Catholic Observer Magazine September 2013 Issue

Volume 48, No. 3 SEPTEMBER 2013$2.00

Welcome Home!Diocesan Pilgrimage

WYD Rio 2013

Following our Diocesan Assembly, the Council of Priests and the newly formed Assembly Council

met with me to begin to process what we had learned and to chart a way ahead. Last month, on the Solemnity of St. Mary of the Cross MacKillop, I published a Pastoral Letter to announce the first steps we are taking to renew and rebuild our community of faith.

The Letter was entitled “In the Begin-ning, the Word,” and you can read the full text on our website at www.bathurst.catholic.org.au. The title emphasised that the foundation of all our work must be Christ himself, whom everyone can meet in Sacred Scripture. There, they can discover the faith that leads to participation in the community of the Church and her Sacraments.

We have begun to call leaders who will be prepared to set up small groups in parishes. These Word and Faith groups will reflect together during the week on the readings for the following Sunday. They will work closely with the Parish Priest, whose own faith and whose homilies will be nourished, too.

The groups will not be about the academic study of scripture. That has its place, but not here. Nor will they be discussion groups, either over-structured or going round in circles. They are to be simple meetings with Christ, who is the Word of God, present in the scriptures, speaking to the lives of those who gather to listen and share what touches or puzzles them.

I hope that these groups will be able to invite and welcome also those who are distant from the Church, or have never been inside.

I invite you to join a group when they begin in your parish or school. I can promise that the Word of God, received with an open heart, will give you new life.

+ Michael McKenna

Bishop of Bathurst

CATHOLIC OBSERVER, DIOCESE OF BATHURST • SEPTEMBER 2013 - PAGE 2

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Bishop’s MessageWord and Faith Groups

Centacare’s 25 years of service I join many people in giving thanks

to God for the 25 years service of Centacare Bathurst.

From small beginnings, those who have worked for and guided Centacare, have made a substantial contribution to our mission to proclaim the Gospel in acts of service and justice.

Pope Francis has said that he seeks a Church of the poor and for the poor. I pray that this spirit of sharing life with our brothers and sisters in trouble and in need will mark our community of faith, including Centacare.

The current Director, Mr Robert George, has rightly paid tribute to the work of his predecessors, Sister Mary Comer and Ms Vivienne Llewellyn. I would like to express similar appreciation to Robert for his great blend of professionalism and faith in leading Centacare.

+ Michael McKenna

Bishop of Bathurst

In the Beginning, the Word

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

Dear Friends in Christ,

On Pentecost Sunday every year the Church remembers the day she began to live her mission: to proclaim the Gospel of Christ and make disciples of all peoples. On the weekend of Pentecost this year, over 250 members of our local Church gathered in Bathurst to ask the Holy Spirit to renew our understanding of that mission, as we are called to live it here and now. It was only a first step, but that is how every journey must begin. What did we learn? And where do we go from here?

Centacare Sunday Feature on

Pages 12 and 13.


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Cathedral of St. Michael and St. JohnBells ring out

On Friday 9th August 2013, the bells were removed from the tower of the Cathedral of St. Michael and St. John

- the start of a labour of love to restore this iconic building.

Since its beginnings as a parish church in 1861, the Cathedral has been central to the life of the Catholic Diocese of Bathurst, which spans a large area of New South Wales, as well as to the wider Bathurst community.

Due to celebrate its 150th anniversary in 2015, the Cathedral is in urgent need of repair. The stone and brickwork have aged and serious salt and rising damp problems threaten the building’s foundations.

Rylstone based stonemasons, Stone Restorations, has been contracted to carry out the first stage of the important preservation work - restoration of the tower, including its intricate sandstone carvings. Renowned architect Edward Gell, who oversaw construction of the Cathedral, is believed to have crafted many of the distinctive sandstone carvings decorating the exterior of the building. Consecrated in 1865, the Cathedral’s heritage value was recognised in June 2012, with its listing on the NSW State Heritage Register.

The restoration project is expected to take four years and cost approximately $3 million. The priority of the project is to secure the foundations and restore damaged elements.

The two original bells will be sent to their home foundry in England for the repairs necessary to allow them to ring out loud and clear for the sesqui-centenary of the Diocese in 2015.

The Diocese of Bathurst, incorporating the Cathedral Parish, has launched the Cathedral Restoration Appeal to raise the funds necessary to repair the damage and to restore the beauty and function of this historic, much-loved public building. The Appeal is seeking financial assistance from all levels of government, the Diocese,

the parish and the community at large. This restoration is a significant undertaking and the support of the Bathurst community is vital to its success.An Art Union is currently underway, as well as the sale of commemorative merchandise and a Corporate Sponsorship program, to be launched shortly.For more details, and to support this great cause, phone 1800 451 760, or go to the Diocesan Website - www.bathurst.catholic.org.au.


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Colleagues from both the Chancery/CDF Office and the Catholic Education

Office gathered together recently to farewell long standing employee Bill Stewart. Bishop Michael extended his appreciation to Bill for his 24 years of service as groundsman and the wide range of duties his role entailed in support of the various grounds and facilities.Bill was acknowledged for his generosity of spirit, his commitment to and pride in his work, for the warmth of his relationships with his colleagues and for his loyal and committed service. Reflecting on the fact that one aspect of the legacy that Bill leaves behind is the beautiful gardens he has cared for over so many years, the following

blessing was invoked:Source of all blessings, you bless us with early spring flowers, the brave ones that shine with joy between dead leaves as they carpet the forest floor on a sunny

day, yet bear up under any kind of weather.

May we learn from them, (and from you Bill), the courage that comes with the territory, to bloom where we are

planted, and no matter what happens, to radiate joy.

We wish Bill and his wife Cathy, every blessing as they enter this new phase of their lives. After all his years of hard work, may Bill gain great satisfaction from looking back and reflecting on all his great and quiet achievements.

Jenny Allen

Diocesan NewsBye Bye Bill

Bill and Cathy Stewart at the farewell function at the Oxford Hotel in Bathurst


On Friday 26th July 2013, Bishop McKenna hosted a Diocesan function to farewell and thank

Mr Hugh O’Reilly, who served the Diocese of Bathurst for nearly 25 years.

Hugh retired as Diocesan Financial Administrator after commencing work as Manager of the Development Fund back in October 1988.

Through the past three decades, Hugh has been a sound administrator of the temporal goods of the local Church and a valued confidant in their responsibilities to the late Bishop Dougherty, Bishop McKenna and others.

Seeing many changes in the financial structures of the Diocese over the years, Hugh played an integral role in meeting the ever changing challenges the Diocese has faced.

Around 80 people attended the celebration at Matthew Quinn House in honour of Hugh. Wife Mimi, daughters Susan and Therese, Therese’s husband Kevin and their eight month old daughter Emma, along with Hugh’s sister Kath, were among the special guests. Others from across the Diocese included priests, principals, parish secretaries and members of various Diocesan Boards who had worked with Hugh over the past three decades.

Some of Hugh’s colleagues from other Dioceses were also present, travelling from Sydney, Armidale and Canberra.

In his address, Bishop McKenna thanked Hugh for his enormous contribution to the Diocese and for his dedicated and selfless service, which was often above and beyond the call of duty.

In his usual humble way, Hugh expressed his thanks to all those who had worked with him over the years and said he had felt privileged to have been able to spend so many years working for the Church. Hugh also

thanked his family, “...without whom none of this would have been possible”. Hugh will be busy in his retirement. He hopes to spend some quality time with his family, see a bit more of his beautiful grand-daughter Emma and has undertaken the role of Secretary for the Bathurst Rotary Club.

Thank you Hugh - for all you’ve been and for all you’ve done for so many over these years. We hope your retirement is a long and happy one.

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Thuc admitted as Candidate for Ordination

Following prayer, reflection and discussion during his time in the Parishes of Coonamble and

Coonabarabran, Thuc Van Le was able to arrive at a decision to offer himself for ordination in the service of the Diocese of Bathurst.

On Tuesday 23rd July 2013, Bishop Michael McKenna accepted Thuc’s offer of service and admitted him as a Candidate for Ordination during Mass in St. Lawrence’s Church Coonabarabran, the parish where he has been on pastoral placement.

