Catholic Outlook Magazine | Lent & Easter | 2023 Issue

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M A G A Z I N E 

DIOCESE OF PARRAMATTA NEWS AND VIEWS 

Meet our three new priests I Vale Pope Benedict XVI and Cardinal Pell I Listening to children 

The most influential woman in the Vatican visits the Diocese of Parramatta 

Our Catholic schools’ new Executive Director I Why did Jesus appear to the women? 

Lent & Easter | Autumn 2023

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 Communication: 

Br Mark O’Connor FMS 

(02) 8838 3400 

PO Box 3066, 

North Parramatta, NSW, 1750 

comms@parracatholic.org 

Deputy Editor and Senior 

Communications Manager: 

Christina Gretton 

Head of Communications and 

Engagement: 

Anita Sulentic 

Communications Officer: 

Mary Brazell 

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. 8,500 copies are printed 

and distributed to 47 parishes, 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 2023 

2023 marks 50 years since diplomatic relations between Australia 

and the Holy See were established. This artwork by Dr Miriam- 

Rose Ungunmerr, an Aboriginal elder from Nauiyu, Daly River and 

the 2021 Senior Australian of the Year, features in the logo created 

for the anniversary. Permission to use this artwork has been 

granted by the Australian Embassy to the Holy See. 

Acknowledgement of Country 

Here in the Diocese of Parramatta, we gather on Country on which 

members and Elders of the Darug and Gundungurra communities 

and their forebearers have been custodians for many centuries and 

on which Aboriginal people have performed age-old ceremonies 

of celebration, initiation and renewal. We acknowledge their living 

culture and their unique role in the life of the region. 

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: The Risen Christ by William Hart McNichols.

A message from the Editor 

Dear friends, 

Welcome to the Easter edition of Catholic Outlook 

Magazine, the ‘news and views’ of the People of God 

in Western Sydney and the Blue Mountains. 

At this time of year, we celebrate the Passion, Death 

and Resurrection of our brother and Saviour Jesus of 

Nazareth. We seek to live the Paschal mystery in our 

personal lives and in local communities and families. 

We take time out for silence and prayer and 

especially listen to the voices of those on the 

margins. Often Jesus speaks to us in very surprising 

places. That’s one of the reasons why I recommend 

Dr Laurie Woods’ enlightening piece on why 

Jesus first showed Himself to the women after His 

Resurrection. What an interesting and profound 

question to ponder, perhaps something to think 

about on Easter Sunday night after our Easter 

festivities. 

As we journey with Jesus, we are never alone. That’s 

why it’s wonderful our Bishop Vincent Long has just 

formally convoked our first Diocesan Synod to be 

held later this year. There, we will be able to come 

together, listen, discern and affirm the Good News 

that Jesus is very much alive in our diocese! 

As you read the articles in this our Easter issue, let us 

all go deeper in our spiritual lives: 

• Reflect 

• Pray 

• Listen 

• Respond 

• Share 

In the words of Gerard Manley Hopkins SJ: 

Let him easter in us, be a 

dayspring to the dimness of us... 

Alleluia! Christ is Risen! 

Br Mark O’Connor FMS 

Editor & Vicar for Communications 

In the meantime, I encourage you to read as 

preparation, the articles about Sr Nathalie Becquart 

XMCJ, whom the BBC named as one of the 100 

most influential women in 2022. Sr Nathalie recently 

visited us and gently encouraged us all to walk 

together in faith. That’s not always easy for us as 

Church. Pope Francis constantly reminds us we are 

still only beginning to implement Vatican II’s call to 

reform and renewal of our sinful but graced Church. 

Sr Nathalie’s uplifting message will assist to journey 

onwards and you can find it on page 18. 

Yes, we have much to be grateful for in our Diocese 

of Parramatta. Excitingly, we ordained three new 

priests this year. And we thank God for Pope 

Emeritus Benedict XVI and Cardinal Pell and their 

wonderful Gospel witness as they return to the 

Father. May they rest in peace and rise in glory! 

And let’s not forget to praise God on the tenth 

anniversary of the election of Pope Francis. The Holy 

Father’s extraordinary Petrine ministry of mercy has 

touched many hearts. What a gift Pope Francis is to 

us Catholics and to all people of goodwill! 

01

Our teachers make 

the difference 

Our 80 great local Catholic schools are enrolling now. 

Learn more parra.catholic.edu.au

12 26 

36 

20 

On the Inside 

Lent & Easter | Autumn 2023 

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Diocese of Parramatta 

@parracatholic 

04 Outlook Looks 

05 What’s on in the Diocese 

06 Pope's Prayer Intentions 

08 Short & Sweet 

09 Listen 

10 Bishop Vincent’s 

Easter message 

12 ‘God is love’: The key to 

Benedict’s pontificate 

14 Cardinal George Pell: 

A Reminiscence 

16 Newly ordained priests to 

‘go out into the deep’ 

in their ministry 

18 The most influential woman 

in the Vatican explains 

the future of our Church 

20 Synodality sparks conversation 

23 Interfaith: bringing others 

‘into the tent’ 

24 Mothers: models of faith and love 

26 Out of the mouth of babes 

28 Aspirations for Western 

Sydney students drive new 

Catholic schools leader 

30 ‘Towards a Spirituality of 

Synodality’: Sr Nathalie 

Becquart's visit inspires 

Catholic educators 

32 Looking Deeper 

34 Cling to the rock 

36 The women disciples 

first to greet the Risen Lord 

38 The Voice: Catholic 

Considerations 

40 Caring for God's creation: First 

12 months of Laudato Si' action 

42 A cuppa with the priest: 

Fr Andrew Bass, Holy 

Cross Parish, Granville 

44 Parish profile: Holy Cross 

Parish, Granville 

46 Preparing future priests 

to be signs of the Church 

that goes forth 

48 Watch, Read, Listen, Reflect 

50 Kids’ Corner 

51 Word search 

52 Directory of services 

53 Latest appointments 

53 Voice of the people

Outlook Looks 

Holy Week is here 

During Holy Week, starting on Palm Sunday, we gather to reflect on 

the events around Christ’s sacrifice and suffering and to celebrate His 

Resurrection on Easter Sunday. 

Good Friday Liturgy at St Anthony of Padua Parish, Toongabbie. Image: Diocese of Parramatta. 

Find out Mass and Liturgy times during Holy Week at 

catholicoutlook.org/holyweek2023 

Three new priests for Parramatta 

Several years ago, three young men answered God’s 

call, and as of February this year, we have three newly 

ordained priests. 

The Diocese of Parramatta’s three newest priests with 

Bishop Vincent on the night of their ordination. From left 

Fr Matthew Dimian, Fr Adam Carlow and Fr Jack Elkazzi. 

Image: Diocese of Parramatta. 

If you haven’t caught up with them yet, we 

introduce them to you on pages 16 and 17. 

Research for 

Reconciliation 

From 26 May to 3 June, we mark 

Reconciliation Week in Australia. 

Use this time to find out more 

about the Darug and Gundungurra 

Aboriginal people – who are the 

traditional custodians of the land 

on which our parishes sit. 

Image: Reconciliation Australia. 

Visit Reconciliation Australia 

to get some tips on composing 

an Acknowledgment of Country 

for your parish 

reconciliation.org.au 

A week to reflect on caring 

Laudato Si’ Week, named after Pope Francis’ letter regarding the care 

of our Common Home, takes place in May. Use the week to take stock 

and reflect on your environmental journey – you may be doing more 

than you think. 

We outline what the Diocese of Parramatta has done over the past 

12 months and include tips fo your own actions on pages 40 and 41.

Outlook Looks 

Our Good Shepherds 

are our future 

The Diocese of Parramatta is 

lucky to have a seminary where 

we can develop and prepare new 

priests to serve our Diocese. The 

young men of Holy Spirit Seminary 

Harris Park, need our prayers 

and financial support so they can 

stay on the path God has called 

them to. 

Bishop Vincent Long with the Holy Spirit Seminary Rector, Vice-Rector and 

seminarians. Image: Diocese of Parramatta. 

Find details on how you 

can support our own Good 

Shepherds on pages 46 and 47. 

What’s On in the Diocese? 

28 APRIL FOR FIVE FRIDAYS 10AM TO 2PM 

A Study of Matthew’s Gospel by Dr Laurie Woods 

maree.collis@parracatholic.org 

2 MAY FaithLIFE 

Short course on prayer (first of three sessions) 

www.pfparra.org.au/faithlife 

3 MAY TOTUS 

Community and Formation for Discernment 

met@parracatholic.org 

12 MAY At The Well 

A night for sharing with young Catholic women 


17 MAY AND 21 JUNE AT 7PM 

Holy Hour for Vocations, Pray for Vocations at St 

Patrick’s Cathedral Chapel 


18 MAY LIFTED Unplugged 

A night of music, community, prayer and encounter 

for young people 


19 MAY Faith in Marriage Seminar 

‘Faith-Filled Ways to a Better Marriage Relationship’ 

by Chris Padgett 

marriage@parracatholic.org 

19-21 MAY, 16-19 JUNE, 21-23 JULY 

Pre-Marriage Weekend Courses 

marriage@parracatholic.org 

20 MAY Natural Fertility 

Couples Hoping to Conceive 

catherine.bourne@parracatholic.org 

25 MAY Mass for Neophytes 


30 MAY Pentecost Scripture Night 


7 JUNE Theology Hour 

Community and Formation for Young Adults 


8 JUNE Natural Fertility Session 

‘What is Natural Family Planning?’ 

catherine.bourne@parracatholic.org 

2 JULY The FaithFeed 

For 20s to 40s to converse on life and faith 


7-9 JULY LIFTED Retreat 

A weekend of friendship, prayer, community and 

reflection for young adults 


05

A time to renew your spirit 

Journey of St Paul 

Greece & Turkey 

Footsteps of St 

Mary MacKillop 

Melbourne to Adelaide 

the genuine pilgrim experience 

Queen of Peace 

Medjugorje Pilgrimage 

Land only from $5690 Land only from $4290 

Land only from $3190 

Commences 29 May 2023. 

12 Days. With Fr Paul Monkerud 

A breathtaking journey in the footsteps of 

St Paul and his companions through the 

Acts of the Apostles, to rediscover the 

faith and struggles of the early 

Christian communities. 

Also departs September 2023. 

Departs 03 August 2023. 

11 Days. With Fr John Greig 

Set out together on a true Australian 

Pilgrimage through the life and times of 

St Mary MacKillop, as we rekindle the 

story, landscapes and spirit of our 

nations’ first Saint. 

Also departs May and October 2023. 

Commences 12 October 2023. 

9 Days. With Fr Andrew Grace 

Healings, miracles and conversions – 

these have been occurring for so long. 

Endless streams of pilgrims over the years 

have come to receive these graces and 

return to their homelands renewed. 

Also departs April and September 2023. 

BOOKINGS & ENQUIRIES 

1800 819 156 

www.harvestjourneys.com 

Pope’s Prayer Intentions 

Each month, Pope Francis asks us to pray as a global community 

Here are the upcoming prayers 

April 2023 | For a culture of peace and non-violence 

We pray for the spread of peace and non-violence, by 

decreasing the use of weapons by states and citizens. 

MAY 2023 | For Church movements and groups 

We pray that Church movements and groups may 

rediscover their mission of evangelisation each day, 

placing their own charisms at the service of needs 

in the world. 

JUNE 2023 | For the abolition of torture 

We pray that the international community may commit 

in a concrete way to ensuring the abolition of torture 

and guarantee support to victims and their families. 

Volunteers from St Vincent de Paul joined other Church 

groups at the Parramatta Street Feast in November 2022 

for marginalised people in the Diocese. 


