Bernadette’s in Castle Hill, Bishop Manning
appointed Fr Henry as Parish Priest in 2006.
He thrived at the seminary school. “Study is
something I longed for my whole life,” he explains.
Sadly, within a few years, his training for the
priesthood was interrupted by the political unrest
in Vietnam and the war between the Khmer Rouge
and the Vietnamese Communists. The seminary
was closed, and the seminarians forced to work
as manual laborers. Those who could, including
Fr Henry, secretly studied at night, again, like
their predecessors in past centuries, in fear of
persecution. He acknowledges how tough this
was. Today, he is grateful for the experience. “It
built my character and made me stronger and more
determined,” he says.
Fr Henry was unwillingly recruited to fight the
war with the Khmer Rouge by the Communists.
He escaped to Cambodia and at one point was
“I couldn’t believe it,” says Fr Henry, still in the role
16 years later, amazed at how his life has played
out and seemingly come full circle. “Our Lady of
Lourdes always reminds me of the grotto in my
village where my family used to pray.”
Today, he urges parishioners to consider how the
Gospel translates to contemporary life. He writes
excerpts from his own experience in the OLOL Parish
Bulletin. “We need to reflect on scriptures from our
own personal experience, and how our story is a
living witness to God’s providence,” he explains.
Today, several families are blessed with children after
praying for the intercession of Mary at the Church.
“Mary is generous, a good mother and really answers
people’s prayers,” he adds, although clarifying: “Our
Lady doesn’t really care about where we pray, as
long as she has a place in people’s hearts.”
43

Our Lady of Lourdes Parish,
Seven Hills
“ ”
Inspired both by the humility of their parish priest and by their
patron saint, Our Lady of Lourdes
STORY MARY BRAZELL
Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, Seven Hills has
a thriving community across all age groups.
Support for each other is at the core of what
they do, inspired both by the humility of their
parish priest and by their patron saint, Our
Lady of Lourdes.
Laura Bellissimo has attended Our Lady of Lourdes
Parish (OLOL), Seven Hills, since she was a child.
She attended the local primary school and was an
altar server at her Year 6 Graduation Mass.
Then, as a young adult, she moved out of the local area
with her family but returns each week to the parish.
What makes her drive down the highway to Seven
Hills each week?
“It’s my home and they’re my second family,”
she says.
“Our parish has this feeling that you belong. It’s lovely
that parishioners will recognise if you weren’t at Mass.
They’ll ask if you’re doing ok. There’s genuine concern
and consideration for one another.”
44

‘Still a wonderful place to pray and stay’
The Lourdes Over-50’s group celebrated its 24th
year in August 2021 but were unable to meet in
person during lockdown. Long-term parishioners
John and Mary Jordan helped to form the group as
an opportunity for older parishioners to get together.
“It was a way to gather our friends in the one spot,
because if you went from house to house, you’d
never be at home,” they explain.
They kept in touch, ready to meet again when
restrictions eased because, “it’s important to be
able to get together again,” says John.
He was also involved with introducing the ministry
of welcomers to the parish, which he says has made
a huge difference as he gets to know new people.
“During lockdown, it was quite lovely to still keep
in touch with parishioners through emails and
phone calls. It’s such a nice feeling to belong to
the community.”
Fr Henry ‘makes us better humans’
The parishioners feel lucky to have had Fr Henry
Huu Duc Tran as their parish priest for 16 years.
“Fr Henry is very giving with his time and energy,”
Youth Coordinator Sarah Lenthall says. “You can tell
he loves his parishioners and this community.”
Laura says, “Like Jesus, Fr Henry likes to be among
the community, among the people. He has a great
connection with everybody in the community,
from the school to the young adults and the older
parishioners. He’s very humble and very authentic.”
Ian adds, “Fr Henry is an inspiration on how to live
our lives through his lived experiences and his story
as a refugee coming to Australia. He has inspired
and supported the faith journeys of so many of our
young people.”
Marian presence ‘omnipresent’ in
parish community
The parishioners have a strong sense of Mary
being present in their parish, both with organised
Marian-themed liturgy and prayer groups, but also
through the active and purposeful involvement of
the parishioners.
Members of the Our Lady of Lourdes Parish team (L-R)
Sacramental Coordinator Artelle Lenthall, Parish Secretary
Alison Lette, Youth Coordinator Sarah Lenthall, Parish
Secretary Erika Hien, Parish Priest Fr Henry Tran and
Accounts Officer Kim Dang. Image: Supplied.
The Lourdes Young Adult group, which meets every
second Friday of the month, gathers young people
from the local area and beyond. After sharing a
meal together, the group will then delve into topics
ranging from mental health, climate change and
interfaith dialogue from a faith-based perspective.
The young adults in the community have a passion
for social justice, which is showcased in their
involvement in the St Vincent de Paul Society’s
Community Sleepout, as well as hosting a food
drive with their Islamic neighbours during Ramadan.
“The whole parish is united in social justice
activities,” youth team member Ian Epondulan
explains. “It’s a witness to their faith that a lot of our
parish is very passionate about social justice.”
Parish Secretary Alison Lette describes the strong
teamwork in the parish. “Everyone is willing to help
out one another at any time,” she says.
Says Laura, “I feel that seeing so many women
volunteering in our church, as well as those
who work for the church, somehow reflects her
presence. Like Mary, they too have said ‘yes’ to this
calling of ministry.
“Mother Mary and Our Lady of Lourdes has
definitely worked wonders in the women and the
young girls in our community.”
CatholicOutlook Magazine
congratulates Our Lady of
Lourdes Parish for celebrating
their 60th Diamond Jubilee on
13 February 2022. We pray that
Our Lady of Lourdes continues
to fill the parish with grace.
45