In the journey towards Priesthood, the next step is Ordination to the Diaconate (transitional) and eventually Ordination to the Priesthood.

Please keep Thuc and our other seminarians in your prayers as they continue their journey of discernment and study.

Bishop McKenna recently attended the 8th Forum of the National Council of Churches in Australia and was

invited to lead the Ecumenical Service of the Forum.Held every three years, the theme of this Forum was: “Mission Shaped Ecumenism; What is the call of God for the Church in Australia?”.Bishop Michael attended as part of the Catholic delegation and took the message to his colleagues in the NCCA that practical ecumenism is alive and well across the parishes of the Diocese of Bathurst.“The road is not always easy, but we are urged on by the knowledge that it is Christ’s will that his Church should live as one body, proclaiming one faith”, the Bishop said.

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Thuc with Bishop McKenna following his Acceptance

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75 years of priesthood were celebrated at the Cathedral of St. Michael and St. John on Monday

5th August 2013. Priests from across the Diocese concelebrated Mass with Bishop McKenna and celebrated the golden jubilee of Father John Beaven and the silver jubilee of Father Laurie Beath.

Unfortunately Father Beaven, who is retired, was unable to attend due to ill health, however he was there in spirit and in the hearts and prayer of those present.

Father Laurie is currently the Parish Priest of Cowra (where he attended school) and is the Administrator of Canowindra (where he was born) and Eugowra parishes.

Following Mass, the priests shared a meal together with Bishop McKenna at Matthew Quinn House.

Congratulations Father Beaven and Father Laurie - and thank you both for so many years of dedicated service to God’s people in the Diocese of Bathurst.

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Bishop McKenna recently visited St. Mary’s School in Wellington. As part of his very busy schedule, he visits

as many of the schools in the Diocese as he can during the year. The Bishop thinks the visits are important so that students “…know the Bishop is not just a picture on a wall, but comes from a long way away to see and meet them, and that the schools are in our mind and prayers”.

During the visit, the Student Representative Council gave a presentation about the sporting, academic, performing and religious opportunities at the School, as well as taking Bishop McKenna on a tour of the grounds.

“It is a wonderful school. In the Diocese we have some big and very small schools and each has its character and the small schools often, where everyone knows one another, have a very unique spirit”, the Bishop said. “I love coming to this Parish. I am always given a very warm welcome and I think that there are a lot of great people here”.

Principal of St. Mary’s, Simon Price, said the visits were an important part of religious education at the School. “Our mission is to be a Catholic school and we do have a faith and spirit”, he said. “I want kids to experience something that’s not recognised much in contemporary society at all and focus back on what our core aim as a school is”.

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Recently, the MacKillop Equestrian Team travelled to Coonabarabran to compete in the North West

Equestrian Expo where approximately 650 students and 700 horses were entered, representing 150 schools from NSW. Competition included B, C and D grade Eventing, Combined Training and Cross Country.Kylie Lynch from MacKillop was placed second in the Working Horse Challenge in the 15 years and Laura McFawn was placed 12th in the 13 years.

The Division Two Polo Cross Team of Gabrielle Newman, Hayley Porter and Mackenzie Siejka was involved in a knockout competition. They won their game and advanced to the next round, where they put up a strong fight before being defeated. The Division One Team of Kylie Lynch, Darcy Simmons and Rachel Hayden was placed in a round robin competition and delegated to C Grade after their games. On Sunday, with excellent skill, they played some very close games and placed third in their Grade.

Sunday also saw the completion of the Eventing and the Combined Training where all the girls gained a number of very respectable placings. Of mention were the team of Kylie Lynch, Mackenzie Siejka and Hayley Porter placing third in The Barrels Sporting Event, out of approximately 170 teams who competed - a fantastic achievement for a group of talented riders. Congratulations to all the students who competed this year and thank you for your co-operation and display of sportsmanship and comradery.

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Y12 PDHPE students at Sheahan recently participated in a HSC ‘webinar’. The session provided

students with the opportunity to access HSC enrichment sessions (conducted only in metropolitan regions) without leaving the school grounds.

Utilising the internet and data projectors, students were able to view the presentations, complete related workbooks and were able to ask questions and interact with the presenter.

The sessions allowed for great revision in the lead up to the HSC, at minimal cost and reduced interruptions to other subjects. We look forward to future senior students being involved in more webinars.

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The James Sheahan Dragon Boat team has had huge success in 2013. Coached by Pearl Butcher, the students involved trained hard for eight weeks in the lead up to

the Chinese New Year Dragon Boat Regatta held at Darling Harbour. The students juggle a variety of other commitments such as part time jobs, training with other sporting teams and study to train for this sport and their hard work was well rewarded, achieving second and third at the Regatta. This was a huge accomplishment for the James Sheahan students, as they were up against two selective teams from Sydney and the Central Coast, along with other schools who have been in training for much longer. The results in this Regatta allowed the team entry into the National Regatta, however, due to the timing of the event, they were unable to attend. The team will be very sad to farewell the wonderful Y12s who were involved this year, but are excited to resume training with new recruits.

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At St. Patrick’s Lithgow, on the shortest day of the year, minus two degrees didn’t put us off, even if it snuck in through the open air vents. Neither did the hard floorboards, the power failure five

minutes before the end of the movie or the trivia questions ... so exactly what is ‘Pacem in Terris’? You might well ask! Apparently we have to ask Pope John XXIII to get the answer... or Sister Anne our resident wellspring of wisdom.

We filed in with enough bedding to set up our own shop. After a friendly getting-to-know-you Bingo game and an ‘All Saints’ warm-up game, it was battle stations - Green v Blue v Red - with points and honour at stake.

Fuelled up with home-made hot soup and bread, we were ready to roll. There were games and prizes galore, with no-one going home empty handed. By 10.30pm we ‘bagsed’ our mattress spots on the floor, ready for the movie marathon. Evidenced by silence, punctuated only by the occasional chatter of teeth or snore, it was deemed all were asleep by 1.30am.

A knock at the door by our faithful Vinnies breakfast crew at 6.30am ushered in the new day. The smell of scrambled eggs and the promise of chocolate milk got most up ready for breakfast. The usual challenge of getting sleeping bags back into their bags and getting remnants of contraband midnight snacks tidied up ensued. By 9am there was scarcely any evidence of the 60 strong crowd who graced the PAC, all in a good cause.

Many thanks are due to all who made it such a great night. Nothing could have been accomplished without team work. The Lithgow Catholic community is strong! Thanks, in particular, goes to the valiant Vincentian crew at Lithgow Vinnies on the night, for their practical help with food, utensils, game equipment, prizes and all manner of support from day one of the organisation, through to the Saturday morning. Also, we thank Mr Robert Keady and the staff of St. Patrick’s School for the use of facilities and administrative help. A big thank you to staff at La Salle Academy for supporting us.

The event was a great success for the parish team of Father Owen, Sister Anne, Kristy and me. We also thank the many generous donors, participants and their families for supporting our second Sleepout. We smashed our target and raised almost $3,000 for the homeless.

Marie Marjanac Parish Youth Co-ordinator

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Centacare SundayCentacare celebrates 25 years of service and care

On 26th of September 1988, Bishop Patrick Dougherty blessed and officially launched a ‘one year

pilot scheme in the sphere of the Catholic Church’s provision of a counselling service for children, adolescents, and families for the Bathurst part of the Diocese’. This ‘pilot project’ was Centacare. In his statement he said “how wonderful it would be were the Catholic Church ever to see its way to extending psychological counselling (welfare) services to all the needy families and children of the whole Diocese!” He wondered whether or not ‘this pastoral dream could be a reality”. From its small and tentative beginning in Rankin Street Bathurst, under the strong and determined leadership of Sr Mary Comer, Centacare took shape to become the official welfare arm of the Church in our Diocese.

