Broken Bay News August 2018 by bbcatholic

Farewell Bishop Peter

BROKEN BAY NEWS PUBLICATION OF THE CATHOLIC DIOCESE OF BROKEN BAY

AUGUST 2018

ISSUE 195

FAREWELL

Our shepherd leaves his flock Most Rev Peter A Comensoli appointed new Archbishop of Melbourne On Friday 29 June, Most Rev Peter A Comensoli, was appointed by Pope Francis as the ninth Archbishop of Melbourne.

rchbishop Comensoli said he was deeply moved by the Holy Father’s trust in making this appointment.

pilgrims together in the Lord’s vineyard. As we take these first steps in friendship, may we anchor our lives to his Gospel.

“The life of Christian discipleship is a precious gift, developed through hearing and responding to God’s call. In accepting this call to be a missionary among God’s People of the Archdiocese of Melbourne, I readily acknowledge the great responsibility entrusted to me, along with the frailties I carry.

“I am deeply aware of the painful witness you bear because of the crimes committed in the Church against the most innocent, our children and the vulnerable. I share the bewilderment and anger you feel at the failure of Church leaders to believe victims and to respond to them with justice and compassion. This is not the way of Jesus Christ. It is our solemn shared duty to right the grievous wrongs of the past and ensure that the future is very different. I pledge myself without reserve to that task, and I ask you to join me in building on the work already underway in the Archdiocese to

“To the good people of Melbourne, let me say that you are already in my prayers. As I come among you I place my trust in the tender encouragement of Jesus, through his Blessed Mother. We are

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create safe communities of faith, where trust is earned and care is offered. “Having been appointed by Pope Francis, I recognise the challenge he has placed before me to lead God’s people in Melbourne tenderly, mercifully and joyfully. As a shepherd after the heart of Jesus, the Lord expects me to reach out to all with a Gospel boldness. Therefore, I place my stewardship of the Archdiocese of Melbourne under the intercession of Ss Peter and Paul, on whose feast day this announcement is made.” Born and educated in the Illawarra region of NSW, the Archbishop-elect served in the Wollongong Diocese in a number of parishes and was Diocesan

FAREWELL Chancellor for six years prior to his appointment as Auxiliary Bishop to the Archdiocese of Sydney in 2011, and as Apostolic Administrator to the Archdiocese in 2014. Archbishop Comensoli will now lead the Archdiocese of Melbourne after serving as the Bishop of Broken Bay over the past three and a half years. “I will miss tremendously the wonderful people – laity, religious and clergy – of Broken Bay. For the all too brief time that it has been my privilege to serve them, I am proud to have been their friend and shepherd. Now I look forward to getting to know the people of Melbourne. And as a northerner, I will need some guidance around that mysterious code of football called AFL! “I extend my deep gratitude to Archbishop Hart for his faithful leadership and strength of Christian character over the past 17 years. His welcome to me has been warm, generous and encouraging, and I wish him every blessing in his retirement.” At a national level, Archbishop Comensoli is currently a member of the Bishops’ Commission for Family, Youth and Life, and for Evangelisation. From November 2018 he will take up the appointment of Chair of the Bishops’ Commission for Life, Family and Public Engagement, and membership of the Bishops’ Commission for the Plenary Council. Archbishop Comensoli took up stewardship of the Archdiocese on 1 August 2018, during a Liturgical Reception and Solemn Mass at St Patrick’s Cathedral, Melbourne.

BROKEN BAY NEWS

A final message to the People of Broken Bay Hi folks, By now you would have heard that the Holy Father, Pope Francis, has asked that I might become the Archbishop of Melbourne, which I have accepted, with sadness in my heart because it means that I will have to say goodbye to you. Our time together has been short – it has only been three-and-ahalf years, and I had hoped to be here for many years ahead. I want to let you know at this moment simply how much I have loved you and enjoyed your friendship, and your love of me. You are such a wonderful, vibrant Church here in Broken Bay – from the very south part right up to the very north part and all the various sections that we are. We are very diverse, aren’t we? But there is something about Broken Bay where we have come together in a great sense of community as a local Church. Keep up that great work! Keep journeying with Jesus! And, be assured of my ongoing prayer and love for you all. You can never quite leave your former home, so I don’t think you’ll ever quite leave my heart. I will take you to Melbourne, and from what I have learnt from you, I hope I might be able to bring some of those gifts now to the new people of God that I am called to love. So, may I say at this moment, goodbye… But be assured of my ongoing love and care for you.

+Peter

AUGUST 2018 3

FAREWELL

Farewell Bishop Peter! The Diocese of Broken Bay farewelled our third Bishop with a lovely Mass of Thanksgiving and Farewell for Most Rev Peter A Comensoli on Sunday 22 July at Our Lady of the Rosary Cathedral, Waitara.

“I

t wasn’t my idea to abandon the sheep of Broken Bay and head south,” said Bishop Peter in his homily. “Blame that nice Pope Francis you all seem to like so much!” It was a day full of joy and laughter as well as sadness as we said goodbye to our shepherd. To conclude his homily, Bishop Peter said: “May I ask one last favour of you, as I now move on to

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a different flock. Love your new Chief Pastor of Broken Bay. Love him now, even though none of us know who he will be, and when he might arrive. Open your hearts to him today, so that when his come you will be ready to welcome him. Pray for his good from this moment on, so that his heart will be ready for you. Do all this, because you need a shepherd, and the Good Shepherd is already choosing him for you.”

An afternoon tea reception was held afterwards in the Light of Christ Centre, with a wonderful video tribute to Bishop Peter, prepared by the Catholic Youth Broken Bay team. Thank you, Bishop Peter, for being such a wonderful shepherd and guide for the people of Broken Bay. Blessings to you and your new flock as you take on your new role as Archbishop of Melbourne.

NEIGHBOURHOODS OF GRACE

Ku-Ring-Gai Chase Parish

A big-hearted community full of hope and hospitality The Ku-Ring-Gai Chase Parish on Sydney’s northern outskirts is a big-hearted community full of hope, hospitality and a desire to share the love of God. BY DEBRA VERMEER

he Parish covers a big area, from Asquith in suburban Sydney to Mooney Mooney on the Hawkesbury River, with 11km between the two churches in the Parish, St Bernard’s at Berowra Heights and St Patrick’s at Asquith. It is an area characterised by a multicultural mix of young commuter families in the south, many of whom are moving into the newly developed apartments in the area, and more retired people in the northern reaches of the Parish. But, Parish Priest, Fr Shaju John, says despite these differences, the parish community is all one. “There is a lot of hope in this Parish,” Fr Shaju says. “We’re seeing more people coming back to church and flourishing here, and their presence is valued.” Fr Shaju, who is assisted by Fr Shiju Simon, says in recent years the Parish has welcomed people from a variety of different cultural backgrounds, including Asian and South American cultures. “This brings a new kind of vibrancy to our community,” he says. “We have lots of young families moving into the units and going to our parish school, especially at Asquith, and we try our best to invite them into the parish community. “We don’t see the school and parish community as separate – they are one BROKEN BAY NEWS

community and so together, we invite the families to be part of our community.” Both Fr Shaju and Fr Shiju are regular visitors to the two schools in the Parish, St Patrick’s at Asquith and St Bernard’s at Berowra. “Apart from the liturgies and other special occasions I like to just go down of a morning and say hello to the children and their parents and maybe have a game of handball with the kids. It’s just a way of getting to know people,” Fr Shaju says.

Michelle Chahine and worked with the Year 6 teachers to support that process. The students also took part in an ALPHA retreat. “It was great for them to reconnect with their faith,” Jeanette says. “We got great feedback from the students about the impact ALPHA had on them and the parishioners got a lot out of it as well.”

Principal of St Bernard’s Catholic School, Jeanette Fowles says the presence of the priests at the school is greatly appreciated. “The priests visit regularly and it’s always good to have them here,” she says. “It’s a warm relationship between school and parish and the close proximity between us aids that as well.” Students from the school join with the Parish Mass once a fortnight and each grade has a special Grade Mass once a year where the students are actively involved in the liturgy by taking part in the offertory and doing the readings, as well as singing. Jeanette says the school also recently worked with the Parish to facilitate a child-focused version of the ALPHA faith education program for the Year 6 students. Fr Shiju came in with the Parish Youth Coordinator AUGUST 2018 5

NEIGHBOURHOODS OF GRACE

Exploring our missionary outreach

Principal of St Patrick’s Catholic School, Bernard Cumming says he believes the School and the Parish have “a great relationship”. “We often see Fr Shaju on the playground before school playing handball,” he says. “I don’t think he wins often; he says the rules have changed since he was young!” Bernard says that once or twice each term the School has a special responsibility for the various ministries at the Sunday Mass, with the Parish. “It’s great that the children can be involved this way and we are thankful for the families who provide a scrumptious morning tea afterwards,” he says.

Parish came together to mark this occasion,” Bernard says. Both churches have Children’s Liturgy twice a month and the youth ministry is growing and developing. “We have a new Youth Co-ordinator in Michelle Chahine, and the youth ministry is growing, with about 30 to 35 young people coming every first Sunday of the month to the Youth Mass, where they do all the music, the readings, the offertory, welcoming, Senior and Junior Serving etc,” Fr Shaju says. “And after Mass, they gather together in the parish hall for food and games.”

The Year One families were responsible for the ministries at the recent installation Mass for Fr Shaju, which was celebrated by our former Bishop, Most Rev Peter A Comensoli.

For younger children, three very committed Sacramental Coordinators work closely with parents to prepare the young parishioners for the sacraments.

Bishop Peter also visited and presided at Mass on St Patrick’s Day this year as part of the celebrations for St Patrick’s Catholic School’s 60th anniversary.

“The parents are actually the facilitators of the program,” Fr Shaju says. “They share their faith with the children.”

“It was a great celebration where the School and

Meanwhile adults who wish to be baptised or enter

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into full communion with the Catholic Church are accompanied on their journey by a “very strong” group of RCIA volunteers. And for parishioners looking to refresh their faith, the Parish held two sessions of ALPHA last year – one at St Bernard’s and one at St Patrick’s. Seniors within the Parish community are well cared for, with home visits by Ministers of Holy Communion to those who can’t make it to Mass, and visits to nursing homes in the local area. Both priests also visit parishioners in Hornsby Hospital and the SAN Hospital at Wahroonga. “I always follow up with people when I visit them in the hospital,” Fr Shaju says. “Some of them are lonely and appreciate a visit. This is part of my pastoral approach.” Liturgy in the Parish is enhanced by three choirs – a senior choir, a junior choir and a youth choir. There’s also a Select choir which chants the psalms. Renowned local musician Pat Smith leads the children’s choir at St Patrick’s which is now in its 13th year.

