Communique – March 2013 - The Parish of Our Lady of Good

COMMUNIQUÉ
The Magazine of the Parish of
Our Lady of Good Counsel, Deepdene and All Hallows, Balwyn
Issue No. 116
March 2013
Parish Celebrations
Michael Pastore with Vanessa, Father Brendan,
Violet Pastore with newly baptised Michael
Father Brendan, Oscar, Michael and Belinda Loccisano
Easter
Services
Holy Thursday 28 March
7.00 pm: Mass of the Lord’s
Supper at All Hallows
Good Friday 29 March
11.00 am: Stations of the
Cross at OLGC
Julia Chiera, David DeStefanis, Tony Taouk, Joe Moran, Anna Chiera,
Stefanie Moran and Father Brendan at the Baptism of Peter Moran
3.00 pm: Celebration of the
Lord’s Passion at OLGC
Easter Vigil 30 March
7.30 pm: Vigil Mass at OLGC
Easter Sunday 31 March
9.00 am: Mass at All Hallows
10.30 am: Mass at OLGC
(No 5.00pm Mass)
Meaghan Barry, Stephen Kearney, Ryan Oswin holding Samuel,
Kate Rippon and Father Brendan
2 Communique March 2013
Barnsbury display apartment open soon
James Wilton
C
onstruction at Barnsbury is
proceeding very well with all
structure now in place and
the internal services and fitout of the
apartments now well underway.
As mentioned in the last edition of
Communiqué, the completion of the
structure has enabled us to witness first
hand the amazing views available to the
north and wonderful impact the mature
trees along the Anniversary Trail have
on the whole project.
Ireland Brown’s progress has been so
good that we are now very excited about
having a finished apartment ready for
display soon after Easter. This will give
all those interested people who have
been waiting for something to “touch
and see” a chance to inspect the quality
and space of these great apartments.
Access will be by appointment only to
enable visits to be co-ordinated with the
builder so keep an eye on the parish
bulletin for more updates on the Display
Apartment launch.
New residents join our list each month
and have been actively promoting the
virtues of Barnsbury via our newsletters
and newspaper advertisements. Their
testimonials include the common
themes of space, quality and location
reinforcing the attributes we thought
would be important to potential
residents.
Whilst things are certainly moving
in the right direction it is essential that
this parish project continues to have
the full support and involvement of the
parishioners. If you have an interest or
know someone for whom Barnsbury
would be a great lifestyle option, come
down and visit Anne Kemp at the Display
Suite which is open from 1:30 pm to 3:30
pm Tuesdays and Thursdays or make an
appointment with Anne on 9811 6840.
PRICING GUIDE
Apartment Sizes: 111m2 – 134m2
Pricing: $779,000 - $1,029,000
QUALITY INCLUSIONS
• All apartments offer corner locations
generating excellent natural light to
all rooms;
• Two bedroom or two bedroom plus
study all with two bathrooms;
• Gas log fireplaces rarely seen in
apartment complexes;
• Herringbone timber floor; loop pile
all wool carpets; stone entry halls;
• Three metre (10 foot) ceilings, again
a rarity in this market;
• Stone bench tops and European
Appliances in kitchens and laundries;
• Air conditioning and hydronic
heating to all areas;
FACILITIES
• The Club House includes library and
entertainment areas combined with
al fresco BBQ
• 24 hour security and emergency call
system
• Secure basement parking with lifts
and lock up storage for all apartments
Cover photo:
Charlotte Rankin and Hugh
Nankivell celebrating the recent
Parishes Picnic organized by YEP.
Communique March 2013 3
New PLT Member – Carlo Urrutia
Gail Urrutia
W
e, Carlo, Gail, Liam and
James Urrutia have called
Canterbury home since 2004,
having moved from Manila in 2003. Carlo
has worked in the telecommunications
and service industries. Gail has worked
for large private construction companies
as well as the Australian Government
(DFAT) in overseas postings. Carlo is
an avid cyclist, while Gail and the boys
enjoy a variety of sports like tennis,
soccer and golf.
Both Liam and James have had happy
years at OLGC Primary School, and all of
the family have made great friends within
the Parish and School communities. The
boys’ time at OLGC has established a
their love of learning and sport, along
with an important sense of belonging to
a happy, vibrant community.
Both Carlo and Gail attended
Catholic schools for the majority of
their scholastic years. This immersion
in the faith has placed it at the centre
of their lives. Having been part of
Catholic communities both overseas
and in Melbourne, the family has seen
Liam, Carlo, Gail and James Urrutia
how the faith is lived and exercised in
different ways, which has deepened
their appreciation of the relationship
between culture and religion. Carlo,
Gail, Liam and James engage in charity
work when overseas, helping a number
of organisations with their work in
disadvantaged communities.
The entire family looks forward to
deeper involvement with the OLGC
Parish community. It has always held
a special place in our hearts, and will
continue to do so for years to come.
New PLT Member – Anne McIlroy
I
have been a member of OLGC and
All Hallows parish for most of my
life as my parents moved from North
Balwyn to our home in Burke Road when
I was in primary school. As a result I
have known the priests of this parish,
from the time of Father Godwin up to
Father Brendan. Tony and I have four
children who all happily attended OLGC
School. From there the girls went on to
Genazzano and Tom went to De La Salle.
I have been lucky to work at
Genazzano for a long time; part time
when the children were little and full
time since then. It’s a wonderful job and
a privilege to work with adolescents: to
foster their intellectual development and
to be a part of their lives. I teach Literature
and the History of the Italian Renaissance,
so in my working life I have the good
fortune to introduce to my students to the
power of words in Lit and to the ideas and
art of the Renaissance in History.
When our children were little, I
4 Communique March 2013
Writing on his experience of parish
life in London, Paul Johnson says ‘the
first reason for my faith is communal’.
He expresses my own feeling about
the community of our parish. So I look
forward to joining the PLT, as it will be a
chance to make a small contribution to
the planning and building the parish for
the future.
enjoyed being a part of the Children’s
Liturgy. Later on, a stint on the Parish
Education Committee opened my eyes
to the challenges, which face primary
teachers. Tony has served on the Parish
Finance Committee for a long time, and
more recently I have been part of the
Social Justice Committee.
The Ministry of Communion
to the Sick is in need of more
volunteers to take Communion to
parishioners who are unable to
attend Mass. A commitment of two
hours once a month is all that is
required and training is provided.
This is an opportunity to participate
in this special ministry which unites
those unable to celebrate Mass with
us, to our Eucharistic community.
Please contact Angela Jones.
