Catholic Observer Magazine September 2012

Volume 47, No 3September 2012 $2.00

Ordination of

Reverend Reynold Jaboneta4th September 2012

Renewing God’s Church

“You did not choose me Reynold – I chose you”

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‘Be A Light To The World’

On Tuesday 4th September 2012, Bishop Michael McKenna ordained Reynold Glenn Jaboneta as a Priest for the Diocese of Bathurst in the Cathedral

of St. Michael and St. John in Bathurst. The Mass which was concelebrated by 34 of Father Reynold’s brother priests from the Diocese, the Philippines and the Good Shepherd Seminary.

Reynold’s parents and other family and friends from the Philippines were able to be there for this special occasion, along with people from around the Diocese who have come to know Reynold during his time as a seminarian and as Deacon.

The Cathedral was filled with joy as this man offered his life for the service of God and his people. In his Homily, Bishop McKenna spoke of Christ’s call to us all to ‘Love one another’ and of the unique kind of leadership needed by the Church - leadership with Christ as its source and purpose.

The Bishop said “(with the laying on of hands) you will see and hear the Grace of God, renewing his Church“”. The priestly vocation, he told the congregation, is not a feeling: it is a sacred call by the Church. “…..We pray that (Reynold) will be a friend of Jesus Christ; and that his priestly life will be a work of love”.

Reynold thanked God for the gift of Priesthood and asked the congregation for their continued prayers as he begins the next phase of his journey, which he said “despite the roadblocks and detours, has led me to the table of the Lord”. Father Reynold’s first appointment is as Assistant Priest in Mudgee, Gulgong and Kandos Parishes.

New Priest for Diocese of BathurstRenewal for the Church ~ in a Year of Grace

Saint Luke captured how Jesus struggled with “doing the will” of his Father. The evangelist

described it this way, “He was in such agony and he prayed so fervently that his sweat became like drops of blood falling on the ground.” (22:44).

Father Ron Rolheiser reflected on it this way, “Jesus sweating blood in the garden of Gethsemane. There we see the necessary connection between sweating blood in the garden and keeping our commitments and our integrity. Nobody will remain faithful in a marriage, a vocation, a friendship, a family, a job, or just to his or her integrity without sometimes sweating blood in the garden.”

My own agony in the garden is summed up in Peter’s words, “Depart from me, Lord, for I am a sinful man.” (Luke 5:8). But we are also told that Peter “left everything and followed him.” (Luke 5:11).

I first left home in 1988 to pursue the priesthood. I exchanged a scholarship grant from the University of The Philippines for seminary formation. The seminary paved the way for me to obtain my degree in Philosophy and Theology. I left the seminary to work and support my parents. Even when I was out of formation I would always volunteer for the Mission. My work in the Missions paved the way for my discernment to wrestle with the will of God for me. Then the Diocese of Bathurst came into the picture. I always had that attraction of being a

missionary overseas. The decision was an experience of “sweating blood in the garden.”

But Rolheiser would put my experience this way, “Unless we are willing at times to sweat blood in the garden so as to remain true to our commitments, personal integrity, and the things that faith asks of us, we will not sustain a real faith.”

Perhaps along this path, within this dynamic - the spirituality of doing the will of the Father - I could become a Catholic priest in the way Saint Maximilian Kolbe identified himself - that I am “a gift from the heart of Christ.” (Benedict XVI)

Pray fervently for me.

Reynold Jaboneta

A reflection as I prepare for ordination...

Newly ordained Father Reynold Jaboneta with Bishop McKenna and his Mum and Dad Rodrigo and Alvenia Jaboneta.

Dean, Fr Pat O’Regan, greets Fr Reynold after his OrdinationFr Garry McKeown, PP of Mudgee, Gulgong and Kandos,

during the Laying on of Hands

Bishop McKenna annoints Reynold’s hands during his Ordination


Disclosure: The Catholic Development Fund Diocese of Bathurst (CDF) is not subject to the provisions of the Corporations Act 2001 nor has it been examined or approved by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission. Deposits with CDF are guaranteed by CDPF Limited, a company established by the Austra-lian Catholic Bishops Conference for this purpose. We welcome your investment with the CDF rather than with a profit oriented commercial organisation as a conscious commitment by you to support the Charitable, Religious and Educational works of the Catholic Church. CDF, nor the Trustees of the Roman Catholic Church for the Diocese of Bathurst are prudentially supervised by the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority; contributions to CDF do not obtain the benefit of the depositor protection provisions of the Banking Act 1959; CDF is designed for investors who wish to promote the charitable purposes of CDF.

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Lithgow CWL MilestoneOn 2nd July 2012, the Lithgow Catholic Women’s League

celebrated its 40th birthday in style at the Commercial Hotel Lithgow - which was the first meeting place of the organisation.

President Noela Williams welcomed special guests Father Owen Gibbons, Sisters Christina Aitken and Marie Breen, two members of the Oberon CWL - who braved the cold weather to travel to Lithgow - current and past members and guests.

12 of the 13 past Presidents were in attendance, with Jean Brewer unable to attend due to illness. Each was presented with a yellow carnation tied with a blue ribbon. Nancy Connelly was invited to respond on behalf of the guests. Past President Maureen McPherson and President Noela Williams cut the 40th Birthday Cake.

Past President Pat Taylor presented a history of the CWL in Lithgow which had been put together by Diocesan President Dawn Frazer, from the Minutes of the past 40 years. Pat added a few extra memories, as did Moira Murnane, Joan Doonan, Pat Livermore and Therese Walsh.

The Lithgow CWL is famous for its “shows” at the annual Christmas parties - “While the Billy Boils”, “Good Old Days”, “G’Day Australia”, “Australia Remembers” along with its Irish and Scottish nights and St. Pat’s Day Concerts. This year has seen the addition of two new members and Catholic Women Connecting starting up. 26cm squares have been knitted, allowing 16 rugs to be put together by members for Wraps with Love and a Cyber Bullying night has been organised.

The Lithgow CWL members say they have had a great time travelling to see many parts of Australia, and the world, something they wouldn’t have done had they not been members of the CWL. There was, and still is, a great bond of friendship and faith within this group of happy ladies.

Noela Williams After Y6 at Cathedral School received the Sacrament of Confirmation on Pentecost Sunday, they discussed ways of putting their faith into action in the local community. Their mission was to live as active members of

the Church, strengthened and empowered by the Holy Spirit.Shortly after this, the Vinnies Winter Appeal was launched so the students decided to collect scarves, beanies, gloves and socks for all age groups. Lots of people became involved - families, grandparents, teachers and of course the students. Some students even knitted scarves themselves!Mrs Joan Keech and Mrs Edith Rout received the items on behalf of the St Vincent de Paul Society and they were mostly given to people in need in the local Bathurst Community, with some sent to Sydney.As this year’s television advertisement for the Vinnies Winter Appeal says, “There is no magic solution to poverty. It takes compassion, commitment and money”. Our donation was given with our love and the love of Jesus Christ.

Di Nugent

St. Raphael’s Catholic School ~ CowraSt. Raphael’s celebrated its heritage

in unique style last month. Students learned of the School’s rich history

from when it was established by two lay women, Miss Brigid Martin and Miss Purcell, in 1870. Josephite Sisters, founded by St Mary MacKillop, later followed in 1879 and then the Brigidine Sisters, founded by Bishop Daniel Delaney, in 1894. Eventually lay staff again ran the School in 1988.After the heritage lessons, students ran stalls with money raised on the day being donated to charities such as Project Compassion, Caritas and St Vincent De Paul.

Cathedral School Winter Woollies Appeal

New Opening HoursThe Catholic Development Fund office is now

open for counter service from 10.00am to 4.30pm – Monday to Friday.

On-Line AccessYou can also access the CDF On-Line via the

Diocesan website www.bathurst.catholic.org.au

or phone Freecall 1800 451 760 - for information

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St. Brigid’s School ~ Coonamble

At St. Brigid’s in Coonamble we celebrated our NAIDOC week in June, with the students and staff wearing red, black and/or yellow clothes. Activities

on the day commenced at noon with Mass. Many children made individual contributions to the Liturgy and Y1 and Y2 were very animated in singing the final hymn, outlining what we have in Australia.

NAIDOC celebrations are held around Australia in the first week of July each year, to celebrate the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. The theme for NAIDOC Week 2012 is the Spirit of the Tent Embassy: 40 years on.

Following Mass, all the children and the adults present were treated to a sausage sandwich, juice and fruit. In the afternoon, the students divided into their Peer Support groups and rotated around the School, participating in a variety of activities; including traditional Aboriginal games, tasting of freshly cooked Johnny Cakes, painting, dancing, land rights games and viewing a dreamtime story. Everyone had a fabulous time and we thank the community members and groups that assisted with the activities.

Trish Crawley

Connecting in LithgowThe Lithgow Catholic Women Connecting group held its first get together recently, enjoying a recipe swap afternoon tea. The group will meet once a month and would like to extend an invitation to all women of the Lithgow parish to attend. Please contact Tracey Young for details on (Mob) 0429 504 681.