Exploring our missionary outreach

“One of the children who came up through the choir is now assistant-director of music, which is great,” Fr Shaju says. There are plans underway to form a children’s choir at Berowra too. The senior choir sings at funerals as requested and at the Anointing Mass held every first Friday of the month. After the Anointing Mass, there is a lunch for the seniors, where the choir sings and transportation is provided if needed. Devotions such as the Rosary and Eucharistic Adoration are a part of life in the Parish, with a group praying the Rosary each day after Mass in both churches. Every Monday evening the Rosary is prayed in the home of parishioners. There is Adoration on the first Friday of the month from 7.30pm to 10.00pm and there are lectio divina groups who gather each week to reflect and meditate on the Gospel readings. The Ku-Ring-Gai Chase Parish also loves to get

BROKEN BAY NEWS

together socially, with a youth-focused Food Festival last year drawing about 300 people. “It began with Mass, then there was a faith talk and then a feast of wonderful multicultural food prepared by parishioners,” Fr Shaju says. “We had youth coordinators from across the Diocese attend.” At Christmas there is an outdoor Mass followed by a shared community meal and there is also an annual dinner where the Parish thanks and honours its many volunteers. “There is a real helping mentality here,” Fr Shaju says. “The people are very generous with both their time and money. “Many of the people are full-time workers, but they still find the time to volunteer and help out. It is very good.” Among the volunteers is a committed group of catechists who share their faith with about 600 Catholic students in seven local public schools. Catechesis of the Good Shepherd can also be

NEIGHBOURHOODS OF GRACE

found in the grounds of St Bernard’s, where a Christian formation process for children between the ages of 3 and 12 years is available in “The Atrium”. A group of volunteers run this ministry and, led very capably by Natasha Steele. Parishioners also love to reach out into the local community, by taking part in an ecumenical Carol event known as ‘Carols under the Stars’ at Berowra Oval. “Last year our kids’ choir took part. It’s a really good community event and we’re very happy to be a part of it,” Fr Shaju says. The seniors’ choir celebrates the Christmas season with a visit to the elderly folk in the Ku-Ring-Gai Gardens nursing home where Mass is celebrated, and carols sung. “As with every parish, there are challenges and opportunities for growth,” says Fr Shaju. “But it’s God’s parish and we are only the instruments. “People have a good heart here and every single person is valued.”

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Vocations Awareness Month 2018

The Call of God: marks or signs of a Call to Priesthood or Religious Life PREPARED BY FR PAUL DURKIN, DIRECTOR OF VOCATIONS, DIOCESE OF BROKEN BAY

When it comes to a vocation, we do not choose! We may seek to find our vocation, to do all we can to hear and discern God’s call. Where vocation is concerned, God speaks, calls and commands: we do not choose, but listen and obey. What are the marks of a calling from God? Below are listed 12 signs which you are invited to reflect on in your life, or the life of someone you consider may have a special vocation or calling from God. 1. The Call of God feels like good news. I feel joyful and energised. The thought of it is life-giving and deeply satisfying; it excites and energises me; it is not about ‘oughts’ or ‘shoulds’. I want to do it. Joy is the dominant feeling.

personally it is something clear, focused and manageable: “Join this group”; ‘Go to this place”; “Become...”; “Feed the hungry”; “Start a soup kitchen...” I trust that God will call other people according to God’s plan.

2. The Call of God is accompanied by a sense of mystery and awe. This call is something Transcendent, of God; it is not my idea, not an ego trip; the God within connects with God in the created order.

8. The Call of God evolves, changes and develops. As my relationship with God deepens I may move to a deeper level or move to something different as part of God’s call.

3. The Call of God feels right. There is an inner knowing, a sense of being made for this; it is fulfilling, not alien to who I am. I am being true to myself.

9. The Call of God is growth producing. It enhances my inner being, and I am challenged.

4. The Call of God may seem impossible in human terms. I may feel resistant. I may feel inadequate. I may ask “Who am I to do this?” I am thrown back on God’s grace. God will do it. It is essentially about God’s initiative and God’s action in my life. 5. The Call of God is persistent; it keeps popping up! There is an inner tug that won’t go away. I must act on it, yet it is not driven. 6. The Call of God is risky. I never know absolutely that I ‘hear right’. I may ‘fail’; I may ‘succeed’! I am called to be faithful, not successful. 7. The Call of God is personal; it can be expressed in general terms, yet

10. The Call of God is costly. I am willing to give my total being for “the pearl of great price”. I become willing to give up other things, to learn to say “no” to other options. With trust in God’s help, it means taking responsibility for responding to the unique call on my life. 11. The Call of God is ‘counter cultural’, an alternative way, based on Jesus’ vision, which means conflict with the current social and political order. It does not seem rational according to the popular culture. 12. The Call of God is about a vision for my life; it is tied to God’s vision for my life and is sometimes accompanied by a holy discontent with the way things are.

G O D K N O W S YO U P E R S O N A L LY... open your heart to what He might say @VocationsBrokenBay

0418 522 449

www.bbcatholic.org.au/vocations 8 AUGUST 2018

Vocations Awareness Month 2018

Being open to God’s call Twenty-five year old Peter Lennon is the Diocese of Broken Bay’s newest seminarian. BY MELISSA LOUGHLIN

e is half way through his first year of study on the road to priesthood at Good Shepherd Seminary, Homebush.

was open. I’m not saying that I wanted it, or that I was called, it was in that moment though that I realised it was possible. So I asked God ‘what do you want?’”

Peter grew up in a loving and devout Catholic family. He is the eldest of six children, and both his parents are doctors. Peter attended Our Lady of Dolours Catholic School and St Pius X at Chatswood for Primary school, before his family moved to Cherrybrook and he attended Redfield College for his high school years.

That was the beginning of a very long journey for Peter.

“When I was young, I went to extra catechism classes with the nuns which helped me to know a bit more about the Catholic faith,” said Peter. “We prayed the rosary as a family, singing hymns and Christmas Carols, it’s a wonderful way to become more involved and appreciative of my faith. My family loves to sing!” Since finishing school, Peter attended the University of Sydney studying a science and art degree. He wasn’t sure what he wanted to do so changed courses quite a lot. “I studied a lot of different things, biology, chemistry, psychology, languages and then I ended up settling on philosophy,” said Peter. Peter then became a part-time student and worked in an office. “I started going to some wonderful Catholic philosophy classes at night and discovered there was a truth that was discoverable there,” added Peter. He also took some time off to travel, went to a couple of World Youth Days, and worked as a lay missionary in Papua New Guinea for six months. “That was a fantastic experience, I’ll cherish that time for the rest of my life,” said Peter. “The Papua New Guineans are beautiful people, it was a real eye-opener in terms of people in such a different world, such a different environment. They have a beautiful faith and are still happy in such tough circumstances.” When asked when he first had the call, or the inkling he wanted to be a priest, Peter laughed.

‘I want to be a priest, so I can talk during Mass!’

“I’ll tell you a funny story. As a kid, I think it was an Easter Mass, which can be quite long, I was wanting to talk, and I kept getting told be quiet. So, at the end of Mass, I declared ‘I want to be a priest, so I can talk during Mass!’ “My mum retold that story thousands of times in the following years. I got tired of hearing it, so then I became very firm in the decision that I was NOT going to be priest. All through my teenage years I was thinking ‘I am definitely not going to be a priest’ but it was that stubbornness and that resistance that started to give me a hint that maybe there was something there.” “I kept hearing stories about saints and priests, people called by God. A lot of them were really stubborn and really resisting God and kept saying no. Even Jonah from the Bible, he ran the other way. These stories always made me think a little bit. “Eventually I was getting towards the end of my teens, and I had a moment. I was just praying, I’d heard it was good to pray to ask God about my vocation, so I thought ‘maybe God is calling me?’. It was a small moment, but it was the beginning. In that moment I

BROKEN BAY NEWS

“It took a lot of prayer, a lot of resistance on my half, and a lot of patience on God’s half,” said Peter. Peter’s parents were both very happy with his decision to become a priest. His younger brother has followed their career path in medicine and is now a doctor, so the pressure wasn’t on Peter as much to follow in their footsteps. “They are both very supportive,” added Peter. Peter is one of six students in the First Year at the Good Shepherd Seminary in Homebush. One other student is from Wollongong Diocese, and the other four are from Sydney Archdiocese. “They are a wonderful group of guys, we get along really well,” said Peter. The accommodation is nice, with each student given their own room with a bathroom. “It’s pretty nice, I can’t complain,” said Peter. The day starts with Morning Prayer in the Chapel at 7.00am, followed by Mass at 7.30am, then on to breakfast, and then classes. Peter is enjoying his classes so far in First Year. “We study catechism and the documents of the Popes,” said Peter. In the evening there is Holy Hour and Adoration before dinner at 6pm. Then some free time before night prayer at 9.15pm. “We try and squeeze some extra study in between dinner and night prayer or on the weekend,” said Peter. The weekend routine is a bit more relaxed, with Saturdays beginning with 8.00am Mass and then they are free for the day. “You actually have to get out, so you leave for the day, but need to back by curfew at 10.30pm,” said Peter. Sundays start with 9.00am Morning Prayer, 10.00am Mass followed by brunch. Sundays are generally when guests come. “We can have visitors anytime, but Sunday is the day when most guests come,” said Peter. “It’s pretty relaxed most days, we can leave anytime we want and go to the shops or out for a coffee.” Part of their experience at Seminary is doing pastoral work. Accompanied by their First Year Director, Peter and the other students participate in activities outside Seminary, including teaching SRE in State Schools, hospital visits and aged care facility visits. First year pastoral work has also included excursions to places like St Mary’s Cathedral and Catholic Mission. “Next semester we’ll be doing nursing home visits on our own without our First Year Director,” said Peter. There have been a few challenges adjusting to seminary life, but Peter is very happy. One of the challenges for Peter has been the required six hours a week of gardening. “It was definitely a labour at the beginning, but I’ve learned to appreciate it,” said Peter. AUGUST 2018 9

Vocations Awareness Month 2018

Br William Loh OP (centre) as a novice with other friars of the Priory of St Dominic, Camberwell

Called to Preach Christ the Truth in the Dominican Way of Contemplation and Action BY BR WILLIAM LOH OP

ike most of my friends I was agnostic and had given up on God by the time I completed Catholic high school. I sought to find meaning through the things of the world but none of these things satisfied me. When I was at university, I was introduced to a Catholic youth group. Even though I did not share their belief, the excitement of the youth group stirred me spiritually. I ended up leaving the youth group, hungry for even deeper meaning. In my final year of university, I attended a silent retreat. It was though contemplation within the silence I realised that God is always with us and that he loves us. I also realised that I wanted to make God’s love known to others who do not have the faith. I found myself open to even sacrificing my own life for the service

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of others to make God known to them as Jesus Christ has made God known. I felt called to pursue the vocation to the priesthood.

ng i l a e H f o e Women p o H d n a

But the noisiness of our modern world weakened and distracted my conviction. I grasped that I was dependent on God, sensing the need to balance spiritual nourishment through contemplation with the active service of ministry. From this need, I eventually found my vocation as a friar within the Order of Preachers (Dominicans) whose motto is: to contemplate and to hand to others the fruits of contemplation. Now I stand at the eve of my diaconate ordination and reflecting on my life, I see how God has brought me to this vocation and how it would not have been possible without Him. When we follow God’s way to our vocation we are truly given life to the full.