Classifieds
To place your ad in Catholic Outlook and reach over 43,000
families in Western Sydney and the Blue Mountains contact
Christina Gretton at comms@parracatholic.org

Appearance of Christ by Ukrainian
artist Ivanka Demchuk.
POPE FRANCIS’
Prayer for Peace
Lord God of peace, hear our prayer!
We have tried so many times and over so many years to resolve our conflicts by our own powers
and by the force of our arms. How many moments of hostility and darkness have we experienced;
how much blood has been shed; how many lives have been shattered; how many hopes have been
buried… But our efforts have been in vain.
Now, Lord, come to our aid! Grant us peace, teach us peace; guide our steps in the way of peace.
Open our eyes and our hearts, and give us the courage to say: ‘Never again war!’; ‘With war
everything is lost’. Instill in our hearts the courage to take concrete steps to achieve peace.
Amen.
47

Love your neighbours
as God loves you
BY PARRAMATTA CATHOLIC FOUNDATION
Blue Mountains residents and Catholic Care
clients Robyn and Peter Lewis.
Image: Diocese of Parramatta

Peter and Robyn Lewis first turned to Catholic Care
Western Sydney and the Blue Mountains in 2014, in
desperate need of support and community.
“In 2013 I was very unwell,” recalls Peter.
“I continued to work even though I was ill but when
the bushfires came to the Blue Mountains everything
we owned was destroyed, and it escalated the
problems with my health.
“I was lucky and 12 months later I received a double
lung transplant, but by the time I came out of hospital,
we were effectively homeless while our house was
being rebuilt. Throughout the process of trying to get
our lives back together and dealing with the trauma of
my donor family, I had become very anxious and was
not coping well. I realised I needed help.”
While trying to recover from his surgery, Peter and
Robyn were forced to leave their neighbourhood while
their house was rebuilt. Community means so much
to them, and now they’d lost their neighbours and the
stability of their town as well as their beloved home.
Around this time, Catholic Care set up a drop-in
centre in Springwood to support the community and
families who were impacted by the devastating fires,
and Peter started talking with a counsellor there.
“I was seeing Michelle and she helped
tremendously. She gave me tools to use when I get
stressed and experience anxiety. I apply them as
best I can, and they help me a lot.”
When bushfires again impacted the Blue Mountains
in 2019, fortunately, Peter and Robyn’s rebuilt
home was left intact. However, Peter experienced
numerous flashbacks after weeks of watching the
fire front approach. Thanks to the support of our
counsellors, he was once again able to manage his
anxiety attacks and reduce his stress levels.
“I’m very appreciative of what Catholic Care has
done for me. They helped me cope better with my
life and I can always go in or call there to talk to
somebody if I need to.”
While many social services have moved online due to
the pandemic, Catholic Care is continuing to expand
their community activities to give people more
opportunities to safely gather face-to-face for vital
social interaction.
Manager of Community Engagement, Celia Vagg,
explains the importance of this approach.
“Catholic Care’s community centres are a lifeline for
a lot of people, particularly those who are lonely and
isolated, or find it hard to connect with others. They’re
safe places where people can come to and connect
with us and our volunteers, over time, at their own
pace. Our overarching organisational value is
“ ”
we embrace every journey
with gratitude and love
God calls us to show unconditional love to our
neighbours with acts of Christian compassion, just
as the Good Samaritan in Jesus’ parable stopped to
help a man who’d been robbed, beaten and ignored
by other passers-by, who simply kept walking,
refusing to help.
As Christians, we affirm our beliefs through our
actions in our daily lives. With a compassionate gift
today, you can help Catholic Care to continue the
vital support given to people like Peter and Robyn,
whenever they need it, across Western Sydney and
the Blue Mountains.
Drop-in to Catholic Care
www.ccss.org.au
or call (02) 8843 2500
To donate, please call
(02) 8838 3482 or visit
yourcatholicfoundation.org.
au/appeal-neighbours
49