Centacare began with a budget of $17,000 and a priceless vision. The financial support came from the Catholic Education Office and the Diocese. The vision was, and still is, grounded in the Gospel: Jesus came into this world so that everyone can have life and have it in fullness. Centacare’s vision is for a society in which there is full recognition of the rights and responsibilities of all, a society that values families and human relationships and promotes the dignity, equality and participation of all its citizens, especially the vulnerable and the disadvantaged.

Centacare had its share of growing pains and its infancy was tough. The demand for the service was huge and as the solo counsellor, Sister Mary had a busy time managing the fledgling organisation and the clinical work. Centacare received its first Federal Government grant in 1991 - for marriage counselling and then for marriage education, allowing more staff to be employed. Since then, Centacare has prepared over 3,000 couples for marriage and offered relationship and counselling to thousands across the Diocese.

Centacare moved to the Chancery building on the corner of Keppel and George streets in 1992, as the growing organisation was running out of space. In 2002, Centacare opened the Dubbo regional office and inn 2006, the head office in Bathurst moved to the refurbished old St. Mary’s School building on William Street.

In 2006 when Sister Mary was elected Congregational Leader of the Perthville Josephites, Ms Vivienne Llewellyn was appointed Director. She retired towards the end of 2008. Both Mary and Vivienne lived the values and principles which emerge from the Gospel and Catholic social teaching and guided a team of committed professionals; who always knew that what they did wasn’t just another job, but that they were part of a mission. Much is owed to these two great leaders. Vivienne passed away on 12th June 2012, a day after she was official conferred the OAM award. It was a befitting acknowledgement of her immense contribution to the community and welfare sector spanning over more than three decades in many roles.

Now, with over ten offices and many outreach services across the Diocese, the ‘pastoral dream’ is more of a reality. In the 2012-13 financial year alone, 2,152 people across our Diocese received counselling and relationship education from Centacare. In addition to this, hundreds of Aboriginal people have been assisted through the Indigenous-specific programme in Bathurst, Orange, Wellington, Gilgandra, and Coonabarabran.

Over the years, the Advisory Board has played a key role in the governance of Centacare. The organisation is indebted to the Board members who so generously give their time and take an active role in guiding Centacare. Past members include Paul Crennan (Chair), Father Paul Devitt, Andrew Crowley, Patrick Cooper, Rhonda Gleeson and Hugh O’Reilly (ex officio member as Diocesan Finance

Administrator). The current members are Paul Favero (Chair), Fathers Mark McGuigan and Joe Dooley, Linda Densmore, Anthony Tonna, Alan Paul, Kath Skinner, Mary McCarthy. Patrick Cooper re-joined the Board recently, following his appointment as DFA.

Centacare’s relationship and collaboration with Catholic Education Office, from its very inception, has grown stronger, particularly over recent years. As two arms of the Diocese, both organisations work closely in the pastoral care of our school communities.

Centacare is also appreciative of the Catholic Development Fund’s generous support over the years.

We are grateful to Bishop Michael for his guidance and support and for the unshakable commitment of our Diocese to the welfare of our families and communities. Centacare also receives the support from the clergy across the Diocese, even though our presence is limited in some of the parishes.

Every year, Centacare receives about $10,000 in donations from parishioners across the Diocese, through the Centacare Sunday collection. This is confirmation of the fact that the mission of Centacare is the mission of the Church and by giving to this mission, we all become part of it. I thank everyone in the Diocese who, directly or indirectly, has been part of the Centacare mission and solicit your prayerful support.

Robert George

Director

Centacare Sunday

15th September 2013


Centacare Sunday


Diocesan YouthMy World Youth Day Experience

I am a Y2 teacher at All Hallows School Gulgong. In 2007 I had the opportunity to travel with the WYD Cross and Icon around the Wilcannia-Forbes Diocese. This was my first taste

of pilgrimage and my pilgrimages in Sydney and Madrid were amazing experiences.Nine days before I flew out with the Bathurst pilgrims, I was asked to take on a leadership position within the group. My focus shifted from being one of the group, to being responsible for the group.We arrived in Chile exhausted, some of us travel sick, but in good spirits thanks to the crisp air and the sight of the Andes dominating the view. We headed into La Pintana to meet our Parish, Santo Tomas Apostol and celebrate Mass. The Chileans sang beautifully and finished with a demonstration of traditional dances. At the end of our first and longest day, we were welcomed with a supper. I had difficulty communicating because I only know a little Spanish, but with gestures and smiling (and the fact that the Parish Priest speaks English) we managed - if not smoothly, then good-humouredly.Over the week we spent in Chile, Santo Tomas became our Parish. Despite being in an area with a reputation for violence, drug abuse and crime, I felt completely safe. We were accompanied everywhere by our ‘bodyguards’ who were young people of the parish either on school holidays or who had taken time off work to be with us and show us around.We visited the city of Santiago including the Cathedral, market and tomb of the second Chilean saint, St. Alberto Hurtado. We attended the Patron Saint of Chile, Our Lady of Mount Carmel’s feast day Mass at Temple Maipu. One day all the Australians visiting Santiago for Mission Week joined us in our Parish for Mass. Afterwards we walked over to the parish chapel, and they fed over 500 people a sit down lunch, which I thought was amazing! The next day it was just us, the Tasmanians and our adopted Parish. We learnt to make empanadas (they even made special gluten free ones for me), we painted a mural of St. Alberto Hurtado in their chapel and taught some of our bodyguards how to play cricket. We finished the day with a quiet reflection on our visit so far and the Tasmanians’ farewell.On Friday morning we taught 15 children Aboriginal dot painting, how to make a dodecahedron, the song “Go Make Disciples” (in English and Spanish) and read books in English. The students knew more English than we knew Spanish and were translating the books into Spanish for us! It was a great experience for us and we think the students enjoyed the lessons, even though it was in their school holidays. They definitely enjoyed the Australian stickers! When we began our pilgrimage we thought we were going to do Mission Work in a parish with a bad reputation. Instead we were the ones who received Mission. They demonstrated to us how to work together as a parish, how to care for and love others, how to include people in parish life and how to value every person. They taught us how dedication and planning help achieve goals, how to take ownership of and really participate in the Mass, how to be involved in Parish planning and most of all how to be a truly welcoming community. How to be Church, how to be the “Body of Christ”.We flew over the snow-capped Andes and arrived in Rio on the following Sunday night. Monday morning we boarded the bus and headed up to see Christ Redeemer. Yes, it was packed with pilgrims, and yes, there were long waits, but the weather was clear and standing underneath Jesus with his outstretched arms really was a “wow” moment! That afternoon we travelled to the

top of Sugarloaf Mountain to see the view of the city, but at the top, all we saw was fog. However, by the time we made it down to the first level again the sun had set and we could see the lights of the city stretched out beneath us. If we hadn’t waited in the long line at the top we would have missed it.The rest of the week in Rio was jammed full of catechesis and official events. There were huge crowds in the streets, on the trains, on the buses, to get food, to have a shower or to go to the toilet. We explored the Cathedral while Father Reynold waited hours in line to get his priest’s pass. We called our mattresses on the floor of Aussie Central ‘home’ and knew the lights would go out at 11:30pm and back on again at 6:00am. I had to sign to say I was responsible for the group’s behaviour at Aussie Central, count out the contents of our pilgrim packs (continuously counting to 11 tried my spirits), attend early morning group leader meetings and to try and keep the group together to attend the Opening Mass and other big events. A few highlights from Rio: - having the honour of reading a prayer of the faithful at the Australian Gathering - watching the moon rise and the next morning watching the sun rise over the Atlantic Ocean on Copacabana Beach - taking a random photo above the crowd and getting the back of Pope Francis’s head - photo bombing the Salt and Light TV broadcast of the Papal Arrival (you can see the Bathurst Youth Flag behind the studio window) -catching up with Father Chris Ryan and listening to Bishop Christopher Prowse “we are the come and see people and the go and tell people” at the Aussie Gathering- sharing a lift with Cardinal PellOn our last day we had hiccups with our retreat accommodation, a blown bus tyre and wandering pilgrims. I was tired and frustrated and not ready to reflect. Then I looked up. Christ the Redeemer who had been hidden by fog for most of the week was standing there with his arms wide open. It made me think “Jesus is waiting for me, I need to allow myself to be open”. It was difficult to do this, I had prepared myself for my pilgrimage, but ended up focused on the whole group. It would take a “wow” comment from another pilgrim, listening to one of the Bishops in catechesis, talking to someone in line or finding some time to myself to remind me why I was there. To open myself up to God’s presence. In the end, our retreat accommodation was amazing and Father Reynold ran a brilliant retreat.The theme of WYD 2013 “go and make disciples of all nations” (Mt 28:19) overwhelmed me at first. There are so many nations, so many people. Throughout the week as I listened to the different bishops and Pope Francis, it became clearer. All we really need to do is make a conscious effort to be a disciple in our own communities. To think about how we act towards others. Do we show in our everyday life that we follow Jesus? Pope Francis summed it up nicely when he told us “to pray, go to the Sacraments and be loving to others”.Thank you to the organising committee in La Pintana, our ‘bodyguards’, Father Chris, the Columbans, Harvest, The Australian Bishops Conference, The Catholic Education Office Bathurst, Lorna Nicholson, Bishop McKenna and the Diocese for all that was done to organise the pilgrimage and to the Bathurst Pilgrims for such a fantastic experience.