New PLT Member – Bernie Hunt
B
orn in Melbourne from a large
family of eight with five sisters &
two brothers. I was educated at
Abbotsford with the Sisters of the Good
Shepherd and the Christian Brothers. I
gained employment in the insurance
industry and spent some 16 years
with the Catholic Church Insurance in
Melbourne. I currently own an Insurance
Broking business, which has now been
operating for 10 years and is located in
Balwyn. I’m also a Director with the YCW
Co-operative Society (Young Christian
Workers) and been on their Board for
17 years.
I live in Surrey Hills with my partner
Kathryn and two daughters Chloe and
April. Chloe is in year 9 at Genazzano
and I am delighted with our parish’s
merger with OLGC.
I’m involved with 2 sporting clubs
in the area, Balwyn Football Club and
St Barnabas Cricket Club and I’m a
Life Member of both clubs. I’m a keen
football follower and get to see my side
Collingwood several times a season.
This year I’ve become a member
of the OLGC and All Hallows Parish
Leadership Team after serving on the
Finance Committee for the past 2 years.
and April grade 2 at OLGC. I have had a
strong relationship with the All Hallows
parish and school for almost 20 years
Genazzano Welcomes
Eucharist
Lila McInerney
Deputy Principal: Faith & Mission
Saturday 16 February
At Our Lady of
Good Counsel Church
As part of its tradition of welcoming
new parents into the school, Genazzano
FCJ College has once again celebrated
GenWelcomes. Genazzano is situated
within the parishes of Deepdene and
Balwyn and so, fittingly, GenWelcomes
began with the celebration of Eucharist
at Our Lady of Good Counsel, celebrated
by Parish Priest and College Chaplain,
Fr. Brendan Reed. At the conclusion of
Mass, parents then moved to circular
drive in front of the Wardell building at
Genazzano to participate and enjoy an
evening meal.
The connection between the
celebration of the Eucharist at OLGC
and then dinner at Genazzano is a
significant one. The gospel that we
heard at mass saw Jesus going into the
wilderness and being tempted by the
devil – Luke 4:1-13. This gospel reminds
us of the importance of prayer, faith and
God in our lives. The gospel invites us
to consider how we shall choose to live
our lives. It also reminds us that so many
‘tests’ will be placed in front of us in
Milestones
Baptisms
Gemma Elizabeth Ngoc-Quyen
PHAM, daughter of Maggie Chow
& Paul Pham
Nataya Bridget PECKHAM,
daughter of Michelle Jones &
Michael Peckham
Mathew John BRENAN, son of Janita
Robertson & David Brenan
Thomas Marshall WEBB, son of
Natasha Marshall & Anthony Webb
Oliver Yi –Mei ROBINSON,
son of Swee Lin Chin Yi Mei &
Domenic Robinson
Samuel Ryan OSWIN,
son of Kate Rippon & Ryan Oswin
William Hector BARRY, son of Rigel
Woolnough & Tim Barry
Peter Joseph MORAN, son of
Stefanie Chiera & Joseph Moran
our life journey but here we have Jesus
providing us with the way to respond.
Perhaps there is something in this
message as to why so many parents
choose Genazzano FCJ College as the
school for their children. Perhaps it is the
Religious and Faith dimension that the
school has to offer – the living witness of
a Christian faith that constantly reminds
us of a God who will always be present
in our lives – even at the times of greatest
struggle.
Once again, the charism of the
foundress of the Sisters FCJ, Marie
Madeleine, has come alive in the
welcoming of the stranger in our midst.
D’Andre Sheldon HARVEY –
TRUJILLO, son of Silvana Trujillo &
Sheldon Harvey
Oscar Michael LOCCISANO,
son of Belinda Kay & Michael
Loccisano
Ethan Emmanuel KOVAC,
son of Rebecca Mattiacci &
Branimir Kovac
Deaths
Maureen Cremin
Elizabeth O’Callaghan
Val (Dorothy) Martin
Carmel Frawley
Hazel Merlo
Sally Elizabeth Leavold
Communique March 2013 5
From the PLT Chair
Madeleine
Dupuche
Bruce
MacIsaac
F
or anyone who reads the
newspapers it would seem that the
church is about two things at the
moment: the ongoing abuse scandal and
the resignation of the Pope. However, for
most of us the church is the parish we
belong to and we know that parish life
is a lot richer than what is displayed in
the papers.
Whether you are a school child or
a parent, a catholic or a sympathetic
partner, an adolescent or a senior, each
of us has a different perspective of what
the parish is. For some it is the yellow
brick church, for others it is a good
education for their children. It may be
a place that supports the less fortunate
or perhaps just a space to meet people
and share experiences.
It is this
engagement that makes our parish a
community and your participation is
valuable to the success of our mission.
At our planning day the leadership
team considered all five of the directions
in which our parish mission is achieved:
stewardship,
worship,
learning,
participation and outreach. You may
have seen these outlined in the banners
that hang inside the church. During the
year as we progress our work in each
» » PLT Report
T
he last few months have been
busy for the Parish Leadership
Team.
Our last meeting for 2012 took place
in November when we farewelled our
Chair for 2012, Grainne Jackson as
well as members, Anthony Feneley,
Bernadette Frost, John Ryan and Peter
Goring. We thank them greatly for
their work on the PLT.
We marked the end of the year with
Parish Drinks on Friday 7th Dec at the
Parish House for all those involved in
the various Parish Groups in 2012. It
was a lovely balmy evening attended
by over 150 people, who stayed on
late into the night enjoying wonderful
food, drink and conversation.
On 27 January we held our annual
planning day, the aim of which was
to set the direction for the Team for
2013, with a particular focus on the
opportunities and aspirations of the
6 Communique March 2013
area this will be communicated in an
update after our monthly meetings.
The media have correctly identified
two issues that currently face the church;
challenges and change. The leadership
team considered these two issues at our
planning day; how do we deal with the
challenges facing the church here in our
parish and what opportunities do these
changes provide for us?
Over the past few years our parish has
been faced with a number of challenges
which required change. These changes
have included among other things; the
closing of the Primary School at All
Hallows; the transition of the Barnsbury
site from a tennis club into a 32 lifestyle
apartments; the rededication of the All
Hallows presbytery into a refuge for
minors seeking asylum; the lease of the
former school site to Genazzano as a
Year 9 campus and; the joining our two
parishes into one.
Each one of these changes has
been the result of a long and careful
assessment process by the leadership
team of what is in the best interests of
the future of the parish. I am sure the
other members of the leadership team
have also found these issues to be as
complicated and difficult as I have.
In considering them I have always
remembered the advice my father, Angus,
gave me when Chloe and I were married.