Tracey Young

St. Lawrence’s Primary ~ CoonabarabranSt. Lawrence’s won the Inter-School Grand Champion

Sheep Award for Schools at the 2012 Royal Easter Show. This is the second year the School has won the award

and they added to this by taking out the Primary Schools Champion Parader title as well.Annaliese Collins was the Champion Parader and she adds this award to her Champion Cattle Parader title which she won at the 2011 Upper Hunter Beef Bonanza held at Scone.Agriculture is a tradition at St. Lawrence’s. Y5 and Y6 students prepare for the following year by breaking in their lambs in term four for the next year’s shows. This year, they competed with Dorset Sheep at five shows including Baradine, Coonabarabran, Mendooran, Sydney Royal and the Gunnedah Show. The School won the Grand Champion Exhibit at four of these shows and was the Most Successful Exhibitor in the Sheep Section at five shows.

Terry McGoldrick Annaliese Collins

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Monsignor Leo Grant, the oldest of our Diocesan priests, was called to his eternal home on

Sunday 5th August 2012 following a fall and a subsequent short illness. He was 95 years old and had been a priest of the Diocese of Bathurst for over 69 years.

Leo Grant was born on 25th January, 1917 in Canowindra to George James Grant Jnr. and Ruby Frances (nee Powderly), graziers of Brookside property about 8kms from Canowindra township. The eldest of five children, he attended St. Edward’s, Canowindra and then St. Stanislaus’ College, Bathurst.

His formation for the priesthood continued at St. Columba’s College, Springwood then St. Patrick’s College, Manly and he was ordained a priest for the Diocese of Bathurst at St. Edward’s Church, Canowindra on 25th July, 1943, by Bishop John Norton.

During his 49 years of active service in the Diocese, Monsignor Grant’s appointments included: Assistant Priest of the Cathedral Parish, Administrator of the Cathedral and Administrator of St. Joseph’s Orange. He was also Chaplain at Bathurst Teachers’ College, Diocesan Chancellor and Chaplain for the Catholic Women’s Association.

One of his enduring achievements was the establishment of the St. Pats CYMS (Catholic Young Men’s Society) in Bathurst on 17th February 1944. Asked by Bishop Norton to “do something for the young people”, with no experience in this area, he set about doing just that. Monthly dances, picnics, a football team, special monthly Masses and a club paper called ‘Uncensored”, all encouraged ever increasing numbers to join the Club which expanded into other sporting activities. For many years he encouraged and inspired all with

whom he came in contact. His concern for, and complete involvement in, the problems of the youth of the time, earned him the respect and gratitude of the entire community.

In 1964, he was appointed Assistant Director of the Propagation of the Faith and spent three years based in Sydney, travelling extensively overseas to various mission countries - something that was to rekindle his long-time interest in missionary work. When Pope John XXIII called for volunteers for South America, Mons Grant asked Bishop Norton for permission to go; at first denied, permission was finally given for a period of three years - but eventually extended to almost 25 years! He was appointed Parish Priest in Sol de Oro, Los Olivos, Lima, where he remained until his retirement at the age of 75. On his arrival, the participation in their faith of the men of the area was almost non-existent. Father Grant soon set about to change that. Forming a parish council, he encouraged them to come to Mass and put them in charge of everything - and it paid off. They started coming to Mass each Sunday and others soon followed their example. Eventually, the

humble Mass Centre developed into 11 churches - each with a priest and a school was established.

He returned to Australia in 1992 following a period of study at the Gregorian University in Rome and though retired, continued to work as Diocesan Director of both Caritas - until 2000 - and Catholic Mission - until 2001.

Coinciding with his retirement was the technology revolution, which Mons Grant grabbed with both hands. He purchased a computer and set about teaching himself how to use it with gusto, often instructing the staff at the Chancery office who were just getting used to the new technology themselves.

He developed an interest in researching his extensive and extremely interesting family tree, much to the delight of his many relatives and used his computer skills to document it all. He was a regular visitor to the Chancery office, providing valuable assistance with the Diocesan Archives - the Archivist often working hard to keep up providing him with assignments as he completed each allocated task so promptly! He was already well acquainted with the archives as in 1964, at the request of Bishop Thomas, he had set up and organised them.

On the occasion of his 60th anniversary of ordination to the priesthood, the late Bishop Patrick Dougherty referred to him as “….a lamp burning brightly, which has by shining example in word and action been a sure beacon, emitting hope and guidance”.

At the time of his death, Mons Grant was a resident of St. Catherine’s in Bathurst which had been his home for a number of years. May he rest in peace.

Fiona Lewis

Vale Beloved PriestIt was a wonderful, prayerful and

happy experience for those fortunate enough to be present in Gilgandra

at the celebration of Father Martin O’Mahony’s 50th Jubilee of Ordination on 6th August 2012.Bishop Michael McKenna and Bishop Kevin Manning (Apostolic Administrator of Wilcannia/Forbes Diocese) con-celebrated Mass in Gilgandra, along with Father Martin’s first cousin Father Martin Ashe of Melbourne, his brother Father Stephen and brother priests from the Diocese.Father Martin, along with 43 other young men, was ordained at All Hallows’ College, Dublin on the 17th June 1962 by Bishop Joseph Houlihan. He not only thanks God for those “happy adventurous 50 years” but also for the 24 years before, “I grew up knowing God was our Friend. Sure he made demands on us, but for our happiness and the happiness of others.”Father O’Mahony was in Ireland on his anniversary, in Croke Park, Dublin along with 80,000 people for the Closing Mass and celebrations of the Eucharistic Congress. He also celebrated with his family in Killarney and attended a reunion at All Hallows College, Dublin. He and his 43 classmates were all posted overseas and of the 43, 21 managed to return for the celebration.In Gilgandra we appreciate the wonderful gifts this much loved Priest has brought to us and the other parishes he has ministered to, including his six years in Peru. On Sunday 5th August, Father Martin was presented with gifts of a chasuble, stole and alb from very grateful parishioners, from Gilgandra and other parishes throughout the Diocese, to commemorate his 50 years of dedicated selfless service.

Approximately 150 people, including Sisters from various orders in the Diocese, visitors, Gilgandra people and priests were able to attend the luncheon. During lunch Father Ruane spoke of times spent with Father Martin in the seminary, early years in the priesthood and of Father Martin’s humility, generosity of spirit and selflessness in the service of God and

being an example whom he and his fellow priests could aspire to. Other speakers shared with us their stories about this humble man who has the wonderful gift of being able to reach out to all he meets, regardless of their circumstances, with the hope that they will be drawn closer to God.

Leonie Mann

Jubilee Celebrations for Gilgandra PP

The children from St. Joseph’s School formed a guard-of-honour after Mass

Father Martin and his brother priests concelebrating Mass

For a century and a half, the Catholic community has gathered in the Cathedral of St. Michael and St. John to Worship God. Into this sacred

space, all have been welcomed for baptisms, marriages, funerals and other significant moments in the lives of families,

Parish and the Diocese.

The generations before us have built and cared for this place. Now it is our turn.

Please give generously to the Cathedral Restoration Appeal.

Donations can be made:

In Person ~ Catholic Chancery Office Bathurst, or your local Parish Office

By Phone ~ 1800 451 760 By email ~ [email protected]

Online ~ www.cathedralappealbathurst.org.au where you will find more information.

Donations over $2 are tax deductible

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Bishop Michael McKenna celebrated Mass for the Missionary Sisters of Charity recently, to celebrate the 25th Anniversary of the Congregation’s arrival in

Orange on 17th March 1987.

Concelebrating with the Bishop were a number of priests from the Diocese who had served in Orange over the past 25 years. Around 300 parishioners and sisters from other Missionary Sisters of Charity convents throughout Eastern Australia were also there to celebrate with the Sisters.

Missionary Sisters Celebrate

St. Mary’s Primary School ~ Wellington

Robert Althofer, and ex-student of St. Mary’s, recently visited the School and talked to students during the Assembly. Robert was wounded in Afghanistan

in 2011 when a rogue Afghan soldier opened fire on Australian soldiers training them.

New Life for Old Convent Building

Over 60 people gathered at the old Convent building on Byng Street in Orange on 13th June, as Bishop Michael McKenna blessed and officially

opened the newly refurbished part of the building which will be used by Centacare Bathurst.

Family and friends of St. Joseph’s House, the boarding facility of MacKillop College, gathered for

a family weekend recently, with an art show held in conjunction with the weekend activities.

About 160 students, parents, teachers and friends of the College attended a Mass in the Chapel before enjoying a cocktail-style gathering, then perusing the art on display. The evening was also an opportunity to farewell Annette Gainsford who had served as Assistant Director of Boarding for two and a half years; and a chance to welcome Cathie Brett and Maureen Osborne to the Staff.

The evening was a great success, with entertainment provided by local band, The Perthvillians. The art show was open to the public on Sunday with many visitors purchasing a piece. It is hoped the art show will become a feature of the College calendar every two years.

Ann Walton

Art in Perthville

Jeremy and Cathie Drumore of Temora with their children Dominic, Cecelia, Beatrice (holding Harvey), Anastasia (Y 11), Francis, Guinevere and Edward


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St. Matthew’s recently held their Centenary Games, with students dressing in period costume for the day. Proceedings began with a short history of the School,

delivered by Sister Mary Joseph (otherwise known as Mrs. Atkinson). We were also graced with the presence of her Majesty the Queen! It was amazing how much she looked like Chisholm Captain, Glenn Cowper. She had a police escort, arrived in a special car and gave an informative speech about the games. There was also a special visit from the Prime Minister, Julia Gillard (looking incredibly like our School Captain, Laura Fergus). House representatives arrived carrying an Olympic torch to begin the activities which included maypole dancing, hoola-hooping, butter making, reading, writing and arithmetic for the boys and sewing for the girls. A great day of fun and information was had by all.