Jacinta Thatcher


Diocesan YouthWorld Youth Day






Meet your Assembly Council……

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Following the Diocesan Assembly in May, Bishop McKenna established the Diocesan Assembly Council. The Council will be a vehicle through which we look at

the practicalities of implementing ideas which emerged from the Assembly process. It is hoped that another Assembly will be held in two to three years, and this will be planned from what we learnt from the first gathering.

Bishop McKenna chose the Council members carefully. There are two from each region, with the hope that they will be a point of contact for parishes in their region. There are also leaders of major organisations in the Diocese as ex-officio members.

Neither the Assembly process nor the Council is about ‘quick results’, but rather about co-responsibility. The Council held its inaugural meeting via teleconference in July and a face-to-face meeting is currently being arranged.

Jenny Allen (ex officio)Jenny has been a Cathedral parishioner since December 2011 and Executive Director of Schools since 2012. She is married to Geoff and they have one daughter, Aimee and a grandson, Leon. Raised in Parramatta, Jenny has been in Catholic Education for over 30 years as a secondary teacher and principal, working for a time in each of the Sydney metropolitan Dioceses and most recently in the Wollongong Diocese.

Peta BischofPeta is a member of St. Raphael’s Parish in Cowra. She is married with five almost grown up children, only one still living at home. She works at St. Raphael’s Central School, in the high school, teaching RE and Technological and Applied Studies.

Lucy BryantLucy is 22 years old and a lifetime Mud-gee resident. Lucy is currently traveling in NSW, working as a Speech Pathologist. She has been involved in Bathurst Dio-cese youth ministry for many years.

Rebecca DevittBec is currently studying Medicine at the University of Wollongong and living in Nowra during term time, working part-time as a Pharmacist. She lives in Orange during the holidays and when she finishes uni, Bec is keen to head back to the Central West to work as a doctor.

Tony Eviston (ex officio)Tony is a familiar face around the Diocese, having worked for the CDF since 1989. Tony lives in Bathurst with his wife Chris and adult sons Nicholas and Timothy. He is currently the Vice-Chancellor of the Diocese and over-sees the operations of the Chancery/CDF Administration Offices in Bathurst.

Robert George (ex officio)Robert started work with Centacare Bathurst in 2000 after moving from India. He has been Centacare’s Director since 2008. Robert lives in Bathurst with his wife Elizabeth and two sons, Reuben (16) and Jacob (10).

Geoff MannGeoff and wife Bridget live in the small village of Wongarbon, east of Dubbo and have three adult children. He is recently retired after nearly 30 years as Community Development Officer in Employment, Education, Training and Indigenous Affairs. Geoff is currently employed as a radio and newspaper sports journalist. In the late 70s/early 80s, he worked on the Diocesan Youth Ministry team.

Peter ManningPeter Manning was born in Coolah and has lived there all his life, receiving all his education at Sacred Heart School, Coolah. He is married to Judy and they have two sons and five grandchildren. After working briefly for Australia Post, he was employed by the former Coolah Shire Council in the Engineering Department for 47 years, the

CATHOLIC OBSERVER, DIOCESE OF BATHURST • SEPTEMBER 2013 - PAGE 19Observer September Ad.indd 1 8/2/2013 11:16:35 AM

last ten years as Manager of Engineering Services. He now divides his time between running the family farm, working in the local Parish, the St. Vincent de Paul Society and other community organisations and coaching local athletes.

Marianne MatthewsMarianne lives in Mudgee, moving there from Moorebank in 2010. She decided to retire to Mudgee after starting her career as an art teacher and ending it as a high school prin-cipal. Needless to say, she enjoys retirement very much and she is looking forward to the intellectual challenge of sitting on the Dioc-esan Assembly Council.

David NelsonDavid is married to Denise and they have three children: Kieran (12), Brendan (18) and Grace (16). David has worked for Bathurst Regional Council as a building surveyor for 23 years and previously lived in Boggabri NSW. David is Chair of the Diocese of Bathurst’s Liturgy Commission and he has a Masters Degree in Theology (Liturgical Studies).

Lorna NicholsonLorna lives in Portland with her husband Tommy and they have two adult children, Nereash and Zak. Lorna is actively involved in her parish and over many years has had a strong involvement in the youth ministry of the Diocese. She is currently employed at the Chancery Office in Bathurst as Ministries Co-ordinator for the Diocese.

Charlie O’MahonyCharlie is a retired English/History teacher, living with his wife Christine on their property outside Wallerawang. They have two daughters. Charlie has involved himself in the local community as President of St. Vincent’s Parish Council and as a member of the Portland, Lithgow and Wallerawang Social Justice Group. He enjoys painting and capturing the surrounding landscape.

Mark WilliamsMark is 21 years old and while completing his studies at uni, works as a tour guide at the Wellington Caves. Mark has a great interest in social justice and would love to work in that field. He has a love of life and people, and looks forward to making a difference in his Diocese.

Nea WorrellNea was born and raised in Baradine and has been married to Gordon for 43 years. They are primary producers and have six children and 10 grandchildren. She has been an organist at St. John’s for 40 years, is involved with the rosary makers and has served on the Diocesan Liturgy Committee. Nea is also involved in numerous other church and community groups and received the NSW Premier’s Community Service Award in 2010.


CATHOLIC EDUCATION OFFICE BATHURST

Sacred Heart Primary School Coolah

Church Street, Coolah

Kindergarten to Year 6

Ph: (02) 6377 1132Fx: (02) 6377 1458

The introduction from the 2014 Australian curriculum which our teachers are busily preparing for

provides us with the opportunity to consider our ever-present challenge to design and deliver a Christ-centred curriculum. As Catholic educators, we seek to infuse a Catholic worldview across all of the various subjects which students study in our schools, from kindergarten through to Y12.To support this work of our schools, the Catholic Education Office has prepared a short paper entitled, Designing a Christ-centred Australian Curriculum. It reminds us of our challenge to enable students, through their engagement with a Christ-centred curriculum, to understand that they are called to be more than creatures of their culture; for their baptismal call is to be its creators and re-creators as well. Our students are to be empowered in their great potential and prepared to be makers of history towards God’s reign. Education for social transformation is a critical dimension of curriculum in our Catholic schools. In the absence of such an approach, our students may simply drift through a vacuous collection of subjects without any unifying, holistic and overarching Christian vision of life. A suggested resource for schools to support this aspect of their work is Kevin Treston’s book What Matters Most (2010). In it he poses a series of reflective questions for teachers as they design their teaching programs. As the first educators of their children, parents will

also find these questions useful, as they too strive to model the education of their children on Jesus, the teacher:Ø How does the curriculum provide

students with appropriate knowledge and a values-based understanding of the social, political and economic structures which exist in society and possible alternatives to these structures? How are students encouraged to develop critical thinking to evaluate these structures in light of the gospel?

Ø How does the curriculum offer opportunities to become more

knowledgeable about issues affecting our relationships with stewardship of the world and relationships with others? Such issues include themes such as earth care, poverty and distribution of wealth, global warming, land rights and reconciliation.