He told me that he had passed on what
he could to his children and it was now
up to us to decide what was worthwhile
keeping and what should be let go.
We hope this year that you will
support us in facing these challenges
and consider how you engage with the
Parish. Without your participation the
parish would not be here. If you would
like to know more please check our
website at OLGC.com.au or contact
myself or the parish office.
Madeleine Dupuche
Year of Faith. That day we welcomed
our new members Anne McIlroy, Bernie
Hunt, Carlo Urrutia and Sally Edwards.
We commenced with a thought
provoking session led by Fr. Brendan
on the state of play in Church and Parish
life generally in Melbourne. This then
fed into a more specific discussion on
building community and Participation
in our Parish. There was extensive
discussion
around
Stewardship,
including the future directions planning,
Parish finance and communication.
There was also discussion about an
appropriate celebration to mark our
new Parish, with the assistance of the
Archbishop. This will take place in May,
with more details coming soon. Our
discussions on Outreach focussed on a
review of the PLT vision for outreach and
a decision to direct some of our attention
to Indigenous Australia in 2013.
We also discussed Learning at both
school and broader Parish level as
well as Worship and goals for liturgy
generally across the Parish.
The Parish Communication SubCommittee has been working closely
with our web designer since the last
quarter of 2012 and we are looking
forward to launching the new Parish
website over the next few weeks. All
parish groups will be represented
on the website, which is in the finally
stages of being built. Please bear
with us, we are nearly there!
Should you have any queries
about the Parish Leadership Team,
please contact Bruce McIsaac at
[email protected].
STOP PRESS: Archibishop Denis
Hart will celebrate the Parish
amalgamation with Mass at 7pm
on Thursday 30 May at OLGC.
Please keep the date free.
My Daily Bread, Mary Kelty
Mary Kelty
I
n 1949 my parents, Joan (Mumford)
and Hugh Campbell, moved into 15
Bennett St Deepdene. Although Joan
had grown up in Kew, the house was
only a stone’s throw from the house
where my grandmother, Iris Williams,
was born on the corner of Abercrombie
St and Wolseley Crescent. My mother
was to live in ‘Campbell General
Headquarters’ for the next 58 years.
My grandmother had gone to school
at Vaucluse but Joan and her sister
Coralie went to Genazzano. Mum and
Dad had seven children and my four
brothers, Tony, Patrick (dec.), Simon and
Bernard, attended O.L.G.C. and Xavier
while my sisters Thérèse and Catherine
went to O.L.G.C. and Genazzano. As the
eldest, I started at Gen when I was four.
I was born on the feast of Our Lady of
Good Counsel and so it was inevitable
that I was called Mary.
Our family were Catholics of the
strictest observance. I still remember
the shock of discovering the Easter
Bunny at school – the Easter Angel
brought eggs to Campbell General
Headquarters! Rarely was illness or
injury an excuse for not going to Sunday
Mass and the Friday and Lenten fasts
were meticulously observed.
I had always wanted to do marine
biology but when I left school my father
had a meeting with Fr. Frank Martin and
the two of them booked me into Brigidine
Catholic Teachers’ College without my
knowledge and so I became a teacher
in Catholic schools. My children, who
chose all their own subjects at school,
are incredulous that this could happen!
I was first introduced to my husband
Brian Kelty by Fr. John Riordan, former
P.P. of Kingsbury, who was then the
organist at St Francis’ Church in Lonsdale
St. Brian was serving and I was singing
in the choir. We married at O.L.G.C. in
1973 and both taught in Catholic schools
until 1986 when we sold our house and
took ourselves to Fordham University,
the Jesuit University in New York. Our
son Luke went to Fordham Prep and
our daughter Rebecca attended Mt St
Ursula’s, in the Bronx. Here Brian and I
each did an M.A. in Religious Education
and psychology and Brian completed a
doctorate in Church Leadership. Upon
returning to Australia I taught religious
education in secondary schools and he
Brian’s Ordination with Bishop Peter Stasiuk and Fr Olex Kenez
Fr. Brian & Mary at Harrison Hotsprings
began to lecture in Leadership, Justice
Studies and Theology at what was to
become A.C.U.
When Brian returned to teach at
Fordham in 2002, a Ukrainian priest in
his class on Catholic Social Teaching
challenged him to represent the whole
of the tradition and to include the work of
Eastern theologians, especially people
such as Metropolitan Andre Sheptytsky
and Joseph Cardinal Slipyj.
Blessed John Paul II had called for
the Church to breathe with “both lungs,”
incorporating the rich traditions of both
the East and West and so Brian was
shaken. He began to read even more
widely, eventually finding his way to
North Melbourne to meet Bishop Peter
Stasiuk, head of the Ukrainian Catholic
Eparchy in Australia. Bishop Peter is
also a Redemptorist and a well-known
face at Majella Crt. in Kew.
After a period of discernment Bishop
Peter decided to ordain Brian. He wanted
Brian’s assistance with religious education
in the Ukrainian Catholic Church.
By way of explanation, there are 22
separate (sui generis) churches in the
Catholic Tradition in communion with
the Pope and Rome, with the Roman
Catholic Church being by far the
biggest. In fact, many Roman Catholics
are unaware of these other Churches.
Within these Churches there are also
several different Liturgical Rites.
After the Roman Catholic Church, the
second biggest Church is the Ukrainian
Catholic Church or more accurately, the
Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church in the
Kievian tradition. This church, founded
in 988 C.E., formally came under Rome
with the Union of Brest in 1596.
With most other Eastern Catholic
Churches, the Ukrainian Catholic Church
has married priests although Bishops
must be celibate. In fact, about 90% of
priests are married so Brian’s ordination
caused no ripples at North Melbourne.
Before he was ordained, however, I had
to write three letters during the process
to make sure of my approval.
After two years serving at North
Melbourne, Bishop Peter arranged
for Brian to become parish priest of
Victoria in B.C. Canada and we spent
two very happy years there in 2010
and 2011 running two parishes, one in
Victoria and another in Nanaimo. The
parishioners are used to a husband and
wife team so we were able to work very
well in partnership. My work included
working with the homeless who slept
on our property, preparing the weekly
Church Bulletin and teaching scripture
classes at night. I miss serving a parish
in this way.
A year ago we returned and Brian
now serves at the North Melbourne
Cathedral in Canning St. as Episcopal
Vicar for Evangelization.
Communique March 2013 7
Life has changed, not ended
Cecil Rhode
13-6-23 to 6-9-12
Cecil grew up in a family of one girl and
six boys and spent most of his childhood
years in Cobden in the Western District.