06

Short & Sweet 

We learned that the youngest Churches in our region have lessons to teach the more established 

Churches about synodality and about maintaining the freshness of the encounter of the Gospel with 

local cultures and societies. 

Concluding statement from the Catholic Bishops of Oceania assembly, February 2023 in Suva, Fiji. Image: ACBC. 

If, as Pope Francis affirms, synodality is the new way of being Church for the 

third millennium, then we must seek to understand more deeply what it means 

to be a synodal Church. 


In his welcome to Sr Nathalie Bequart XMCJ to the Diocese of Parramatta on 3 February 

2023. Image: Diocese of Parramatta. 

It is good to come, to join a professional group of people who share not only 

professional qualifications and love for the law, but who also have something else 

that's special about them as well, which is that we are part of the Catholic family. 

Shadow Attorney General Michael Daley (As at 24 March) 

At the Legal Red Mass, St Patrick’s Cathedral, Parramatta on 6 February 2023. 


Part of listening, learning, and living in respectful relationship with one another 

involves seeking to understand Aboriginal Spirituality, which is fundamental to the 

Aboriginal people’s identity and world view. Aboriginal Spirituality is a dynamic, 

evolving, contemporary expression of Indigeneity. Aboriginal Spirituality connects 

past, present and future. It emphasises people’s relationships with each other. 

Theresa Ardler, Dahrawal Nation Image: Supplied. 

Read about considerations for Catholics as we approach the Voice referendum on page 38. 

We look forward to labouring with you in the Lord’s vineyard and going to the 

margins, and going out into the depths with you. 

Fr Matthew Dimian 

At the conclusion of his, Fr Adam Carlow’s and Fr Jack Elkazzi’s ordination on 2 February 

2023 at St Patrick’s Cathedral, Parramatta. Image: Diocese of Parramatta. 

The first thing with unhappy kids is to make them feel welcome and comfortable. 

It’s a Gospel of joy and loving kindness. This experience of freedom and fun is 

deeply transformative for many of the children. 

Fr Jan (John) Walenciej 

Former Director of the Don Bosco Youth and Recreation Centre, St Marys. The Salesian 

Society, founded by St John Bosco, celebrates 100 years of presence in Australia, in 2023. 


08

Listen 

I hope, I hope, the Church becomes a place 

where we can encounter authentic spirituality, 

Where youth can come to the Church, and 

contribute to the Church and bring the heart of the 

Gospel and Christ's love and authenticity. 

And bring the radical aspects into the world where 

we can be emboldened and give and give. 

I hope it becomes a Church of service, 

and I hope it's a Church where we're really 

inspired and driven by the Holy Spirit. 

And I hope in that same way, we can be 

transformed to appreciate our traditions, 

and appreciate what is there. 

I hope youth are brought into this 

conversation and inspired and empowered, 

to actually have impact and to be listened to. 

That's an exciting thing, you know. To hear that we 

are being listened to, that's genuinely exciting. 

Jacob Boulus, from Our Lady of the Rosary Parish, Kellyville, upon hearing the call to be a synodal 

Church during the lecture of Sr Nathalie Becquart, February 2023, in St Patrick’s Cathedral, Parramatta 


09

Bishop Vincent’s Easter Message 

BISHOP VINCENT LONG OFM CONV 

Dear Sisters and Brothers, 

In the Gospel of Mark, the Resurrection takes place 

in silence! 

There is almost something modest and ordinary 

about it. There was a quiet, with a stillness that only 

love and fear can create. 

Some in the early Church apparently had difficulty 

with the ‘silence’ of Mark. The ending was too sharp 

and abrupt for them. How could the Resurrection, 

which had begun in fear, not end in joy? How could it 

end in silence and even fear? 

But maybe our Resurrection faith must always 

include an aspect of questioning, for the Easter 

mystery is so dazzling; it is beyond our rational 

comprehension. 

Our Trinitarian God is a mystery. A mystery is not a 

problem. A problem is a puzzle to which techniques 

can be applied, intuition brought to bear, and a 

solution found. Science tackles problems. It’s great 

at it. But a mystery is not amenable to that strategy. 

And life is littered with them. 

We especially see all around us the terrible mystery 

of evil, as it manifests itself in the chaos of the war 

and conflict in Myanmar, Ukraine and the Congo 

to name only a few places. And how can we ignore 

the grinding poverty of so many people and the 

ecological plight of our fragile, precious planet? 

Human life is brutally devalued in the plight of 

refugees fleeing their homelands and in the tragedy 

of so many human beings whose precious dignity 

and vulnerable lives are threatened from ‘the womb 

to the tomb.’ 

We are also constantly bewildered by the ongoing 

injustice still perpetuated against indigenous peoples 

and the horror of violence, especially against women 

and children. Not to mention the horrors of natural 

disasters like the recent tragic earthquakes in Türkiye 

(Turkey) and Syria. 

Where can we turn as Easter people full of hope? 

Jesus is our only answer to these great mysteries 

that sometimes seem to overwhelm us. For all that 

we know of God is, of course, revealed definitively in 

Jesus of Nazareth. 

But have you noticed how many times in the 

Gospels Jesus himself asks questions, rather than 

gives answers? Our journey living the Paschal 

Mystery is often more about the questions than 

the answers. Pontius Pilate asks Jesus a series of 

questions and Jesus answers cryptically as if to say, 

“you are really missing the point”. 

And have you noticed that our Holy Father, when 

unjustly criticised, also prefers to remain silent – 

rather than repay pettiness with revenge? 

Let’s recall then this Easter 2023 that the Easter 

Mystery moves us through the terrible suffering 

and death of the Son of God, the profound love 

and courage that kept the women by his side 

despite their own fears, and the time in the tomb, 

that in-between space in which we spend much of 

our own lives. 

It invites us to rest in mystery, and then the 

movement to the joyful moment of Resurrection 

where even the disciples do not have the right set of 

questions anymore because they fit the old answers. 

Is this not the journey of our whole lives: the 

movement from sorrow to courage, to grief to 

waiting to joy, often holding elements of each at the 

same time? 

What are the questions stirring your soul these days? 

Can we make space to live in them, not needing to 

have the answers? The Synodal path we are on as 

a Diocesan local Church is one way for us to listen 

to those on the margins and make room for the Holy 

Spirit in our busy lives. 

My sisters and brothers. Jesus is Risen! Let’s journey 

with him once more on the road to Emmaus and 

encounter his mysterious presence in the breaking of 

the bread. Alleluia! 


Bishop of Parramatta 

10

Image: Diocese of Parramatta.

Pope Benedict at World Youth 

Day Sydney 2008. Image: World 

Youth Day Organisers.

‘God is love’ 

The key to Benedict’s pontificate 

STORY ANDREA TORNIELLI 

For many Australians, Pope Emeritus Benedict 

XVI was the Pope they saw in person in their 

own country when he visited for World Youth Day 

in 2008 in Sydney. The Diocese of Parramatta 

joined in mourning his death, which occurred on 

31 December 2022. We publish excerpts from 

Vatican News about the late Pope Benedict’s life. 

“Teenager” theologian at the Council 

Born in 1927 into a simple, very Catholic family 

in Bavaria, and the son of a police commissioner, 

Joseph Ratzinger was a protagonist of the Church in 

the last century. 

He was ordained a priest together with his brother, 

Georg, in 1951, earned a doctorate in theology two 

years later, and in 1957, was licensed to teach as a 

professor of dogmatic theology. He taught in Freising, 

Bonn, Münster, Tübingen and lastly in Regensburg. 

His death marks the passing of the last Pope 

personally involved in the work of the Second Vatican 

Council. As a young man, already esteemed as 

a theologian, Ratzinger had followed the council 

sessions as the peritus of Cardinal Frings of Cologne, 

leaning toward the reformist wing. He was among 

those who strongly criticised the preparatory drafts 

prepared by the Roman Curia, which would later be 

scrapped by the will of the bishops. 

Guardian of the faith under Wojtyla 

Just after turning 50, Pope Paul VI appointed him 

Archbishop of Munich in 1977, and a few weeks later, 

created him a cardinal. Pope St John Paul II then 

entrusted him with the leadership of the Congregation 

for the Doctrine of the Faith in November 1981. That 

was the beginning of a strong partnership between 

the Polish Pope and the Bavarian theologian, 

destined to end only with the death of Wojtyla. 

‘Humble worker in the vineyard’ 

After the death of John Paul II, the conclave held 

in 2005 elected Ratzinger – already an old man of 

78 years – to succeed him in less than 24 hours. 

Ratzinger was universally esteemed and respected, 

even by his adversaries. 

From the loggia of St Peter’s Basilica, Benedict 

XVI presented himself as “a humble worker in 

the vineyard of the Lord”. Alien to any sort of 

protagonism, he declared he had no “programmes”, 

but that he wanted “to listen, together with the whole 

Church, to the word and the will of the Lord”. 

Encyclical on love of God 

He dedicated his first encyclical, Deus caritas est, to 

the love of God. “Being Christian”, he wrote, “is not 

the result of an ethical choice or a lofty idea, but the 

encounter with an event, a person.” 

He even found the time to write a book on Jesus of 

Nazareth, one sole work that would be published in 

three volumes. 

Response to scandals 

Benedict XVI was determined and unyielding in 

dealing with the problem of the “filth” in the Church. 

He introduced strict norms against the sexual 

abuse of minors and asked the Curia and bishops 

to change their mentality. He even went so far as to 

say that the most serious persecution of the Church 

does not come from external enemies, but from sin 

committed within it. 

Another important reform concerned Vatican 

finances: it was Pope Benedict who introduced antilaundering 

legislation in the Vatican. 

‘A Church free of money and power’ 

Facing the scandals created by ecclesiastical 

careerism, the elderly German Pope continually made 

appeals calling to conversion, penitence and humility. 

During his last journey to Germany, in September 

2011, he invited the Church to be less worldly. 

“History has shown that, when the Church becomes 

less worldly, her missionary witness shines more 

brightly. Once liberated from material and political 

burdens and privileges, the Church can reach out 

more effectively and in a truly Christian way to the 

whole world, she can be truly open to the world.” 

Pope Benedict XVI’s World Youth Day in Sydney 

in 2008 was the first held in Oceania and attracted 

nearly 500,000 young people from 200 countries, 

600 bishops and cardinals and 6,600 reporters from 

around the world. 

The full article by Andrea Tornielli can be viewed 

at Vatican News – vaticannews.va 

13

Cardinal George Pell 

A Reminiscence 

STORY VERY REV PETER G. WILLIAMS AM 

Image: Catholic Archdiocese of Sydney

Since his unexpected death on 10 January 2023 in 

Rome, there have been many words written about 

Cardinal George Pell. 

Some of those assessments have been very positive 

and attested to his extraordinary input into the 

Church in Australia and internationally, and others 

have been highly critical and, in some instances, 

quite derogatory. There is little doubt that Cardinal 

Pell could be a polarising figure and anecdotally you 

either fell in the camp of being “for” or “against.” 

My intention here is not to 

add to the body of opinion, 

which is now accumulating at 

a prodigious rate, but rather to 

reflect on my own encounters 

with Cardinal Pell given that 

I worked closely with him 

during the preparations and the 

execution of World Youth Day 

in Sydney in 2008. 

Firstly, I remember clearly being asked to come to 

the Bishops’ Conference during one of their sessions 

by Bishop Kevin Manning, because, as he said: 

“The Cardinal would like to meet with you.” At our 

meeting, he told me of his intention to have me 

appointed as Director of Liturgy for World Youth Day 

and that he had already consulted Bishop Kevin who 

had agreed to release me. One thing that struck me 

was that he had a clear mind about what he wanted 

and he had thought carefully about the scope of the 

role and the sort of person he wanted to fill it. 