Information supplied by Olivia Slack-Smith and Grace Hush (6D)

St. Matthew’s School ~ Mudgee

Blankets for VinniesAt their June morning tea, St Raphael’s Ladies donated a blanket to St Vincent de Paul towards their Winter Appeal. Margaret Wade accepted the blanket on behalf of Vinnies.

Margie Ryan

Holy Family School Kelso students Ethan Ivory, Y6 and Mitchell Falcke, Y5, have returned from the NSW CPS Polding Cross Country Selection Trials at Eastern Creek

with a swag of Polding Gold Medals.

The boys represented the Diocese of Bathurst following trials at Coolah. Both competed in the 3km 11 Years Event. with around 70 competitors.

Following great success in the individual event in 2011, Ethan has put together back to back Gold Medals in a very im-pressive performance. He blitzed the field to win by over 100m in an impressive display of middle distance running. “I put in my best effort at Eastern Creek and tried to pace myself at the start and then nail the finish,” he said. Ethan progressed to the NSW PSSA State Carnival held recently at Eastern Creek. This State carnival pitches students from all school systems against each other in a true state event. Ethan was once again a member of the Polding Team.

Kevin Arrow

Holy Family School ~ Kelso

Sister Mary Joseph, PM Julia Gillard and Her Majesty enjoyed the Games

Three days before she died, Kath indicated clearly that she knew what was happening. “God”, she said, “is holding me by the hand and taking me to heaven.” When asked if

she was afraid Kath said, “No”.Kath’s going was a specially graced time as was her life. Kathleen was born on 11th February 1920 at Wallerawang, the daughter of Owen and Irene Murnane, and grew up in a family with four sisters and one brother. While all but her sister Bessie predeceased her Kath maintained a special loving relationship with her extended family.Educated at St Joseph’s Portland and St Joseph’s College Perthville Kath returned to Perthville on her 18th birthday, in February 1938 to join the Sisters of St Joseph and was professed in November 1941. Her commitment to God in religious life was central for Kath and her golden jubilee in 1991 was a particularly grand and joyous day with Bishop Kevin Manning, her former pupil from Coolah, a special guest. That commitment in religious life took Kath, for many years known as St Louis, to many centres in this diocese as a secondary teacher: Oberon, Coolah, Blayney, Molong, Canowindra, Yeoval, and Coonabarabran. She also lived and taught at Perthville and later was on the staff of what was then the Diocesan School, now MacKillop College.In 1975 Kath became a qualified teacher librarian and returned to the Diocesan School for a year before moving to what is now the Diocesan Resource Centre where she worked for over 20 years. Kath’s years at the Resource Centre are well remembered and the imprint of her years there are still visible in the labeling and arrangement of much of the material. The blue Laser became known to many as she came in from the centre each day to have lunch at the Chancery office in George Street and to do the mail in the afternoon. During those years at the Resource Centre Kath began to have some difficulties with memory and cognition; there was in effect a very slow but very graceful decline masked by the fact that Kath had a regular routine to follow. However the time came in 1999 when Kath was no longer able to continue to work at the Resource Centre. After retirement Kath continued to live at Perthville at Tenison and then St Anne’s until she transferred to St Catherine’s in Bathurst.

Kath’s growing disability made even clearer the gentle, kind and generous person she had always been. Never focused on herself there was always a looking outwards to others. She had a good eye for what was beautiful, not just the visual, but people and she was always appreciative of the generosity, talents and accomplishments of others. Her graciousness extended to all who cared for her; she always had a word of thanks to the staff at St Anne’s, and later St Catherine’s for whatever they did for her, no matter how small the service, and she left an enduring impression of gentleness.Never diminished in her disability Kath saw goodness in others and beauty around her because God’s life and love in her was unimpeded; that love made her death, on 2nd March, a moment of gentleness and peace. She was farewelled by her Josephite Sisters, many relatives and friends, priests of the Diocese, staff of the Catholic Education Office and her ex-student, Bishop Kevin Manning, at a requiem Mass at Perthville on 9th March.

Kathleen Luchetti, rsj

Vale Sister Kathleen Murnane, rsj February 1920 ~ March 2012

Mitchell Falcke and Ethan Ivory with their Polding Gold Medals

Margaret Wade accepting the blanket from Mary Watmore


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BLAST 2012 proved to be the biggest explosion yet! Our new venue was put to the test when up

to 160 people gathered for Mass, lunch and the final Small Group Challenge.Burrendong gave us cold nights and amazing days, which helped with the outdoor activities planned. The youth Leaders hosted the Open Crowd Festival on Saturday afternoon. The many festival activities included face painting, juggling, water balloon volleyball and tug-of-war. During the afternoon the tunes of Nut Bush, Macarena and the Chicken Dance

where splashed between the activities for impromptu “Flash Mob” dances.The day gave way to an appropriately cold night, specially made for huddling around the bonfire drinking hot chocolate (fair-trade) with marshmallows. We listened to the North Harbour Catholic Youth Band sing the Grease Megamix and finished with Night Prayer including the Magnificat in Vietnamese thanks to our Seminarians Diep, Van and Dong. It was a weekend full of laughter, life and lessons as we slowly broke open the Gospel “Feeding the Five

Thousand”. Each of us is unique; we have been given a special gift that only we can use. It was given not to keep to ourselves, but to share. We are made in God’s image and in our words, thoughts and actions he is reflected.Thank you to everyone who made the weekend possible, from the Youth Leaders and supporting adults to the fantastic participants.Remember the amazing person you were created to be, God does not make rubbish!

Lorna Nicholson

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o In 2012 we will need SRE Scripture Teachers & Assistants. More men who have flexible working hours would be es-pecially welcome!

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Mary McKillop

B H A H E N E S R A H B N AE E I F L O R A M S W D A JA U S T R A L I A C H H A GT E A C H E R N C O E V L OI N T E R F A T K T E E E VF F O R G I V E I T L D X EI F M C A T H O L I C U A RE E B H L Z R S L S H C N ND S T I T R N N O H A A D EE T F L J O S E P H I T E SA A R D N Y O A C A R I R SH B P R I E S T P E N O L AE L X E E P O R T L A N D GS E T N S C H O O L F P C Z

MACKILLOP AUSTRALIA FITZROY TEACHERGOVERNESS PENOLA PRIEST STABLECATHOLIC JOSEPHITES WHEELCHAIR SAINTEDUCATION SCHOOL TOMB BEATIFIEDFORGIVE PORTLAND SCOTTISH ALEXANDERFLORA CHILDREN

The Catholic Conference of Religious Educators in State Schools (CCRESS) this year celebrated its

25th Anniversary. This anniversary also coincides with 50 years of quality training for Catechists who teach Special Religious Education in State Schools in NSW.To mark the occasion, members of CCRESS from every Catholic Diocese in NSW gathered in June for Mass celebrated by Most Rev Robert McGuckin, then Bishop Elect of Toowomba, at St. Patrick’s Cathedral in Parramatta. Mass was followed by a celebration dinner that brought together special guests and awardees who contributed to the establishment of CCRESS and the ongoing development of training programs that have prepared SRE teachers to participate in the Church’s mission to proclaim the Gospel. 19 special guests were awarded medallions for their contribution to the leadership of the ministry during the period 1990-2000.

Celebrating the work of Catechists

Sr Therese Patterson rsj and Mrs Vicki Mair (front left) and Sr Maureen Schiemer rsj (4th in back row) from the Diocese of Bathurst were among the Award Recipients –

Vicki was accepting an award on behalf of Sr Clare Hopper, rsj

School News Page on Diocesan Website

As you know, space is always at a premium in each issue of the Catholic Observer Magazine!

To make sure we share the Good News from your School Community, we have set up

a page on the Diocesan Website dedicated to School News. You will find pages for general news, Confirmations and First Eucharist around the Diocese.

Please send us your news as it happens, so we can upload it to the website as soon as possible.