He worked with Victorian Railways after
leaving school until enlisting in the army
in 1942 aged 19 years.
He had a long wartime service of
nearly five years, serving in Borneo,
Celebes Islands and New Guinea.
His Infantry Battalion was involved
in the rugged campaign against the
Japanese, to maintain strategic control
of Shaggy Ridge.
Both parents of Cecil died in Hawthorn
while he was on active service in New
Guinea and sadly he was not granted
compassionate leave to attend their
funerals.
Cecil and Rene were wed in 1950
and have lived in OLGC Parish since
1953. Their two sons and two daughters
were educated at OLGC Primary, then
Marcellin and Genazzano.
Cecil was a member of the first
counting team when Thanksgiving
envelopes were introduced at OLGC
and continued in the role until 2005.
He retired from ANZ Bank Nominees
Dept in 1983 and enjojed his retirement
with travel and golf, bowls and gardening
being among his interests.
Cecil spent the last 7 months of his
life in the professional loving care of St
Catherine’s Balwyn.
He was a caring husband and
father and loved his family and 10
grandchildren. Sadly he missed meeting
his first great grandchild Ruby who was
born 3 days after Cecil died.
May he rest in peace.
Extract from eulogy given by his son
James.
Offering a brighter future
International Parish Partnership
Madeleine Dupuche
Damien Smith
L
ate last year the Salamat Sa Biyaya
Foundation secured the use of
large premises for the Foundation’s
Livelihood program of sewing.
The premises is known as the Tahian
Centre. The hard work of turning the
premises into safe and proper training
facilities has been undertaken. Donna
Carrillo, who many Parishioners met
when she visited OLGC and All Hallows
last year is leading this initiative.
In addition the Foundation has
employed Beng who manages the
program’s roll out. This involves
promotion and selection of suitable
students, scheduling of classes, ensuring
sewing kits and sewing materials,
measuring tools, pattern paper, fabric
materials and everyone being aware of
the guidelines, rules and responsibilities
of taking the program, as well as liaising
with the TESDA trainer.
TESDA is the Technical Education and
Skills Development Authority which was
established to encourage organisation’s
participation in the skills development
of the country’s human resources. It
is important to have TESDA’s support
and involvement as an accrediting and
training agency.
As part of expanding our engagement
in the Foundation’s works, Jennifer Gray,
OLGC’s Principal is visiting St Benedict
in early April. This offers the opportunity
of exploring firsthand the opportunities
for increasing our involvement in the
Foundation’s life and works.
St Benedict Parishioners supporting the launch of the Salamat Sa Biyaya Foundation in November 2012
8 Communique March 2013
Reflection - Bruna Perini
T
his is the story of a woman and her
family who are possibly the most
OLGC of all of our parishioners
here at OLGC. The story is of a couple
who were the second couple to be
married in the new church of OLGC in
1958. They have lived their whole time in
Australia in the OLGC Parish in the same
street. Their children went to OLGC
school as did their grandchildren.
It is a story told by Bruna Perini to John
Peyton the Communique representative.
Bruna was born in Tuscany in Italy
and arrived here with the intention of
marrying Ivo who had, after spending
some five years here, working for Mei
and Picchi Australia, returned to Italy to
his family on the death of his brother.
He met and fell in love with Bruna and
arranged to bring her here.
On her arrival in Australia Bruna
stayed for one month with her uncle
Mr. Mei, at a house in Studley Park
Rd, which is the current residence of
Archbishop Hart.
Bruna initially lived with Ivo’s uncle,
Aldo Perini in Hardwicke St Balwyn, who
is OLGC’s oldest parishioner and after
a year married Ivo in 1958 in the new
OLGC church.
Not much later they moved to 12
Hardwicke St when it came on the
market. In the meantime they had their
first child in 1959. Fifty three years
later they are still at No 12 which they
rebuilt in the 70’s and today it has a
traditional Italian back yard garden full
of vegetables and fruit trees.
They raised three children all of
whom attended OLGC primary. The
first, Giuliana, born in 1959, attended
Genazzano, graduated as a Textile
Designer and married Frank Salera a
Solicitor and Jeweller and they have
three children. The second child
Attilia, born in 1961, also attended
Genazzano, is a mother craft nurse and
married Eliseo Mattiuzzo a Plumber
and they have two children and also
live in Hardwicke St. The third child
James arrived after another 15 years,
attended Xavier, graduated in Science
at Melbourne University and chose
Orthotics and Prosthetics as his career.
He is married to Melanie and they have
one child.
Bruna conducted a business working
from home as a seamstress specializing
in wedding dresses of which she made
many. Ivo, after working for 33 years
as a mannequin maker, left Mei and
Picchi and commenced a business in
the Belmore shopping centre, ‘Ivo’s Fine Food and Catering’. This fulfilled a long
yearning to be in the food business. This
venture continued for 9 years and Bruna
was part of it. Initially Ivo said just for a
day or so but it finished up displacing
the dressmaking and consuming Bruna
for seven days a week.
It was hard work but a very successful
venture with their catering in demand.
Monsignor Kelly was a good friend
of Ivo and Bruna and sought out their
services for his parties.
Italy was visited by the family on
several occasions and Bruna admits
to missing her family, her church, her
Nuns, however and amazingly it would
be just a few weeks in Italy when the call
of Australia would strongly assert itself.
Bruna admits that Australia is home; she
loves Australia, loves her parish and has
many Australian friends.
large piece. The blankets are given to
various community organizations. The
picture shows Bruna at her crocheting,
and in this chair she often works till late
at night.
Ivo and Bruna have been long time
attendees at 10.30 am Mass at OLGC
but since her accident and walking
difficulty they now attend 9am at All
Hallows which has a more user friendly
access ramp.
Bruna say’s they have experienced
lots of ups and downs but through love
they have survived.
It has been a privilege for me to
record this story, one that epitomizes the
Communique endeavor to bring stories
such as this to the OLGC parishioners.
Bruna is a beautiful person, with a
wonderful sense of humour, one who
came to this country without our
language but has not only survived {to
use Bruna’s word} but has conquered.
Bruna had a bad fall three or four years
ago fracturing her femur and spent six
and a half months in hospital mainly in
St George’s Hospital Rehabilitation. On
returning home she was looking for an
activity to occupy her and this when the
blanket (or Quilt) making started. This
has become an obsession and after 3
years she has produced 355, which
equates to an average of 2 per week.