Secondly, just before the Opening Mass at 

Barangaroo as the crowd had gathered and we 

were ten minutes from commencement, I received a 

message in the director’s tent that he wanted to see 

me. I thought that something must have gone wrong 

or there was a serious issue requiring resolution. 

I made my way through the crowds (estimated at 

between 125 and 150 thousand people) to under the 

liturgical platform. He was lined up in the procession 

with the other cardinals and bishops for the opening 

hymn and when I approached him I remarked: “You 

wanted to see me.” “Yes,” he beamed, “I just wanted 

to wish you good luck!” Clearly, he wanted to ease 

my anxiety and inject a small piece of humour into 

the occasion at a critical moment. 

Thirdly, I had responsibility for preparing the liturgy 

booklet for the Dedication of the new altar in St 

Mary’s Cathedral by Pope Benedict XVI. In doing so, 

I had written a small piece to explain the significance 

of the relics that were to be placed in the altar as part 

of the liturgy. He told me in his study at St Mary’s 

Cathedral House how impressed he was with the 

booklet, and then enquired about the authorship of 

the paragraph on the relics. I told him, “I wrote it”, to 

which he replied, “It is very beautiful.” He was quite 

moved and I could sense his appreciation for not 

only what meagre contribution I might have made, 

but also that of my whole team. 

Whilst I appreciate that there 

would be some people whose 

encounters with Cardinal Pell 

might have left them with a 

contrary view, my memories 

were positive. 

That does not mean to say that you could not engage 

in combative discourse, and we certainly crossed 

swords on a number of occasions and over a number 

of issues, but he was always respectful, and I think 

he preferred the robust discussion rather than a 

disposition of obsequiousness. He was above all, 

as others have said, a man of his generation. There 

is no doubt that he was devoted to the Catholic 

Church, to the Church remaining strong and vibrant 

and remaining a significant voice in the marketplace. 

In that way, he was a dominating figure, not only 

because of his physical stature, but because he was 

unequivocating about his views on doctrine, morals 

and ecclesiology. With the effluxion of time, others 

will evaluate his legacy, which I think was substantial 

in a number of positive ways. Perhaps we are still too 

close to his life and death to be completely objective, 

but the beauty of the passing of time is that it 

provides that space to revisit people’s lives with a 

different lens. 

Very Rev Peter G. Williams AM is Vicar General and 

Moderator of the Curia in the Diocese of Parramatta and was 

Director of Liturgy for World Youth Day Sydney 2008. 

15

Bishop Vincent Long, Bishop of Parramatta (second right), with newly ordained Fr Matthew Dimian (left), Fr Adam Carlow 

(second left) and Fr Jack Elkazzi. Image: Diocese of Parramatta. 

Newly ordained priests to 

‘go out into the deep’ in their ministry 

STORY MARY BRAZELL 

Bishop Vincent Long says the ordination of 

the three newest priests in the Diocese of 

Parramatta is “a sign of hope and renewal of 

God’s everlasting love for his people.” 

On Thursday 2 February 2023, the Feast of the 

Presentation of the Lord, St Patrick’s Cathedral, 

Parramatta, was overflowing with friends, family 

and parishioners as Bishop Vincent ordained Adam 

Carlow, Matthew Dimian and Jack Elkazzi to the 

priesthood. 

“Adam, Matthew and Jack will rejuvenate and 

reinvigorate the Church in Parramatta, bringing their 

unique gifts and talents. They will go out into the 

deep and spread the Word and love of Christ to all, 

and I ask that we all keep them in our prayers as they 

commence their priestly ministry.” 

Watch the video of our 

new Fathers here. 

“The Diocese of Parramatta is the youngest and 

most culturally diverse diocese in Australia, so each 

ordination is a joyous occasion,” Bishop Vincent told 

the congregation. 

16

Fr Adam Carlow (fourth right) with Bishop Vincent Long 

(centre), and his immediate family. 


Fr Adam Carlow, Assistant Priest, 

St Madeleine Sophie Barat Parish, Kenthurst 

“[As a priest] I want people to know that they are 

loved very much by God, and I hope through my 

priestly ministry that I can be a witness to that, that 

I can be faithful to God and truly live my vocation 

faithfully. 

“I pray that I will be an instrument of God’s love to 

others in my life and in my ministry. 

“I thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for 

supporting and praying for us.” 

Fr Adam’s aunt and godmother Margaret: “I think he 

will be an amazing priest. He will be fantastic with the 

young kids – they’re going to love him. He’s going to 

show them the way to God.” 

Fr Jack Elkazzi (centre left) with members of his immediate 

family, including sister Jackie (fourth left). 


Fr Jack Elkazzi, Assistant Priest, 

Our Lady, Queen of Peace Parish, Greystanes 

“By completely devoting my life to Christ in a loving 

relationship and sharing that love to all my brothers 

and sisters, rather than being a father to one or two, I 

become a father of many. 

“I’m a priest to share the genuine love of the Gospel, 

where Christ leaves the 99 and chases the one, and 

giving people a sense of hope and love and knowing 

that Christ is always there.” 

Fr Jack’s sister Jackie: “I believe that the youth of 

today are experiencing a lot of what Jack’s journey 

entails, so for him to have that personal experience, 

is going to be able to reach them and know exactly 

what they are feeling and what they need to hear.” 

Fr Matthew Dimian (second left) with Bishop Vincent Long 

(centre), his parents and sister Mary (right). 


Fr Matthew Dimian, Assistant Priest, 

St Bernadette’s Parish, Castle Hill 

“A vocation isn’t born in a vacuum, it’s born in the 

heart of the Church, and it’s through the inspiration 

of meeting good and holy people like yourselves, 

hearing your encouragement and discernment, and 

receiving the fruits of your prayers – it’s through 

all these things that I have been able to join the 

Seminary and come to ordination. 

“All thanks be to God, and thank you all for being 

instruments of God in encouragement, prayer, grace 

and support.” 

Fr Matthew’s sister Mary: “Matthew has a way of 

really listening to people and trying to grasp where 

the person is at, and I think that will carry through 

into his priesthood. He sees the individual in the 

place where they are, and I think that is essential to 

bringing Christ to a person.”

The most influential woman in the 

Vatican explains the future of our Church 

STORY CHRISTINA GRETTON 

In February, Catholics in the Diocese of 

Parramatta heard what the Church could look like 

in the future from the most senior woman in the 

Vatican, Sr Nathalie Becquart XMCJ. 

Visiting the Diocese, Sr Nathalie, a French Xavières 

sister, described a Church where everyone was 

heard, everyone played a part, and as a result, 

everyone participated in our Church’s Mission. 

Sr Nathalie is the only woman in the Vatican to have 

a vote at the upcoming Synod on Synodality. Pope 

Francis appointed her as Undersecretary of the 

Synod in 2021. In forums and lectures in the Diocese 

of Parramatta and other dioceses in Australia, she 

explained what all Catholics need to do in order for 

our Church to become ‘synodal’. 

What is a Synod? 

A Synod is a gathering of clergy and lay people in 

the Church to discuss particular topics. They are 

held regularly and can be at Diocesan and Vatican 

levels. The Synod of Bishops on Synodality, called 

by Pope Francis, commenced in 2021. Its meetings 

will be held in October 2023 and again in 2024. 

This Synod will focus on everyone in the Church 

working together in decision-making about the future 

of the Church. And “everyone”, according to Sr 

Nathalie, means everyone, including young people, 

women, and others who may feel on the margins. 

Pope Francis has particularly stressed this, saying 

“enabling everyone to participate is an essential 

ecclesial duty,” and the structure of the Synod must 

enable this to happen. 

What would a synodal Church be like? 

“It is a new style of Church, in which everybody is 

called to be a protagonist. It is a Church that calls 

for the participation of everybody in the Mission,” 

Sr Nathalie said. 

“It requires humility, learning together, teamwork, 

deep listening, daring to speak.” 

She likened it to a long journey. “As you know, 

when you travel from Europe to Australia, it’s a long 

journey. There are beautiful moments, but also those 

that are not. It’s tiring. You know that you will receive 

a lot of joy, but it’s difficult when you are tired. That 

is the life with Christ when we come together to be 

missionary pilgrims on the road.” 

Sr Nathalie spoke about how the synodal path 

celebrates and welcomes diversity. “Synodality is 

dynamic,” she said, explaining that the Church in 

the French diocese from where she hails is different 

to the Church in Parramatta because of its people. 

At the same time, Sr Nathalie said, the Eucharist is 

what brings the Church together. “The Eucharist is 

a kind of ‘matrix’ of our system that is about being 

together as brothers and sisters in Christ, being 

in communion.” 

Those with concerns 

Sr Nathalie acknowledges there are people who 

are worried about the Church taking a synodal 

direction which places a lot of trust in the Holy Spirit. 

Sr Nathalie said their voices, along with all voices, 

should be listened to. Listening to all voices and 

opinions is a challenge she admitted, but, she said, 

synodality is “an open creative path that can be full 

of surprises, and we have to be open to that.” 

In his welcome to Sr Nathalie at her lecture at St 

Patrick’s Cathedral, Parramatta, on 3 February 2023, 

Bishop Vincent said Catholics had an obligation to be 

open to learning about synodality. 

“If, as Pope Francis affirms,” said Bishop Vincent, 

“synodality is the new way of being Church for the 

third millennium, then we must seek to understand 

more deeply what it means to be a synodal Church.” 

18

Joining Sr Nathalie at her lecture, Australia’s 

Ambassador to the Vatican, Chiara Porro, and CEO 

of Caritas Australia, Kirsty Robertson, spoke on 

their experience with synodality. “The BBC recently 

named Sr Nathalie as one of the top 100 Women 

of 2022,” said Ambassador Porro. “And they spoke 

about how a door had opened for women following 

her appointment. 

“That’s indeed a pretty momentous decision that’s 

really set the tone and importance that Pope Francis 

attributes to ensuring that all voices are heard, 

whether they’re women, minorities, indigenous 

people, or those on the margins of society.” 

The synodal journey for the Diocese of Parramatta 

In thanking Sr Nathalie, Bishop Vincent announced 

that the Diocese of Parramatta is embarking on a 

two-year synodal journey from 2023 to 2025. 

“All members of our Diocesan community are 

invited to participate in prayer, listening, dialogue, 

discernment and action, with the hope of deepening 

our commitment to witnessing to the Gospel and 

responding to the needs of our time,” he said. 

Sr Nathalie’s messages on synodality 

• The spirit of synodality is an attitude of 

listening to the Holy Spirit. It takes us back to 

the spirit of the early Church. 

• While there is great diversity of people in the 

Church, the Eucharist brings brothers and 

sisters together in communion. 

• Everybody in a synodal Church has a voice in 

deciding the direction of the Church. 

• Synodality is a process, which is ever evolving 

and always moving. There is no end date. 

• The synodal journey will be different according 

to who you are and where you come from. 

• The Church exists in the current moment. 

That means the Church is for now, it exists in 

the current context and needs to be what the 

people of the current time need. 

• The only way to be a synodal Church is to get 

on and do it. It takes practice and “learning by 

doing.” 

More information about the Diocesan Synod’s first 

gathering, to take place from 12 to 15 October is 

found at parracatholic.org/synod2023 

The Diocese of Parramatta has created several 

videos of Sr Nathalie’s speaking engagements. 

You can find links to all her talks, and articles 

about her at catholicoutlook.info/SrNathalie2023 

Sr Nathalie Becquart XMCJ 

speaking at St Patrick’s Cathedral, 

Parramatta on 3 February 2023. 

Image: Diocese of Parramatta.

Synodality sparks conversation 


While Sr Nathalie Becquart XMCJ, described as 

the most influential woman in the Vatican, was 

in the Diocese of Parramatta in February this 

year, renowned journalist Geraldine Doogue took 

the opportunity to lead a discussion of what 

synodality might look like in Australia. 