Fiona Lewis

Editor/Web Co-ordinator

Mary McKillop

B H A H E N E S R A H B N AE E I F L O R A M S W D A JA U S T R A L I A C H H A GT E A C H E R N C O E V L OI N T E R F A T K T E E E VF F O R G I V E I T L D X EI F M C A T H O L I C U A RE E B H L Z R S L S H C N ND S T I T R N N O H A A D EE T F L J O S E P H I T E SA A R D N Y O A C A R I R SH B P R I E S T P E N O L AE L X E E P O R T L A N D GS E T N S C H O O L F P C Z

MACKILLOP AUSTRALIA FITZROY TEACHERGOVERNESS PENOLA PRIEST STABLECATHOLIC JOSEPHITES WHEELCHAIR SAINTEDUCATION SCHOOL TOMB BEATIFIEDFORGIVE PORTLAND SCOTTISH ALEXANDERFLORA CHILDREN

St. Mary of the Cross MacKillop


January 19th

(Mgr O’D[onnell, of Dubbo] having this and next Sunday off. Fr [Michael] Keogh notified 19/1/39) (Newspaper clipping: ‘Priests Transferred’ & ‘Enclosed Retreat’ – see below). Mass in Oratory. Cool Day. Clearing up after Retreat and correspondence. Saw Fr Cass.January 20th

(Sat) Mass at St Joseph’s Mt [Mercy Sisters’ Novitiate] at 7 then walked to All Hallows [Dominican Convent] for Mass at 7.45. Walked back, calling en route to St Stanislaus [College, run by the Vincentian order]. Gave Benediction there at 5.45 and a short address to the St Vincent de Paul men who are making a weekend enclosed retreat [see article below]. Had tea with Fr [E] Lyons [cm], who is conducting the Retreat, & Fr King.January 21st

Mass in Oratory. Lunch in St Stanislaus with the men coming out of Retreat.January 22nd

(88°F = 31°C) Mass in Oratory. Visited St Mary’s Secondary Schools [The Sisters would often run 2 schools - a ‘pension’ or paying school, often for boarders, and a poorer school]. Large classes as a rule - 1st Year being record. Article: - PRIESTS TRANSFERRED (Friday 28th January 1939, source not acknowledged)

At the conclusion of the priests’ annual Retreat at St. Stanislaus’ College yesterday morning, His Lordship, Dr Norton, Bishop of Bathurst, announced the following transfers among the assistant priests of the diocese: Rev. George O’Byrne, from Eugowra to Gilgandra; Rev. John McMahon, from Coonamble to Rockley; Rev. Richard Barrow, from Molong to Coonamble; Rev. Michael Hayes, from Cowra to Molong; Rev. John Dahill, recently returned from abroad, to Kandos; Rev. Michael Murphy, from Kandos to Oberon; Rev. James Gallagher, from Oberon to Orange. Article: - EnclosEd REtREat (Sat 29th January 1939, source not acknowledged)

The second annual enclosed Retreat for members of the St. Vincent de Paul Society in the Bathurst Diocese commences at St Stanislaus’ College to-night, and will conclude on Monday at noon. The spiritual exercises will be conducted by the Rev. Father E. Lyons, of the Vincentian Order, Ashfield. Enclosed Retreats for laymen are now becoming very popular in many dioceses and over 40 men will attend at the College during the week-end. The men observe silence during the time of Retreat and the day is portioned out by various pious exercises and spiritual conferences.

BISHOP NORTON’S DIARY – 1939 Edited by Fr Tim Cahill

The ladies of the Kandos parish recently welcomed Sister Kathleen Luchetti, a Perthville Josephite who is now living in the convent, with a dinner in the old Catholic school

building.The Josephites are the third order of nuns who have tended to the needs of the parish - something unique to Kandos. The first Sisters were Good Samaritans from Glebe, then came the Mercies from Bathurst and now the Sisters of St. Joseph from Perthville.Parish Priest, Father Garry McKeown, attended the dinner, as did Sister Alice Sullivan from Mudgee and Sister Therese McGarry, Congregational Leader of the Perthville Josephites. The Kandos community feels lucky to have Sister Kath with them. When asked would she like to come to Kandos, it apparently didn’t take her long to answer ‘yes’. Sister Kath said the landscape reminded her of her hometown of Lithgow.Before moving to Kandos, as well as caring for the elderly and sick sisters in her community, Sister Kath was the Diocesan Director of Caritas Australia. Sister says she feels very much at home in Kandos and is glad to be able to contribute to the community in whatever way she can.

Pamela O’Connor

Welcome Sister Kath“Rebuild my Church”

A Pastoral Letter to God’s People of the Diocese of Bathurst

Father Garry, Sisters Kath, Therese and Alice and Val Foodey

New Website for Diocese

The Diocese has launched a new website!

The address is the same – www.bathurst.catholic.org.au – but the site is considerably different from our old one, and still a work in progress. We hope you enjoy the new look pages and find them easy to navigate and informative.

You’ll find an on-line version of the Catholic Observer on the site now also. This is an effort to keep you more up-to-date between quarterly editions of the Magazine. If you have news for the Observer, there’s no longer a need to wait for issue deadline. Just send in your Parish or School news as it happens so we can share it with the rest of the Diocese quickly.

Of course, your feedback and suggestions for the site are always welcome. You can send those to me at [email protected].

Fiona Lewis


Dear Friends in Christ,

Eight hundred years ago, a young man went into an old church to pray. St Damian’s, just outside Assisi, was in bad need of repair, but it was quiet. And it had a beautiful crucifix, which you can see on the cover of this letter. As the young man prayed, looking at the figure on the cross, he heard Christ call him by name. “Francis, rebuild my house, which as you see is falling into ruin.”

Francis thought he understood, and went off at once to get building materials. He and his friends did repair St Damian’s, as well as several other old churches. As they travelled around, unburdened by possessions, they also began to preach the Gospel to anyone who would lis-ten. Their simple, joyful lives persuaded people more than their words.

When Christ called Francis of Assisi to “rebuild my house”

he was talking about the Church, not just her buildings. What Francis and his companions did with bricks and mortar was a tangible and visible symbol of a deeper work of renewal they were beginning.

Today, in Bathurst, we can see our Cathedral “falling into ruin.” Years of water and salt damage are caus-ing the sandstone to crumble, the brickwork to crack and the foundations to be threatened. We have now begun the work of rebuilding it. But I pray that what we are doing with bricks and mortar will become a tangible and visible symbol of the deeper work of renewal that Christ’s house, his Church, needs here and now.

Before we began planning to restore the Cathedral, we made a careful study of what was causing the building’s problems. Repairs had been made in the past, but then had to be done again, because the basic problems had not been dealt with.

What is true for repairing buildings, is also true for at-tempts to rebuild and renew the Church.

As with a building, it is easy enough to see the out-ward defects in our Church life; and I have written about them in previous pastoral letters and more re-cently in my message for Child Protection Week. But also, as with a building, it is necessary to go deeper, to find what is causing the defects we can see.

With patience, good technical advice and money, basic problems in a building can be identified and mended. To identify and remedy basic problems in the life of the Church needs more: it needs God’s grace of wisdom and discernment.

At the beginning of the Year of Grace, I announced my intention to call a Diocesan Assembly as an event of faith and a renewal of mission. I want it to be a time of formation for all who are willing to begin and continue the work of rebuilding Christ’s Church here and now.

At the beginning of my ministry here three years ago, I said I am only a bishop and talked about our co-responsibility in mission.

There are some things that a bishop can do and some things he can’t do. The same may be said for every member of the Church. There are some things that only you can do, so you must do them, or else they will not be done.

The mission of the Church is entrusted not just to the bishop or the clergy or the religious. It belongs to all of us, each playing his part or hers, not blaming others when things go wrong, but always asking “what can I do to make it better?”

The Assembly will move ahead through three stages: first in each parish during Advent, then in regions dur-ing Lent, and conclude in Bathurst on the weekend of 17-19 May 2013, the feast of Pentecost.

There will also be working groups on particular top-ics, which will establish lines of communication with all who want to be involved. More detailed information will be flowing soon.

At the conclusion of the Great Jubilee for the be-ginning of the Third Millennium, Blessed John Paul II invited us to turn our thoughts to the “larger and more demanding challenge of normal pastoral activity.” In Novo Millennio Ineunte, he asked ev-ery local church to “confidently plan the stages of the journey ahead.” He said that “it is in the local churches that the specific features of a de-tailed pastoral plan can be identified.” It is not a matter of inventing a “new program.” The plan al-ready exists in the Gospel and the living Tradition. But it must be translated into pastoral initiatives adapted to the circumstances of each commu-nity. He listed seven pastoral priorities to guide this work:

1. Holiness

2. Prayer

3. The Sunday Eucharist

4. The Sacrament of Reconciliation

5. The Primacy of Grace

6. Listening to the Word

7. Proclaiming the Word

I hope that, as we progress, the outlines of a prac-tical diocesan pastoral plan will be fashioned, ready to be launched at Pentecost. The represen-tatives that parishes send to the diocesan gath-ering will be formed and commissioned to return home and contribute to its implementation. The Pentecost gathering will also be, please God, a real moment of communion and joy in the Spirit, who alone can inspire and encourage us on the journey.

Like St Francis, our task begins in prayer, because it is only through prayer we learn what our task is. The Year of Grace is all about that awareness that we are in the presence of God, who looks at us in love, who speaks to our hearts, who waits for our Yes.

For the Son of God, Jesus Christ…was not Yes and No, but in him it is always Yes. For all the promises of God find their Yes in him. (2 Cor 1:19-20)

Our Lady of the Central West, St Patrick, and St Mary of the Cross, pray for us!