Read it
Gospel Reflections:
Becoming More
Fully Human
Listen, Watch,
Read, Think
Music, movies, books
and podcasts for the
coming months.
During the extended
COVID-19 lockdown
that gripped NSW
in 2021, Monsignor
Tony Doherty delivered a series of podcasts on the
Sunday Gospels for the parishioners of St Joseph’s,
Neutral Bay. This book offers these podcasts in written
form, accompanied by the relevant Gospel readings, a
simple guide on reading the Gospels, some fascinating
information about the Gospel writers themselves, and
intriguing references for further reading. You will find each
reflection listed under its own heading, such as “The
Stories which Shape Us”, “Why am I still a Catholic?”, and
“The Plenary Council”. The reflections are exceptional; in
his usual way, Tony has combined powerful depth with
simplicity and relevance, aligning the Gospel messages
with our current reality.
The book is available for $25 by contacting
tdoherty.magdalene@bigpond.com.
All proceeds from book sales go to the Brigidine Asylum
Seekers Centre in Melbourne, which provides hospitality,
friendship, and practical sustenance to people seeking
asylum in Australia.
Melbourne Catholic singer-songwriter Alyssa Agius.
Image: Diocese of Parramatta.

A scene from Belfast.
Image: Universal Pictures International Australasia.
Watch it
Belfast
Award-winning, and nominated for an Oscar, Belfast
is the story of a protestant family in Northern Ireland
in 1969. It’s the year the ‘Troubles’ started: a period
of intense tension and violence between Catholics
and Protestants. The movie is made from the point
of view of nine-year-old Buddy, based on writer and
director Kenneth Branagh’s own experience as a child
growing up in Belfast. As reviewed by Catholic News
Service, Belfast is a “sensitive exploration of the plight
of decent people surrounded by malignant bigotry”. It
also explores and highlights the importance of family
and doing the right thing, courage and compassion.
Rated M. If you missed it at the cinema watch out
for it on Amazon Prime or Apple+TV.
Tune it
Check out these songs as recommended by the
Good Shepherd Youth Choir who hail from the Good
Shepherd Parish, Plumpton.
- Hail Mary, Gentle Woman – Carey Landry
- All in His Plan – PJ Morton feat. Le’Andria
Johnson and Mary Mary
- Tomorrow – Damian K
- Known – Tauren Wells
Listen in (Podcasts)
UMD Newman Catholic University Campus –
Father Mike Schmitz
Every week Father Mike draws out powerful, relevant
reflections based on the Sunday Mass scripture
readings that will leave you motivated to apply them
to daily life’s blessings and challenges!
Available on Apple Podcasts.
Everything Happens with Kate Bowler
Kate Bowler is a Christian, a wife, mother, writer and
professor who, at age 35, was suddenly diagnosed
with Stage IV cancer. Her weekly podcasts include
warm, insightful, and often funny conversations with
many different people about what they’ve learned in
difficult times. Her podcast was inspired by her book
based on her experience, Everything Happens for a
Reason (And Other Lies I’ve Loved).
Available on Podbean and Spotify.
Catholic Stuff You Should Know
This weekly podcast was recorded and contributed
to by four priests, Fr Nathan Goebel, Fr John Nepil,
Fr Michael O’Loughlin and Fr Mike Rapp, and offers
a lighthearted exploration of Catholic topics both
prominent and obscure. The producers are currently
taking a break from the podcast, but there are
numerous episodes available for streaming.
Available on Spotify and at Player FM
- Internet Radio Done Right.
Living Fullness Podcast
Aimed at youth and young adults, Stina Constantine
sits down with her long-standing friend Fr Sean
Byrnes to talk about the joys and challenges of
friendship, especially between men and women.
Available on Apple Podcasts.
- Give Thanks – India-Arie
- Fearless – The SAGA
- Make It Out Alive – Alyssa Agius
51