Ø How does the curriculum provide diverse opportunities for students to develop intellectually, spiritually, emotionally and physically through an evolving commitment to the teachings and mission of Jesus in promoting ‘life in abundance’ (John 10:10)?

Ø How does the curriculum lead students to take their place effectively in the workforce through competencies and attitudes related to flexibility, resilience and positive citizenship in the 21st century?

Ø How does the curriculum provide students with foundational beliefs about the dignity of people, celebrating differences in a globalised world and empower them to effectively promote the common good and justice?

Finally, in focusing our efforts on designing and delivering a Christ-centred curriculum, we will be striving to “see with the eyes of Jesus, nurture the Catholic life of our schools and promote just and right relationships with God, self, others and the environment” (Diocesan Leadership Framework (2013)).

Jenny Allen

Designing a Christ-centred curriculum

“I am the way, the truth and the life.”John 14:6

designing a christ-centredaustralian curriculum

“The glory of God is man fully alive, and the life of man is the vision of God. If the revelation of God through creation already brings life to all living beings on the earth, how much more will the manifestation of the Father by the Word bring life to those

who see God”. St. Irenaeus



Holy Family Primary School Kelso

Catholic Education Quality Education

(02) 6331 3279

www.holyfamilykelso.catholic.edu.au

The Religious Education Co-ordinators of the Diocese met for professional development, to examine how

religious education is being practiced in other parts of the world and in other dioceses around Australia. Professor Richard Rymarz presented information, from international and national research, of trends and effective teaching methods in Religious Education.

Our Diocese is using and refining a new, draft curriculum ‘To Know, Worship and Love’. Based upon Sydney’s Religious Education program, our’s has been developed, expanded and enriched through input from our own teachers and RE Co-ordinators. Measured against the research, it is ‘at the top of the class’ for approach, content and methods.

A display of educational resources, which was supplied by Pauline Books and Media for participants to peruse in a hands-on way, was pored over during the session breaks.

Mary Liesch

Top: Lorraine Short (Education Officer CEO), Trish Crawley (RE Co-ordinator St. Brigid’s Coonamble) and Father Paul Devitt at the REC Assembly with Robert Exner (RE Coordinator St. John’s College Dubbo) at back perusing some DVDs

Middle: Lorraine Short (CEO) and Chris Eviston (RE Co-ordinator Cathedral School Bathurst)

Bottom: Sue Kearns (Principal St. Joseph’s Portland) with Therese Jones (RE Co-ordinator St. Pius X School Dubbo) and Therese Hooper (RE Co-ordinator Assumption School Bathurst).

REC’s Assembly

St. Joseph’s School, PortlandA School with a Tradition and a Future.



The Diocesan School Secretaries recently held another successful conference, thanks to Jo Chirgwin and her team from the CEO, this time in the central location

of Bathurst. It has been 12 months since the inaugural meeting, where we finally got to meet each other - from Baradine to Eugowra to Lithgow and all towns in between. Previously, the School Secretary was a somewhat isolated position, with support and kinship a long way away. Now, thanks to upgraded technology, compatible financial and administration programs (SAS) and a regular get-together such as the Conference, the role of the School Secretary is much more supported and productive. Secretaries are described as the backbone and the welcoming front face of the School, however being mere mortals there are times when it is comforting to have help from fellow secretaries - or the CEO a phone call away - and reassurance that they are doing the best they can.

The Secretaries were all happy to welcome Jenny Stocks, who is coming on board from Payroll to help manage SAS and issues that arise within the offices. Continual upgrading of Government regulations means that Schools have to be highly accurate in financial and physical recording and processing. Ever changing technology means Secretaries are constantly kept on our toes and learning new skills. (Who says you can’t teach an ‘old’ Secretary new tricks!)

The Conference consisted of updated requirements from the Catholic Development Fund, with instruction by Tony Eviston and Sandra Robinson, followed by question time. Human Edge (SAS) consultant Patrick Nickholds kept those present up to date with changes within the programs and implementations required within the Schools. Both lectures were informative and entertaining and many of the Secretaries enthused to start the new processes within their schools as soon as possible.

Complimenting the serious business was a wonderful presentation by Sister Ann Morrison from Molong. Sister spoke about our complex and varied roles with a humorous approach and a gentle reminder of who Jesus is to us and what we are to Jesus in our role of working in, and promoting, the Catholic education system.

Dinner on the Tuesday evening was very enjoyable with

a delicious meal at Rydges, Mt Panorama. It was an opportunity to meet the CEO staff the Secretaries talk with frequently on the phone, for the first time. As the evening wore on, the laughter and talk became louder and funnier. A good release for everyone! I apologise for the lack of photos due to a memory card malfunction, but in our memories are many images of a happy evening with good company and kindred spirits.

The general consensus of these Conferences is that whilst the information presented is vital to our continuing role, the best part is the networking; the companionship and swapping ideas and information to aid us in our roles. As one Secretary said to me as we were leaving to go back to the ‘real world’ after a lovely two day escape.... “I love that I learn so much from talking to each other and that we have all made so many new friends”.

So, with Jesus as our friend, our saviour and our guide, and each other as friend and confidant, may we continue to fulfil our roles in the office; attending to the needs of small children, our Principals and staff, families and the wider community. Thank you again to the CEO and the organisers. The Secretaries look forward to continued friendships and being the happy, informed, front face of each school in the Diocese.

Jo Chirgwin

School Secretaries’ Conference

The Only Small School in the Eastern Area of the Bathurst Dioceseoffering unique opportunities, student centred learning and individualised programs.All staff at St Joseph’s School are highly dedicated and experienced working together

in a collaborative and safe environment focusing on the success of our students.

Ph: (02) 6355 5111 Web: www.stjosephs.nsw.edu.auPrincipal: Mrs Sue Kearns

With much current focus on quality teaching, it seemed appropriate to acknowledge two of ‘our own’ at the recent Principals’ Meeting in Dubbo.

Jessica Unsworth was the proud recipient of the Jocelyn Farr Memorial Award for Aspiring Young Teacher Leaders. Jessica is going to use this opportunity to visit schools outside our Diocese to learn more about building professional learning communities and how to further develop this in her own school community.

Leanne Clarke was acknowledged for her commitment to quality teaching and learning as one of the first teachers in NSW to achieve Lead Teacher status. She has been recognised as a teacher who has demonstrated consistent and innovative teaching practice over time and has initiated and led activities that focus on improving educational opportunities for students inside and outside her school community. Congratulations ladies! Lucky us and lucky students in your respective school communities!

Janine Kearney

Matthew French (Principal St. Joseph’s Manildra), Jessica Unsworth (St. Matthew’s Mudgee), Jenny Allen

(Executive Director of Schools) and Leanne Clarke (St. Mary’s Wellington)



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

The staff and students of All Hallows in Gulgong presented the ‘Macca’s Magical Musical Tour’ this term. The captive audience made up of parents, relatives, friends, the Sisters

of St. Joseph and CEO personnel, appreciated the ambience of the Gulgong Opera House - a most fitting venue for this truly theatrical treat. Our musical journey took us through such classics as The Lion King, Mary Poppins, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Oliver and Grease.

Congratulations to the All Hallows staff and students for all their hard work learning songs, designing sets and props and creating costumes. Resounding applause and ‘No Gongs!’ was the response from all in attendance.

Janine Kearney

‘No gongs’ here!

“I Just Can’t Wait To Be King!’

‘Quality’ Teacher-Leaders!



231-233 George St Bathurst 2795Phone 6331 1078 Fax 6337 6552Easy Parking - near the cinema

School uniform for all Bathurst Schools including Stannies & MKC• All crests locally embroidered

• Large range of trackpants

• Flexibanded trousers for Stannies Jnr, Scots and All Saints

• Diocesan pink dresses

• $7.00 hems on uniform bought at Marietta’s

• Layby welcome

• Home of Combined Catholic Uniform Pool - Stannies and MacKillop

• Alteration and repair service

Information Service, Resource Centre, Library, Resource Link….whatever the service is called, those who work in these special libraries are called to serve.