Along with Sr Nathalie, Australia’s Ambassador to 

the Vatican, Chiara Porro, CEO of Caritas Australia, 

Kirsty Robertson, and Chair of St Vincent’s Health, 

Paul McClintock, came to the Mary MacKillop 

Chapel in the Bethany Centre to talk about some 

of the practical applications of synodality in the 

Australian context. “This puts ‘flesh on the bones’ 

of the process that Pope Francis has initiated,” said 

Geraldine, referring to the Synod of Bishops taking 

place in 2023 and 2024. 

Sr Nathalie told the group that she had heard a 

common comment from many people in local 

Churches around the world. “So many people have 

said that it is the first time the Church is asking my 

voice, is asking me to contribute,” she said. “This is 

leading people to realise ‘yes, the Church is not only 

the bishops, but all of us, and we want to continue’.” 

Paul, who chairs an organisation with 80,000 

workers, felt this concept could be challenging. 

“There is a thing in the back of our minds that says, 

‘do we really have permission?’ ‘Are we allowed 

to do this?’,” he observed. “Synodality is hugely 

important in telling us, ‘It’s time for us to rethink our 

leadership role’.” 

When Kirsty Robertson travels to some of the most 

remote, poverty-stricken and powerless parts of 

the world, she has seen people with t-shirts about 

the Synod of Bishops. “This Synod is sparking 

conversations around the world,” she said, adding 

that people she encounters are now saying “I have a 

voice” for the first time. 

Sr Nathalie addressed the controversial nature of 

synodality head-on, noting it ranges from anxiety 

amongst bishops and priests who may be worried 

20

Sr Nathalie Becquart, second from left, discusses synodality with from left, Paul McClintock, Geraldine Doogue, 

Ambassador Chiara Porro and Kirsty Robertson in the Mary MacKillop Chapel at the Bethany Centre in Parramatta. 


about losing their role, to women who feel they may 

not be heard. “So, we really need to understand and 

to speak also about our fears and anxiety,” she said. 

At the same time, with the call for the Church of the 

third millennium being synodal, she said, the central 

question is “are we led by our fears and anxiety or 

are we led by what we have discerned as a Church?” 

Paul has experienced this in his work in the 

Catholic health space. “A lot of people are finding 

discernment uncomfortable because you don’t know 

what the answers are.” 

For Ambassador Porro, the concepts of synodality 

align with the work of the Australian government, 

particularly around recognising marginalised 

groups, and the plight of the people of the Pacific 

who are being most impacted by climate change, but 

who are rarely heard. 

Sr Nathalie summed up how intrinsic diversity is 

to the Catholic Church. “What I think the Catholic 

Church is learning is how to become a global 

universal Church, with, and through the diversity 

of the local Churches,” she said. “The vision of the 

synodal Church is a Church of local Churches. 

“From the beginning, the Catholic Church is built on 

diversity. We have four gospels to tell the same story, 

but not coming from the same communities. We 

shouldn’t be afraid of diversity.” 

Watch the full discussion between Sr Nathalie, 

the panellists and Geraldine Doogue on 

catholicoutlook.info/synodroundtableFeb23 

Find further articles and videos 

featuring Sr Nathalie here 

21

Grow your money in the Diocesan Development 

Fund and invest in our Church and its people 

The parish community of Kellyville can now welcome all to worship, thanks to renovations made to their 

church. 

A beautiful new altar, rededicated in December 2022, a new crucifix and pulpit are the centrepieces of the 

works which feature new entrances, ramps and accessible toilets for people who are wheelchair bound. 

The forecourt was landscaped to include a contemplation space, and the entry can either be a crying room 

or overflow area. Other upgrades included a new sacristy, twin confessionals, an expanded piety store, a 

refurbished baptistry, and lovingly refurbished pews. 

Alongside the generosity of parishioners, the parish reached out to the team at the Diocesan Development 

Fund, who gave them advice on applying and taking out the loan, and how to pay it back. 

The DDF’s services include: 

• Providing loans to assist Catholic agencies to further their Mission. Loans are available for any worthwhile purpose including 

construction, renovation, land purchase, furnishings, and equipment. 

• Facilitating transactional services to Catholic agencies such as parishes and schools. 

• Operating efficiently to generate income for the Diocese to support the Mission of the Church, pastoral priorities, and 

ministry programmes. 

• The development of deep long-term relationships with all Catholic entities within the Diocese. 

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 thedepositor 

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 an 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.

A woman in Abu Dhabi 

waves the flag of 

Pope Francis during 

his visit to the United 

Arab Emirates in 2019. 

Image: Shutterstock. 

Interfaith: bringing others ‘into the tent’ 


The Interfaith Commission of the Diocese of 

Parramatta is a recently formed group with the 

goal of building networks with people of other 

religions. Members of the Commission explain the 

power of listening and ‘letting others in’. 

“All I can say is our poor world needs all peoples to work 

together for our environment and the wellbeing of all,” 

observes Lorraine Murphy, a member of the Interfaith 

Commission in the Diocese of Parramatta. 

Deep, respectful listening has been the key to 

Lorraine’s success in creating bonds with people 

of other faiths and she describes the Women’s 

Interfaith Network she currently belongs to. “There 

are two participants from each of the following faiths: 

Jews, Muslims, Hindu, Bahá'í, Buddhist, along 

with Christians of Anglican, Uniting and Catholic 

Communities,” she says. The group nominates 

a speaker to speak on a topic from her faith’s 

perspective – “uninterrupted,” Lorraine is at pains to 

point out, followed by a Q&A. 

Sr Colleen Foley OSU is another member of the 

Commission. “Jesus prayed that we all may be one, 

to know the love of God for all God’s children,” she 

reminds us. 

“We are one human family, living on the one planet. 

Everything is connected. People of faith have a 

special role in bringing love and justice to our world 

because we believe in God’s love and actively try 

to be a reflection of that love wherever we are. We 

need to walk together to make this a reality.” 

In this regard, Sr Colleen refers to the example that 

Pope Francis sets when he seeks to bring global 

religious leaders together on issues impacting our 

world. “Pope Francis is leading us by his words and 

actions,” she says, referring to the document he 

signed in 2019 in Abu Dhabi on Interfaith Relations. 

Closer to home, the Interfaith group ‘Voices for 

PoWer’ is lobbying for better outcomes in Western 

Sydney for heat and energy. 

She refers to the image of our Church as a ‘tent’ 

promoted by the Vatican’s Synod of Bishops document 

“Enlarge the space of your tent” (Is 54:2) and how 

well the Asian Synod of Bishops, SynodBangkok, has 

expressed what is understood by Interfaith dialogue. 

“The image of the ‘Church as tent’ projects it to be 

a place of refuge that can be expanded to all in a 

spirit of inclusivity,” agrees Sr Colleen. “It expresses 

that God can pitch His tent wherever the Spirit of 

God blows, including places of violence, unrest, and 

suffering. Most importantly, in the tent, there is room 

for everyone; no one is excluded, for it is a home to 

everyone. In this process, those who in the past felt 

'left out' now realise that they have a home in this 

tent – a sacred and safe space.” 

Lorraine considers Australians blessed for the 

opportunity for Interfaith connections. “We are so 

fortunate in Australia, and especially in Western 

Sydney, to have the opportunity to get to know and 

experience this diversity,” she says. “We are one 

human family. All must be included.” 

Find out more about the Synod of Bishops at 

www.synod.va 

23

Mothers 

Models of faith and love 


Every May, we have the opportunity to thank God 

for the gifts of our mothers, grandmothers and 

mother-figures in our lives. 

I spoke with three people about their mothers. 

Mothers as educators in the faith 

Jacob Boulus from Our Lady of the Rosary Parish, 

Kellyville, described his mother Mary as “the source 

of care and strength in our family.” 

“She is deeply loving, a strong leader, and fulfils her 

motherly duties with lots of grace,” he said. 

“Hers is a love I can fall back on always.” 

Year 11 student at Nagle College, Blacktown, Chevonne 

Lobo, loves her mother Kelly’s infectious laugh. 

“You can hear it from a mile away, which is great since 

it can instantly put you in a good mood,” she said. 

“Seeing the way she sings in the parish choir has 

allowed me to start my own youth choir in Church, 

which has strengthened my faith in God, and I have 

her to thank for that.” 

Deacon Batsirai Maringehosi from Our Lady of the 

Way Parish, Emu Plains, is grateful to his wife Charity 

for helping their three children grow. 

“On Mothers’ Day, we come together as a family 

in the evening and pray particularly for her in our 

evening prayers," he shared. 

“Her greatest spiritual gift to me was allowing me 

to pursue my call to the ministry of Diaconate. Even 

though it was my calling, she gave it her blessing and 

has joined me on the journey, taking it as her own.” 

Our Lady a ‘perfect example’ 

“Our Blessed Mother Mary is the custodian of my 

faith,” Deacon Batsirai said. “She journeys with me and 

she cheers me up when I am feeling spiritually low.” 

Jacob added, “Our Lady is unconditional love and 

mercy ever flowing. 

“She teaches me to nurture and softens my heart to 

those in need.” 

Chevonne said, “Mother Mary is a perfect example of 

how we should live our lives.” 

Honouring our mothers every day 

Outside of the breakfasts in bed, flowers and gifts, 

each person explains the importance of showing our 

mothers appreciation every day of the year. 

Deacon Batsirai told me, “Mothers are great leaders, 

they hold together families through love. We can 

show them our appreciation and acknowledge 

Our Lady of the Rosary Parish youth leader Jacob 

Boulus (right) with his mother Mary. Image: Supplied. 

Nagle College student Chevonne Lobo (left) with her 

mother Kelly. Image: Supplied. 

24

their God-given gift of leadership by offering them 

leadership roles in society. That way, Mother’s Day 

will have more meaning.” 

Jacob explained, “Sometimes, it can be as simple as 

speaking words of love and genuine compliments to 

her at least once a day.” 

Chevonne said “Our mothers are constantly taking 

care of us, so expressing to them that we are 

appreciative is extremely rewarding. 

“Going to Church and praying for them, doing the 

small things – they all go a long way.” 

Lord Jesus Christ, You chose to put yourself— 

tiny, needy and helpless—into the nurturing 

and watchful hands of a human mother. 

Since then, every act of mothering, both 

physical and spiritual, in every time and every 

corner of the world recollects Mary’s. 

Inspired by this example, we, too, honour our 

mothers and mother figures today. 

Bless these women, that they may be 

strengthened as Christian mothers and nurturers. 

Let the example of their faith and love shine forth. 

Grant that we, their sons and daughters, honour 

them always with a spirit of profound respect. 

We ask this in your holy name. Amen. 

A Mother’s Day Prayer, with thanks to the 

Diocese of Wollongong 

Deacon Batsirai Maringehosi (right back), currently 

serving at Our Lady of the Way Parish, Emu Plains, 

with his wife Charity (left back) and their three 

children. Image: Supplied. 

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Children playing at Ambrose Mary Queen of the Family Catholic Early Learning Centre Blacktown South. 


Out of the mouth of babes 

STORY ANITA SULENTIC 

When Jesus said, “let the children come to me”, 

the reason was clear - “to such belongs the 

kingdom of Heaven” (Luke 18:16). As adults, we 

have a lot to learn from children – their pure faith, 

trust, innocence, vulnerability, desire to grow and 

constantly learn. 

Properly listening to children is difficult. Yes, we can 

all hear them babbling, screaming or asking for the 

basic necessities, but sitting down and hearing what 

they are actually saying – both verbally and nonverbally 

is a skill unto itself. 