The Craft Group’s Stella Robinson
of OLGC supplies Bruna with wool of
all sorts and she crochets the blankets
either as squares to be joined together
or a continuous pattern to form a single
Communique March 2013 9
OLGC - School News
Ruth Harris, Religious Education
Leader, OLGC Primary School
School Opening Mass
I am the new Religious Education
Leader at Our Lady of Good Counsel
Primary School. This is my second year
at OLGC and I held the role of RE leader
at All Hallows Primary School for several
years before coming to OLGC. There are
several aspects to my role, most of which
involve supporting staff in their teaching
of Religious Education, preparing for
the Sacraments and organising Masses
and Liturgies. Another important role is
to provide opportunities for personal
faith development. I meet regularly
with Fr Brendan, Tricia Norman and
Jennifer Gray (School Principal) and
work closely with our very supportive
leadership team.
With Easter being so early this
year, we attended Mass as a whole
school less than a week later, on Ash
Wednesday. The children were aware
of the solemnity of the occasion and
received the ashes very respectfully.
Attending Mass is an important part
of the life of our school and, on most
Wednesdays, one or more classes
will take part in the celebration of the
Eucharist. Each class chooses their own
favourite songs to sing, and together, the
children write the Prayers of Intercession
with the support of their teacher. The
amount of support depends on the age
of the children, and by the time they are
in the senior grades the children need
little help.
Besides being an important part
of our faith journey, attending class or
whole-school Masses is an opportunity
for those attending to reflect more
deeply on the readings before going to
Mass. Father Brendan relates really well
with the children and further develops
their understandings as part of his
homily. These Masses also develop
the children’s sense of community and
belonging.
OLGC school staff attended the
Commissioning Mass on Sunday 10th
February. It was a further reminder of the
strong link between school and parish.
It is also heartening to be reminded of
the many groups within the parish that
contribute to making Our Lady of Good
Counsel such a vibrant parish.
We all learnt about who sits where and
some quirky facts about the chambers
like the House of Representatives is
green because the architect said he
wanted to have a colour reflecting
Australia’s nature so it represents the
green leaves and green grass.
By Annie Hawkins
Australian National Gallery
I thought that the Henri De ToulouseLautrec Exhibition was very interesting.
I felt I had seen many of his paintings in
my past and learnt much more about
this artist. But it was a bit of a shame that
we couldn’t bring in our cameras!
By Charlotte Lack
The High Court
The High Court of Australia has
three courtrooms which are all used
for different reasons, for example
Courtroom one is used for changing
Laws in the Constitution (A book that was
made when all the colonies became a
federation in 1901). The High Court got
its name because when you disagree
with Court decision you can’t go any
further, as in you can’t go complain to
another Court.
By Eva O’Donoghue
Questacon
Questacon is a fun and interesting
place for kids and adults. There are a lot of
rooms but the one that was the highlight
for everyone was the room with the drop
slide! It was very scary but a lot of the yr 5s
and 6s had a turn, even Mr Fearnley and
Mr Barker had a turn. There was also a
360 degree ride where you push yourself
up and try to spin round. Mr Pellegrino
and Eloise were brave enough to tackle
this, it was amazing. Overall Questacon
was a great place to visit.
By Sophie Corridon
Harrison Free reading the Prayers of
the Faithful
Canberra Camp 2013
At 5.30am, Tuesday the 19th
February, 65 bleary eyed, yet excited,
grade 5 and 6 students arrived at OLGC
ready to embark on their big trek to
Canberra. We had a successful flight
and a wonderful 3 days in our nation’s
capital. Some of the students have
shared the highlights of their trip and
the wonderful learning that took place
during our camp.
Australian War Memorial
We had a great time at the Australian
War Memorial. We learnt about the
soldiers and wars. We saw lots of models
and displays including the memorial
for the youngest soldier and the roll of
honour. We experienced the closing
ceremony which had a song played on
the bag pipes. We had a great time.
By Ollie Cutinelli
Parliament House
On our visit to Canberra we visited
Parliament House. It was very interesting
and exciting when we got to actually go
into the House of Representatives and
The Senate.
We learnt lots of new things about the
Chambers and we had a very nice tour
guide, who seemed to know a lot about
Parliament and how it all works.
10 Communique March 2013
OLGC - School News
New School Captains
Charlotte Lack
This will be my
7th year at O.L.G.C.
Over this time I have
undertaken
many
roles and challenges.
Being school captain
would be a role I am
most proud of so far
in my life.
To be a leader requires many
qualities. You need to be responsible,
organised, fair and confident to speak
out for people who need you. I feel I
have all of these qualities and more.
I am passionate about many things
and would enjoy the challenge of
leading the students at O.L.G.C in 2013.
O.L.G.C provides many opportunities
- academic, sporting and social. I have
represented our school in various
events including Interschool Swimming,
Cross Country and Hoop Time, along
with the challenges associated with
NAPLAN, Premiers Reading Challenge,
and being a Buddy to the new preps at
O.L.G.C.
My peers listed me as - honest,
caring, kind, fair, a great friend, happy,
always looking out for others, positive
attitude, supportive and determined.
I have always strived to be a good
friend, having several groups to which
I feel I belong. I am also lucky to have
a loving and supportive family who are
involved in the school community, with
a younger brother and sister still at this
school.
It has always been my dream to be a
school captain.
Part of being a leader is being able
to stand up for others. I would love the
opportunity to stand up for you. I would
take my captain position seriously and
give it 100%.
So in conclusion - I do have one
marketing campaign!!...
After all, the writing has always been
on the wall…
O.L.G.C stands for
Our
Leader
has
Gotta
be
Charlotte!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Thank you for listening.
Oliver Cutinelli
Let me take you on a boat. I’ll be the
captain. I’ll take you somewhere you’ve
never been before. Something really
good is going to happen. Be my guest
on my ship. We’ll travel a long, long
way. I’ll take you on a trip. The best day
is today. Whenever
there’s a problem,
I’ll fight the enemies
for you. I’ll fight the
goblin, and make
sure he doesn’t eat
you.
I’ll have monkey
butlers, to give you
some lemonade. If you get hurt, I’ll give
you a Band-Aid. I’ll take you to the best
school; OLGC, the best school there can
be, you’ll be there with me. I’ll guide you
around the classrooms, and make sure
you know your way; I’ll show you all the
teachers, that you must always obey.
We’ll cook some more food in the
tuck shop, we’ll be careful not to light
a flame. But sorry it’s not a restaurant,
so we can’t give you champagne. I’ll
take you on a safe cruise, far, far away.
So please, please elect Oliver Cutinelli
School Captain today!
I’m not just standing here to tell you
how good I am, I’m standing here to tell
you can all be in this with me, and that
we can make a difference!