Bringing wonder to Holy Week
and Easter for students
in public schools
“ ”
Catechists have returned to public schools,
just in time to share the story of Easter in meaningful ways.
STORY CECILIA ZAMMIT
Catechists are thrilled to be back in public schools
in our Diocese after the disruption of Special
Religious Education classes in 2021. Right now,
they are using a technique to keep the ‘wonder’ in
the young students as they share the stories and
importance of Lent, Holy Week and Easter.
While telling the stories of the Passion, Death and
Resurrection of Jesus from the scriptures, the
students are asked to ponder questions and bring
the stories to life.
How would you answer these questions?
We’ve given a selection of primary-aged students’
answers below
I wonder why Palm Sunday is called
‘Palm Sunday’?
People waited for Jesus and waved palm branches
to welcome Him.
I wonder what people were feeling when
Jesus rode into Jerusalem?
Excited; happy to see Jesus.
What would you have said to Jesus?
Welcome Jesus, I'm happy that you are here.
Who was invited to join in this meal?
Jesus' friends, His apostles.
I wonder why Jesus washed the feet of
His disciples?
He cared about His friends; He wanted to show them
how to look after other people.
Why do we say ‘Good Friday’?
Because it is good for us; Jesus dying on the cross is
sad, but He did it because He loves us.
Who rolled back the stone from Jesus’ tomb?
Not sure. The angels, the men in white?
How you celebrate Jesus’ Resurrection?
Not sure, is it with Easter eggs?
Cecilia Zammit is the Director of Confraternity
of Christian Doctrine (CCD) in the Diocese of
Parramatta. CCD welcomes new volunteers to
this ministry. Contact your parish office or Maree
in the CCD office maree.collis@parracatholic.org
I wonder why we call Jesus’ special meal His
‘Last Supper’?
It was the last time Jesus had a meal before he died.
How would Jesus have felt on the night of the
Last Supper?
Maybe happy to be with His friends; sad because He
knew what was going to happen next.
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Some of our catechists have been unable to continue this year so some parishes are calling
for more volunteers. COVID-Smart practices are in place in public schools, and I invite you
to think about getting involved in this wonderful ministry. All resources and training will be
provided when you join this very important faith-sharing arm of the Church. Contact your
parish office or Maree in the CCD office maree.collis@parracatholic.org
Happy Easter
Cecilia
WE NEED YOUR HELP THIS LENT
“Ashes to ashes, dust to dust.” This is the message
from Ash Wednesday throughout Lent. Our life is not
for very long, not for ourselves and now is the time to
change. We are given this time to look at our life, to
make the changes necessary and live more for others.
To change in this sense means to ‘turn around’, to
turn back, to turn in another direction. Jesus went
into the desert, experienced a change to set a new
direction in life. He turned in a new direction.
Our turning in a new direction is in sharing our
material goods and giving our time tending to people
in need. This Lenten period please consider a gift to
the MSC Mission Office
We help the poor and needy
with a hand up through
freshwater Projects (tanks and
bores); programs for
disadvantaged youth; supporting
priests and seminarians; health
projects (Covid PPE in PNG, HIV/Aids) and local
projects such as bushfire relief, assisting Afghan
refugees and a prisoner release program.
HOW to GIVE
Make a tax-deductible donation to the MSC
Mission Office at our website, by mail or phone
our office. Your gift of any amount will be put to
work as soon as possible.
Fr Roger Purcell MSC, Director
MSC Mission Office
Phone 9697 0983
PO Box 177, Kensington NSW 1465
Email mscmisio@mscmission.org
www.mscmission.org.au