Donna Harding, the Director of Ambrose Mary 

Queen of the Family Catholic Early Learning Centre 

in Blacktown South, has over 25 years’ experience 

in caring for and educating children from 0 – 6 

years old. Every day, she is learning from children 

by listening to what they are saying, but more 

importantly ‘listening’ to what they are doing. 

26

“The most important thing is listening to children’s 

voices,” says Donna. “If you actually take the time 

to do this, they have quite a lot to say. They will 

talk about their likes, what worries them, and what 

they are learning. 

“At Ambrose, we respond to those questions or 

comments by providing toys and ways of exploring 

to build confidence and extend their learning.” 

Donna explains how children can be very articulate 

and verbal, or alternatively, some are yet to develop 

language skills or are quite shy. So, says Donna, the 

importance of watching how they play or interact is 

paramount. She talks about an example at Ambrose. 

“Children were bringing toy Matchbox cars from 

home. We took a moment to reflect and think why, 

as there are so many toys here. But we realised, 

the one thing that we didn't have was those little 

Matchbox cars. 

So how can we all learn to listen to children properly? 

“Give them freedom to explore,” advises Donna. 

“Treat them as capable citizens. Then listen to what 

they say, watch how they play, ask their parents and 

educators about them, and observe their interactions 

and interests.” 

Ambrose operates 55 early learning and out-ofschool 

hours care services across the Diocese 

of Parramatta. Ambrose is a social enterprise 

of Community Ventures, the recently launched 

trading name for the agency Catholic Diocese of 

Parramatta Services Limited. 

Find out more about Ambrose at ambrose.org.au 

“Although the children didn't say anything, they were 

showing us through their play and interactions that 

this was an area they really wanted to explore. Now 

we have those resources, and they are exploring 

motion, building their social relationships and 

interacting with each other through play.” 

When children do talk, says Donna, they can be quite 

honest, even brutal! Don’t be surprised if they talk 

about your age, your looks, or anything else adults 

might keep to themselves! 

But, explains Donna, their vulnerability and sincerity 

are quite palpable. 

“When children are new to preschool, there will 

always be those who are unsettled in the morning. 

A little girl who returned from last year said to her 

educator: ‘Oh, I don't know if I feel very happy today.’ 

“The educators got down to her level to ask: ‘Is it 

because our new friends are a little bit upset?’ She 

replied ‘yes’. So, they all sat together in a sensory 

area to have small, incidental conversations such as, 

‘look at that bird flying across the sky’. This made the 

children feel more secure and settled and built trust. 

“That is ultimately what we want for children 

first and foremost, because then we will see their 

learning and development flourish.” 

27

Aspirations for Western Sydney students 

drive new Catholic schools leader 

STORY CATHOLIC SCHOOLS PARRAMATTA DIOCESE 

With more than 20 years of experience 

leading some of Australia’s largest not-forprofit 

organisations, Jack de Groot, our new 

new Executive Director of Catholic Schools 

Parramatta Diocese (CSPD) is excited to begin 

his new journey. 

Jack is driven by supporting an education for 

children and young people that is holistic, studentcentred 

and unashamed about the pursuit of 

excellence. He is particularly passionate about 

ensuring access, equity and inclusion across CSPD’s 

80 outstanding local schools. 

For me, a Catholic education 

is about the imagination and 

the world of seeing everything 

through the lens of the student. 

New Executive Director of Catholic Schools 

Parramatta Diocese, Jack de Groot, with Bishop 

Vincent Long, at the Catholic Schools Parramatta 

Diocese System Leaders' Day on 25 January 

2023. Image: CSPD.

Shaped by a working life that includes social and 

public policy advocacy in Victoria, supporting school 

leadership teams for the Catholic Education Office 

in Western Australia, addressing global injustice at 

Caritas Australia and the last six-and-a-half years 

leading the St Vincent de Paul Society in NSW, Jack 

brings a strong focus on Catholic values, social 

outreach and mission. 

Raised in Melbourne, Jack is an avid AFL supporter. 

He studied in both Melbourne and Sydney and is a 

family man who enjoys spending time with his wife 

Fiona and their two daughters. 

Jack says his faith, Catholic identity and values are 

an important part of his life and what he brings to 

each role that he undertakes. 

“The offering we have for the world is God who 

offers the event of Jesus with a fullness of life and is 

a sign to all of love, service and accompaniment,” 

Jack reflects. 

He highlights the work of the CSPD Jarara Cultural 

Centre with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander 

students and their families, welcoming students 

with disability and a strong focus on wellbeing as 

exemplary strengths of the Diocese. 

“To go to the edges means we are all confident 

that the core offering we have is strong and that 

we have great confidence to make a difference to 

those who have been denied voice, participation, 

access and resources.” 

As he begins his work in the new role, Jack says he 

is very keen to meet with school communities and to 

learn more. 

At the beginning of 2023, Catholic Education 

Diocese of Parramatta became known as 

Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese. 

“My Dad was a physicist in the nuclear age, and he 

served in the Second World War. He had a robust 

intellect and curiosity about faith and meaning. 

He saw God in all things, he knew a God who is 

incarnational, evolving and cosmic. I come from a 

place of faith that offers openness. Since my days as 

a young teenager, I have loved being present in the 

local community and collaborating with people who 

know suffering. 

“My work has always taken me to these places 

and my faith has reinforced that desire for change, 

love and service. 

“Western Sydney excites me because it never 

underestimates the human aspirations and flourishing 

of its community. It is hungry for access, for equity 

and for all boats to rise. It flourishes because it has 

the largest community of First Australians wanting 

voice and it has the largest community of the most 

recent arrivals who have often experienced lack of 

voice as they left countries and to give voice and 

hope to their families.” 

He says Catholic schools can provide a 

constructive, supportive and safe place for important 

conversations including about the referendum on the 

Indigenous Voice to the Australian parliament later 

this year. 

“These conversations are about the future of young 

people in our schools and the Australia that they 

are to be active citizens within,” he said. 

Your place 

to go places 

ACU Blacktown 

Visit 

acu.edu.au/ 

blacktown 

CRICOS 00004G | PRV12008 

29

‘Towards a Spirituality of Synodality’ 

Sr Nathalie Becquart's visit inspires Catholic educators 

STORY CATHOLIC SCHOOLS PARRAMATTA DIOCESE MISSION TEAM 

During her visit to the Diocese of Parramatta, the 

Vatican’s most senior female leader, Sr Nathalie 

Becquart XMCJ, gave a lecture and participated 

in a roundtable discussion on the importance 

of active listening and dialogue within the 

context of synodality in the Catholic Church. Sr 

Nathalie drew on the example of Jesus and the 

disciples on the road to Emmaus to illustrate 

how listening and conversation can lead to 

important realisations. 

Frances Garzaniti, Principal of Holy Spirit Primary 

St Clair, attended this lecture and was inspired 

by Sr Nathalie’s message. Frances reflected on 

the significance of synodality in Catholic schools, 

emphasising the importance of journeying with 

communities, listening with compassion and humility, 

and allowing the Spirit to work through people. 

Frances sees this approach as critical in creating 

collaborative and inclusive learning environments 

that value the contributions of all members of a 

learning community. 

Another attendee, Mark Pauschmann, Principal 

of Parramatta Marist High School, Westmead, 

shared his thoughts on synodality. Mark stated that 

he believes synodality calls us to embrace open 

and frank dialogue within the Church. He believes 

that such dialogue can lead to new and fruitful 

interpretations of what faith means to each of us. As 

a leader in a Catholic school, Mark sees the call to 

engage with those within his community who hold 

differing views or interpretations as an opportunity to 

deepen understanding and enrich the expression of 

Catholic identity. 

Sr Nathalie emphasised the 

importance of involving young 

people in the Church, stating 

that they bring a unique 

perspective and energy that 

is essential for the Church's 

growth and renewal. 

Michelina Shinella, Religious Education Coordinator 

from Cerdon College Merrylands, understands the 

importance of forging stronger relationships with our 

youth. Through relationships, she recognises the 

opportunities for young people to have their voices 

heard to get involved in order to help schools and the 

Church remain relevant and engaged in the world. 

The emphasis on active listening and dialogue 

during Sr Nathalie’s visit affirmed a strong focus 

on collaboration and inclusivity among Catholic 

school leaders in the Diocese of Parramatta. This 

has the potential to continue to grow supportive and 

inclusive learning environments for both students 

and teachers. 

30

Holy Spirit Primary St Clair 

Principal Frances Garzaniti is 

inspired by synodality as she 

connects with community 

members through school 

leadership. Image: CSPD. 

Will you support our seminarians to 

humbly serve our faith community? 

“It is our joyful duty as Catholics to support our seminarians as they grow in 

faithful love of God and prepare to humbly serve our community.” 

Bishop Vincent Long OFM Conv | Bishop of Parramatta 

Please give generously to the Bishop’s Good Shepherd Appeal 

yourcatholicfoundation.org.au/appeal-shepherd

The Paschal candle, during the Easter 

Sunday celebrations at St Patrick’s Cathedral, 

Parramatta. Image: Diocese of Parramatta.

Looking Deeper 


The following articles encourage deeper reflection, 

prayer and personal learning.

Christ and the Garden of Olives by Paul 

Gauguin. Image: Wikimedia Commons.


Cling to the rock 

STORY BR MARK O'CONNOR FMS 

As we prepare, once again, for the Easter 

mysteries, the dramatic scene of Jesus’ Agony in 

the Garden (Mark 14:32-52), is a rich source for 

our prayer and meditation. 

Each person (and maybe even our Church at times) 

has to face their own ‘Agony in the Garden’ and there 

is never any clear-cut rational way through these trials. 

Often the best one can do is 

to simply ‘cling to the rock’ 

like Jesus in Gethsemane 

and trust despite our 

emotional distress. 

For it is in times of greatest humiliation that we come 

to real and true depth of soul. When we feel shame 

or powerlessness, or when we are being abused and 

cannot defend ourselves, we are certainly vulnerable 

to despair. But it is precisely through such humiliating 

times that we can grow deeper in compassion, 

graciousness and forgiveness, and not fall deeper 

into hate, anger and revenge. 

According to eminent Dominican biblical scholar 

Jerome Murphy O’Connor, Mark the Evangelist, in his 

Gospel account of the Agony in the Garden, is telling 

us that Jesus really and fully ‘broke down’, before the 

greatest crisis of his life. 

After all, it is a human thing to have a mental 

breakdown if you are about to be tortured to death! 

This was no make-believe play-acting. Jesus was 

‘falling apart’ emotionally. 

Some Christians do not like the idea of Jesus having 

a mental breakdown, of Him being ‘out of control’. 

But personally, I find it a great consolation. 

Our faith as Christians 

challenges us to accept the 

human frailty of Jesus, as 

well as his divine nature. 

It’s natural that we all fear pain and the prospect of 

our own diminishment. We just do not want to think 

about it. None of us – unless we are masochists – 

welcomes suffering and death. 

However, this acceptance of creaturehood, this 

coming to peace with our human finiteness and 

vulnerability, is such an important part of the ongoing 

Easter journey that we must all undertake. 

In the face of the Paschal mystery, as it lives out in 

our own lives, the keywords are often to: 'let go'. 

This Easter, let's ponder poet Mary Oliver's profound 

advice, as each of us struggles to gracefully navigate 

our own personal ‘Agony in the Garden’ – whatever 

that may be… 

To live in this world, you must 

be able to do three things: to 

love what is mortal; to hold it 

against your bones knowing 

your own life depends on it; 

and, when the time comes to 

let it go, to let it go. 

Br Mark O'Connor FMS is Vicar for Communications in the 

Diocese of Parramatta. 

35

Appearance of Christ by Ukrainian artist Ivanka Demchuk.