So Adelaide was the place to be in early July for all those interested in information, resource and reference services, whether in print or online. The Australia and New Zealand Theological Library Association [ANZTLA] held its annual conference at Immanuel College there. The National Catholic Resource Centres’ Network [NCRCN] scheduled its annual gathering immediately prior, to dovetail with ANZTLA.

Susan Melhuish and her colleagues of the Catholic Resource and Information Service hosted the NCRCN group, providing a range of experiences, visits and information sharing

opportunities, with fulsome support from Dr Paul Sharkey, Director of Catholic Education, South Australia. Archbishop Philip Wilson welcomed NCRCN members to Adelaide personally.

I represented the Catholic Resource Centre, Bathurst at both events. The topics covered at the ANZTLA event ranged from the keynote address by Dr Ghil’ad Zuckermann to electronic books, and from researching Australian religious history to practical matters of connecting and better serving the information needs of those who use these libraries.

For those interested in a detailed view of the programme, a PDF file should still be accessible at http://www.anztla.org/Conference13/Conference_Program_2013.pdf

Mary Liesch

Are you being served?

Mary (left) with Archbishop Wilson and other participants



Generational inspiration!We began our new school term with a gathering of

about 140 teachers for a day of Contemporary Learning. Our aesthetically pleasing venue - despite

the heavy rain - was the Savannah Room at the Dubbo Zoo.As is with most of our professional learning days, the informal conversations and ‘catch-ups’ were as valuable as the ‘formal’ focus. At this particular event, the ‘sacred’ lunch break proved to be an occasion highlighting the importance of students connecting with teachers and having positive role models on their educational journeys. Robyn Harvey, Acting Assistant Principal at St. Laurence’s in Dubbo, found herself in the company of inspiring greatness - Sister Margaret Flood - Principal of St. Michael’s Dunedoo (her Kinder teacher), Mon Foran - teacher extraordinaire at St. Michael’s (her Y2 teacher) and Tony Musgrave - Principal of St. Joey’s in Gilgandra (her Y5 teacher). One of our many stories that cross and connect generations! What a truly rich Catholic educational heritage we have in the Diocese of Bathurst.

Janine Kearney

A jewel in our crown!“We see Jesus’ leadership in his teaching ministry that

consisted not of a collection of laws to be obeyed, but rather in a way of life to be imitated”. (Leonard Doohan, 2007)

…and our recent Diocesan School Review at St. Columba’s in Yeoval is certainly a way of ‘school life’ to be imitated. A warm welcome from staff and students preceded two very enjoyable and productive days. It was an opportunity for this community to showcase its commitment to the provision of quality Catholic education for their wonderful students. We were extremely impressed with the students’ enthusiasm and genuine pride in their School, the amazing facilities, the ‘spacious’ playground and the dedication of the teaching staff and their Principal Glen Brown. The St. Columba’s Kinder students - with their vast experience of Primary school education - were certainly very vocal in their support for their BIG school…led most ably by Master Simon Brown!

Janine Kearney

Mon Foran, Robyn Harvey, Sister Margaret Flood, Tony Musgrave and Di Nugent

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The St. Columba’s Clan


Recently, St. Joseph’s School in Portland had a ‘book of the week’ parade. The children had a great day, with lots of family and community members coming along to join in the book parade and book fair. The children also enjoyed a sausage sizzle lunch and afternoon sports activities to finish off Literacy and Numeracy Week.

The St. Joseph’s Catholic School community recently celebrated Literacy and

Numeracy Week. This year the theme was ‘A poem in my pocket’. Each day all K-Y10 students were busy writing poems and placing them in their pockets, ready to read on the sound of the old bell. Teachers took turns at sharing a poem every recess and lunch.

On the Wednesday, there was a whole school reading of the classic children’s book ‘Herman and Rosie’, a story of friendship and dreams, which was superbly led by the Principal, Mr Tony Logue.

Following on from the story, the children listened to jazz and had a free hotdog, just like Herman and Rosie did in the story.

Finally, the School undertook a ‘rubbish analysis project’ and analysed and graphed a lot of the rubbish that they had collected in their bins - an interesting project indeed!

St. Joseph’s School - Portland

St. Joseph’s School - Oberon

Levi Irwin Kindergarten Mr McGee

Savannah Green Kindergarten Tinkerbell

Riley Gillespie Y6 Gru (from Despicable Me)

Winston Neville Y5 The Green Sheep


Cathedral Restoration AppealLooking for Christmas Presents?

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As a Catholic school, we strive to help improve the world around us by sharing not only our money, but also our humanity and compassion. The James Sheahan motto of

Courage, Compassion and Hope is never more alive than when the students are actively engaging in charitable work. Throughout the year they have the compassion to see the inequalities in our world and the courage to take action to change this. They provide hope for those in need in our local community, and on a national and international level. Our random acts of kindness include the Christmas and Easter Gift Appeals. Last Christmas, Sheahan students put aside their own excitement to consider those in Orange who are less fortunate and co-ordinated the donation of gifts to local families. The response from the students and community was overwhelming and indicative of the compassionate and considerate community we are blessed to be a part of. The commitment to social justice has again been upheld in 2013, with senior students giving their time for community service, $2,000 going to members of the Coonabarabran Parish who were affected by bushfires and over $4,000 raised for Caritas, the Catholic international aid agency, which will help so many

disadvantaged people in Australia and in many developing countries.

Mark Pauschman

St. Joseph’s held a Grandparents’ Day recently at the Blayney Community Centre. This celebration had special significance for the School community, as it coincided

with the feast day of St. Joachim and St. Anne, who were the grandparents of Jesus.

All grandparents, senior citizens and their carers were invited to attend this special celebration, including residents of the Lee Hostel and Urallba nursing home. During the day, grandparents were recognised as being a valuable and vital resource in the Blayney community. They continue to provide children with stability and a sense of generational continuity. Many grandparents are also significant carers in the lives of their grandchildren and a number of them are the primary carers.

Morning tea started proceedings, as the crowd began to swell to approximately 200 people. The morning tea was a result of the

Junior Master Chef competition, organised by the Parents and Friends the day before Grandparents’ Day. Consequently the students and their families cooked all the morning tea. The students provided the entertainment for the day. Students from Kindergarten to Y6 presented items in their stage groups, with Blayney High School students assisting the St. Joseph’s Parents and Friends with the hospitality.A luncheon of delicious homemade soups was provided for the very appreciative crowd and Blayney hospitality students ensured all tea and coffee cups remained full.St. Joseph’s was happy to host ‘Grandparents’ Day’ with the assistance of the wider community. It was a simple and powerful way to affirm and encourage family life and the transmission of faith through the generations.

Gerard Davies

James Sheahan Catholic High School - Orange

James Sheahan SRC organising a Valentine’s Day fundraiser

St. Joseph’s School - BlayneyFour generations of women who attended St. Joseph’s Grandparents’ Day Celebrations - great grandmother Barbara Ryan (who attended St. Joseph’s in 1934), grandmother Anne Wallace (1959), Natalie Wallace (1985) and Maddie Henry (2007)


Recently, a group of 18 La Salle students and teachers with musical

talents travelled to Rotorua New Zealand for a music festival. Students from schools all over New Zealand and Australia attended. It was competitive, but our students achieved a very good result, which helped promote our home town of Lithgow.

They achieved two silver and one bronze for Bell Ringing and Guitar Playing. A great effort and one of which we, as a community, should all be proud.

Anthony Craig

Holy Family School Principal, Kevin Arrow, recently received a

prestigious National Award - an “ASG NEiTA Award for Inspirational Educators 2013”.

Nominations are put forward by members of the community in appreciation of dedicated service to student education. The purpose of these national awards is to identify and rec-ognise inspirational teaching and leadership throughout Australia and New Zealand and to raise community confi-dence in the teaching profes-sion through the promotion of exemplary representatives.

Kevin has been teaching in the Bathurst Diocese since 1981 and has seen many changes in primary education over the years. He was unaware of the honour until Sharon Sewell and Vanessa Massman, from the School’s P & F, presented it to him at a recent School assembly. Kevin thanked the P&F who had nominated him for the Award saying, “Let us all move forward together, as we continue the collective great work at Holy Family School”.