Nurturing relationships of compassion, justice, mutuality and healing

Email katrina.brill@sosj.org.au www.sosj.org.au

Why did I become a Sister? BY SR RITA MALAVISI RSJ

he most common question I am asked is, “why did you become a Sister?” That’s probably the hardest question to answer. Maybe married people get asked: “How do you know that he/she is the one?” The answer is probably quite simple “You just know”. Following your heart, following your deepest desire. A vocation is not a job. A vocation is your whole life. Simple, but profound all at once. Vocation from the Latin word: vocare: ‘to name or call’. It takes great conviction to follow a vocation – to follow a call, that you can’t really name or explain to others. Growing up in Australia from a Middle Eastern/Mediterranean family, my faith was treasured and encouraged. Family values of support and care of one another, reaching out to others, knowing your family background were all explored and appreciated. Not one vocation was put higher than the other. Priests and Religious were always respected and I knew growing up that all vocations through Baptism were valued. But how and when did

I discover I might have a vocation to Religious Life? After finishing secondary school in Year 12, I was involved in youth leadership training in Rosies (held in Rosebud, Victoria in those days). It was through this training and involvement that I discovered that Religious Life would be an enormous gift to me, and to the Church. Mary MacKillop took her final vows on 8 December 1869 and the next year she wrote this profound statement in a letter to her mother, Flora: “Believe in the whisperings of God to your own heart”. I listened to those whisperings and I realised that God was not asking me to be perfect, God was only asking me to be faith-filled. And so, using the vow formula for the Sisters of Saint Joseph, “I give myself completely to God, and I choose to express this commitment in joyful and loving service of God and the Church”, I made my commitment to Religious Life on 8 July 1989. So how did I know? I had a sense that my life without being a Religious sister would somehow be incomplete. It was a call I sensed deep inside myself. My life as a sister has opened new horizons for finding joy.

Vocations Awareness Month 2018 Sisters of Charity: Bringing each person the love, tenderness and concern of Christ for the poor... BY SR MARGARET GUY RSC

“I

need foodbank.” “I would like to have English lessons.” “I am going to be homeless.” “Can you help me get a job?” “I need help with this form.” These are the typical needs expressed by people seeking asylum who come to our Jesuit Refugee Service. Jesuit Refugee Service [JRS] is an international Catholic organisation with a mission to accompany, serve and advocate for the rights of refugees and other forcibly displaced persons. Begun by Fr Pedro Arrupe, JRS has been supporting refugees and people seeking asylum globally since 1980.

In Australia, JRS provides casework support, financial assistance, temporary accommodation, legal support [through RACS], foodbank, English classes and other social support activities through the Arrupe project. Parramatta is my place of ministry – my role being Arrupe Place Volunteer Coordinator, collaborating with the other Volunteer Coordinator at the main office. I coordinate the recruitment, training, supervision and support of volunteers. This includes responding to enquiries regarding volunteering, organising the volunteer

induction and ongoing training and volunteer events. I try to keep in touch with all the volunteers at Parramatta, responding to their skills, needs and availability on the monthly roster. As a team member, I share in many of the roles offering hospitality and accompaniment to our clients. At Parramatta, caseworkers work tirelessly to respond to the typical needs expressed above, listening to people’s stories, making referrals and giving small amounts of financial assistance. However, we would not be able to do the work that we do without many committed volunteers

who work alongside our Director, Manager and staff. Volunteers offer invaluable assistance: providing hospitality and reception at our two drop-in spaces in Parramatta, providing accompaniment support through home visits, cooking meals for house meetings at our men’s shelter in Kings Cross, teaching English, assisting with the playgroup and English program for mums and bubs, organising men’s nights and excursions, shopping for and distributing foodbank, helping with resume writing, job searching and contributing to other social programs.

Discover a new way of being…

sistersofcharity.org.au anne.taylor@rscoffice.com

Vocation Ministry and Consecrated Life: Horizons and Hopes BY SR MARGARET BEIRNE RSC

Following the meetings with young people in April and September last year, another group was invited by CICLSAL (Congregation for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life) to meet in Rome from 1-3 December 2017 to share their experience of accompanying young people in their faith journey and vocational discernment and to explore fresh possibilities for the future.

lmost 800 consecrated women and men came together to meet under the warm and encouraging leadership of the Prefect of CICLSAL, Cardinal João de Aviz, and the secretary Archbishop José Carballo OFM in Rome. I was surprised to discover I was the only one from Australia! For some participants, their vocations ministry is linked to youth ministry and is not therefore exclusively about vocations to consecrated life. However, we BROKEN BAY NEWS

recognised that this was the key focus of our being invited to come together at this Congress. The Congress was opened by Cardinal João, followed by a reading of the greeting and reflection sent by Pope Francis. Presentations were made by religious experienced in this ministry and by young consecrated women and men. Key themes included the need to listen deeply to young people and be

open to where they are, to show joy in our own vocation, and develop a culture where all members of the Catholic community share the responsibility for encouraging the call to consecrated life. While the Congress was specifically on the topic of vocational discernment and the upcoming Synod on Youth and Vocational Discernment, it was also a much broader experience of the universal

Church: different languages, cultures and experiences. Cardinal João and Archbishop Carballo stayed for the entire three days. They lined up for breaks and lunch with the rest of us, were visibly attentive, listened throughout every presentation and spoke in response with great enthusiasm and encouragement for all the participants – they’re clearly supporters of Pope Francis! It gave a real sense of true communion across the different groups within the Church. AUGUST 2018 11

ACROSS OUR DIOCESE

...the secret is to always be close to God.

God is an equal partner in our marriage Esme and Gerald McCulloch celebrate an amazing 75 years of marriage! 75th Wedding Anniversaries are rare these days, but that’s what my parents, Esmé aged 101 and Gerald McCulloch, aged 97, recently celebrated. BY DEACON PETER MCCULLOCH

hey married on 18 July 1943 at Little St Saviour’s Church in Ealing, West London. It was during the war and their families saved up their food ration cards to provide for a small wedding reception afterwards. Gerald was 20 when he first noticed Esmé at the St Saviour’s Parish dance in December 1940. On the bus home he asked if he could walk her to her door. Esmé was surprised, but said yes for she thought he looked like a nice young man. Their relationship developed through letter writing more than dating, because Gerald’s mining engineering studies and the war itself made life difficult in London. He was not allowed to serve in

the army because as a mining engineer he was in a ‘protected occupation’. Only weeks after their wedding, Gerald reluctantly left Esmé behind in London to work in a West African gold mine. They reunited 14 months later and had two sons before migrating to South Africa in 1948. There, Gerald worked in asbestos and diamond mines and another five children were born, including me. In 1962, Gerald’s work took him and the family to India, and three years later we all migrated to Australia. “Australia has been very good to us”, says Gerald. The family has grown significantly. From their seven children they now have 18 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren, with another boy due in August. So, why has their marriage been so successful? Esmé and Gerald agree that it’s important to be good friends, with common interests and a similar outlook on life. They also say that it’s important to attend to the little things, so that the other always knows how much they are loved. “But the secret is to always be close to God,” says Esmé. “God is an equal partner in our marriage. From the beginning Gerald and I have been actively involved in the Church, and we put our lives in God’s hands even before we were married. He has always looked after us.” She adds, “We’ve always loved each other in

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the most beautiful way. I feel a light inside me whenever I think about our marriage. And our children have been the most wonderful gift.” Gerald agrees, and says, “God realised long ago that one person alone is incomplete, and that’s why he gave us marriage. However you interpret the story of Adam and Eve, you can see that by themselves they were incomplete. And even as a couple they were incomplete until they had children. “God in his Trinity is a community of love, and that’s why he gave us marriage. He wants our lives to be filled with a community of love, too.” “We know that God has been looking after us,” says Esmé. “We’ve had some difficult times, but he’s helped us through.” “We don’t always realise it, but God is always working in our lives,” adds Gerald. “We really haven’t had to make many decisions, because he’s always working things out for us. Everything is fine in the end, and over our long years we’ve proved it. “But often things happen in God’s way, and not our way, it’s important to recognise that. “Relying on God has given us peace and inner strength. Fiat voluntas tua – thy will be done. That’s what Jesus did. He obeyed his Father and he didn’t have an easy life, but everything worked out well.” “I know I’m old,” says Esme, ‘but I don’t feel old. My family keeps me young and full of life. Our love and our hard work has paid off, and we’re still very happy together after 75 wonderful years.”

NEWS AND ISSUES

Exploring the ‘Joy of Love’ An Australian couple, Ron and Mavis Pirola of Sydney, will be speakers at the 9th World Meeting of Families in Dublin this year.

he focus of the Gathering will be Pope Francis’ Encyclical ‘Joy of Love’ (Amoris Laetitia).

World Meetings of Families were instituted by Pope St John Paul II and they occur approximately every three years, alternating with World Meetings of Youth. This Family Gathering will take place in Dublin on 21-26 August. There will be a three-day International Congress, followed by a ‘Festival of Families’ celebrating family life in different cultures. On the final day, Pope Francis will celebrate a giant open-air Papal Mass. The Pirolas have participated in the previous seven such Family Gatherings. However, they have a special interest in this one as they spoke at the first of the two recent Family Synods, one of the fruits of which was the publication of the ‘Joy of Love’. In launching the preparations for this Gathering, Archbishop Diarmuid Martin of Dublin referred to the family as a primary place of encounter between the love of God and daily life. “Passing on the faith within families is not just an intellectual exercise”,

he said. “Married couples pass on the faith by witnessing to the tender loving kindness of God through their mutual love as spouses – including their sexual love – and through their love of their children.” Ron said that his hope was that all participating families would be renewed in their confidence in family life. “We live in a period of rapid change,” he commented. “Yet some things remain constant. One is the central importance of relationships; and the core training for that is in the family, the domestic church. That’s where we develop our sense of self-worth and our understanding of how to relate to others. When that is combined with our faith in Jesus, then our families become power houses of evangelisation.”

an individual, a couple, a family or in a small group.” The Pirolas were Members of the Pontifical Council for the Family from 1982 to 2009. They introduced Worldwide Marriage Encounter to Australia and established the Parish & Marriage Resource Centre (PMRC Australia). It was this organisation that co-convened, with the Australian Catholic Marriage & Family Council, the highly successful ‘Renaissance of Marriage’ national conference for marriage educators early this year in Sydney.

“Passing on the faith within families is not just an intellectual exercise”

Mavis pointed out that there are two things that we can all do to unite ourselves to this international event. “One is to join in prayer with Pope Francis and with all participants. The other is to follow the discussion material of ‘Joy of Love’. The international catechesis can be downloaded at www.worldmeeting2018.ie/en/ Resources and can be followed as

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AUGUST 2018 13

ACROSS OUR DIOCESE

Fun and faith combine at the Festival of Families On Sunday 8 July, the first ever Festival of Families was held at Our Lady of the Rosary Cathedral and the Light of Christ Centre, Waitara.

ver 170 people attended, half of them children, to enjoy a day of prayer, fun and learning.