The women disciples 

first to greet the Risen Lord 

STORY DR LAURIE WOODS 

In all four Gospels, it is the women disciples 

who are the first to witness that Jesus had risen 

from the dead. Details in each Gospel differ but 

Matthew notes that Jesus met Mary Magdalene 

and ‘the other Mary’ on their way to tell the 

disciples, while John gives an account of Jesus 

appearing to Mary Magdalene alone. 

Mark notes that only the women disciples saw the 

intense agony Jesus endured on the cross. They had 

been with him since Galilee days and had nurtured a 

strong and life-giving relationship with him over many 

months. They were driven with love and compassion 

to be with Him in His last moments and this same 

inner force of respect prompted Mary Magdalene, 

Salome and Mary, the mother of James, to come 

to the tomb on the Sunday morning to anoint the 

body of Jesus. 

Matthew tells us that on their way to deliver the news 

from the heavenly messenger, they were astounded 

and thrilled at meeting their Lord in person. 

Instinctively, they fell on their knees hugging his legs. 

This is a powerful scene of warm and affectionate 

relationship, showing something the male disciples 

did not appear to have. 

John gives us a different perspective as he portrays 

Mary Magdalene going alone to the tomb to be 

with her Lord. She finds it empty then turns and 

sees through her blurred teary vision a figure she 

supposes is the gardener. Her recognition dawns 

when Jesus speaks her name, which is the one word 

that defines the intimacy of their relationship. 

The women come to the tomb on their own initiative 

seeking Jesus. They followed him to the cross 

and are still following. Their attachment to him as 

disciples is still vibrant. They stand in sharp contrast 

to the men who fled in fear of arrest, who were not 

with their Lord at the end and who had to rely on the 

women for news of His rising from the dead. 

Showing what it means to 

be a follower of Jesus, the 

women disregarded the social 

expectation that women 

should remain at home 

privately involved in their 

domestic duties. 

Drawn by the charisma of Jesus, they joined Him, 

risking hardship and disapproval. In fact, some of 

them were wealthy enough to fund the band with 

their own money. 

The women did not have to declare fidelity to Christ. 

Their commitment said it all. Nor did they leave a trail 

of broken promises like some of the male disciples. 

Being first to see the risen Christ, they simply 

modelled discipleship as heralds of the Good News – 

He is risen. 

The role of these ladies in the Gospel accounts might 

prompt us to appreciate how Jesus saw the women 

in his company. They proved to be unshakeably 

attached to Jesus and, in the end, totally reliable 

as committed disciples. This could well urge us to 

re-evaluate the role women might play in today’s 

Church as teachers, ministers and bearers of the 

Good News. 

Dr Laurie Woods is a retired senior lecturer in Biblical Studies 

at the Australian Catholic University, and currently conducts 

teacher in-service sessions and parish reflection days. He 

lives in the Diocese of Parramatta and is a member of Our 

Lady of the Nativity Parish, Lawson. 

37

The Uluru Statement from the Heart. You can read the full statement at ulurustatement.org 

The Voice: Catholic considerations 

STORY SR ANTONIA CURTIS OSB 

A voice said, “Cry out.” and I said, 

“What shall I cry?” 

Isaiah 40:1 

Scripture abounds with pleas from God calling on 

us to cry out; to challenge injustice; to hear the 

voices of the poor, the powerless, and the weak. 

As Christians we cannot ignore these voices. Jesus 

was, and still is, constantly asking people to listen, to 

hear, to reach out, to live justly. And so, in Australia 

now, at this moment, we need to question ourselves 

honestly as to how well we listen, to the voices on 

the margins of our Church, and especially to our 

Indigenous brothers and sisters whose cry is: ‘Give 

us a Voice’. But also 

What Aboriginal people ask is that the 

modern world now makes the sacrifices 

necessary to give us a real future…To let us 

breathe, to let us be free…. Let us be who we 

are – Aboriginal people in a modern world 

– and be proud of us. Acknowledge that we 

are here with our songs, our ceremonies, 

our land, our language and our people – 

our full identity. What a gift this is that we 

can give you, if you choose to accept us in a 

meaningful way. 

‘Rom Watangu’: Galarrwuy Yunupingu, The Monthly, July 2016 

38


The Uluru Statement from the Heart calls for a 

First Nations Voice to Parliament. 

In an upcoming national referendum, we will all be 

asked to listen and respond to this call. The Voice 

would ensure that the views of Aboriginal and Torres 

Strait Islander people are heard by lawmakers, 

and could help Parliament enact better and more 

effective laws. Will we give them a voice? 

Pope Francis marking the 50th anniversary of the 

Synod of Bishops said to us: 

The world needs the Catholic Church 

to witness to that Christian vision of 

community, participation, solidarity 

and joint responsibility. In too many 

countries power is in the hands of just a 

few people, the dignity of many is denied 

and authority is abused. 

Perhaps we could ask ourselves whether we are up 

to this challenge. Are we capable of softening our 

hearts and opening our ears to hear the voice calling 

from Uluru? Are we afraid of the consequences for 

our Church, our country? Are we afraid of telling and 

hearing the truth? These are serious questions, and 

they require of us the courage to allow ourselves to 

be challenged. For: 

Australia has a dark history, and we 

need to recognise that and own it. We 

also need to recognise that the Aboriginal 

and Torres Strait Islander peoples of 

Australia have a unique and inherent 

connection to, and responsibility for, 

Country under their law and custom. 

Dr. Ed Wensing, Centre for Aboriginal Economic Policy 

Research at the Australian National University. 

Pope Francis asks: “Are we good at listening? How 

good is the ‘hearing’ of our heart? Do we allow 

people to express themselves?” 

“Listen to the world, to the challenges and changes 

that it sets before us. Let us not soundproof our 

hearts; let us not remain barricaded in our certainties. 

So often our certainties can make us closed. Let us 

listen to one another.” 

50th anniversary of the Synod of Bishops. 

The Australian Catholic Bishops, on the 

recommendation of their key Aboriginal and Torres 

Strait Islander advisers, have endorsed the Uluru 

Statement from the Heart informed by the words of 

Pope St John Paul II, who in a visit to Alice Springs 

in 1986, said to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander 

peoples: “You must not be allowed to disappear… 

Your songs, your stories, your paintings, your 

dances, your languages, must never be lost.” 

The Plenary Council in Australia has also made 

positive commitments for the Catholic Church to 

endorse the Uluru Statement from the Heart; to 

accept our responsibility for the part played by the 

Church in the harms Aboriginal and Torres Strait 

Islander people have suffered; and to commit to 

continuing to work toward recognition, Reconciliation 

and justice. 

Can we individually commit to moving out from our 

comfort zones and embrace something new; to 

humbly accept that there are things we can learn 

from our Indigenous brothers and sisters? 

Collectively we must consider how to come to 

terms with unresolved and legitimate grievances of 

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples arising 

from colonisation and its ongoing consequences. 

‘Console my people, console 

them’ says your God. 

‘Prepare in the wilderness a 

way for Yahweh. 

Make a straight highway for 

our God across the desert. 

Isaiah 40:3-4 

Find out about The Aboriginal and Torres 

Strait Islander Voice at the Australian 

Government website voice.niaa.gov.au 

Sr Antonia Curtis OSB is a Benedictine Sister at Jamberoo 

Abbey. She recently conducted an online retreat on 

Aboriginal Spirituality with Theresa Ardler of the Dahrawal 

Nation. You can access the course, Sacred Connections at 

www.jamberooabbey.org.au 

39

12 MONTHS OF ACHIEVEMENTS 

www.parracatholic.org/laudatosi 

May 2022 

Workshop for 

Catechists and Special 

Religious Educators June 2022 

Workshop for 

Catholic Schools 

July 2022 

Social Justice Reflection 

Evening with attendees from 

Parramatta, Sydney and 

Diocese of 

Parramatta 

Broken Bay Dioceses August 2022 

Workshop for 

Chancery Office 

September 2022 

Diocesan Season 

6 

Registered Catholic 

Earthcare Parishes 

16 

Registered Catholic 

Earthcare Schools 

of Creation Mass 

at Holy Family 

Parish, Emerton 

November 2022 

• Workshop for 

Catholic Care 

• Self-Assessment 

for Chancery 

Office & Diocesan 

Development Fund 

February 2023 

Workshop for 

Community 

Ventures 

October 2022 

• Season of 

Creation 

Camping Trip 

• Ecological 

Spirituality 

Retreat Day 

• Climate Justice 

Multi-Faith 

Prayer Service 

at St Patrick’s 

Cathedral 

March 2023 

Climate Justice 

Multi-Faith Prayer 

Service at St Patrick’s 

Cathedral 

April 2023 

Networking & 

Formation Day 

for Parish Social 

Justice Groups 

and Catholic 

Earthcare Parishes

Caring for God's creation 

First 12 months of Laudato Si' action 

STORY SEBASTIAN SALASKE-LENTERN 

Just after Easter 2022, the Diocese of Parramatta 

followed Pope Francis’ invitation and embarked 

on a seven-year journey towards achieving the 

seven Laudato Si’ Goals. 

These goals provide us with guidance on how we 

can care more deeply for God’s creation and our 

sisters and brothers in need. All parishes, schools, 

families and Diocese of Parramatta agencies were 

invited to consider their own response to the Pope’s 

call and to develop their own Laudato Si’ Action Plan. 

In the past 12 months, a lot of wonderful things have 

happened across our Diocese which you can see 

on the opposite page. We spoke to the Earthcare 

Leaders at St Thomas Aquinas Parish, Springwood, 

St Finbar’s Parish, Glenbrook and the Parish of 

Richmond. All three have created Steering Groups 

that report into the Parish Council and Parish Priest. 

Richmond and Glenbrook have already conducted an 

ecological audit, and Springwood plan to complete 

one soon. 

These parishes have found practical and spiritual 

ways to support Laudato Si’ – from participating in 

events such as Clean Up Australia Day, Earth Day 

and Recycling Week to installing rainwater tanks, 

solar cells and batteries that have “reaped financial 

as well as ecological benefits”, according to Melissa 

McDonald from St Finbar’s. 

There have also been formation events such as 

reflection days, an Advent Ecological Retreat 

celebrating God’s incarnation as creation to a special 

Mass for the feast day of St Francis of Assisi where 

parishioners brought their pets. 

All parishes are encouraged to reach out to the 

Peace, Justice and Ecology Team at the Diocese 

of Parramatta to find out how to get involved. 

Contact met@parracatholic.org 

7 Laudato Si’ Goals 

• Response to the 

cry of the earth 

• Response to the 

cry of the poor 

• Ecological economics 

• Adoption of simple lifestyles 

• Ecological education 

• Ecological spirituality 

• Community engagement 

and participatory action 

Sebastian Salaske-Lentern is the Peace, Justice and Ecology 

Coordinator in the Diocese of Parramatta. 

41

Fr Andrew Bass, Parish Priest of Holy Cross Parish, Granville, celebrates Mass on Christmas 

Day 2022 at Holy Trinity Church, Granville. Image: Richard Zaiter/Holy Cross Parish Granville. 

A cuppa with the priest 

Fr Andrew Bass, 

Holy Cross Parish, Granville 


Fr Andrew Bass sees the beauty in the Divine. 

His ministry as Parish Priest of Holy Cross 

Parish, Granville, since 2015 is focused on the 

importance of the liturgy, something he feels his 

parishioners respond eagerly to. 

“Liturgy, as the Second Vatican Council defined, is 

the ‘action of Christ the priest and of His Body which 

is the Church’ and ‘is a sacred action surpassing all 

others’ (Sacrosanctum Concilium, n.7). 

“The liturgy is filled with signs and symbols 

all of which portray something more than they 

are in themselves, because they reveal to us the 

reality of God. 