+Michael McKenna

Bishop of Bathurst Ember Day, Spring 2012


4 Lewis St Mudgee 6372 1742 www.stmattsmudgee.nsw.edu.au

You may recall in my article in the previous edition of The Observer that I reflected on the feedback that I had received from students across the Diocese about the particular

qualities they found within their teachers that fostered students’ love of their school. I would like to extend that discussion to inform readers about just one very exciting aspect of teachers’ current work which I am confident will have a significant positive impact on the educational outcomes of the students across our Diocese.A working party consisting mainly of teachers within our schools, working in close collaboration with the members of the Catholic Education Office, has been meeting regularly during this year under the title of Contemporary Learning Working Party. They began their work with a narrower focus on programming units of work within the primary school context but wisely broadened their focus to include such things as writing a set of diocesan Learning and Teaching Principles and developing a diocesan Learning and Teaching Framework. The group is undertaking this task against a current backdrop of evidence-based research into what actually works in schools to improve learning and the research into the nature of how children learn. As the working party has grappled with their task, I have witnessed them actually modeling what the literature refers to as reflective professional enquiry. Drawing on their expert knowledge and skills, they have systematically and intentionally been on a journey of investigating and exploring issues related to student learning with implications for the practice of all teachers. When such a process operates in a school setting, this reflective professional enquiry has the potential to stimulate evidence-based learning conversations amongst teachers. When students comment to me that they appreciate when their teachers ‘know me really well and how to keep me moving forward with my learning journey’ this probably reflects the existence within that school’s teaching staff of this reflective enquiry approach.Hence, amongst the ten Learning and Teaching principles which the working party has drafted is one which states: schools which foster effective learner engagement through explicit, systematic and reflective teaching.Empower learners to take responsibility for their own learning and to work in a collaborative and creative environment where critical thinking is embedded and learning connections are created is another learning and teaching principle which the group has drafted. This principle reflects the research showing that students, who have been helped to be articulate about the process of

learning and about themselves as developing learners, and who have been shown how to be more independent, and given some manageable levels of choice and control, demonstrate improved learning outcomes. Students are to be encouraged to think and talk about their own learning and to be given the tools and language to do so. In total, the Working Party has drafted ten Learning and Teaching Principles and in combination with the Learning and Teaching Framework and the range of stimulus material they are developing for use by our teachers, there exists great potential for their work to support teachers as they strive to deliver quality outcomes for their students.

One of the graduate qualities we are striving to develop within our students is that they will be resilient, have a healthy self-image and demonstrate respect for others. Surely, a healthy self-image is the fruit of worthwhile learning. If, in partnership, teachers and parents can help young people to discover the things they most passionately want to get better at, and to develop the capability and confidence to pursue those passions, then surely we will be assisting our young people to develop as life-long learners and at the same time developing a new narrative for education that can engage and inspire students, tapping into their natural zeal for learning.

Jenny AllenExecutive Director of Schools

Director’s Message

This illustration is a reproduction of the Icon of St. Michael and St. John by Anca Demenescu.

It was presented by Bishop Michael McKenna to Bishop Richard Hurford on the occasion of the signing of the

Anglican-Catholic Covenant, 24th May 2012, Solemnity of Our Lady Help of Christians.

It hangs in All Saints Anglican Cathedral, Bathurst.

An Icon of All Saints, by the same artist, was presented by Bishop Richard Hurford and hangs in the Catholic Cathedral of St Michael and St John.


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Holy Family School ~ KelsoTeacher recognised with nomination

Holy Family School Kelso Kindergarten Teacher, Ms Kyla Hopwood, has received special recognition for her contribution to teaching with a nomination

for the NEiTA 2012 ASG Inspirational Teaching Awards. The theme of the awards this year, Great Teaching; Great Students, encourages recognition of the important work of inspirational teachers and leaders in educating Australia’s next generation.NEiTA (National Excellence in Teaching Awards) is Australia’s only national, independent community-centred teaching awards program that gives Australian parents, early childhood and school communities and secondary student councils, the opportunity to formally thank their hard-working, inspirational teachers, principals and directors.

Kevin Arrow

Kyla with Executive Director of Schools, Jenny Allen and some Holy Family Students

Lavinia Wins the Governor General’s Student Teacher State Award

When 25-year-old Primary Education student Lavinia Rossiter received the news that she had won a $25,000 Governor General Indigenous Teaching

Scholarship she was overwhelmed. Lavinia was part of a very rigorous selection process and had all but convinced herself that she had not been successful! The Scholarship aims to assist and support Indigenous university students to obtain a teaching degree. Lavinia is an Aboriginal Education Worker (AEW) at Holy Family Primary school at Bathurst and is currently completing the last year of her degree.Jenny Allen, Executive Director of the Bathurst Catholic Education Office, said it was Lavinia’s commitment and determination to achieve her goals and dreams that won her the State Award.“She has such a clear vision of what she wants to do.”Lavinia said, “Communities need to work together to close the cultural gap. Teaching is a partnership which includes the whole community.” Lavinia bases her future plans on a motto; ‘children don’t care what you know, unless they know you care’. She said she plans to use some of the money to set up her own free tutoring service that will help encourage Aboriginal students to graduate from high school.We are all very proud of Lavinia and would like to congratulate her! She not only sets a wonderful example for other young Aboriginal people but for all young people. She is very deserving of this award. Lavinia is full of enthusiasm and passion and she will make an excellent teacher.

Darlene MurdochIndigenous Education Officer CEO Bathurst

The Diocesan Spelling Working Party has met three times since the end of 2011. Its current work is based around the first aim of the working party - to explore the reasons

for our poor performance across the Diocese in Spelling.To address this aim, surveys were sent out at the end of Term 1 to teachers, parents and students. Teachers in all schools were asked to complete surveys and these were collated by an executive at the school and the working party. Feedback was sought from parents through schools and directly by email contact. Thank you to everyone who took time to fill in the surveys and to make some comments. This assisted the Committee greatly and helped us in our deliberations. We heard from most schools and responses were also received from primary and secondary students. Almost 250 responses were received from parents. The responses generally outlined the importance of correct spelling, with most students rating themselves highly as good spellers. Teachers commented that good spelling was important for communication and improving vocabulary. They outlined a wide variety of strategies for improving spelling. Students noted the importance of good spelling for reading, communicating clearly, getting a job, showing intelligence and giving a good impression of oneself in any written

communication. They also noted that it is not as important now because of technology, that it is not required in lots of jobs, that spell check does the work for you and that “it won’t keep you alive” or “won’t save your life or other lives!” Most students also felt that they could improve their spelling. Parents who responded were keen to support their children and would have liked more information about how spelling was taught, so that they could be more effective in their support. They also commented on the difference in approach between primary and secondary. Teachers and students outlined many strategies for learning and teaching spelling. There was a difference in approach in primary and secondary schools. From these and from parent feedback, it was also clear that spelling homework was a big focus in the primary schools. The Committee sent a summary of the responses to schools and parents and sought feedback on this. The next task is to produce a discussion paper on a recommended direction for the teaching of spelling in the Diocese. This draft paper will be published by Term 4 and further feedback will be sought. If you wish to comment on any aspect of this, please contact Rose-Marie van Raad on [email protected].

Gene Smith

Diocesan Spelling Surveys

Lavinia receiving her award from the Governor General,

Quentin Bryce

The CEO Leadership Team (minus Brian Morrissey) at Gene Smith’s final meeting

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A number of schools throughout our Diocese have already celebrated NAIDOC day. It was a chance for schools and families to celebrate Aboriginal culture.

Each day began with a Welcome to Country and Acknowledgment of Country. There were lots of great activities such as celebrating with Mass, cultural dancing, didgeridoo playing, painting, Johnny Cake making, Aboriginal food tasting, storytelling (the Dreaming), Indig games and of course lots of great barbequing! We look forward to many more celebrations as the weather warms up!St. Raphael’s Catholic School Cowra held a NAIDOC WEEK celebration with the theme “Spirit of the Tent Embassy”. Students, staff and parents joined together, acknowledging Wiradjuri land and the Dreaming, with an outdoor liturgy in the school grounds. Didgeridoo music and gumtree smoke welcomed all to the place of prayer. Activities involving Indigenous dance, painting, music, stories and food were shared by mixed Kinder to Y10 groups during this special day.

As part of the Catholic Education Office ‘More Support for Students with Disabilities Project’ two fourth year Occupational Therapy students from Newcastle

University completed their Internship at Cathedral Primary School in Bathurst. Ailie Broad and Sally Hewett were excellent ambassadors for their university, as well as enthusiastic and effective practitioners of their craft.Dr Michael Flood, Team Leader - Learning and Teaching, has established links with both Newcastle University and the University of Western Sydney to promote our schools as a placement opportunity for fourth year students. These connections will provide our schools with access to allied health professionals, assessment and interventions.We are anticipating that we will be able to place many more students across our schools next year.

Diana Scullard

Like Parish Secretaries, School Secretaries are often the lifeblood of their community. Recently, secretaries from primary schools in the Diocese had an opportunity to

attend a seminar organised by Jo Chirgwin from the Catholic Education Office in Bathurst….

Mr Pat Nickholds from Human Edge ran us through the latest updates to the ‘SAS’ program used by our schools. His presentation was extremely informative and the opportunity to have our many questions answered was greatly appreciated. The Catholic Development Fund’s Mr Tony Eviston and Mrs Sandra Robinson were also on hand to enlighten us on the ever changing technology that will be sure to alter the way we pay and receive monies in the future. The provision of BPay was well received and we look forward to implementing it as soon as possible.The opportunity to exchange ideas and information amongst the vast experiences of our fellow admin staff would have to be one of the highlights of the Seminar. We continued these discussions, although perhaps not quite so seriously, over a beautiful dinner and in the gracious company of Fathers Garry McKeown and Greg Bellamy.