The day began with Mass with ArchbishopDesignate Peter A Comensoli, who blessed the two Broken Bay families heading to the World Meeting of Families in Dublin, the Jee and Hyland families. After Mass, keynote speaker Katrina Zeno from

Phoenix, Arizona spoke to the parents at the Festival about her specialty subject Theology of the Body. The children and teenagers participated in sessions run by the Dominican Sisters of St Cecilia about identity and being a child of God. The Culture Project, young people ministering to young people, ran a session on beauty and the spiritual curiosity through nature. A wonderful lunch was shared by everyone out on the oval, with a jumping castle to entertain the

little ones and lots of old-fashioned family games, including tug-of-war and sack races. The day ended with family prayer time led by Fr Vincent Nguyen and Deacon Roberto Corpuz. Many thanks go to all the volunteers who helped in the preparation and running of the event, especially Curtis and Christina Crasto from the Hornsby Cathedral Parish and all their volunteer helpers. These events rely on volunteers and their contributions are very much appreciated.

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ACROSS OUR DIOCESE

Celebrate the ordinariness of your family, because it is our great treasure in life Just as we are launching this first of an annual ‘Festival of Families’ for our Diocese, I’m preparing to leave the family home!

he elder son is moving out, to adopt a new family and set up home elsewhere. But don’t blame me – it’s the Pope’s fault! Talking about Pope Francis, he begins his wonderful teaching letter on marriage and family life, the Joy of Love, with these words: “The Bible is full of families, births, love stories and family crises. This is true from its very first page, with the appearance of Adam and Eve’s family with all its burden of violence but also its enduring strength to its very last page, where we behold the wedding feast of the Bride and the Lamb.” What Pope Francis says about the bible is true about all of human history: the world is full of families, in all their myriad of realities, their joys and sorrows, their strengths and weaknesses. The family is the most basic social unit of society, and in our faith understanding, the chief expression of the domestic church. No one can exist without a family, whether that family is good, bad or indifferent. To be human is to be family oriented. I think we all know this intuitively. Yet, it is an odd thing, I think, that family life, as the fundamental structure of society, is under such immense social and ideological pressure these days. Buried deep within present social trends that privilege an autonomous self-identity over all other factors, is a rejection of the family as foundational to our humanity. It is being replaced by identity politics and self-determination. Think of the creeping language shift that is occurring in some quarters to re-identify the terrible violence that can occur in families from ‘domestic violence’ to ‘family violence’. The shift might sound innocuous, but at its heart is the downplaying of ‘family’ as a basic good for society. Yes, there is terrible physical, emotion, sexual and spiritual violence BROKEN BAY NEWS

BY MOST REV PETER A COMENSOLI, HOMILY, 8 JULY and abuse occurring in any number of families, which needs to be named, shamed and stopped. But let’s not write off family life itself as essentially violent in the process! What can we do about this? How do we honestly name the realities of family life, in all their variations, while holding firm to the enduring beauty and strength of family life itself? Our scripture reading today gives us three lessons in this regard.

our love, so look to the thorns in your own sides to see where you could improve your way of being a good member of your family. Attend to your thorns first, before trying to yank out someone else’s. And finally, don’t forget what Jesus encountered in the Gospel: “Where did the man get all this?... This is the

carpenter, surely, the son of Mary, the brother of James and Joset and Jude and Simon? His sisters, too!” Jesus came from an ordinary family – there’s nothing unhuman about him. Every family is ordinary, which is what makes all our families extraordinary. Celebrate the ordinariness of your family, because it is our great treasure in life.

First, Ezekiel in the first reading said: “The spirit came into me and made me stand up, and I heard the Lord speaking to me.” So, stand up families! Don’t be afraid to defend family life today, because the Lord will give you the words and deeds you need. Trust in his Spirit, who will guide you and encourage you. Secondly, don’t forget St Paul, in today’s second reading, who said: “To stop me from getting too proud I was given a thorn in the flesh.” No family is perfect, and we all fail in

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AUGUST 2018 15

AUGUST – OCTOBER 2018

Office for Evangelisation EVENT CALENDAR The Diocese of Broken Bay exists to evangelise, to proclaim the Good News of Jesus Christ, gathered as friends in the Lord and sent out to be missionary disciples. The Office for Evangelisation serves this mission and promotes the growing missionary outlook of parishes, faith communities and individuals.

CATHOLIC LIFE & FAITH FORMATION St Teresa of Avila: The Journey to God St Teresa’s ‘Way of Perfection’ is full of a rich and timeless wisdom that is still very relevant today as a guide in the spiritual life. Most Rev David L. Walker will lead us over two sessions in exploring the spirituality of this great Spanish 16th century Saint and Doctor of the Church. Presenter: Most Rev David L. Walker, Bishop Emeritus, Diocese of Broken Bay Date: Tuesdays 7 and 14 August 2018 Time: 7.00pm – 9.00pm Venue: Caroline Chisholm Centre, Building 2, 423 Pennant Hills Rd, Pennant Hills RSVP: By Friday 3 August faith.formation@bbcatholic.org.au or Pina Bernard 8379 1627

Celebrating Disciples of All Nations Diocesan Multicultural Mass and Celebration Join us for this special inaugural diocesan Multicultural event to celebrate the 104th World Day of Refugees and Migrants on the theme “Welcoming, Protecting, Promoting, and Integrating Migrants and Refugees.” The afternoon includes: • Showcase of food and entertainment at the Light of Christ Centre • A Panel Discussion with Most Rev Vincent Long, Phil Glendenning, Shakufa Tahari, Sr Jan Barnett (chairperson) • Multicultural celebration of Mass at the Cathedral with Most Rev Vincent Long, Bishop of Parramatta, ACBC Delegate for Migrants and Refugees Date: Saturday 18 August 2018 Time: 1.00pm-3.00pm Multicultural food and entertainment; 3.00pm–4.30pm Address and Panel; 5.00pm Multicultural Mass Venue: The Light of Christ Centre and Our Lady of the Rosary Cathedral, 23 Yardley Avenue, Waitara RSVP: faith.formation@bbcatholic.org.au Cristina Gomez Ph 8379 1628

Putting Rungs on the Ladder Tri-Diocesan Social Justice Twilight Reflection Evening Join Catholics from the Archdiocese of Sydney and the Dioceses of Parramatta and Broken Bay for a dinner event to celebrate our social justice work and reflect on the themes of this year’s Social Justice Statement “Everyone’s Business: Developing an inclusive and sustainable economy.” Date: Wednesday 22 August 2018 Time: 6.30pm – 9.00pm Venue: Caroline Chisholm Centre, Building 2, 423 Pennant Hills Rd, Pennant Hills RSVP: By 16 August 2018 faith.formation@bbcatholic.org.au Cristina Gomez 8379 1628

Benedict’s Tools for Peace A day of retreat hosted by the Mount St Benedict Centre in partnership with the Office for Evangelisation, Diocese of Broken Bay. In the busyness of today’s fast-paced, noisy, ever-changing world we long for peace – in our hearts, in our homes, in our workplaces. This day of reflection will immerse you in the ancient wisdom of the Rule of St Benedict, who in this “little rule for beginners” provides practical tools for living a life of peace with oneself and the world. Facilitator: Sr Margaret Malone sgs Date: Saturday 8 September 2018 Time: 10.00am – 3.00pm Venue: Mount St Benedict Centre, 449D Pennant Hills Rd, Pennant Hills (entry via Hull Rd) Cost: Gold coin donation; morning tea provided, bring your own lunch. RSVP: By Monday 3 September mtstbenedict@goodsams.org.au 8752 5390

Social Justice Reflection Afternoon What does it mean to be involved in social justice as a Christian? How have we lived out this dimension of our Christian life in the last few decades? Where is the way forward for the practice of social justice in our parishes? If you are looking to revitalise or start a social justice group in your parish, come along to this reflection

AUGUST 2018

and workshop afternoon with Kelly Paget, Team Leader Catholic Youth Broken Bay, and Cristina Gomez, Life, Charity and Social Development Coordinator for the diocese. We encourage you to attend as part of a group interested in or working in social justice from your parish, if possible. Date: Saturday 13 October 2018 Time: 1.00pm – 4.00pm Venue: Caroline Chisholm Centre, Building 2, 423 Pennant Hills Rd, Pennant Hills RSVP: By 10 October 2018 faith.formation@bbcatholic.org.au Cristina Gomez 8379 1628

Women in the Scriptures: Discovering their Stories There are many intriguing stories in the Bible which feature women across both Testaments. Over two evenings, rediscover these stories with biblical scholars and educators Dr Michele Connolly, RSJ and Dr Debra Snoddy from the Catholic Institute of Sydney. Hear the voices of at times courageous, faithful, strong, gentle, or shrewd women, and understand their contexts, roles and relationships in the society and households of their times, as well as the way in which they are portrayed in the text. Presenters: Dr Michele Connolly, RSJ and Dr Debra Snoddy Date: Mondays 15 & 22 October 2018 Time: 7.00pm—9.00pm Venue: Caroline Chisholm Centre, Building 2, 423 Pennant Hills Rd, Pennant Hills RSVP: By 11 October 2018 faith.formation@bbcatholic.org.au Pina Bernard 8379 1627 Be kept informed about upcoming faith education and formation opportunities within the Diocese. Please contact Catholic Life & Faith Formation Team, at faith.formation@bbcatholic.org.au to receive a monthly e-Newsletter.

LIFE MARRIAGE AND FAMILY BROKEN BAY Lisa Hendey The Sacred Balancing Act: Busy Lives and Family Spirituality Blogger, Author, Founder of CatholicMom.com – Thursday 16 August 2018 Lisa M. Hendey is the founder and editor of CatholicMom.com and the bestselling author of The Grace of Yes and The Handbook for Catholic Moms. She is a frequent host on Catholic television and has produced and hosted multiple programs, including Catholic Mom TV and Making the Grade, a program aimed at promoting quality Catholic education. Date: Thursday 16 August 2018 Venue: St Agatha’s Parish/school hall, 20 Boundary Road Pennant Hills (enter via Trebor Road) Time: 11.30am – 12.45pm Topic: The Sacred Balancing Act: Busy Lives and Family Spirituality RSVP/ enquiries: By Monday 13 August 2018 steven.buhagiar@bbcatholic.org.au 0415 600 290

Marriage Enrichment Morning A Joyful Vision of Love, Marriage and Family Sunday 19 August 2018, Manly Freshwater Parish Pope Francis breaks open St Paul’s beautiful ‘Hymn to Love’ in Chapter Four of Amoris Laetitia. Madeleine and Simon Carrington will assist us in making Pope Francis’ very practical suggestions a part and parcel of our own family life. They will also share their own experience in bringing young people to know the beauty of God’s unique plan for their lives and provide a strategy for making the family home a living heart of love. Speakers: Madeleine and Simon Carrington Date: Sunday 19 August 2018 Time: 10.30am Mass, 11.30am Hospitality, 11.50am Marriage enrichment, Amoris Laetitia presentation and family prayer time, 1.15pm Close. Venue: St Mary’s Church, 6 Raglan Street, Manly RSVP: By Saturday 18 August 2018 to steven.buhagiar@bbcatholic.org.au 0415 600 290

AUGUST – OCTOBER 2018

CATHOLIC YOUTH BROKEN BAY Twilight Talks Catholic Youth Broken Bay invites you to Twilight Talks. Join Young Adults (18+) from around the Diocese to connect, share a meal, pray and be nourished by inspiring speakers. In August, we will be welcoming The Culture Project team as they beak open our theme of “Restoring Human Dignity”. Date: Tuesday 7 August 2018; Tuesday 16 October 2018 Time: 6:30pm – 9:00pm Venue: Hotel Pennant Hills, 352 Pennant Hills Rd, Pennant Hills

PRAISEFEST Join young people (youth & young adults) from across the Diocese at our first FULL PRAISEFEST of 2018! Get a chance to catch up with friends while enjoying free BBQ and exciting festival activities, encounter God through vibrant and honest worship, and receive spiritual nourishment through an inspiring and relevant message. BBQ

dinner will be provided from 6:00pm. Date: Friday 7 September 2018 Time: 6:00pm – 9:00pm Venue: Sacred Heart Church, Pymble Parish, 2 Richard Porter Way, Pymble

Australian Catholic Youth Ministry Convention (National Event) The ACYMC is Australia’s premier youth ministry training, formation, and networking experience. The ACYMC gathers those engaged in ministry with young people in the Catholic Church, from a variety of contexts and ministries, to form and inform them for ministry. The Convention gathers those working with young people in schools, parishes, dioceses, movements, religious orders, communities, and organisations. Date: 21-23 September 2018 Venue: Rooty Hill RSL, 55 Sherbrooke St, Rooty Hill For more details on any CYBB events and RSVP: youth@bbcatholic.org.au

Confraternity of Christian Doctrine (CCD)

CCD training and formation opportunities serve those involved in the mission of Special Religious Education (SRE) in our State Schools. Over the coming months, training will focus on Miracles & Parables and Using Music in the Classroom. Workshops will also be offered in Classroom Management and Safeguarding Children and Level 3 will commence. See details below for dates and venues.