I’ve been going on for too long now,
so I’d better wrap this up. Just letting you
know that this is Oliver Cutinelli running
for School Captain. NOW THAT’S
COOL!
From the Principal
Jennifer Gray
T
he excitement of a new year – there
is nothing quite like it! I welcome
everyone to 2013 at Our Lady of
Good Counsel and particularly to all
new students and families. The nervous
anticipation we all feel at the start of a
new academic year is of course felt most
by those joining our community for the
first time. The people of OLGC are very
welcoming, and I hope all newcomers
have found exactly that. This year we
welcome two new staff members, Ms
Tammy Falzon and Ms Diandra Sartor.
This takes our total staff to 31. Our
enrolment stands at 324 students with
54 new prep students making up three
Prep classes and 14 class groups in total.
All staff and
students have
t ra n s i t i o n e d
beautifully into
the school year
and
already
great things are
happening.
Our
focus
for this year, as
always begins
with our Annual
Action Plan, through the five spheres
of Education in Faith, Leadership and
Management, Learning and Teaching,
Student
Wellbeing
and
School
Community. We have a very clear idea
of what we are doing and where we are
heading, but most importantly always
staying true to our school vision ‘to
develop the potential of each person
and foster gospel values through the
nurturing of mind, body and soul.’ To be
effective in our goals involves reflecting
on everything we do and endeavour to
make improvements where necessary.
If our work is focused on student
outcomes, then we are never tempted to
‘take our eye off the goal.’
I look forward to another fabulous
year at OLGC in 2013 working
alongside Fr. Brendan, a great team of
staff, students and parents.
Communique March 2013 11
Parent’s Association
volunteers arrive before the event to
set up, and stay on to clear up. Thank
-you to all who made the evening
another memorable one for the
Parents’ Association.
Welcome Drinks
The Annual Welcome Drinks, staged
on the 22nd of February, was the first
of the OLGC Parent’s Association major
social events for 2013.
We were blessed with a perfect,
balmy summer Melbourne evening,
so were able to welcome the 70 guests
to the presbytery lawn, where tables
laden with a lavish antipasto buffet
had been prepared by Boccacios. It is
one of the occasions where returning
parents can have a relaxing catch -up,
and where our new members can be
welcomed into the school community.
As always, we had wonderful team of
Tears and Cheers Morning Tea
The very first day of the school year
was marked by the staging of the Tears
and Cheers Morning Tea. The Atrium
was humming with conversation as the
introductions were made, and holiday
stories were recounted. It is quite an
emotional day for our Prep parents,
even when they have been through the
experience before. It was a pleasure to
meet so many of our grandparents, and
it was lovely to see so many older and
younger siblings come along to support
their brothers and sisters as they started
the new school year.
Judy Lees, President.
OLGC School Board
Anthony Rodbard-Bean Chairperson
The OLGC School Board will play an
important role in the development of our
parish primary school in the future and I’m
grateful for the opportunity to contribute,
even if only in a small way. My background
is in commercial law, where I practice as
a barrister, with additional qualifications
in economics and accountancy. Most
importantly, I’m the father of twin girls who
have just started at OLGC this year with 2
boys next in line, so I consider myself in
for the long haul and with a vested interest
in the continued success of OLGC. Good
schools need to be well resourced and
to enjoy the support of a vibrant school
community and I’d like OLGC to be
given the best in terms of resources and
community input and feedback.
Jon Purcell – Co-Chairperson
Having had children attend OLGC for
the last 5 years and expecting to have
children attend for another 8 years, I look
forward to being able to make a solid
contribution to the board across all facets
of the school, adopting the philosophy of
continued improvement and particularly
looking forward to being able to utilise my
experience in property towards long term
planning and maintenance issues related
to the school facilities and buildings.
12 Communique March 2013
Daniele Katsiamakis - Secretary
My name is Daniela and I have two
children attending OLGC (Simon Year
2, Isabelle Prep). I am very excited to
be part of a great team that will support
and work together with the staff and
students to achieve great educational
outcomes for us all. I bring to the team
experience and skill in finance and
risk, open mindedness, and a focus on
shaping our school to be the best it can
possibly be.
Bernadette Roberts – Financial
Liaison & Communication
I am a new parent to OLGC and have
three children, two who started at
OLGC this year, Lucy (3BC) and Evie
(1H). Our family is appreciative of the
efforts of the school community in
welcoming us to OLGC. I am honoured
by the opportunity to participate on the
board of a school with such a vibrant
community and highly skilled teaching
staff. I am looking forward to the work
that lies ahead in supporting the school
executive in achieving its goals.
Jocelyn Ng – Master Plan
With an interest in governance, strategy
and education, I joined PSEAT in 2011
and am grateful to be on the school
board. I have a doctoral degree in
Bernadette Roberts, Tony Rodbard-Bean, Fr
Brendan Reed, Jon Purcell, Jocelyn Ng, Amy
Choi, Daniela Katsiamakis, Jennifer Gray
analytical chemistry but since cofounding a biotech company, developed
skills in business planning, strategy,
business development and project
management. I look forward to the
challenges and the opportunity to serve
the community through education.
Amy Choi - Communication
I am a qualified Pharmacist and
hold a PhD D in Pharmacology as
well as a MBA. I have twin boys who
have just joined OLGC this year. I
bring to the board over 10 years of
senior management experience in
commercial operations and strategic
planning with multinational corporates
from the pharmaceutical industry.
Our Parish Dreams YEP...
H
ave you ever wondered what
Father Brendan looks like in a
grass skirt? Or when it comes to
trivia, what year St Ignatius was born?
Well if you’d been at the Inaugural Beach
Camp you would know the answer and
wonder no more.
On Friday 1st Feb, 30 youth and young
adults took the opportunity to step away
from their busy lives and embrace a fun,
relaxed atmosphere beside the sea at
Queenscliff. The beautiful weather and
Aloha themed trivia night allowed for the
perfect environment for a lot of fun and
set the scene for great personal reflection
and community building. The depth on
content from people like Jennie Hickey
(Jesuit Provincial Office), Jack O’Sullivan
(Archdiocesan Office for Youth), Fr.
Brendan Reed and Br Nunzio De
Benedetto (JSS) and the rich diversity of
the participants provided a springboard
for vibrant and though provoking
discussions as we explored the themes of
Parish identity and Ignatian Spirituality.