Time to meditate and reflect was in store for us on day two, with Sr Alice Sullivan leading us through an inspiring journey in this Year of Grace. Cutting and pasting of a more artistic kind also, as some beautiful self-portraits were created with the help of Felicity and Molly!

A big thank you to all involved for an interesting, informative and highly enjoyable couple of days. We are standing by our emails for information about the next seminar!!

Sarah de Lange

NAIDOC Celebrations around our Diocese

Occupational Therapy students at Cathedral School

School Secretaries Seminar a Hit

Unveiling the School mural at St. Joseph’s Gilgandra.Margaret Pearce helped every child in the School to

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‘SPRED’ the WordSPRED (Special Religious Education) is a program for Christian adults with developmental disabilities that has been funded by the St Brigid’s Parish in Dubbo since 1993. The SPRED ‘gang’ meet every second Monday at the Catholic Education Office in Dubbo for an evening of activity, fun and laughter, prayerful song and supper (Agape). Each member of SPRED has a ‘friend’ from the St Brigid’s Parish as their support person. Volunteers such as Margaret Smith and Gloria Day have freely given their time, talents and culinary skills since its inception. Each term closes with a social gathering enjoyed by everyone. This is a wonderful example of the selfless pastoral care given by the good people of St Brigid’s Parish.

Cert 3 in FunThe provision of quality professional development for schools is a constant focus of the Catholic Education Office. Professional development is designed to offer various forms of upskilling opportunities for school staff. In 2012 clerical staff have been offered training for their ‘Certificate 3 in Accounts Administration’ thanks to the practical and wise foresight of our Team Leader Financial Services, Mrs Josephine Chirgwin. Those taking part meet each term in the Dubbo Office with the experts from BCA National. This also provides a wonderful opportunity for everyone to network and share the ups and downs of being part of the very important administrative support in our busy school and office environments.

Assumption SchoolIt is always a great pleasure and privilege to spend time in our school communities. This term our focus was on Assumption School in Bathurst. What an amazing school environment. We DO wonder how anyone maintains a focus on learning and teaching with those panoramic views…but we’re assured they do! Kindergarten were heavily involved in a (very fitting) car racing competition while learning about ‘tallying’ in Maths. We also managed to still the active crew taking advantage of the ‘physically engaging’ play equipment in the undercroft for a hurried snapshot.

Molong“You can discover more about a person in an hour of play than in a year of conversation.” Plato. Imagine all the fine knowledge we have about our very playful students at St Joseph’s in Molong! Our schools are so fortunate with the breadth and depth of playground space and equipment. This makes the wide outdoors a very appealing proposition in a world where more sedentary preoccupations offer such attractive alternatives. Active play is certainly much encouraged in this quality school community.

Eat Your Greens with Gene!The CEO Team spent a very pleasant evening at ‘Eat your Greens’ in Eugowra, sharing a meal with the staff and their partners from St Joseph’s in Eugowra. We were also surprised and suitably impressed with the entertainment, courtesy of their home-grown ‘Bush Bard’, Kevin Welsh. This was a wonderful and fitting ‘swansong’ school community experience for Gene Smith, our now very much retired and missed ‘Team Leader Quality Systems and Services’.

Janine Kearney


This week is for everyone. In the Year of Grace, everyone can have a new meeting with Jesus and come

to understand what he is offering. Everyone who has been baptised has a vocation to be his disciple. That one Christian vocation is lived out in many ways.

Will this be year the in which you discover your vocation? Or will it be the year in which you rediscover it and renew your commitment to live it out? I pray that grace of discovery for everyone in our Diocese.

Our baptism is the basic vocation. Everyone who has been baptised has been called to share in Christ’s mission. We proclaim that Christ is alive and present in the community that bears his name, not just with words, but with who we are and what we do.

Many are called to the Sacrament of Marriage. In our culture, marriage is often misunderstood in a reduced and even trivialised way. The witness of marriages that are faithful for a lifetime, and generously open to bringing forth and caring for children, are a sign

of Christ’s love. We thank God for all who show that this heroic vocation is possible, with his grace.

The single life is sometimes freely chosen. Sometimes, through death of a spouse or for other reasons, it is not. Even then, however, it can be freely embraced and lived out fruitfully and joyfully. May those who have this vocation understand more deeply its dignity and possibilities.

Religious life has been an enormous gift to the Church and the world we serve. The vows of poverty, chastity and obedience, shared with brothers or sisters in a common life, defy the shallow notions of what makes people happy and fulfilled, and point the way to the Kingdom of God. In recent years in Australia, numbers have dwindled, but who knows what surprises of rebirth the Lord may have in store?

The Sacrament of Ordination, which links the Church today to the Apostles, is vital. I thank God for the good priests who serve the Diocese of Bathurst, and for the men training to become our deacons and priests. The demands of this vocation are great, but the power of God is greater. May God’s call be heard in the hearts of many more and may their brothers and sisters in faith support them.

Our Lady of the Central West, pray for us!

+Michael McKennaBishop of Bathurst

5th August 2012

NATIONAL VOCATIONS AWARENESS WEEK

Bathurst GSVN members travelled to Mudgee recently to speak at a parish meeting about their

vocation group. We joined Mudgee and Gulgong parishioners for Evening Prayer in the beautiful church of St. Mary of the Presentation.A meeting followed where the Bathurst members spoke about the formation of their group, with the aim of a Diocesan Network to pray for vocations and support our Bishop, priests and seminarians. Afterwards there was a social gathering where parishioners were able to talk informally and discuss possibilities of other parish groups forming. Bathurst GSVN would like to thank Fr Garry and Fr Greg for the invitation to visit. We are particularly grateful for the warm welcome received at Mudgee.The aim of the Good Shepherd Vocations Network is to promote priestly, religious and lay vocations, by providing a seed ground of prayer and

holiness within the local parish and in our daily activities.It is in the offering of our daily commitment to prayer and community that our intentions for vocations are heard and we are able to offer direct and special support and encouragement to our priests and seminarians.

The group meets on the first Monday of the month in the Cathedral parish centre at 6.15pm. Bathurst parishioners join members in praying the Evening Prayer of the Church (Vespers) each Friday at 5.30pm in the Cathedral. Everyone is most welcome to come and pray for vocations for the Diocese.

Kath Bellamy

Good Shepherd Vocations Network spreads the word

Assumption Kinder car

rally

Well ‘equipped’ in Molong!

SPRED Christmas in July

Clerical Fun and Games! Gene Smith’s school

‘swansong’

Newly ordained priest Father Reynold Jaboneta


NATIONAL VOCATIONS AWARENESS WEEK NATIONAL VOCATIONS AWARENESS WEEK

The story of the Confraternity begins with the story of Australia - a

country with so much that is going well, but at the same time, with something not right.

When the Confraternity began, its founder, Fr John Whiting, realised Australia really had a mission field right here. This is even more true now. Of today’s 22.5 million Australians, more than 20 million (91%, NCLS) do not go weekly to church worship. And the 2011 census shows hints at a hardening of attitude: of this 20 million, 4.8 million identify themselves as having no religion. These are the churchless millions.

Australia is a wealthy, developed country, but it is also a mission field hungry for the Gospel. Our founder realized this mission to Australia’s “churchless millions”

needed the teamwork of many people who would be free to dedicate themselves to this work. So began the Confraternity of Christ the Priest.

Based in Wagga WaggaThe Confraternity is based in the West Wagga Catholic Parish, in the diocese of Wagga Wagga, New South Wales. We plan to grow a team of hundreds of priests and brothers to be missionaries to these churchless millions.

We are looking for a special kind of person, because the men who join now are entering the Confraternity at a significant time in the history of Australia.

FormationMembers of the Confraternity of Christ the Priest take vows to God of Chastity, Poverty and Obedience, and they live

in community. So there is the same kind of preparation that religious all over the world do - novice, temporary vows, final vows. Those who join to study for the priesthood will go to the Wagga Wagga Diocese’s Vianney College.

What’s unique about the Confraternity’s training?Brothers are trained in Wagga Wagga in a profession or trade, and dedicate themselves to God as an electrician, journalist, plumber, architect and so on. Those who are going to become priests are taught to understand and love the teachings of the Church and to celebrate the Mass with devotion. Both priests and brothers are taught with particular emphasis about the Church’s zeal for the salvation of all and especially about the new Evangelization, with particular emphasis on Jesus’

priesthood - He let Himself be taken for a sinner, while He was bearing the faults of many and praying all the time for sinners. (see Isaiah 52-53). Members of the Confraternity of Christ the Priest have a particular love for those who as yet do not know the love of God.

For more information contact Fr Thomas Casanova CCS, 0408 492 632 or visit vocation.christthepriest.com

Father Whiting with Blessed John Paul II

The Order of Preachers was founded in the 13th century by St Dominic. Responding to Christ’s call, his desire was to engage in the Church’s mission of preaching

the Gospel and forming minds and hearts in knowledge of the truth.

The Order grew quickly, soon extending its service throughout the world, wherever there was need for the truth to be taught with charity and zeal. In 1860, four Dominican Sisters went to Nashville, Tennessee, to begin an academy for the education of young women. The Sisters named their foundation for St Cecilia, the early Roman martyr and patroness of music. Throughout its 150 year history, the Dominican Sisters of St Cecilia have sought to give themselves to Christ and his Church through fidelity to the Dominican life and the active mission of teaching in Catholic schools.