Easter egg hunt
WITH THE RESURRECTION STORY
Kids love Easter egg hunts! This year change up this annual Easter
activity and involve the whole family in combining outdoor recreation
and the Resurrection story.
STEP 1
Cut out these beautiful eggs and place them visibly along a walking
track or wherever else you can conduct a hunt – don’t make them too
easy to find!
STEP 2
Take the whole family out for a walk to find the eggs. HINT take a bible
with you.
STEP 3
As you find the eggs, invite a different member of the family to read the
bible verse written on each egg. Encourage questions and discussion
on Jesus’ story. Remember, it’s about sharing and learning together
rather than always having the answers. Your parish priest or teacher
might be able to help with the tough questions.
Happy Easter to you and all your loved ones! May it be a blessed time
knowing that Christ is risen!
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Directory of services
(02) 8843 2500 or visit ccss.org.au
Ageing Well
Chancery Office
www.parracatholic.org
(02) 8838 3400
diocese@parracatholic.org
Bishop Vincent Long OFM Conv
(02) 8838 3400
bishop@parracatholic.org
Catholic Education
Diocese of Parramatta
parra.catholic.edu.au
(02) 9840 5600
communityliaison@parra.catholic.edu.au
Catholic Diocese of Parramatta
Services Limited
(02) 9407 7044
enquiries@cdpsl.org.au
Ambrose Early Years Education
and School Age Care
(02) 9407 7044
ambrose.org.au
CatholicCare Western Sydney
and the Blue Mountains
(02) 8843 2500
Mission Enhancement Team
(MET Parramatta)
Catholic Youth Parramatta
Marriage, Family and Natural Fertility
Pastoral Formation
Peace, Justice and Ecology
Worship
met@parracatholic.org
Confraternity of Christian Doctrine
(02) 8838 3486
ccd@parracatholic.org
Tribunal Office
(02) 8838 3480
tribunal@parracatholic.org
Vocations
(02) 8838 3460
vocations@parracatholic.org
Parramatta Catholic Foundation
(02) 8838 3482
yourfoundation@parracatholic.org
Diocesan Development Fund
(02) 8839 4500
enquiries@parraddf.org.au
Holy Spirit Seminary
(02) 9296 6300
Office for Safeguarding
(02) 8838 3419
safeguarding@parracatholic.org
Whatever your age, you will never be invisible to the people at Catholic Care. Our range
of supports aim to keep you living independently in your own home for as long as
possible, while staying connected with your friends and community.
Our Commonwealth Home Support Program support elderly people to stay living
independently at home, while our Community Visitor’s Scheme aims to reduce loneliness
and enrich people’s lives through fortnightly visits to residents at aged-care facilities.
Bringing a baby into the world
There are few things more important than caring for a newborn child. Our programs have
helped many young women who are feeling lost or have been excluded from their community
and are at risk of homelessness, to get the support they need. Our parenting support program
supports new parents finding the challenges of a newborn overwhelming.
Chaplaincy
Our chaplains provide spiritual and emotional support for patients and inmates, their
families and staff in the seven hospitals and three correctional centres throughout the
Diocese of Parramatta. An inclusive ministry available to all faiths, our 15 chaplains work
alongside others involved in the care of patients and inmates.
Children
Catholic Care offers a range of support services to ensure children are taken care of in any
situation. It starts with early years learning and childcare — our home-based early learning
and parenting program for families with young children helps them and their parents develop
skills, and our family day care helps kids get a good start with their education. Our creche is a
thriving early learning centre, providing care for children of Sudanese refugee women enrolled
in English classes offered on the grounds of Catholic Care.
Connecting with my Community
Our drop-in centres provide a safe place for people to belong and connect with others.
They are a place to be, a place to get information, join a group, and be accepted.
In Emerton, Aboriginal Catholic Services is a drop-in centre led by Aboriginal people for
Aboriginal people. In Blacktown, culturally and linguistically diverse families are accessing
support to settle into life in Australia by the team at All Saints of Africa. And at our
Springwood Drop-in Centre, established to support the community after the 2014 bushfires,
clients stop by for a chat, join a reading group or seek support with their mental health.
Living well with Disability
We all need a support network to live our lives to the fullest. Our disability support team, can
help you with living, learning and overcoming obstacles on your journey, whatever they may
look like. We can help you set goals, and achieve them, and help you build a brighter future.
As a registered National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) provider, we support clients
at home and in the community, whether you want to learn how to cook, need support with
personal care, or want to play sport.
Support for my Family
When life gets tough for our families, the people we care about most can suffer. Our range
of family support services can support you to better relate to your spouse and understand
their behaviour, to deal with dependence or gambling problems, single parenting, or just
connecting with your kids.
We support families who are going through the most difficult of times to cope through
separation, and with grief and loss. We help parents deal with all the stresses that can impact
your family, from anxiety and depression to money worries, gambling—we have the people,
the resources and the support to help you make it through.
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Latest appointments
Most Rev Vincent Long OFM Conv, Bishop of
Parramatta, has confirmed these appointments
in the Diocese of Parramatta:
Rev John Paul Escarlan
Administrator of St Bernadette’s Parish,
Lalor Park from 1 January 2022.
Very Rev Paul Marshall
Member of the Council of Priests and Member
of the College of Consultors from 1 January 2022.
Rev John Frauenfelder
Vice Rector of the Holy Spirit Seminary, Harris Park,
for three years from 1 January 2022.
Rev Christopher Del Rosario
Director of Vocations for three years
from 1 February 2022.
Rev Mr Adam Carlow
Deacon Assisting at St Patrick’s Parish, Guildford,
from 1 February 2022.
Rev Mr Matthew Dimian
Deacon Assisting at St Patrick’s Cathedral Parish,
Parramatta, from 7 February 2022.
“
“The resurrection of Christ is what sets us apart,
what makes us the Church. Without the pain and
suffering Jesus went through, and then the joy of His
Resurrection, we wouldn’t have the relationship with
God, or the opportunity for eternal life.”
Voice of the people
”
“Jesus Christ’s Resurrection is a real source of joy
and hope for He has conquered death, sin and
darkness. It is the triumph of life in the midst of
violence and death. His resurrection brings lively
hope to my spiritual journey as a Christian and
priest.”
How important is the joy of Easter and the
Resurrection of Christ to you?
Laura Burton
Youth Coordinator and
Sacramental Coordinator, St
Bernadette’s Parish, Castle Hill.
Image: Supplied.
Fr Kevin Madilo SM
parish priest of St Andrew the
Apostle Parish, Marayong.
Image: Diocese of Parramatta.
“It’s important to be reminded of Christ’s love for us
all, that He would sacrifice Himself for our salvation.
How lucky we are. Christ is alive! There’s always
hope in Christ.”
Lesina Vete
mother of four and parishioner at
Holy Family Parish, Mt Druitt.
Image: Supplied.
“Easter pushes me, through my actions and words,
to proclaim Alleluia and the Good News of Our Lord
and His Resurrection to all who don’t know about it,
driven by the graces and the Spirit attained through
the Sacraments He provides.”
Samuel Verceluz
Chorister and Choir Librarian at St
Patrick’s Cathedral, Parramatta.
Image: Diocese of Parramatta.