This was a turning point weekend
for YEP as we seek to find ways to
more strongly take up our place as the
“Young Heart of the Parishes” and look
for ways to grow in understanding what
it is to live an Ignatian Spirituality. When
examining the questions of ‘a parish
is…’ and ‘a parish should be…’ the
group was prompted to discuss in depth
their ideas about the role of our parish
in our lives and the ideal community
we would like to be a part of. The
themes of ‘family’ and ‘welcoming’ were
consistently raised, with many agreeing
that ‘a parish should be creative and
open to new ideas’ whilst remaining
‘a faith based community which offers
support and guidance’.
Thanks to all who were involved and
looking forward to all that the year has
to hold as well as getting excited about
next year’s Beach Camp!
traits: compassion, social justice and
helping those less fortunate’
A Parish should be…
‘taking more risks and meeting the
needs of all ages…not just determining
so many things by meeting the needs of
long term parishioners’
‘a group of people who believe in
God collectively but are always seeking
for more understanding’
‘people who are free to come together
to celebrate, explore and interpret their
faith. There should be leaders of both
priests and lay people’
‘a welcoming community of people
who together celebrate and live out
their faith and have a place to call home’
‘involved in the lives of the community
as a presence. A place to remove
all masks and be open to the ideas
that there is something greater than
ourselves…a place where these ideas
can be explored and grow’
‘a community of people who get
together to discuss topics and problems
that are related to being a faithful
Christian. A parish should have a diverse
range of people who live in different
areas. A parish should be chosen by a
catholic, rather than forced to go because
they are in the Parish’s vicinity.’
Youth Mass
In recent months the Youth Mass
has really been finding it’s feet and
we’ve been getting more and more
feedback from people of all ages.
Here’s what Genny Nunan had to say
after accidentally coming along to the
last youth Mass:
‘I spent the whole Mass with a lump in
my throat! The music and singing were
wonderful…I truly felt my heart was
lifted and I’m sure everyone there felt
blessed by the privilege of being part
of such an experience.’
Inaugural Combined Parishes
Picnic
On Sunday 24th Feb, a long and
valued tradition was relaunched as many
parishioners gathered for a picnic and
cricket game in the Park. On all accounts
it was a great day so stay tuned for our
next adventure as we seek to celebrate
belonging to such a vibrant community.
Good food was in abundance and the
cricket game saw just a little too much
competition as Josh Rajasingam scored
a 50 not out!!!! Young ones were kept
amused as Bernie Walsh, Charlotte and
James Rankin did a stellar job with the
face painting.
An unexpected joy on the day was
the presence of families from St Hillary’s
Anglican Parish who happened to be
holding their Parish Picnic alongside us.
So the treasure hunt and face painting
soon turned into an Interfaith experience.
This in turn led to some positive sharing
of ideas and good cheer.
A Parish is…
‘a community or group of people with
similar beliefs with varying degrees of
spiritual connection’
‘a public place open to all who wish
to gain or strengthen their faith in God’
‘a community of faithful believers who
share time and love with one another, as
well as others in the wider community.
They all believe in God to varying
degrees and have similar interests/
Communique March 2013 13
OLGC & All Hallows Directory
PARISH GROUPS
Parish Leadership Team
Fr. Brendan Reed
9816 9291
Madeleine Dupuche
0409 810 002
Anthony Feneley
9836 3676
Judy Gibbs
9836 6514
Jennifer Gray
9817 5744
Bernie Hunt
9836 0591
Angela Jones
9816 9291
Bruce MacIsaac
9817 1714
Anne McIlroy
9817 3317
Genny Nunan
9882 1958
Carlo Urrutia
9888 6756
Sally Edwards Administrative Support
LEARNING
Tennis Club
Judy Crowe-Conway
9836 0345
Walking Club
Eileen Duggan
9836 3704
Youth Engagement Project (YEP)
Paul Salmon
0434 254 233
STEWARDSHIP
Communication Group
Angela Jones
9816 9291
Communique
John Peyton
9882 7928
Counters
Kate Baines
9816 9291
9816 8812
Adult Education
Parish Office
9816 9291
Finance Committee
Simon Hourigan
Catechists
Tricia Norman
9816 9291
Future Directions Steering Group
Anthony Feneley
9836 3676
Parents’ Association Parish School
Judy Lees
9816 8225
OUTREACH
9817 6843
International Parish Partnership
Damien Smith
9817 5883
Social Justice Committee
Damien Smith
9830 5748
WORSHIP
Asylum Seeker & Refugee Support
Group
Jane Elms Pitney
9816 9911
Care Group
Catherine Whelan
Piety Stall (All Hallows)
Janine Dobson
9817 5883
St. Vincent de Paul Society Conference
Michael Ryan
9813 0580
PARTICIPATION
Altar Roster
Kath Treloar
Altar Servers
Kate Dugan
9813 0690
Baptism/New Connections/ New Mum’s
Group
Desley Wilton 9817 2732
Eles Murray
9817 4980
Clare Macrae
9817 4884
Children’s Liturgy of the Word
Tricia Norman
9816 9291
Madeleine Davies
9817 4580
Communion to the Sick
Angela Jones
9816 9291
Liturgy Group
Angela Devoy
9817 2650
Craft Group
Stella Robinson
9880 7815
Boroondara Deanery
John Morkham 9857 9551
Liturgy Rosters (Lectors, Leaders,
Eucharistic Ministers)
Parish Office
9816 9291
9899 5873
Mass of Anointing
Angela Jones
9816 9291
Organists/Cantors
Fr Brendan Reed 9882 3761
Practical Assistance Group
Parish Office
9816 9291
Seniors Social Group
Cathy Russell
Social & Hospitality Group
Angela Jones
9816 9291
Lorraine Simpson
9836 0818
14 Communique March 2013
9816 9291
Tricia Norman - Parish Pastoral Assistant
(Sacraments and Administration)
[email protected]
(Tuesday, Wednesday & Friday)
Kate Baines – Finance Officer
[email protected]
(Tuesday, Thursday & Friday)
OLGC and All Hallows
Parish Office
52 Deepdene Road
Deepdene 3103
Phone:
9816 9291
Fax:
9817 5881
Email:[email protected]
Website:www.olgc.com.au
Jennifer Gray - Principal
Phone: 9817 5744
Fax:
9817 4584
Email: principal@olgcdeepdene.
catholic.edu.au
Website:
www.olgcdeepdene.catholic.edu.au
Mass Times
Tuesday & Thursday:
9.15am All Hallows
Wednesday & Friday:
9.15am OLGC
Saturday: 5.30pm OLGC
Sunday: 9.00am All Hallows
10.30am, 5.00pm, OLGC
Reconciliation
Saturday 5.00pm or by appointment
Marriages
By appointment
9816 9291
Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults
Lyn Kane
9817 2171
Sacristy Linen
Parish Office
Angela Jones - Parish Pastoral Assistant
(Pastoral Care and Groups)
[email protected]
(Tuesday, Wednesday & Friday)
OLGC School
9817 1168
Press Club (Newsletter)
Parish Office
Fr Brendan Reed - Parish Priest
[email protected]
9836 8771
Around the Piano
Laurie Frazer
Family Groups
Michelle Weinstein
PARISH OFFICE & STAFF
9816 9291
Baptisms
Rite of Reception: At any Mass on the
first Sunday of the month.