The charism of the Dominican Sisters of St Cecilia Congregation is based on the ideal which St Dominic himself saw as the purpose of the Order of Preachers: “To contemplate and to give to others the fruits of our contemplation.”

The charism of the Congregation is char-acterised by a con-templative focus, an active apostolate, a strong community life, and a deep love of the Church. The Sisters are engaged in teaching in numerous primary and secondary schools and two universities in the US, Vancouver, Canada, and Sydney. The privilege of serving in Sydney was offered to the community in 2008. The Sisters teach at Trinity Catholic College in Regents Park/Auburn and work in the Catholic chaplaincies at Sydney University, University of Technology Sydney, and Campion College. Since establishing a convent in Sydney, the Congregation has been blessed with nine Australian young women who have begun their religious formation. Five have professed their first vows and four have recently been clothed in the Dominican habit. This year, two more will join them as postulants to begin their religious formation.

The Sisters host vocation retreats and Encountering Christ retreats in the Sydney area each year for women aged 18-35. For more information, contact the Sisters by email at [email protected] or visit www.nashvilledominican.org.

Confraternity of Christ the Priest

GO onlineOR phone NOW

FOR YOUR

obligation free INFORMATION

Go tovocation.christthepriest.com

or phone

Fr Thomas Casanova CCS(02) 6931 3601

Let us know what your main reasons are

for wanting to dedicateyour life to Jesus.

21.5 million Australians are waiting for missionaries...

are YOU called?

Become a missionary priest or brother

serving Jesusin Australia’s Churchless millions

As a member of theCONFRATERNITY OF CHRIST THE PRIESTdedicated to the evangelisationOF THE CHURCHLESS IN AUSTRALIA

Pope

THE CONFRATERNITYOF CHRIST THE PRIEST

missionaries tothe Churchlessmissionaries tothe Churchlessmissionaries tothe Churchless

Young women from Australia in formation with the Dominican Sisters of St. Cecilia

Fidelity to Dominican life and a mission to teach

Be a Sister of St Joseph!

Want to...Live simplyServe othersDedicate your life to God?

To receive information contact: Sr Therese Patterson or Sr Mary StaffordPh: 02 6355 5236 or 02 63319726

Srs of St Joseph, Perthville

http://vocation.christthepriest.com/

http://vocation.christthepriest.com/

http://www.nashvilledominican.org

http://www.nashvilledominican.org


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Our Lost Churches

Important dates in the coming months• Centacare Sunday - 16th September

• Social Justice Sunday - 30th September

• Marriage Encounter Weekend - 19th-21st October (www.wwme.org.au)

• World Mission Day - 21st October

• Anglican-Roman Catholic Reconciliation - 4th November

Anglican-Catholic Reconciliation4

th November, 2012 is the Day of Prayer for Anglican-Catholic Reconciliation. People in both traditions are urged to pray for unity and to recognise the life of holiness that Roman Catholic and Anglican Christians share together.

Shortly after the signing of the Anglican-Catholic Covenant in Bathurst in May, a joint service was held to Commission the Anglican and Catholic Prison Chaplains -

Rev Tony Card and Mrs Geraldine Bowes

The lush Bylong Valley attracted settlers following the goldrush in nearby Gulgong and Mudgee, leading to

the establishment of a rich agricultural community. Priests from Gulgong visited the region from time to time and it was under the auspices of Gulgong parish that an attractive timber church was constructed around 1916 and dedicated to Our Lady of the Sacred Heart.For many years Bylong remained part of Gulgong but was later shifted to Mudgee parish. One of the issues facing the community in Bylong was its isolation. Bylong was difficult to get to, from both Gulgong and Mudgee parishes, especially as there were no sealed roads into the Village. With the completion of the sealed road between Rylstone and Bylong, the latter became a part of Kandos parish in the 1990s. Eventually Bylong, in common with many

other small rural settlements, suffered from a decline in population as people left the land to work in mining or in the cities. In 2001 the church was closed and subsequently sold, thus bringing to an end nearly a century of worship in this isolated corner of the Diocese.

David BillingtonDiocesan Archivist

Prayer for Unity

Holy Spirit, come and help us grow together as Anglicans and Roman

Catholics.

When we are working together to proclaim the Good News,

help us to recognise each other’s gifts and to build on each

other’s strengths.

When some of us are in trouble or in pain,

help us to watch over each other gently and patiently,

and to bear each other’s burdens willingly.

When we face a hostile or indifferent world, help us to take pride in

our Christian faith

and to encourage one another to persevere in our ministry.

When we are searching for ways to go forward together,

help us to trust that our future is in your hands, and you will always

provide for your Church.

Amen

On Thursday 2nd August St Joseph’s Catholic School held our own version of the Olympics. Students from Kinder to Y10 were divided into their family groups and each

group represented a country in the Olympic Games.

The secondary students made flags and investigated the countries involved, and the primary students investigated Olympic sports.

On the day family groups presented their research and then marched to their country’s national anthem. After this a series of tabloid sports were played, where points were awarded to every team.

At the conclusion of the day Gold Medals were awarded (chocolate!!) and the Olympic cake was cut. We had an amazing day and a lot of fun was had by all participants.

Our Lady of the Sacred Heart ~ Bylong

Approximately a hundred Grandparents, parents and friends recently took up the invitation to attend A Grandparents’ Morning Tea and Assembly at

St Joseph’s School Hall. The Grandparents’ day also coincided with the Feast Day of St Joachim and Anne who were the grandparents of Jesus. Their feast day on July 26 is a day to honour them and all grandparents for their contribution to our lives.

Among those present were Lee Hostel Residents who enjoyed a Morning Tea with other Grandparents before the school liturgy. The liturgy provided an opportunity to thank grandparents for the gifts of life and the faith they have given us.

The school acknowledges that Grandparents are a valuable and vital resource in our communities. They provide children with a stability and sense of generational continuity. Many grandparents are also significant carers in the lives of their grandchildren.

After the Liturgy Grandparents were entertained with a variety of songs which were well received by an appreciative audience. After the entertainment Infants students presented their grandparents with a bookmark as a sign of their love.

Gerard Davies

Grandparents Day

Oberon Olympics

P.J. Day at St. Patrick’s school, Lithgow, proved to be a great success with all of the children

wearing their P.J.’s and donating a gold coin to show their support of the St. Vinnies winter sleepout.

The students were proud to take part in this great fundraiser and I am sure that they will be willing participants next year.

Tracey Young

St. Patrick’s School ~ Lithgow - PJ Day


This World Mission Month, we desperately need your help to enable missionaries like Sister Maureen Cejas provide spiritual, pastoral and practical care to families and communities like Jervin Aliling’s in the Philippines. Around the world, numerous families face utter hopelessness following crises, such as relentless typhoons in the Philippines.

Countless communities in distress and desperation in the Philippines and across the world urgently need you now. To find out how you can help, visit:

www.catholicmission.org.au/hope

Freecall: 1800 257 296 www.catholicmission.org.au

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Social Justice Sunday will be celebrated on 30th September 2012.

The Australian Catholic Bishops’ Social Justice Statement for 2012-13 celebrates the role of families in our society and urges all Australians to consider the pressures and challenges that families face today.

The Statement’s title is The Gift of Family in Difficult Times: The social and economic challenges facing families today. In it, the Bishops remind us that families, the basis of our community of faith and the very foundation of society, can be beacons for a more compassionate and just society.

But Australian families are under pressure. When more and more parents are obliged to work outside traditional working hours, including on weekends, they are robbed of time to nurture children and family relationships. Up to a quarter of Australian workers are in casual employment, many forced to find two or more jobs or accept fly-in-fly-out work that can take them away from home for weeks.

Families face increasing financial pressure, including the spiralling cost of housing: house prices grew by 147 per cent in the last decade and 690,000 households now spend more than 30 per cent of their weekly income on rent or mortgage payments.

Many families in our prosperous nation find themselves at the margins. The Bishops express particular concern for vulnerable Indigenous families, refugees, those on welfare support or struggling on minimum wages, the homeless, and those with special needs. As Christians we are called to be supportive of families, especially those who are most vulnerable. Our society cannot ignore the fundamental needs of families or fail to respond adequately to those families in crisis.

In this Year of Grace, we have the opportunity to celebrate the great gift of families. Australia’s Bishops urge us to take the Holy Family as our inspiration, remembering the difficulties it faced from the moment of Jesus’ birth until his death. The Bishops propose three challenges for the benefit of all families, especially those who are struggling.

They urge us to rediscover the importance of the Sabbath - the time of rest, peace and prayer that resists the forces that pull families apart and deny them time together. They call us to show a special concern for the poor, attending to the needs of families in crisis and welcoming the

marginalised and lonely. And they call us to share the love of God, participating in and sharing the gift of Eucharist. Remembering that ‘the love of Christ urges us on’ (2 Co 5:14), we are inspired to respond to the needs of all families.

Social Justice Sunday ~ 2012The Gift of Family in Difficult TimesBishop McKenna has approved an

Interim Rule for the establishment of a new Community at Shalom House

of Prayer, Carcoar over the coming year.