“Often, people are not taught these things and 

so they perceive the Mass and other liturgies as 

meaningless and empty, but that is because they 

have not been shown what it all means. They have 

not been given the chance to engage with it, and so 

the wonders of it all remain hidden.” 

The parishioners of Holy Cross agree. Many have 

commented that they feel that now they are not 

observers, but active participants at Mass. 

“What drew me to his style of ministry was a 

willingness to answer questions. If I had a question 

such as ‘why does this happen in the Mass?’ or 

‘what does this gesture represent?’, he would go 

out of his way to explain it,” Parish Business and 

Projects Manager John Portelli said. 

42

“His first homilies explained the different gestures 

and symbolism of the Mass. It gave us a different 

appreciation and understanding of the Mass.” 

Youth and Sacramental Coordinator Rosette 

Chidiac agrees. 

“Fr Andrew’s arrival was a key moment when 

I felt like I had stopped watching and actually 

participated in Mass. I could see my role and that 

has been very nourishing. 

“There are key people in my life that walked into 

a Church for the first time because of Fr Andrew. 

Seeing how he was offering Mass with such 

reverence was a pinnacle moment and since then, 

they’ve been attending Church every week,” she said. 

Ordained in 2008, Fr Andrew served at St 

Patrick’s Cathedral Parish as an Assistant Priest 

and Administrator, before being appointed the 

Diocesan Master of Ceremonies under then-Bishop 

Anthony Fisher OP. 

In 2014, he undertook studies in Sacred Liturgy at 

the Pontifical University of the Holy Cross in Rome, 

before being appointed Parish Priest at Granville. 

The parish, according to Fr Andrew, has a desire for 

beauty in the liturgy. 

“The young, in particular those who serve, and those 

who serve musically, often express an enthusiasm for 

the richness and the beauty of the liturgy,” he said. 

“They recognise it as a means of transcendence, of 

other worldliness, of something which lifts them 

above the profane to the divine, that gives them a 

sense of purpose and fulfilment. 

“When someone begins to understand the liturgy 

– even things like the meaning of the colours of 

the vestments, why the priest holds his hands in a 

certain way, why there is incense – they are given the 

chance to open themselves up to the immensity of 

what the Church has given to us and they see that 

what is given is not given by man, but by God.” 

The parishioners are active and engaged, particularly 

around Holy Week. 

“The Good Friday ‘Cross Walk’ itself is a means of 

drawing what are often seen as two worlds together 

– our everyday world and the Church,” he said. 

“We walk, carrying the Holy Cross from Holy 

Trinity Church to Holy Family Church, praying the 

Stations of the Cross. The stations are parishioners’ 

houses who have offered their homes as a 

place of prayer. 

“The walk is bookended by the churches and in 

between, we have the homes of the parish. It draws 

the lives of the faithful into the life of faith.” 

Fr Andrew Bass, Parish Priest of Holy Cross Parish, Granville, with parishioners 

during the parish pilgrimage retreat day in 2019. Image: Holy Cross Parish Granville.

Parish Profile 

Holy Cross Parish, Granville 

Diocese’s newest parish giving their best to God and the community 


As the global Catholic Church continues on 

its pathway to synodality, Holy Cross Parish in 

Granville has already had the opportunity to walk 

together and listen to one another. 

In September 2020, the two communities of Holy 

Trinity, Granville, and Holy Family, East Granville, 

were merged into one. Having a shared history 

that dated back into the mid-1880s, the parishes 

recognised that the merger would broaden and 

enliven their community to work together. 

Members of the parish community explained that it 

wasn’t something that happened overnight, it was a 

process that was undertaken step by step. 

“We didn’t refer to parish events by referring to 

individual parishes, but referred to them under 

the Granville Catholic Community, to create 

togetherness,” Parish Business and Projects 

Manager John Portelli explained. 

Parish “very blessed” to have Fr Andrew 

The amalgamation wouldn’t have been possible 

without their shepherd, Fr Andrew Bass, who 

became Parish Priest in 2015. 

“Fr Andrew is dedicated to giving so much to our 

parish and during his time with us, has helped to 

create so many new things, both devotional and 

social, to try to get people to come together and get 

involved,” long-term parishioners Spiro and Doris 

Portelli said. 

Youth and Sacramental Coordinator Rosette Chidiac 

added, “Fr Andrew really utilises people’s skills. If 

I’ve got an idea and the skill set, he trusts in us, he 

doesn’t hold us back.” 

Parish volunteer Claudette Takchi said, “He never 

says no to an idea. He gives a lot of time to our 

parish, and we’re very blessed to be led by him.” 

“With a big change, it’s about the small steps you 

take along the way, so when the new parish was 

formed, nothing really changed. It had become the 

norm because we had been collaborating for five 

years leading up to it. 

“For the parishioners, we might now be called Holy 

Cross Parish, but the ins and outs and running of the 

parish didn’t change. 

“There were people that have been living in the area 

for a long time who may have attended only Holy 

Family Church or Holy Trinity Church and now were 

crossing between Churches saying, ‘I’ve never been 

to this Church before’, ‘I didn’t know this Church was 

here’,” he said. 

Piety shop volunteer and parishioner of 16 years, 

Annette Wirz, added, “The parishioners help make 

the parish grow. They are committed to building a 

strong, God-loving and prayerful community.” 

Parishioners of Holy Cross Parish, Granville (L-R), Claudette 

Takchi, Annette Wirz, Doris Portelli, Spiro Portelli, Rosette 

Chidiac and John Portelli. Image: Holy Cross Parish Granville. 

44

Parishioners are seen during the Holy Cross Parish Good Friday 

Cross Walk, a highlight of the parish’s Holy Week celebrations. 

Image: Richard Zaiter/Holy Cross Parish Granville. 

Holy Week allows parish to “give their best to God” 

Like many parishes, the variety of liturgies and 

devotions at Holy Cross invites parishioners to pray, 

reflect and celebrate during the whole of Holy Week, 

not just for a couple of days. 

A highlight for many parishioners is Holy Thursday, 

where they go ‘above and beyond’ to prepare altars 

of repose for both churches that can take up to 

four days. 

“[In Holy Week], there is a camaraderie between us. 

Sharing our resources between Holy Trinity and Holy 

Family, and giving each other ideas means we are 

giving our best to God,” John said. 

Another way the parish comes together is during its 

Good Friday Cross Walk, which travels between Holy 

Trinity Church and Holy Cross Church. It was created 

as a way to bring the former parishes together. 

John said, “We’ll start getting requests before Lent 

begins from parishioners to take part in the Walk – 

it’s not just that they’re offering their houses as stops, 

but they also take it upon themselves to create 

outdoor prayer spaces, or offer bottles of water to 

those taking part in the walk. 

“It’s organic, it’s natural, it’s not requested or asked, 

people just instinctively do it because of the spirit of 

the occasion,” he said. 

Rosette added, “If you want to see a testament of 

community, it’s that Cross Walk. 

“Granville is full of various religions, and walking 

through the streets so publicly proclaiming your faith, 

people stop with reverence, even non-Catholics. 

People in cars do the sign of the cross, they turn 

down their music as they drive past, and they stop to 

let us cross the road. There’s always great reverence 

throughout the whole thing,” she said. 

Granville to become a home for people at Easter 

In inviting parishioners and members of the Diocesan 

community to see the Holy Cross Parish “at its best” 

during Holy Week, the parishioners hope that the joy 

of the Resurrected Christ enters their hearts. 

“We see our churches filled throughout Holy Week, it 

would be nice to see these people continue to go to 

Mass during the year and get involved in the parish. 

Just as we have benefited from helping in the parish, 

so will they,” Spiro and Doris said. 

“I hope that we all live our baptismal promises and be 

the face of Christ to all that we meet,” Claudette said. 

“I hope parishioners will be drawn to get involved more 

in the parish and give what they can for the continued 

growth of the parish and for God Himself,” John said. 

“I hope that this season inspires many more people 

to take this parish as their home,” Rosette said. 

45

Seminarians Paul, Victor, 

Jose, Jason, Patrick (back 

row), Luke, Macky, Fr Paul, 

and Fr John (front row) 

Preparing future priests to be signs of 

the Church that goes forth 

STORY PARRAMATTA CATHOLIC FOUNDATION 

Seminarians in the Diocese of Parramatta’s Holy 

Spirit Seminary, Harris Park, are being formed for 

faithful priestly service to our parish communities, 

and, in turn, the people of our Diocese have an 

opportunity to support and accompany them on 

their journeys with a gift to the Bishop’s Good 

Shepherd Appeal. 

Thanks to the kind-hearted support of the people 

of the Diocese of Parramatta, Holy Spirit Seminary 

carries out its mission to prepare future priests 

for the Diocese, like Luke Thien Quoc Huynh, and 

provide excellent leadership in the communities 

of the faithful. 

Luke Huynh, now in his third year of formation, says 

his involvement in the Church began as a child. 

“The idea of becoming a priest came to me very 

early,” he says. 

Luke moved to Sydney as a student and continued 

practising his faith, serving his Vietnamese Eucharistic 

Youth Movement community as a youth leader while 

completing a Bachelor of Accounting. But everything 

changed when he attended the Diocese of Parramatta 

Holy Spirit Seminary Open Day in 2018. 

“After the ‘Come and See’ vocations event, there 

was a desire which burned in my heart, to join the 

Holy Spirit Seminary,” he says. 

“I remember I sat in front of brother Matthew Dimian 

(whom I can now call in joyfulness, Fr Matthew). We 

had a great conversation and shared our stories. 

He inspired me by answering my abundant, curious 

questions and this set a fire in my thoughts to 

discover more about my vocation.” 

After graduation, Luke worked for a year in the 

Diocese of Parramatta finance team before entering 

the seminary. 

46

“I recognised that my true inner peace, joy 

and happiness were rooted in the service of 

God’s people. It was here I found my journey – 

my calling,” he says. 

One of Luke’s seminarian brothers, Macky Amores, is 

in his fourth year of formation at Holy Spirit Seminary. 

It was through the Children of Today’s Choir in his 

hometown of Bogo City, the Philippines, that Macky 

received his first inkling of a vocational calling. 

“I loved seeing the priest celebrating the liturgy of the 

Mass and walking along the aisle. I imagined myself 

wearing the white vestment and it seemed that when 

I saw them I was lifted by the Holy Spirit, telling me 

to be part of them,” he says. 

A long journey brought Macky to Holy Spirit 

Seminary. He went to university and became a 

computer engineer, then a teacher. In 2011, he 

was part of the Vincentian Popular Mission in 

Negros Occidental. For the next six years, Macky 

participated in mission trips across the Philippines 

and began his novitiate formation with the 

Vincentians before taking up teaching again. 

In 2018, he was inspired to restart his vocational 

journey and applied to join our Holy Spirit Seminary. 

“Based on my own experiences as a missionary, 

I wanted to take the chance and the opportunity to 

share my abilities,” Macky says. 

“In the future, we will become people’s servants, 

leading them to salvation and to God, deepening 

their faith and giving them a chance to be involved in 

the Church.” 

In his homily for the recent ordination of Fathers 

Adam Carlow, Matthew Dimian and Jack Elkazzi, 

Bishop Vincent Long OFM Conv, Bishop of 

Parramatta, said the new priests were “a sign of hope 

and renewal of God’s everlasting love for his people”. 

He encouraged them to be “signs of the Church that 

goes forth, sharing the presence, compassion and 

love of Jesus with our brothers and sisters”. 