Registrations have new contact details! For ALL registration and training enquiries please phone: 8379 1643 or Email: registrations@bbcatholic.org.au

CCD Training and Formation Offerings: CCD training and formation opportunities serve those involved in the mission of Special Religious Education (SRE) in our State Schools. This coming term, training will focus on Miracles & Parables and Using Music in the Classroom. Level 3 will commence in August and will be a reflective study of the Apostolic Exhortation, Gaudete et Exsultate Of The Holy Father Francis On The Call To Holiness In Today’s World, ‘Rejoice and Be Glad’.

A one-day workshop (9.30am–2:30) to develop ‘Classroom Skills’: • Miracles and Parables • Teaching Strategies: Using Music in the Classroom

Northern Beaches Region Location: Our Lady of Good Counsel, 9 Currie Road, Frenchs Forest Morning Tea Provided, BYO Lunch Date: Friday 10 August 2018 Time: 9:30am – 2:30pm Register by: Friday 3 August 2018

Central Coast Region Location: Lecture Room, Our Lady of the Rosary Parish, The Entrance (Parking entry via Ashton Avenue) Morning Tea Provided, BYO Lunch Date: Monday 20 August 2018 Time: 9:30am – 2:30pm Register by: Monday 13 August 2018

North Shore & Hornsby Region Location: Caroline Chisholm Centre, Building 2, 423 Pennant Hills Road, Pennant Hills Morning Tea Provided, BYO Lunch Date: Friday 24 August 2018 Time: 9:30am – 2:30pm Register by: Friday 17 August 2018

Teaching Strategies: Using Interactive Whiteboard Resources Central Coast Region Location: CCD Central Coast Resource Centre, The Entrance (Parking entry via Ashton Avenue) Date: Friday 7 September 2018 Time: 1:00pm – 2:30pm Register by: Friday 31 August 2018

Lesson Planning: Teaching the Authorised Curriculum Central Coast Region Location: Parish Centre, Our Lady of the Rosary Parish, The Entrance (Parking entry via Ashton Avenue) Date: Wednesday 3 October 2018 (School Holidays) Time: 9:30am – 12:00pm Register by: Wednesday 26 September 2018 BROKEN BAY NEWS

Level 3 – Faith in Ministry: Apostolic Exhortation, Gaudete Et Exsultate – Rejoice and be glad

The Office for Evangelisation offers CCD training to all interested people providing formation for personal growth and for ministry. Join us during August and September for a reflective study of Pope Francis’ new Apostolic Exhortation, Gaudete et Exsultate – Rejoice and be glad.

Northern Beaches and North Shore & Hornsby Regions

Location: The Sun Room, Holy Name Church, 35 Billyard Avenue, Wahroonga Morning Tea Provided (BYO Lunch 10 Aug & 28 Sept) Date: Friday 10, 17, 24, 31 August & 7, 14, 21, 28 September 2018 Time: 9:30am – 12:00pm (10 Aug and 28 Sept are 9:30am – 2:30pm) Register by: Wednesday 1 August 2018

Central Coast Region

Location: Our Lady Star of the Sea, 165 Serpentine Road, Terrigal Morning Tea Provided (BYO Lunch 6 Aug & 24 Sept) Date: Monday 6, 13, 20, 27 August & 3, 10, 17, 24 September 2018 Time: 9:30am – 12:00pm (6 Aug and 24 Sept are 9:30am – 2:30pm) Register by: Wednesday 1 August 2018

CCD Ministry Induction – Compulsory training for new catechists and helpers

CCD Ministry induction course is compulsory for all new catechists and those catechists returning to teach after an extended break from teaching. The CCDMI is also available to complete online. Please contact registrations for more details. CCDL1-01MI The Mission and Ministry of the Catechist CCDL1-02MI SRE Teacher in the Parish and the School CCDL1-03MI Child Protection CCDL1-04MI Lesson Planning: Teaching the Authorised Curriculum CCDL1-05MI The Development of the Child and Adolescent I CCDL1-06MI Classroom Management: Positive Discipline CCDL1-07MI Introduction to the Bible CCDL1-08MI Using Interactive Whiteboard Resources

Northern Beaches Region

Location: Our Lady of Good Counsel, 9 Currie Road, Frenchs Forest Date: Thursday 18, 25 October, 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 November & 6 December 2018 Time: 7:00pm – 9:00pm Register by: Friday 12 October 2018

North Shore & Hornsby Region

Location: Caroline Chisholm Centre, Building 2, 423 Pennant Hills Road, Pennant Hills Morning Tea Provided, BYO Lunch Date: Monday 5,12,19 & 26 November 2018 Time: 9:30am – 2:30pm Register by: Monday 29 October 2018

Central Coast Region

Location: Leo Mahon Room, St John the Baptist Parish, 125 Blackwall Rd, Woy Woy Date: Friday 9, 16, 23, 30 November 2018 Morning Tea Provided, BYO Lunch Time: 9:30am to 2:30pm Register by: Friday 2 November 2018 Phone: 8379 1643 or Email: registrations@bbcatholic.org.au AUGUST 2018

CATHOLIC DIOCESE OF BROKEN BAY

Plenary Council 2020: Changing to Remain Faithful It was Blessed John Henry Newman who declared, ‘To live is to change and to be perfect is to have changed often’. BY DANIEL ANG

n saying so, Newman was highlighting the nature of growth which demands change as evidence of life. If it is not to be a museum of memories, then we should expect to see growth and change also in the Church as the body of Christ, as it lives out God’s mission in new times. Of course, we have felt the winds of change most immediately in the appointment of now-Archbishop Peter to the Archdiocese of Melbourne. It is with sadness that we farewell Archbishop Peter from our midst, having brought fresh vision and energy to our Diocese over these past three and a half years. However, we also share joy in this significant appointment by Pope Francis for the Church in Australia. This appointment stands as a great testament to the life and vigour of our own Diocese of Broken Bay whose gifts and experience Archbishop Peter will carry into his new ministry and mission with the People of God in Melbourne. Our prayers for Archbishop Peter are filled with gratitude, confidence and hope. In many ways this news highlights the movement of the Spirit in our Church, the Spirit who is the agent of all faithful change and renewal. As Pope Francis recalls with urgency, the Spirit does not leave us where we are but impels us to fresh directions. The Spirit transforms the hearts of disciples for we can be tempted to remain ‘huddled behind closed doors’. The Spirit sends us out, can change situations, and urges us to new dreams (Pope Francis, Homily at Pentecost 2018).

It is to this faith in the power of the Holy Spirit that Plenary Council 2020 calls us, faith that in the face of all seeming limitation, uncertainty and challenge, that God can transform the hearts of the disciples and the community of disciples we call the Church. As we await a new shepherd for our Diocese, we are invited as the People of God in Broken Bay to now gather together as local communities, receive the Holy Spirit in our midst, and listen and speak about God’s dream for our Church and Diocese. As President of the Council, Archbishop Timothy Costelloe SDB, has shared, “One of the ideas guiding us as we prepare for this Plenary is this – that one of the ways we listen to God is by listening to each other. Of course, we can’t listen to each other if no one speaks. That is why it is so important that everyone, without exception, has the chance, and takes the opportunity, to speak from the heart about what he or she believes God is asking of us. No matter where you might find yourself in relation to the Church – deeply involved, only partially engaged, uncertain or disillusioned, or even angry, on the margins, or perhaps a friendly or critical outsider looking in – we need to hear from you for we are sure that God speaks to us all, and the Church needs to listen to everyone.” – Archbishop Costelloe SDB, Message on the Plenary Council. Beginning this month of August, our local parishes, schools and communities will begin to host Listening and Dialogue Sessions, opening an opportunity in your neighbourhood to share your experiences

… it is so important that everyone, without exception, has the chance, and takes the opportunity, to speak from the heart about what he or she believes God is asking of us. of faith and the Church. As the People of God in Broken Bay we want to play a leading role in this national process of discernment. By participating in these sessions, you will help build the agenda for the Plenary Council with others through dialogue. A Local Animator or facilitator in your community will guide you through the Broken Bay Listening and Dialogue Guides which have been prepared to support our conversation. You can access these guides now at www.bbcatholic.org.au/ plenarycouncil/ourresources. Please contact your local parish, school or Catholic agency in the Diocese for information about a Listening and Dialogue Session taking place near you. All communities have been invited to register their sessions with us so that we can share these opportunities online at www.bbcatholic.org.au/ plenarycouncil and promote participation across our Diocese of Broken Bay. We invite you to get involved, to pray and to listen and speak with a humble and open heart. Just as the first disciples of Jesus gathered in the upper room awaiting a sign of God, may we be open to receiving the Holy Spirit gathered as friends in the Lord and be sent out to be his missionary disciples. We seek over the weeks and years to come “to listen to what the Spirit is saying to the churches” (Rev 2:7). This was the instruction given to the seven churches of Asia Minor in the Book of Revelation. From that time on Christians have met to listen to the Spirit at times of important decision. We are called to do so again.