La Salle Academy - Lithgow

Yvette Cosier, Brianna De Mal, Celi Mackinnon, Danielle McNamara, Amy Thompson, Victoria Brown, Keighran Brown, Adrian Ma, Amelia Ticehurst and Kerrie Brown

National Honour for Principal

Vanessa, Sharon and Kevin

Kevin with Holy Family School students


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RIGHT:Charlie Condon, Patrick Bonnington,

Blaike Gilholme and Jake Lowick displaying the cars they donated for

use in the playground

St. Mary’s Primary School - Dubbo

Miss Susan Byrnes, Matilda Knaggs, Claudia Morrison and Bella Wilson preparing the Garden Club display at the Dubbo Show

Y2 Pirate Day


The week of 19th to 25th August 2013 was celebrated worldwide as Migrant and Refugee Week. This year’s theme was: Migrations: Pilgrimage of Faith and Hope.

Bishop Gerard Hanna, the Australian Catholic Bishops’ delegate for Migrants and Refugees, said “To reflect on migration as a pilgrimage is to come to the realisation that migrants and refugees move away from home with faith and hope, for “faith and hope are inseparable in the hearts of migrants” and refugees”. As Catholics in Australia, we are called to reflect on ways we become instruments of faith and hope for migrants and refugees.

What answer do we get when we ask ourselves…“What can I do? How am I responsible for this migrant or person seeking asylum?

The Catholic Church proclaims Gospel values which promote pastoral care. It is the duty of the Catholic community to shift the level of the discussion on migrants and refugees away from debate about perceived economic liabilities and national security to points which focus on the ethical dimension. The Church seeks to focus on the good of the person and one’s inalienable rights. The respect due to migrants and refugees carries a heavy responsibility to walk alongside migrants and refugees providing effective means of hope and faith.

“In the climate of our times it is necessary to renew our familiarity with the teaching of the Church on matters of migration, and

confront the challenge of providing pastoral care to migrants and refugees as a concrete way to implement the relevant teaching” said Bishop Hanna.

More information is available at the Australian Catholic Migrant and Refugee Office website - http://www.acmro.catholic.org.au

Recently, four brave Y12 Textile students displayed their Major

HSC Projects in front of a crowd of enthusiastic family and friends. Each student explained the concept/theme behind their design and the various creative techniques they incorporated. Students had been working on their individual projects since Term Four of 2012 and it took a great deal of time, dedication, skill and stress to complete them. To their credit, all the major works looked beautiful on the night and all students should be extremely proud of their efforts.

Thanks needs to go to Mr Barnes and the Y12 Entertainment students who assisted on the night, providing the sound, lighting, seating, etc. You made the night run smoothly and certainly gave it a polished and professional finish. I also need to thank Y12

Hospitality. The way in which they conducted themselves to assist with the catering for the night was exceptional. Congratulations on your professionalism.

Four awards were given on the night to Lesley Downey, Monique Daymond, Anna-belle McFetridge and Jac-qui Waddell. The next stage is to have the projects sent

to Sydney for marking. We wish them all the best and congratulate them on a successful and entertaining evening.

Mrs Ce O’Donnell

Migrant and Refugee Week 2013

St. John’s High School - Dubbo


National Vocations Awareness Week (NVAW) was celebrated across Australia last month. This special week annually provides an opportunity for all Australian

dioceses, parishes, schools, religious communities, youth and campus ministers, and other Catholic organisations, to focus at the same time on the ‘call to holiness’ (i.e. the Christian Vocation) that arises from our Baptism, and which is lived out in specific states of life: marriage and family, diaconate and priesthood, religious life and the committed living of single life.

Through baptism, we have all being given a vocation from God. We are all called to holiness. The focus for the first day of NVAW was vocations to marriage, family life and committed single life. We continue to pray that our young people will be committed to working for the coming of the Kingdom and we pray that spouses and parents will be confirmed in their vocation.

In every age, God calls some men and women to specially commit their life to the service of Christ and his Church. On the last day of NVAW, we celebrated vocations to the priesthood, permanent diaconate and religious life. We continue to pray that the culture of our parish, school and family homes will encourage and support our young people in discerning the unique call God has for them.

Please also keep in your prayer the young men presently studying and discerning a vocation to the priesthood in our Diocese and those men and their families undergoing a period of discernment and learning for the permanent diaconate.

Information on vocations is always available at the Bathurst Vocations website - http://www.bathurstvocations.org.au/ or by phoning the Vocations Director, Father Patrick O’Regan (6331 3066) or the Assistant Vocations Director, Father Greg Bellamy (6882 4233).

Vocation, Vocation, Vocation“Jesus teaches us another way: Go out. Go out and share your testimony, go out and interact with your brothers, go out and share, go out and ask. Become the Word in body as well as spirit”.

Pope Francis


The Benedictine SistersThere is one thing I ask of the Lord for this I long, to live in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to savour the

sweetness of the Lord, to behold His temple. Psalm 26

These few verses from the psalms capture and express so beautifully the spirit of our life as an enclosed community of Benedictine nuns. Many say when they

hear about our community, they experience a sense a mystery which leads them to wonder - who are these people and what do they do all day?

Our vocation is a call to a life of prayer at the heart of the Church….at the heart of the whole world. Naturally, prayer is an integral part of every vocation but for us, prayer is the whole meaning of our lives. We are called to live prayer. We become Benedictine nuns in order to give our lives to seeking God, “that in all things God may be glorified” (Rule of St Benedict).

To understand or believe in our life requires a profound belief in God and prayer. Once you understand that our call is to prayer - prayer of faith, praise, love, repentance

and petition - then you will understand why we live the way we do. You will understand why there is much silence in our abbey - because it helps prayer; why we rise very early in the morning at 4.00am - because we are called to praise and prayer and this is an excellent time for it; why we live a life of gentle enclosure - because it enables us to be totally present to prayer throughout every day. Our whole life is centered on prayer. By prayer, we do not mean just praying prayers but rather endeavouring to live every moment totally attentive to God. Our prayer is for and on behalf of the whole people of God - all of you who are reading this article, all people throughout the whole world.

As you are reading these few words, somewhere here in Australia or in the world, a young person is sitting in a gutter feeling utterly alone and afraid, another has just discovered something wonderful that will change lives forever, others are caught in the midst of a raging war, a couple has just declared their love for another, a frightened soul is lying awake in the dark, a refugee is caught in despair, a new baby has just entered the world. All of these and more - flesh and blood people - have one thing in common…unseen, a Benedictine nun walks with them and prays for them.

Within this whole life of prayer, of course, there are practical issues so we earn our own living very simply by craft work: making and decorating candles and designing cards. We also sell a large variety of books and religious goods. We do all our work quietly so that we create an atmosphere of prayer and peace throughout the Abbey.

In short, we are very ordinary, normal women and we often fail in our ideals but we keep trying and we rely on God’s goodness and forgiveness. As well as prayer and work, we also have times each day when we gather as a community to enjoy one another’s company or simply sit over a cuppa with a friend. There is also space for rest, times to enjoy our magnificent surroundings and to walk in the rainforest.

We thank God for leading us to this deeply beautiful property on Jamberoo Mountain, which speaks constantly of the wonder and glory of God. We are eager to share this beautiful gift with all who come here truly seeking God. We have built retreat cottages on the property, open to all who would like to spend a few days in quiet and prayer. We offer a place to pray and rest with God. Some of our sisters are qualified to give spiritual guidance to anyone who may desire this, or we are just simply here to listen, support, guide or serve in any way we can. You are always most welcome to come to our cottages to share the peace of our life of prayer or even to pop in to join us in prayer.

If you are seeking to do something “wild and precious” with your life and have a good measure of “courage to walk in the presence of the Lord” through a life of continuous prayer, please do not hesitate to contact us: Benedictine Abbey, 695 Mountain Road, Jamberoo, NSW. 2533; Phone: (02) 4236 0628; email: [email protected]; website: www.jamberooabbey.org.au.