Support our seminarians 

to humbly serve our faith 

community. To make 

your donation, please 

call (02) 8838 3482 or visit 

yourcatholicfoundation.org. 

au/appeal-shepherd

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Catholic content for Autumn 

Watch 

Ride Like a Girl, 2019, PG, 1 hour, 38 minutes 

Michelle Payne, the first female jockey to win the 

Melbourne Cup in 2015, came from a Catholic family 

in regional Victoria. Her biopic, Ride Like a Girl, 

features the ups and downs of her story, including 

the support she received from her local Church 

community and the faith of her family where she was 

the youngest of 10 children. Director Rachel Griffiths, 

a Catholic, whose uncle is Fr Andrew Hamilton SJ, 

has said in interviews she aimed to present a realistic 

portrayal of a Catholic family. With a cast of wellknown 

Australian actors, look out for the real Stevie 

Payne who plays himself in the movie. 

Image: Transmission Films 

Ride Like a Girl is on Stan, Paramount+ or Apple TV 

Read 

Touch the Wounds, On Suffering, Trust, and 

Transformation by Tomáš Halík 

In this masterfully written book, Czech priest, 

university pastor, psychotherapist and renowned 

theologian Tomáš Halík calls upon Christians to 

touch the wounds of the world and to rediscover 

their own faith by loving and healing their neighbours. 

One of the most important voices in contemporary 

Catholicism, Tomáš Halík argues that Christians can 

discover the clearest vision of God not by turning 

away from suffering but by confronting it. Halík calls 

upon us to follow the apostle Thomas’s example: 

to see the pain, suffering, and poverty of our world 

and to touch those wounds with faith and action. 

It is those expressions of love and service, Halík 

reveals, that restore our hope and the courage to live, 

allowing true holiness to manifest itself. 

Published by University of Notre Dame Press 

48

Catholic Chats 

Music 

Sr Nathalie Becquart on 

Soul Food 

Alison Ryan from the Mission 

Enhancement Team of the Diocese 

of Parramatta sat down with Sr 

Nathalie Becquart to discuss 

synodality, her love of sailing and 

having coffee with Pope Francis. 

Add these tunes to your 

reflection and family 

prayer playlists. 

• Altar 

by Tekoa & Rory McKenna. 

• Lean Back 

by Capital City Music. 

Available at thewell.org.au, 

and Spotify 

Catholic Influencers Podcast 

with Fr Rob Galea 

Join Fr Rob Galea, Alyssa 

Agius and Justine Cumbo for 

weekly conversations about 

upcoming Sunday Mass readings 

and relevant life topics from a 

Catholic perspective. 

• It Is Well 

by Bethel Music. 

• Canticle 

by TAYA and Jon Guerra. 

• I shall not want 

by Audrey Assad. 

• Jesus I Adore 

by Emmanuel Worship. 

Available on Spotify, and Apple 

Classifieds 

To place your ad in Catholic Outlook and reach over 8,500 families in Western Sydney and the Blue Mountains, 

contact Christina Gretton on 0439 594 726 or comms@parracatholic.org 

Jesuit Refugee Services works with parishes to 

raise awareness and give practical assistance to 

people seeking asylum, refugees, and migrants in 

vulnerable situations. 

Download your Action and Solidarity Toolkit today 

aus.jrs.net/en/take-action 

At HW Catering, we deliver high quality and 

diverse food in good time. Check our menu for 

packages including finger foods, share platters and 

business lunches. 

Your order also supports the employment of 

refugees and people seeking asylum. 

howcatering.org.au

KIDS’ CORNER 

JESUS AND MARY MAGDALENE AT THE TOMB 

This Easter we celebrate the Resurrection of Jesus. Mary Magdelene 

was one of Jesus’s loyal followers who was there when he died, 

and she was the first person who saw Jesus on Easter Sunday. 

By being able to tell others that she had seen Jesus alive again, 

Mary Magdalene helps build the faith of others. 

Image: TheCatholicKid.com 

50

WORD SEARCH 

P A R T I C I P A T I O N E 

G U N T R I D U U M I M M S 

G E T H S E M E N E O R A Y 

P H N O I S S A P T M I E N 

H O P E R R N N H A U Y T O 

N E S I R O L E G L R S A D 

M A O N I A R D E E L S L A 

R N H S H M A L T P I H I L 

O M S C A L L S T A A E P I 

F I S R E A Y E N R U O J T 

M A Y N S M F A S T I N G Y 

P R E S U R R E C T I O N M 

M T G N I V I G S M L A P I 

R C H T I R I P S Y L O H S 

ALLELUIA 

ALMSGIVING 

FASTING 

GETHSEMENE 

HOLY SPIRIT 

HOPE 

JOURNEY 

MAGDALENE 

MISSION 

MOTHER MARY 

MYSTERY 

PARTICIPATION 

PASCHAL 

PASSION 

PILATE 

RESURRECTION 

RISEN 

SYNODALITY 

TRIDUUM

Directory of services 

(02) 8843 2500 or visit catholiccarewsbm.org.au 

Chancery Office 

www.parracatholic.org 

(02) 8838 3400 

diocese@parracatholic.org 


(02) 8838 3400 

bishop@parracatholic.org 

Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese 

parra.catholic.edu.au 

(02) 9840 5600 

communityliaison@parra.catholic.edu.au 

Community Ventures 

(Catholic Diocese of Parramatta 

Services Limited) 

(02) 9407 7044 

enquiries@cdpsl.org.au 

www.communityventures.org.au 

Ambrose Early Years Education 

and School Age Care 

(02) 9407 7044 

enquiries@ambrose.org.au 

www.ambrose.org.au 

Catholic Care Western Sydney 

and the Blue Mountains 

(02) 8843 2500 

catholiccarewsbm.org.au 

Mission Enhancement Team 

(MET Parramatta) 

Catholic Youth Parramatta; 

Peace, Justice, Ecology; Marriage; 

Natural Fertility; Worship; 

MET Facilitators 


parracatholic.org/met 

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 

Ageing Well 

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. 

52

Latest appointments 

Most Rev Vincent Long OFM Conv, Bishop of Parramatta, has confirmed these appointments in the 

Diocese of Parramatta: 

Rev Mr Tom Green 

Deacon assisting at Mary, Queen 

of the Family Parish, Blacktown, 

as of 27 November 2022. 

Rev Januario Pinto OCarm 

Parish Priest at Our Lady 

of Mount Carmel Parish, 

Wentworthville, 

as of 26 December 2022. 

Rev Jepser Bermudez OSA 

Parish Priest at Holy Spirit 

Parish, St Clair-Erskine Park, 

as of 13 January 2023. 

Rev Chadi Ibrahim SBD 

Assistant Priest at the Parish of 

Baulkham Hills, 


Rev Neil Kumar 

Bulathsinhalage SBD 

Assistant Priest at St Aidan’s 

Parish, Rooty Hill, 


Rev Galbert Albino 

Assistant Priest at St Matthew’s 

Parish, Windsor, 


Rev Jeff Miller SDB 

Assistant Priest at Our Lady of 

the Rosary Parish, St Marys, 

as of 1 February 2023. 

Rev Mr Jerome Emmanual 

Deacon assisting at St 

Bernadette’s Parish, Lalor Park, 


Rev Mr Charles Abela 

Deacon assisting at Sacred 

Heart Parish, Luddenham- 

Warragamba, 


Rev Mr Alan Skofic 

Deacon assisting at St Mary 

of the Cross MacKillop Parish, 

Upper Blue Mountains, 


Rev Treesen Silva 

Assistant Priest at St Patrick’s 

Parish, Guildford, 


Rev Adam Carlow 

Assistant Priest at St Madeline 

Sophie Barat Parish, Kenthurst, 

as of 13 February 2023 

Rev David Austin OSA 

Assistant Priest at Holy Spirit 



Rev Jeremy Santoso OSPPE 

Assistant Priest at St Margaret 

Mary’s Parish, Merrylands, 


Rev Mr David Dowling 

Deacon assisting at St Patrick’s 

Cathedral Parish, Parramatta, 


Rev Matthew Dimian 

Assistant Priest at St 

Bernadette’s Parish, Castle Hill, 


Rev Raymond Ugwu CSsP 

Assistant Priest at Our Lady, 

Queen of Peace Parish, 

Greystanes, 


Rev Andrew Rooney 

Assistant Priest at Mary, Queen 

of the Family Parish, Blacktown, 


Rev Marcus Hazelman 

Assistant Priest at Sacred Heart 

Parish, Mount Druitt South, 


Rev Christopher Shorrock 

OFM Conv 

Parish Priest at Our Lady of the 

Rosary Parish, Kellyville, 


Rev Mr Jerome D’Rozario 

Deacon assisting at St Aidan’s 

Parish, Rooty Hill, 


Rev Mr Batsirai 

Maringehosi 

Deacon assisting at Our Lady of 

the Way Parish, Emu Plains, 


Rev Jack Elkazzi 

Assistant Priest at Our Lady, 

Queen of Peace Parish, 

Greystanes, 


Rev Br Hoang Huy Nguyen OSA 

Deacon assisting at Holy Spirit 



Voice of the people 

As the global Catholic Church continues on its journey of synodality, how can we all be ‘Church’? 

“The Church is 

still in an uphill 

journey to engage 

with everyone in 

synodality. We 

are not yet in the 

habit of this deep 

listening (what aboriginals call “dadirri”), 

of opening ourselves freely to the Word 

of God coming through the Spirit. Part of 

the struggle in the Church is the different 

understandings of ecclesiology, of what 

“Church” actually means and its purpose 

and that might be a good place to start.” 

Fr Gregory Jacobs SJ 

Parish Priest at Holy Family Parish, Mt 

Druitt. Image: Diocese of Parramatta. 

“By recognising 

that each of us 

make up the 

Body of Christ, 

and are called 

to do our part 

in building 

relationships based on trust, 

understanding, kindness and 

compassion towards all people. For 

me, I look out for those ‘everyday’ kind 

of moments to be a witness of the 

gentle yet bold example of Jesus.” 

Gen Bryant 

Melbourne-based Catholic singer-songwriter, 

who performed at the Catholic Youth 

Parramatta LIFTED Launch in February 


53 

“We can all be 

‘Church’ through 

the way we live 

out our faith in 

our daily lives, 

particularly 

how we show 

love and compassion to those around 

us. We must be open to journey with 

others through dialogue and to hear 

new perspectives to help us to see our 

common humanity.” 

Melinda Chand 

local teacher and parishioner at Our Lady, 

Queen of Peace Parish, Greystanes. 

Image: Supplied.

LENT APPEAL 

Celebrating 25 years 

COIN OFFER 

To celebrate our Silver 25-year milestone we have created a special commemorative coin to 

thank our supporters. We ask you to donate $25 a month for four months (or longer) or donate 

$100 or more and we’ll send you this limited-edition souvenir in a display box. The coin features 

a beautiful colour image of our founder Fr Jules Chevalier. This year we need to fund more 

projects than ever before, and you can make a difference to the lives of thousands of people 

in developing countries by contributing to worthwhile life-changing projects that give people 

a hand-up not a hand-out. Our administration costs are minimal ensuring over 90% of funds 

donated actually are spent on the ground. All donation money is fully accountable, and all Coin 

donations are tax-deductible. 

We sincerely thank you for your valuable support. Please consider a donation to help us 

help others. Phone our office today. 

DONATE TODAY 

PHONE: (02) 9697 0983 | ONLINE: www.mscmission.org.au 

MAIL: PO BOX 177, Kensington NSW 1465 | Donations are tax deductible $2 and over 

www.mscmission.org.au | Phone (02) 9697 0983 

Scan the QR code 

to go to our Donations 

page 

MSC Mission Office Australia 

02 9697 0983 | Donate online at www.mscmission.org.au 

PO Box 177, Kensington NSW 1465 

E mscmisio@mscmission.org

Catholic Outlook Magazine | Lent & Easter | 2023 Issue

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