18 AUGUST 2018

ACROSS OUR DIOCESE

“I’ll meet them where they are” The Pastoral Care Practitioner experience

Every so often, we are given the remarkable opportunity to sit with a stranger and “meet with them where they are”.

his is a turn of phrase that I have heard Louise Smith use as she describes her role as a Pastoral Care Practitioner at Royal North Shore Hospital. Although it wasn’t until I walked with her through the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) for premature and babies with health complications, that I understood what she meant. Walking with Louise and the dedicated doctors and nurses of the neonatal facility allowed me to witness not only love but strength and bravery as these tiny babies grow under such watchful care. In the Low Dependency Unit, I met Keia and Fernando, whose son Nathan, was born on Holy Thursday weighing just 720 grams at 25 weeks. Fernando reflected on his experience by saying, “There is nothing in life that can prepare you for this.” Over the past four months, Louise has visited the young family and provided not only prayers, but comfort and reassurance. Keia commented “It is our pleasure to share our story to other parents, hoping to inspire and motivate them as they go through their own life’s journey. We may all have different ordeals, but the Almighty Father is always there for us.” The neonatal ward is dimly lit, quiet and with serene nurses in their blue uniforms reassuringly present checking the babies in their calm and efficient way. Louise is as much a part of the NICU as the nurses, with a kind and warm word to patients and staff alike. Dr Mary Paradisis, Head, Department of Neonatology, confirms that Louise gives the families a different perspective. “Louise is an integral part of the team – nurses can’t leave the ward with hesitant parents taking their first walk outside with their baby – but Louise can,” said Dr Paradisis. “Louise provides a maternal and spiritual comfort that is not weighted with the emotions and expectation of family and friends or couched in the medical jargon of the doctors and nurses.” During the visit, I also met with Varteni, an engaging and brave young woman and her energetic and BROKEN BAY NEWS

BY LIANE GIULIANO delightful son, Alexander. Varteni is a powerful advocate for the role of the Pastoral Care Practitioner and generously shared her story. Just before Christmas 2016, at 24 weeks pregnant, Varteni was told that a heartbeat couldn’t be found for one of her twin boys. Anthony’s heart had stopped beating. She was 24 weeks pregnant and delivered both boys. To her shock Alexander was alive but weighed only 490grams and was the size of her hand. To be present to Alexander’s engaging smile and Varteni’s sense of joy you would never guess at the loss and pain this family has encountered. Varteni commented that she was so grateful for Louise who faced every challenge and diagnosis with them. Louise remarked that she “never prayed so hard” knowing that Varteni had lost Anthony and was watching Alexander fight every day, adding that Varteni, welcomed Louise openly praying in front of the nurses and doctors, asking for the Lord to guide the hands of the doctors and nurses and be alive to the work. Whilst there, a young Catholic mother witnessed Louise meeting the families and asked if she too could receive pastoral care. Louise commented that many of the people she visits are through recommendations and reiterates the importance of registering as a Catholic when arriving at the hospital. The Pastoral Care Practitioners work closely with the Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion who provide Communion to the sick but who are not there to provide comfort and reassurance. The Pastoral Care Practitioners visit the list of patients who have nominated themselves as Catholic upon admission and allow the patients to set the agenda whether it be pastoral conversation, prayer, Holy Communion or a referral (to a Priest, Social Worker or clinical staff). There are five Pastoral Care Practitioners working in the following hospitals: • Gosford Hospital • Hornsby Ku-ring-Gai Hospital

If you are admitted to hospital, please ensure that your Admissions paperwork has “Catholic” recorded under religion so that you can receive Catholic servi ces during your stay. The CatholicCare Pastoral Care Practitioners are part of a pastoral team of Priests who provide sacramental support and Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion. • • • • •

Sydney Adventist Hospital Wahroonga Manly Hospital Mona Vale Hospital Wyong Hospital Royal North Shore Hospital.

Over the last year, the Pastoral Care Practitioners have visited over 3,000 individual patients, over 700 family members of a patient and over 180 hospital staff members. They work closely with Priests and the Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion. Peter Brown, Coordinator and PCP at Gosford Hospital states, “We are the face of the Catholic Church, reaching out to vulnerable people in relationship, just as Jesus did. Walking with them in empathy and compassion”. The Pastoral Care Practitioner program and the coordination of the Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion is two thirds funded by the donations of the Charitable Works Fund (CWF), and one third funded by a subsidy from NSW Health. When you donate to the CWF, you are providing someone to meet you, your families and other families who are going through these trials, where you are. The CWF also provides funding to the Confraternity of Christian Doctrine (CCD), Ephpheta Centre, St Lucy’s School and St Edmund’s College. Donations to the Charitable Works Fund are 100 per cent tax deductible and can be made at your local Parish. For further information, please contact Liane Giuliano, Development & Relationships Manager on 8379 1664 or email liane.giuliano@bbcatholic.org.au AUGUST 2018 19

EDUCATION

Spreading Their Wings Students at three secondary colleges in the Diocese recently took advantage of extracurricular opportunities, including interstate and overseas trips.

ifty Year 10 students from MacKillop Catholic College in Warnervale travelled to the Gold Coast for the Commonwealth Games, taking in the Men’s Hockey, Athletics, Women’s Rugby and the Marathon. The group also had a surfing lesson at Coolangatta Beach. Principal Steve Todd received a glowing letter from a couple who stayed in the same tourist park as the MacKillop students. “It was so refreshing to observe their fun spirits yet respectful behaviour,” said the couple. “Congratulations to the teachers and thank you for restoring our confidence in this next generation!”

Meanwhile, keen soccer players from St Leo’s Catholic College, Wahroonga participated in a 12-day tour of the UK, visiting football clubs and playing games against English teams. Teacher and coach Nathan Smith said that he noticed students further develop their confidence and skills on the match pitch, and he was most struck by the students’ team work, pride in their jersey, and passion for the sport. Twenty-four boys from St Paul’s Catholic College Manly travelled to the UK as part of their European tour, which also took in Italy.

The students visited a restaurant in England called the Clink which is staffed by guests of Her Majesty’s Prison Service learning the ropes of working in hospitality. They also laid a wreath at a commemorative service held for local Manly brothers, Angus and Archie McPherson, who were killed in the First World War. “Lots of first experiences, loads of laughs, new friendships forged and memories made,” said Diana Kalac, who organised the tour. “The boys have returned tired and excited, with lots of stories to tell and a sense of adventure.”

Making A Difference for Asylum Seekers

Students from St Cecilia’s Catholic School, Balgowlah took part in their annual drive to donate food and toiletry items to the Asylum Seekers Centre in Newtown. he Centre provides practical and personal support for people seeking asylum while living in the Sydney community.

“We strive to draw on and continue the work done

20 AUGUST 2018

by the founders of our school, the Good Samaritan

“The donation drive is an opportunity for teachers

Sisters, by reaching out with compassion and justice

and parents to connect with each other and with

to people in need within and beyond our immediate

the community, and for children to learn about and

community,” said St Cecilia’s Principal, Fran Taylor.

engage with those in need.”

EDUCATION

Art Awards for St Brigid’s St Brigid’s Catholic College, Lake Munmorah Year 11 student Claudia McCartney was honoured this year at the Maliga Art Exhibition when she was presented with the Mayoral Award.

he exhibition, now in its fifth year, is open to senior school students of Indigenous background and is held every year at the

Claudia’s painting impressed the judges with its ‘use of personal symbols and atmospheric feel’. Four other students from the College also had their work featured in the exhibition. Year 8 students Kyra

Wyong Art House on the Central Coast.

Kensey, Jazmin Walton and Bailey Moore submitted their paintings for consideration, while Year 9 student Taylah Gorton had a photograph on show which was inspired by nature.

Battle of the Chefs

Broken Bay students recently represented NSW in the Australian Worldskills Competition, with one former student taking out the Gold prize at the prestigious competition. he annual competition runs for three days and sees students from all over Australia compete in hospitality and other skilled trade areas.

Cristopher Matkowski, formerly of St Leo’s Catholic College, Wahroonga, won Gold in the Open Cookery category and may now go on to represent Australia at the international competition in Russia later this year. Emma Peat, a current student at St Peter’s Catholic BROKEN BAY NEWS

College, Tuggerah, also represented NSW in the Commercial Cookery VET (Vocational Educational and Training) course in the Schools category. Emma was also recently the proud recipient of the VET in Schools, Student of the Year Award at the 2018 NSW Training Awards – Central Coast. Both students were previous winners of the annual Broken Bay Diocese Battle of the Chefs competition, which was held for the fourth time this year.

At the Battle of the Chefs, Year 11 and 12 hospitality students compete by preparing a three-course meal for the professional judges, Sandra Stowe and Dimitris Aronis, who are teachers of Commercial Cookery at TAFE. St Peter’s Catholic College were the winners, with Mt St Benedict College, Pennant Hills taking out second place and St Leo’s Catholic College in third. AUGUST 2018 21

EDUCATION

Catholic Schools Lead Research into Children’s Wellbeing Children at ten schools in the Diocese are learning to manage their emotions with a new program which teaches social and emotional skills.

he schools have adopted the Worry Woos, seven monster characters which teach young children to identify and manage complicated emotions. Each character kit contains a book and soft plush toy designed by American illustrator Andi Green, and focuses on a different emotion, from loneliness to confusion to envy. “The teachers and children love the program and are finding it to be a fantastic way to talk about issues that arise each day – even referring back to earlier stories

as friendship and playground issues arise,” said Helen Leigh, the Principal at St Martin’s, Davidson.

“NAPLAN gives children results on a page but it’s not doing anything for the kids’ happiness,” he said.

“Nola was my favourite,” said Chloe, a Year 1 student at St John the Apostle, Narraweena. “She was lonely. She had the same feelings as me sometimes… it helped me to know what to do.”

“Emotional wellbeing is important in survival, jobs and success and happiness in life.”

Australian paediatric psychologist Dr John Irvine developed the teaching framework for schools because he believed schools were more focused on academic results than teaching social and emotional skills.

Jaye Bloffwitch, psychologist at the Catholic Schools Office, said that the Worry Woos supported the Catholic Schools approach to the “whole child.” “Academic learning is important but it won’t happen without emotional wellbeing.”

The Hub – leading the way A new “21st century” learning space at St Kieran’s Catholic School, Manly Vale has changed the way children interact and learn.

he Hub opened in Term 1 and is a flexible learning space which gives students the option of working independently or in groups. The Hub was previously the school’s library and technology centre and has been transformed into an open space class room for the 86 students in Years 5 and 6.

22 AUGUST 2018

Principal Michael Gallagher said students have become more confident, collaborative and independent in their approach to school work since the space opened. “They have the opportunity of moving to areas of the room where they feel comfortable learning, rather than being stuck at a desk all day,” he explained. The room has a range of environments for the

children, including standing desks, quiet spaces, relaxed couch-like spaces and traditional desks. While the classes are divided between three teachers, students sometimes work together, building their skills of co-operation and collaboration. Mr Gallagher said that teachers had noticed students taking greater responsibility for their own learning since the Hub was unveiled.

EDUCATION

Extraordinary Families with Extraordinary Achievements St Martin’s Catholic School, Davidson has been sharing family stories this term.

amily members from students in Stage One, Years 1 and 2, were invited to visit the classroom and tell their amazing stories.

Visitors to the classroom included nine-time Australian Motorbike Champion, Mr McMartin, whose daughter Abby is in the class. The children excitedly took turns to try on Mr McMartin’s motorcycle helmet. “It was so much fun!” said Abby. “When Dad revved up the motorbike all the teachers jumped!

It was cool that Dad brought in some magazines and his trophies.” Eva, another student, said, “He brought in his motorbike helmet and we could all wear it. I was excited to know that Mr McMartin has won nine Australian championships in a row.” Another visitor was Becky’s dad, a diver who discovered the Japanese midget submarine off Newport and told his stories of underwater adventure.