GO onlineOR phone NOW

FOR YOUR

obligation free INFORMATION

Go tochristthepriest.com/vocation

or phone

Fr Thomas Casanova CCS0408 492 632

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

“We should not simply remain in our own secure world, that of the ninety-nine sheep WHO NEVER STRAYED FROM THE FOLD, but we should go out, with Christ, in search of the one lost sheep, HOWEVER FAR IT MAY HAVE WANDERED.” Pope Francis, Holy Week 2013

Pope

THE CONFRATERNITYOF CHRIST THE PRIEST

missionaries to the Churchlessmissionaries to the Churchlessmissionaries to the Churchless

In the footsteps of Christ the Priest

Every religious congregation and society takes on its own particular way of walking in the footsteps of

Jesus. The Church then gets to see many of Jesus’ amazing attributes; by looking at each of these groups, and those whom Jesus calls to live in them, people can see which attribute ‘rings a bell’ in their own heart.

The Confraternity of Christ the Priest walks in the footsteps of our compassionate high priest, Jesus, who offered his life, all of it, for the glory of God and the salvation of the human race.

The Feast of Christ the Priest 25 years in Australia

What year was the first official Feast of Christ the Priest celebrated in an English

speaking country? 1988, in Australia, after the Confraternity of Christ the Priest was given permission by the Sacred Congregation for the Sacraments and Divine Worship.

As far as we know, in no other English speaking country has the Feast of Christ the Priest been celebrated officially. But it has in Australia for 25 years, and there is reason to believe that this Feast of Jesus, celebrated on the Thursday after Pentecost, may spread beyond Australia and numerous Spanish speaking countries, even to become a world-wide feast.

Pope Pius XI wrote a Votive Mass in honour of Christ the Priest, which is included in parish missals, Venerable Pius XII wrote about Christ the Priest in one of his encyclicals, the Second Vatican Council explained in Lumen Gentium that we all share in the Priesthood of Christ by baptism and ordination, Blessed John Paul II frequently prayed the Litany of Jesus the Eternal High Priest. Now the head of the Vatican Congregation for Divine Worship is from Spain and a keen promoter of this feast. Along with its distinctive missionary work in Australia, the Confraternity of Christ the Priest is working to promote the devotion and Feast of Christ the Priest around the world.

Confraternity of Christ the Priest

Father Casanova CCS sharing the devotion to Christ the Priest with Cardinal Oswald Gracias of Mumbai


Encountering Christ. 18-20 October, 2013 at The Hermitage, Mittagong. A retreat for single, Catholic women 18-35.For more information: [email protected] • www.nashvilledominican.org

‘Praying for good vocations’

The Bathurst Diocese has a number of men studying at the Good Shepherd Seminary. Our young people are enthusiastic about the future of the Church and Australia

is experiencing an increase in vocations. Pilgrims at World Youth Day held in Sydney responded to the theme: “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you will be my witnesses” and pilgrims recently returned from Brazil were invited to: “Go and make disciples of all peoples”.Bishop McKenna sought to form a group to support vocations in the Diocese and the Good Shepherd Vocations network commenced as a result of that invitation. We are very enthusiastic about praying for good vocations and model our group on this foundation. We assist seminarians in practical ways as well as hosting social outings. These events have been very enjoyable and allow our members to get to know the students more personally. Members of the Young Adults group have joined us for social events with the seminarians.Our membership is diverse and includes parents with young children, grandparents, singles and Religious. Our chaplain, Monsignor John Frawley, continues to support us in his retirement. We have the opportunity to help others, while growing in faith and commitment to living our personal vocations. Prayer for vocations is the focus of our group. Each Friday, we gather at 5.30pm in the Cathedral to pray Evening Prayer (Vespers). Parishioners are encouraged to join us for this beautiful prayer before Mass. Booklets are provided.Good Shepherd Vocations Network is an opportunity to make

Bathurst’s Good Shepherd Vocations Group

a difference to your own lives, your families and to support vocations. Membership is commitment to daily prayer. There is only as much involvement as you are comfortable with and the rewards can be more than you expect.The Bathurst group meets on the first Monday of the month after Mass in the Cathedral.

GSVG - Bathurst


faith education, discernment, meditation, counselling and Retreats.The Sisters of St Joseph profess public vows and religious life according to the Constitutions of the Congregation. With the support of the Josephite community, they express their vows in a life of loving

consecration to God encountered in prayer, in community, in mission and in the whole of creation. The Perthville Josephites are pleased with their decision to move to fusion/merger with the Sisters of St Joseph of the Sa-cred Heart (Brown Josephites). Four Federation Josephite Congregations (Black Jose-phites) are participating in this movement of unity among Josephites founded by Mary MacKillop and Julian Woods. The Perth-ville sisters will continue

to maintain their ministry among, and their loyalty and allegiance to, the people of the Bathurst Diocese whose friendship and relationships are so important to them. Within the wider Josephite network, there are avail-able to women and men who are not vowed religious, other pathways to living the Josephite Charism and Mission.

For more information: Sisters of St Josephwww.perthvillesisters.catholic.org.au www.sosj.org.au

The Sisters of St Joseph, founded in Australia in 1866 by Mary MacKil-

lop and Fr Julian Tenison Woods seek to “Do all the good you can, and never see a need or injustice (evil) without trying to remedy it” (Fr Julian Woods Book of Instructions 1870). Today Josephite Sisters and com-panions in ministry are inspired by Mary MacKillop’s wisdom of “wherever you are, there you will find God” (1871). They live in the local commu-nity advocating for those who are struggling – rural communities, immigrants, indigenous people and those physically and men-tally challenged. They support the education and spirituality of the young, and accompany leaders, carers and parents through providing spiritual nurture,

Sisters of St Joseph Are you seeking to nurture your passion for God and God’s world?

Believe the whisperings of God to your heart.

Mary MacKillop 1868

Come discover the many ways towalk in the spirit of Mary MacKillop

and Julian Tenison-Woods


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 $)



Servicing the people of Orange and District Community

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1 Cameron Place, Orange NSW 2800 Phone: 02 6360 1199 Fax: 02 6360 2999

www.orangefuneral.com.au

Lazarus at Our Gate:

A critical moment in the fight against world poverty

The Australian Catholic Bishops’ Social Justice Statement for 2013-2014 calls on the Christian community and all Australians to stand in solidarity with our neighbours around the world who are living in conditions of extreme poverty.

The title of the Statement comes from the Gospel reading for Social Justice Sunday this year - Jesus’ parable about the poor man, Lazarus, who lies unnoticed at the gate of the rich man (Luke 16:19–31).

In 2000, the world leaders of 189 nations, including Australia, gathered together and committed themselves to tackling global poverty. Their Declaration gave rise to eight Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) to be achieved by 2015. While great progress has been made over the past decade, many of these goals will not be fulfilled: Around the world, a quarter of a million women still die in childbirth each year and eight million children die annually from malnutrition and preventable diseases. One billion people remain in extreme poverty and 20% of the poorest in the world live in countries near Australia.

‘In our region, Australia is the rich man and Lazarus is at our gate’

Five groups in particular need our support. They are: people who face severe hunger; people who are victims of disaster; Indigenous peoples; people with disability; and refugees and displaced people. The circumstances they face remind us of our obligation to help the world’s poorest and to work to combat poverty wherever it is found.

It is time to renew our commitment to address world poverty - a commitment inspired by the mission of Jesus in his Incarnation and in his gift of the Eucharist. Pope Francis has reminded us of our vocation: ‘Fighting poverty, both material and spiritual, building peace and constructing bridges’.

What will we do, as individuals and as a nation, to help the most needy who sit at our gate?

The complete Social Justice Statement is available at the Australian Cahtolic Social Justice Council website - http://www.socialjustice.catholic.org.au

Australian Catholic Bishops Conference

S o c i a l J u s t i c e S t a t e m e n t 2 0 1 3 – 1 4

Lazarusat Our GateA Critical Moment in the Fight Against World Poverty

Australian Catholic Bishops ConferenceSocial Justice Sunday 29th September 2013

Documents

Catholic Observer Magazine September 2013 Issue