The Community’s aim will be to continue the original vision of founder Neville Bowers “Go to Carcoar, reopen the old convent, where people can come and establish or renew their relationship with God”. It will be a lay community providing hospitality for all those who go there and will embrace Shalom’s embedded charisms of peace, love, acceptance and hope.

Substantial physical renovations have been undertaken over the last 12 months, to enable the spiritual renewal of Shalom House of Prayer.

People can participate in Shalom’s new life in many ways: by becoming a Community Member, a Friend of Shalom or by financial or prayerful support.

Anyone interested in becoming a Community member must be in communion with the Catholic Church and prepared to enter a time of discernment for at least 12 months. This allows the Community and the inquirer to test the calling and commitment to House of Prayer, its charisms and ministry of service. There is an expectation

of participation in activities and the practical responsibilities of the House, and of course the commitment to daily prayer.

Those who wish to become a Friend of Shalom commit to helping out there one day per year and assisting the Community in whatever ways they are

able, practically or financially. They are invited to share community prayer time and any other appropriate events.

If you would like more information, you can contact Nick Hansen (02) 6367 3058, email [email protected] or have a look at the Diocesan website www.bathurst.catholic.org.au.

New life at Shalom House of Prayer

Community members Carmel Hogan, Nick Hansen and Fran Hansen (absent Father Tim Cahill)


http://www.bathurst.catholic.org.au


Centacare was built on Jesus’ words “I have come

that you may have life and have it to the full”. Centacare is part of the Diocese’s commitment to the welfare of families and communities in the region.

On behalf of the people we serve, we thank you for being part of Centacare mission and solicit your prayers.

Robert GeorgeDirector

Centacare Bathurst

We are all of us, social beings, seeking to take

our place in the society that surrounds us. But how meaningful and satisfying our place is (or can be) and what degree of happiness accompanies it, can very much depend on our social skills.What are social skills? There is a myriad of them, but some of the more obvious ones are;• The ability to recognise

and accept rightful authority;

• The ability to share;• The ability to listen;• The ability to respect the

right of others to hold beliefs and opinions, contrary to ours;

• The ability to possess a self-esteem devoid of egotism;

• Not having to be the centre of attention…. and so on.

How are social skills acquired, especially by children?There are numerous ways children may acquire social skills, but one very powerful learning forum is the family meal table.With the parent or parents providing a secure and warm place, all things

edible, conversation topics, and gently mediating between siblings, it provides the children with positive and recurring re inforcement of their (the parent/s’) rightful authority.At the same time, the children are given the ongoing opportunity to share, listen, express an opinion, take their turn, be tolerant etc.“I haven’t always got the time to be cooking meals!” Did I hear someone say? Fair enough, I am not suggesting that the meal has to be home cooked (but if it is it’ll probably taste better). No, it matters not from where or how the food is supplied.What is important however, is that parent/s and children, be present to each other, around the table and that they share the meal together, without any intrusion from TV, DVD’s, play stations, or other distractions.It’s home science, not rocket science and an affirmation to parents that they, despite the proliferation and intrusion of outside influences, still can be - and should be - their children’s most influential educators.

Mark WorthingtonCentacare

Centacare PrayerBlessed are you, Lord of mercy and love,

who through your Son gave us a marvellous example of charity and the great

commandment of love for one another.

Send your blessings upon us so that when we are called on in times of need,

we will faithfully show your light and love to our neighbour.

May we go forward confident in the intercession of our mother Mary, and in the name of our creating, liberating and ever loving God.

Amen

Centacare Sunday - 16th September 2012Caring people, caring for people

Centacare - Bathurst ~ Serving the Central West and Orana Regions

Suzanne and Mark

Our Family Fun Day in Bathurst

Maree, Louise, Sarah, and Susan from our Dubbo office

Karyn, Lynn, Ray, Lynne, Sally, Dean, Alira and Martin - our Indigenous Programme Team

Martin, Renee, Terry, and Denise with the Award of Excellence for our Indigenous programme in Orange

Leeann, Laura, Leanne, Annette - our early childhood and family team

Some of the counsellors - Lauren, Rebecca, Anne, Sandy, Sarah, Nastaran and Liz

Two ‘graduates’ from our school readiness program in Lithgow - HIPPY (Home Interaction Program for Parents and Youngsters)

Helen, Melinda and Kamila


MSC Mission OfficePO Box 177, NSW 1465Ph: 02 9697 0983 / 9662 7188Email: [email protected]

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A work from the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart for helping families, young people, schools and religious formation.

MSC development projects seek to improve the conditions of communities in a sustainable way. It is based on work-ing with communities, rather than for or on behalf of communities. The MSC Mission Office relies on benefactors to support the Outreach activities for Water projects, Disadvantaged Youth, HIV/AIds, Relief & Formation.

Your small donation can make a big difference!

The MSC Mission Office is a work of the Australian Province of the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart and while we try to love the world, the work of the MSC Mission Office has concentrated its energies. We have restricted ourselves to three main areas for financial assistance.

1) CLEAN WATER PROJECTS 2) DISADVANTAGED YOUTH 3) HIV/AIDS LEPROSY

AUSTRALIA $ 49,600BURKINA FASO $ 8,650CAMEROON $ 62,500D.R.CONGO $ 81,500EL SALVADOR $ 7,500FIJI $ 120,850HAITI $ 10,000INDIA $ 110,375INDONESIA $ 56,550KIRIBATI $ 18,500MARSHALL ISLANDS $ 7,000NAMIBIA $ 14,000NEW ZEALAND $ 2,000PHILIPPINES $ 61,000PNG $ 200,290SENEGAL $ 15,300SOUTH AFRICA $ 42,000SOUTH SUDAN $ 42,000TIMOR LESTE $ 2,000VANUATU $ 14,600VIETNAM $ 96,400TOTAL FUNDING ALL PROJECTCATEGORIES 2011 $ 1,022,615

2011 - TOTAL FINANCIAL AID FUNDING: COUNTRIES (Aust $)

MacKillop College held its 45th birthday reunion in Bathurst on 2nd June. The day included

tours of the College and St Joseph’s Boarding House at Perthville, Mass in the Cathedral and dinner at Panthers. Around 150 ex-students and staff from Diocesan Catholic Girls High School and MacKillop College attended the dinner. The night included a display of uniforms, photos and memorabilia and a musical performance by opera singer Catherine Ireland, an ex-student, and former staff member Jonathan Lewis. Ex-Students from the 1960s to 2000s enjoyed a wonderful evening, renewing friendships and reminiscing school days exploits.

Beth Pratley

Dio and MacKillop girls celebrate 45 years

CATHOLIC OBSERVER - SEPTEMBER EDITION - PAGE 40

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16th July 2012 marked the 140th Anniversary of the arrival of the first Sisters of

St Joseph at Perthville. To mark this occasion the sisters invited various guests to celebrate this significant milestone. Many people in the region will be aware of the wonderful work of the sisters throughout the Diocese and beyond. People travelled from near and far to be with the sisters for their three days of celebrations.The sisters gave thanks for the many blessings which they have received over the many years. In particular they expressed gratitude for the support, loyalty and encouragement given to them by many people from all walks of life.Sisters of St Joseph came from throughout Australia, New Zealand and Peru on Saturday, to be at Perthville for a special day for Josephite sisters. The day’s activities included a keynote address by Dr Marie Crowley, time for prayer, sharing stories, visiting the display and a formal dinner.On Sunday the celebrations included family and friends of the Sisters, people who have been connected with the Sisters through education in schools of the Diocese, as well as ex-students of Perthville, employees and people involved in the Sisters’ various ministries such as the Josephite Foundation. A Mass was

celebrated by Bishop Michael McKenna in the Perthville Chapel and this was followed by a luncheon for the 260 guests.On the Monday Josephites and other Religious Sisters of the Diocese gathered with the Bishop and Priests to mark the actual day when the Sisters of St Joseph began living and working at Perthville. Since 1872 the Sisters of St Joseph have ministered to many people in the Bathurst Diocese and elsewhere, endeavouring to carry forward the good news of Jesus, as first envisaged by St Mary MacKillop and Fr Julian Woods so many years ago.

It was on the 16th July 1872, Sisters Teresa McDonald, Joseph Dwyer, Hyacinth Quinlan and Miss Ada Braham, arrived at The Vale (Perthville) to make a foundation of the Sisters of St Joseph of the Sacred Heart. They came at the invitation of Bishop Matthew Quinn who wanted them to establish convents and schools throughout the Bathurst Diocese.The Sisters of St Joseph were founded in South Australian in 1866 by Father Julian Tenison Woods and Saint Mary MacKillop to meet the educational needs of Catholic families and to support people

who were poor. Perthville convent became the first foundation of the Sisters of St Joseph in New South Wales. It was from here that the foundations to Wanganui (NZ), Goulburn and Lochinvar (NSW), Westbury (Tasmania); Bungaree (VIC) and Suain (PNG) were made. Over the past 140 years the Perthville Sisters of St Joseph have been involved in education, pastoral care, chaplaincy, support for migrants and refugees, prison ministry and parish ministry throughout the Bathurst Diocese and beyond, incl-uding 30 years in PNG.

Joeys Celebrate...

Documents

Catholic Observer Magazine September 2012