It was so much fun!… When Dad revved up the motorbike all the teachers jumped!

Real Science in the Classroom

Year 10 students at Mater Maria Catholic College, Warriewood recently competed in a biotechnology project through the Amgen Biotech Experience (ABE).

he ABE is an innovative science education program that allows secondary college students to create biotechnology therapies and loans their teachers research-grade equipment and supplies at no cost. Students were shown how to use the equipment and trained in basic techniques before inserting a genetically modified piece of DNA (a plasmid) containing a gene from a sea anemone into

BROKEN BAY NEWS

a bacteria. This plasmid caused the bacteria to glow a fluorescent red. The students then observed the bacteria as it began to express the sea anemone gene.

Mrs Senior also said that one of the teachers at the school had a three-year-old daughter who was receiving medical treatment developed using the same techniques as students used in the project.

Teacher Susan Senior said, “I hoped to inspire students to pursue science in Year 11 and 12 and then go onto university to have a career in science after seeing the types of things you can do with scientific research.”

Leah Brown, a student in the class, said that she was inspired to choose the genetic engineering experiment. “I was amazed to see how this could lead to paths of genetic engineering in medicine.” Edgar Murga Gardia de Leon, another student, said that “It was interesting and engaging, I learned a lot doing this and most importantly I had fun.”

AUGUST 2018 23

NEWS AND ISSUES

Broken Bay launches Domestic Violence Resource Kit Our families are like schools – they are meant to be places where we learn and teach love.

his can only occur when the family is also a ‘school’ of safety and nurturing, and where the flourishing of all individuals and relationships takes focus. Sadly, that is not what we always find. Behind closed doors the reality of many people’s lives is one of verbal, physical, psychological, and sexual abuse. We might believe that this tragedy occurs only in situations other than our own. Yet, domestic violence can be found in seemingly happy homes and marriages, as much as in homes where there is known separation and brokenness.

According to Australian Bureau of Statistics figures, 1 in 6 Australian women, and 1 in 16 Australian men, have been subjected, since the age of 15, to physical and/or sexual violence by a current or previous cohabiting partner (ABS 2017b). Through its welfare agency, CatholicCare, the Catholic Diocese of Broken Bay has been proactive for several decades in supporting victims (and perpetrators) of domestic violence, attending to crisis situations, and offering formation in good family living. The Diocese has sought to further raise awareness about Domestic Violence by developing a Resource Kit, A Catholic Response to Domestic

We must collectively and personally denounce a violence which erodes the human person in every way. Violence. The Kit provides clear information around the Church’s teaching for the dignity and value of the human person, and practical steps of response for everyone in the community – from its leaders and those who support people caught up in this type of violence, and to anyone who considers themselves a Catholic. The Resource Kit was officially launched to Diocesan leaders in parishes and schools during the annual Diocesan Clergy-Principals day held on Thursday 21 June. “This Kit will be made available to all communities in Broken Bay and highlights how we need to respond as a Catholic community,” said Dr Cristina Gomez, Life, Charity and Social Development Officer for the Diocese. “We have sought to bring both the reality of this issue to the fore and to include active ways that information and practical support can be shared widely through flyers, posters, key assistance contacts, and prayerful reflections.” In welcoming the launch of the resource, Most Rev Peter A Comensoli, former Bishop of Broken Bay, commended the work. “As Church, the living body of Christ, we cannot remain silent. We must collectively and personally denounce a violence which erodes the human person in every way.” “I encourage you to do whatever you can to act on this issue. Do not be a bystander. Find out now what you can do to help those who are suffering in silence within your community.” To view the Resources and to find out further information please visit www.bbcatholic.org.au

24 AUGUST 2018

ACROSS OUR DIOCESE

St Lucy’s students lead the Hope Mass ‘I want you to feel quite relaxed and not be bothered if the children move around the church.’

It was the special Mass held at Holy Name a couple of times each year when families who have children with disabilities come to join in a Mass where they know that whatever their children do or say, they will be loved, not judged.

student who has been learning to help wait on tables and assist in the kitchen, saw Fr David preparing the table of the Lord and went to help. Her father tried to call her back to the pew but Fr David waved him back and Piper remained at the altar, carrying the wine and water out of the way to clear the table and tidying the cloths. Unworried, Fr David invited her to accompany him as he distributed the

This time the young children of St Lucy’s were hosting the Mass, assisted by St Leo’s graduate, Michael Buzinskas, and St Edmund’s senior, Logan Campbell, who provided readings and the psalm and in Logan’s case, an opening solo. As is his way, Fr David sat on the chancel steps to read the children a story about God’s love.

BROKEN BAY NEWS

As the Mass ended, the children sang out their message to all the people there, ‘Love, love, love one another and be kind’, a message echoed by all as they left the church, whether they were laughing or wiping away a tear.

‘Love, love, love one another and be kind’

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When young Matthew Hayes was given the microphone to lead everyone in the St Lucy’s version of the Lord’s Prayer, he took the opportunity to announce that it was his last time of leading the prayer as he is now in Year 6 and will be soon leaving St Lucy’s. ‘I’d like to go on to St Edmund’s next year,’ he said, ‘but we don’t know yet.’ The congregation laughed, hoping that God at least was listening. As the Communion rites were beginning, young Piper, a Year 8

gifts which Piper did for a while until she grew distracted and her father was able to retrieve her.

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ith these words, Fr David Ranson welcomed the congregation to the morning Mass at Holy Name, Wahroonga on Sunday 17 June.

BY JO KARAOLIS

AUGUST 2018 25

We are the social care and support agency of the Catholic Church in the Diocese of Broken Bay. We assist children, young people and adults to live more enriched lives. We provide services to 26,000+ children, young people, individuals and families on the NSW Central Coast, Northern Sydney and the Northern Beaches, and have been doing so since 1987.

catholiccaredbb.org.au Family Centres Domestic & Family Violence | Child & Family Support Counselling & Mediation | Parenting Education Relationship Support | Housing & Homelessness Youth, Drug & Alcohol Support … and more. Central Coast Family Centre P: (02) 4356 2600 E: ccfc@catholiccaredbb.org.au Naremburn Family Centre P: (02) 8425 8700 E: nfc@catholiccaredbb.org.au Northern Beaches Family Centre P: (02) 8043 2600 E: nbfc@catholiccaredbb.org.au Waitara Family Centre P: (02) 9488 2400 E: wfc@catholiccaredbb.org.au

Disability Futures & NDIS Disability Futures Central Coast P: (02) 4356 2600 E: disabilityfutures@catholiccaredbb.org.au Disability Futures Northern Beaches P: (02) 8968 5100 E: disabilityfutures@catholiccaredbb.org.au Disability Futures Northern Sydney P: (02) 9473 7221 E: disabilityfutures@catholiccaredbb.org.au

Children’s Services Early Learning & Care Centres Our Lady of Good Counsel ELC, Forestville P: (02) 9452 3069 E: elc.forestville@catholiccaredbb.org.au St Brendan’s ELC, Lake Munmorah P: (02) 4358 1102 E: elc.lakemunmorah@catholiccaredbb.org.au Our Lady Star of the Sea ELC, Terrigal P: (02) 4365 3222 E: elc.terrigal@catholiccaredbb.org.au Waitara Early Learning & Care Centre P: (02) 9488 2400 E: elc.waitara@catholiccaredbb.org.au St John the Baptist ELC, Woy Woy P: (02) 4344 1173 E: elc.woywoy@catholiccaredbb.org.au

Out of School Hours Care

Avalon P: 0481 602 039 Carlingford P: 0417 193 647 Davidson P: 0409 877 663 East Gosford P: 0408 165 671 Forestville P: 0400 787 186 Freshwater P: 0427 716 593

Kincumber P: 0481 602 034 Lake Munmorah P: 0408 789 189 Lindfield P: 0481 601 904 Manly P: 0409 455 359 Manly Vale P: 0481 602 078 Mona Vale P: 0408 435 494 Woy Woy P: 0481 602 041

Narrabeen P: 0448 869 324 Pymble P: 0427 013 778 Tumbi Umbi P: 0481 602 075 Waitara P: 0418 637 541 Warnervale P: 0418 384 678 West Pymble P: 0419 403 537

Hospital Chaplaincy

Permanency Support Program

P: (02) 4320 7700 E: fostercare@catholiccaredbb.org.au

AUGUST 2018

Foster Care

Residential Care

P: (02) 4320 7700 E: residentialcare@catholiccaredbb.org.au

Thank you Robert Robert Graham is an incredible man and a fundraising powerhouse! Rob has raised considerable funds for St John the Baptist Parish in Woy Woy, and Mary Mac’s Place over the years. Mary Mac’s, managed and operated by CatholicCare, is open to anyone who is homeless, transient or needing a helping hand on the Central Coast. Located at the Ethel Cox Centre in Woy Woy – Mary Mac’s provides a two-course lunch daily and a place to shower and to wash clothes. They offer friendly, non-judgemental support and companionship and outreach services like Legal Aid, Homeless Connector, emergency relief and counselling. More than 70 volunteers prepare over 2000 meals each month to those in need!

funds raised on Saturday’s are donated to Mary Mac’s. Bingo is also run every school holidays at Ocean Beach Holiday Park in Umina as entertainment for park visitors and all funds raised are donated to Mary Mac’s. Over $17,000 was raised for Mary Mac’s during the last 12 months! Mary Mac’s is not funded. We rely on donations or grants to provide this service to our community and we are incredibly thankful to Rob and his team.

Rob’s team of volunteers from St John the Baptist run bingo every week in the local Community Centre and some of the

Lyn Ainsworth joins us as Executive Director Lyn Ainsworth has been appointed as interim Executive Director of CatholicCare Diocese of Broken Bay. She commenced her new role on Monday 4 June.

Lyn has an extensive background in executive leadership in the not-for-profit disability sector, including 9½ years with House with No Steps.

Graduate Diploma in Management (Arts), a Bachelor of Law, a Bachelor of Arts, a Graduate Diploma in Education and is a legal practitioner of the Supreme Court of NSW.

Announcing Lyn’s appointment, the Most Rev Peter Comensoli said: “Lyn has an impressive track record of strategic and creative values-based leadership with a particular focus on people-based business operations. She has a recognised ability to inspire, develop and lead in times of change and challenge.”

Reflecting on her appointment, Lyn says: “It is a privilege to be asked to lead CatholicCare at this time of great change and opportunity. My focus will be on supporting staff and families to meet the challenges inherent in such change, and ensuring that CatholicCare is strong for the future.”

Lyn holds a Masters Degree in Strategic Human Resources Management, a

We welcome Lyn to our Diocese and to CatholicCare.

AUGUST 2018

CATHOLIC YOUTH BROKEN BAY

Opening New Horizons to SHINE Over 300 students from across the Diocese gathered at St Peter’s Catholic College, Tuggerah on Monday 14 May to be enriched and inspired to take one more step on their own journey of missionary discipleship.

he day was unquestionably an overwhelming success with the young people present given the opportunity to listen to and learn from some of the best youth ministry leaders this country and the world has to offer!

passionate message of faith, hope and love woven throughout his music and storytelling. Always rooted in a spirit of humility and faithfulness, Steve’s honest style of ministry is born from who he is: a committed witness to the life and love of Jesus Christ.