Grow your money in the Diocesan Development
Fund and invest in our Church and its people
“These renovations will be a game changer for our parish”
Fr Alejandro Lopez OFM Conv, Parish Priest, Our Lady of the Rosary Parish, Kellyville
The parish community of Our Lady of the Rosary, Kellyville, are in the final stages of a church renovation. The new
building will feature a new sacristy and twin confessionals, an expanded piety store, a refurbished baptistry and
accessible entrances for the elderly and differently-abled alongside the lovingly refurbished pews. The parish hopes it
will draw others as they build up the Church for the glory of God.
Alongside the generosity of parishioners, the parish reached out to the Diocesan Development Fund, who gave them
advice on applying and taking out the loan and how to pay it back.
The Diocesan Development Fund
The Diocesan Development Fund (DDF) was established in 1989 by the late Bishop Bede Heather to help parishes,
schools, aged care facilities, religious congregations and other Catholic Church related organisations effectively
manage their financial resources to better promote the Mission of the Church. The DDF provides finance for capital
projects and investment services, along with financial services to diocesan agencies, ministries, parishes and schools.
Since inception, the DDF has provided over $476 million in loans to finance facilities for worship, education, and other
needs of the Church.
The DDF earns a surplus that is distributed annually to the Diocesan Chancery to finance the Bishop’s pastoral priorities
and his ministry programmes.
To contact the DDF please phone (02) 8839 4500 or email enquiries@parraddf.org.au
Visit the DDF website at www.parracatholic.org.au/ddf
Disclosure Statement
The Diocesan Development Fund Catholic Diocese of Parramatta (DDF) (the Fund) is required by law to make the following disclosure. The Fund is not prudentially supervised by the Australian Prudential
Regulation Authority nor has it been examined or approved by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission. An investor in the Fund will not receive the benefit of the financial claims scheme or the
depositor protection provisions in the Banking Act 1959 (Cth). Investments in the Fund are intended to be a means for investors to support the charitable, religious and educational works of the Catholic Diocese
of Parramatta and for whom the consideration of profit are not of primary relevance in the investment decision. The investments that the Fund offers are not subject to the usual protections for investors under
the Corporations Act (Cth) or regulation by Australian Securities and Investments Commission. Investors may be unable to get some or all of their money back when the investor expects or at all and any
investment of the Fund are not comparable to investments with banks, finance companies or fund managers. The Fund’s identification statement may be viewed at https://parracatholic.org or by contacting the
Fund. The Fund does not hold an Australian Financial Services Licence.