The main drawcard of the event was international guest singer, songwriter and inspirational speaker, Steve Angrisano. Steve is undoubtedly one of the most effective and versatile ministry leaders in the Church today. Young and old alike embrace the

The day also gave opportunity for the students to select workshops presented by the CYBB team, Catholic School Youth Ministry Australia and other passionate experts in areas such as Youth Ministry basics, Music, Pilgrimage, leadership, prayer, how

to give personal faith testimonies, student wellbeing and using drama in your ministry. After lunch students gathered together once again to spend some time with Bishop Peter A Comensoli. Kelly Paget, Team Leader of Catholic Youth Broken Bay facilitated an open Q&A time with Bishop Peter, where he made it very clear that no question was off limits. The depth and hard-hitting nature of the questions presented showed a genuine interest from the young people to deepen their understanding of the world and of our Church. The questions ranged from what is your spiritual gifting to how do you feel about some of our church leaders who are currently fighting criminal charges related to child sexual abuse? Bishop Peter honestly, generously and gently answered each question and thanked them for the courage to ask. The event finished beautifully with a call to take one more step on their own journey of discipleship. Many students from St Peter’s took to the stage to share their own personal faith testimonies and how coming to know Jesus and wanting to be part of His Church has changed their lives. It was an incredibly moving

28 AUGUST 2018

sight to see so many students share openly in front of their peers. The call was then made for the students present, if they felt comfortable, to come forward for prayer and blessing from the student leaders. Peer to Peer ministry at its finest, young people came forward to confirm their willingness to take their faith journey further and ask for the Holy Spirit to be with them on their journey. This was a particularly special moment for a couple of student leaders who were called to pray with and bless the first person who stood up willing to take the next step – Bishop Peter. A big congratulations to the team at St Peter’s who developed and drove this project from the beginning, including principal Mr Tim Hilderbrandt, REC Mr Steve Hopley and Youth Ministry Coordinator Mr Michael Tobin. Thanks also to the National CSYMA team for being part of the day and of course the amazing Steve Angrisano! The biggest thanks would have to go to the Youth ministry students from all the schools that attended but particularly the St Peter’s Youth Ministry team who led the day so well.

CATHOLIC YOUTH BROKEN BAY

Panama here we come! Preparations of World Youth Day 2019 are now in full swing, as our January departure date closes in.

e are very excited to be able to announce the final details of the Catholic Youth Broken Bay pilgrimage to this incredible Latin American city. Although Panama will be the highlight and pinnacle of our journey, young people from the Diocese of Broken Bay will also get to experience the colour, vibrancy and deep spirituality of Mexico City and the world-renowned Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe.

The CYBB pilgrimage will include two coaches of young people; one coach for school students and their teachers, the other for young adult pilgrims. So far, the representation of those who have registered include eight of our systemic and congregational schools, Vinnies Youth NSW, Salvatorians Australia, our seminarians and many of our parishes.

Melbourne, we have now nominated Fr Greg Skulski as our lead chaplain, supported by Frs Francis Belcina, Paul Kim and Bogdan Skupien. Our chaplains will be part of the broader leadership team for the pilgrimage which will be capably led by Fiona Green and supported by teachers and young adult leaders from across the Diocese.

With the news of Bishop Peterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s appointment as Archbishop of

Bookings are still open; however, we have very limited positions left,

specifically on the young adult bus. If you are interested in joining our pilgrimage and are aged between 18-35, please reserve your spot and pay a $500 deposit without delay. For more details go to www.bbcatholic.org.au/youth

Please keep these young people preparing for this pilgrimage in your prayers as well as the leaders who will ensure not only their safety but quality of experience!

MEXICO Teotihuacan

Mexico City

Coyoacan

2 Gamboa Retreat 8 Panama City

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AUGUST 2018 29

ACROSS OUR DIOCESE

Taking out top prizes at 2018 Royal Easter Show Combining Religion with Art Marlies Davey, Parish Secretary/Accounts at Hornsby Cathedral Parish as well as being the Papertole Tutor for Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Community College has been working both part-time jobs for the past 25 years.

arlies and a number of her students have won numerous prizes and Standard of Excellence Awards at the Royal Easter Show this year and other exhibitions in and around Sydney. From the four

entries, her students won five prizes. Three First Prizes, one Third Prize and one overall Standard of Excellence Award. The Art of Papertole – the three-

dimensional decoupage – where you create your own 3D picture using several prints of the same image, involves cutting, edging, shaping and then gluing various pieces to give a realistic 3D picture.

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NEWS AND ISSUES

Peace in God

DIOCESE OF BROKEN BAY Diocesan Office: Tel (02) 8379 1600 Caroline Chisholm Centre Building 2, 423 Pennant Hills Rd Pennant Hills NSW 2120 (Access off City View Rd) PO Box 340 Pennant Hills NSW 1715 bishop@bbcatholic.org.au

CHANCERY OFFICES Diocesan Administrator (TBA) Office of the Bishop Senior Advisor, Director, Communications Annie Carrett Chancellor Jo Robertson Diocesan Financial Administrator, Director, Office for Stewardship: Emma McDonald Director, Office for Evangelisation: Daniel Ang Safeguarding (Chancery) Manager Jodie Crisafulli Tel: (02) 8379 1605 Director, Marriage Tribunal: Adrienne Connaghan Tel: (02) 8379 1680 Confraternity of Christian Doctrine (CCD) Alison Newell

CATHOLIC SCHOOLS OFFICE Director: Peter Hamill Tel (02) 9847 0000 PO Box 967 Pennant Hills NSW 1715

CATHOLICCARE Executive Director: Lyn Ainsworth Tel: (02) 9481 2600 PO Box 966 Pennant Hills 1715 Children’s Services: Tel: (02) 9481 2660 Family Centres: Brookvale – Tel: (02) 8968 5100 Naremburn – Tel: (02) 8425 8700 Waitara – Tel: (02) 9488 2400 Warnervale – Tel: (02) 4356 2600 Foster and Residential Care: Tel: (02) 4320 7700 Mission, Hospital Chaplaincy and Pastoral Care (02) 9481 2658

BROKEN BAY NEWS Editor: Melissa Loughlin Tel: (02) 8379 1618 news@bbatholic.org.au Design: Chris Murray Printed by NCP Printing 18,500 copies of the Broken Bay News are distributed monthly through 26 parishes and 44 schools in the Diocese of Broken Bay. The Broken Bay News is a member of the Australasian Catholic Press Association. Acceptance of advertisements does not imply diocesan endorsement of products or services advertised.

www.bbcatholic.org.au

BROKEN BAY NEWS

Through the eyes of one young woman, this series will explore what it means to be Catholic in the modern world. Starting with what it means to be a single Catholic and ending with social issues such as SameSex Marriage, this series hopes to provide a fresh perspective on the issues that are all too important. BY CATHERINE DAY

ne of the consequences of the Fall is loneliness – a sense that you are alone in the world and nobody seems to care about you. Social media, in the last decade or so, has added to and amplified this. We are connected to more people than ever before, and yet, we find ourselves isolated from those very people. While we spend hours liking photos on Instagram and Facebook, an emptiness grows within us as we become more and more unsatisfied with our own lives. Personally, while my life is filled with people whom I talk to every day (family, work colleagues, youth group members, etc.) I do not have strong, close, healthy friendships. It is easy to get lost in the loneliness. When it comes to making friends, we need to be careful who we let in. I made the mistake of letting in the wrong people into my life. While at university, I formed a tight friendship with another girl and a boy. We shared the same tastes in music and films; we loved talking about politics and philosophy; spending most of our free time together, we were inseparable. But while on the surface we were good friends, on a deeper level we were not. It was because of them that by the time I was 25, I was sure I no longer believed in God. For them, God was a distant being that had no real impact on their day-to-day lives. While at the start of our friendship I tried to show them they were wrong, many things in my life started to go wrong and I began to believe them. As I began to be more and more influenced by them, my life spun more out of control; and the more out of control it got, the more I blamed God and the less I believed in Him. The less I believed, the more open I was to throw away the Christian values my parents had worked so hard instilling in me.

After a four-year friendship, something happened that changed everything – they started dating and stopped talking to me. I had sacrificed so much of myself to be with them and yet, they did not care at all. The immense loneliness I felt was heartbreaking. Although my parents helped as much as they could, it was not enough, nothing could fill the void. Then, I did something I had not done in a very long time; I prayed. I prayed like I had never prayed before. Every night for a week, with tears in my eyes, I not only asked for forgiveness, but I handed my life over to God. Whatever He wanted to do with me, I was ready. By the end of that week something happened that I was not ready for: peace. Peace washed over me like a tidal wave and I no longer felt alone. I truly believe that the loneliness I was living in for months, was a blessing. You see, if you were to open the Bible and read any passage, you would find only love. The love God has for his people is unparalleled and it pours out, verse after verse, chapter after chapter, book after book. In 1 John 4:8, our Father’s essence is revealed: “God is love.” It is that simple. All He wants from us, is to be in a relationship with Him. The loneliness I experienced, was God’s way of talking to me. It is in the loneliness that God speaks the loudest to us, we just need to listen. As to the friendships we make, we

need to choose carefully. Just like any relationship, friendships need to be rooted in God. Certainly, it is good to have the same interests but, if you do not share the same values then these friends are not good. I do not mean that they are bad people, simply that they are not good for you. Friendships which direct us towards obtaining the greatest treasure – a relationship with Christ – are what we need to seek out (and provide). Friendships which urge us to seek our joy away from Christ are dangerous. Consider St Peter in Matthew 16:22; when Jesus tells his disciples that He will die and rise again, Peter says “Far be it from you, Lord! This shall never happen to you.” On the surface, Peter is a concerned friend who does not want harm to fall upon Jesus. But, his words take Jesus away from obedience of the Father. In reply, Jesus said “Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; you do not have in mind the concerns of God, but merely human concerns.” (Matthew 16:23) Our duty, as children of God, is to direct all those around us towards Heaven. In good consciousness, we cannot be stumbling blocks, and if we find the people around us are stumbling blocks, we need to shed them from our lives. We may feel lonely, but it is those times that we must turn to God for it is only Him who fills our hearts with unending joy. It is in that joy which we find that we are truly never lonely.

AUGUST 2018 31

A CULTURAL CELEBRATION Share + Encounter C E L E B R AT I N G

O F A L L N AT I O N S

Saturday 18 August 2018 1:00pm

- 3:00pm

International Food & Live Entertainment

3:00pm

- 4:30pm

A personal address by Most Rev Vincent Long, expert discussion panel “Welcoming, Protecting, Promoting and Integrating Migrants and Refugees”

5:00pm

- 6:00pm

Celebration of Mass

The Light of Christ Centre, Yardley Avenue, Waitara

All welcome to celebrate our multicultural Christian community, with participation by Most Rev Vincent Long, Bishop of Parramatta, ACBC delegate for Migrants and Refugees Gold coin donation entry

For more details visit our website www.bbcatholic.org.au To register / For more information: call CRISTINA GOMEZ 8379 1628  faith.formation@bbcatholic.org.au