Rite of Baptism: At any Mass other
than the first Sunday of the month or
at noon on the 2nd & 4th Sundays of
the month at OLGC.
Youth Engagment 2013
YEP – 2013 CALENDAR
YOUTH ENGAGEMENT PROJECT - A joint project of
Genazzano FCJ College, Xavier College and the Parishes of
Immaculate Conception Hawthorn, Sacred Heart Kew, Our
Lady of Good Counsel Deepdene & All Hallows Balwyn.
YEARS 9 – 12
TGI FRIDAYS
Fortnightly Youth Nights
where young people can
meet new people and
explore great material.
7:30 - 10pm
Hawthorn Parish Centre
APR 12 & 26
MAY 10 & 24
JUN 7 & 21
JUL 19
AUG 9 & 23
SEP 6 & 20
OCT 11 & 25
NOV 8 & 22
DEC 20
POSTSCHOOL
CHECKPOINT PRAYER
Fortnightly gathering for
Discussion, Prayer and a
shared meal.
6:45pm – 9pm
Hawthorn Parish Centre
APR 9 & 23
MAY 7 & 21
JUN 4 & 18
JUL 16 & 30
AUG 13
SEP 10 & 24
OCT 8
NOV 19
DEC 3 & 17
YOUTH MASSES
DINNER & DIALOGUE
Held at OLGC in Deepdene
and followed by a social
gathering in the Parish
House.
Themed evenings with guest
speakers, a shared meal
and discussion.
Mass – 5pm
Social – 6pm to 7:15pm
OLGC Deepdene
APR 7
MAY 5
JUN 2
JUL 14
AUG 4
SEP 1 – Fathers Day
OCT6 – Exam Blessing
NOV 3
DEC 1
DEC 15 – End of Year
7pm – 9pm
Hawthorn Parish Centre
MAY 14 – WHERE THE
HELL IS GOD?
AUG 15 PUB FORUM
With Fr ROB GALEA
AUG 27 - MEN’S HEALTH
NIGHT
OCT 22 - A PASSION FOR
JUSTICE
FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT YEP
Call 0434 254 233
or email [email protected]
YEARS 7 & 8
WINTER SLEEPOUT
JUN 1 - 2
COST: $40
Themed event run by the Senior Youth Ministry team and
older students. It is geared at networking, fun and exploring
justice and faith.
YEAR 9 LEADERSHIP CAMP
SEPT 20-22
COST: $160
A fun filled adventure for students in Year 9. Includes lots of
inspiring talks & small groups as well as outdoor challenge
tasks which aim to develop student’s confidence, sense of
justice and broader community. Starts at 1pm on Friday
STREET RETREAT # 1
APR 9 – 11
WHO: Year 10+.
COST: $50
A 3 day stay at home experience working with a variety of
social justice ministries in the inner suburbs of Melbourne.
BOURKE SOLIDARITY #1
WHO: Year 11+
JUNE 22 – 29
COST: $500
8 day immersions aimed at providing insight into Isolation
and Justice issues in the Australian context. Placements
include St Ignatius Primary School, the Police Citizen’s Youth
Centre, and an Outback Property Experience. The trip
involves living in community and working locally in service.
BOURKE SOLIDARITY #2
SEP 28 – OCT 5
YOUNG ADULTS WEEKEND
AUG 16-18
WHO: Post School
COST: $500
A retreat and community weekend specifically for Young
Adults. The program includes talks and other opportunities
for reflection as well as shared discussion and recreation.
YEP DREAMING DAY # 1
APR 21
WHO: Youth & Young Adults
A HALF DAY of formation & discussion on varying topics.
YEP DREAMING DAY # 2
OCT 20
Communique March 2013 15
From the Parish House
Fr Brendan Reed
I
t seems as though we are all caught
up in elections.
Prime Minister
Gillard has announced the Australian
federal election for September this
year. Pope Benedict surprised us
with his retirement announcement and
threw us, or at least the Cardinals, into
an unexpected papal election. As we
move into the Easter season the Church
puts before us another election. Across
the globe are thousands of people who
are preparing to celebrate this Easter
as the elect (there are over 300 of them
in Melbourne). Who are they? The
elect are those who have been ‘picked
out’ or ‘chosen’ to go forward at Easter
and receive the sacraments of Baptism,
Confirmation and Eucharist. They have
not been picked out by the local branch.
God himself has stirred something in
their hearts that has led them to come
forward and seek a richer life in the
Church. They have not been elected
to run the country. They have not been
elected to lead and guide the Church.
They have been elected to enter more
fully into the life of the Church. They
have been elected to participate in the
sacraments. The have been elected
to take their place as members of the
faithful and to show their faith in love of
God and love of neighbour.
16 Communique March 2013
There will probably not be a great
fanfare or newspaper reports on the
elect as they are called before the
community and state their intentions.
They will solemnly and joyfully receive
the sacraments at the Easter Vigil in
the midst of the community and in the
presence of their family and friends.
They will not make victory speeches
or thank their supporters for getting
them over the line. They will shine out
like the sun and beam with the inner
joy of having come to faith and publicly
Pope Benedict surprised
us with his retirement
announcement and threw
us, or at least the Cardinals,
into an unexpected papal
election.
professed their belief in the God of life,
light, love and hope.
They will not get to work straight
away. They will stop and savour the
moment. The first food they take will be
bread and wine. The first word they say
will be – Amen. They will be ‘us’, not
‘me’, and there will be no ‘them’. The
elect become the newly baptised and
take their place in the body of Christ. A
body is not a political party, it is not an
interest group, it is not even primarily a
friendship group. A body is an active,
organic, life giving, lovable thing. A
body can suffer. A body can love. A
body can heal. A body can cry. A body
can laugh. A body can give everything
until there is nothing left. A body can die.
A body can live! The elect are joined to
the suffering, loving, healing, crying,
laughing, giving everything, dying and
rising body of Christ.
The elect can never be thrown out
of office or retire. The elect have been
sealed with the Spirit. They continue
to discern and grow into the gifts of
wisdom, understanding, perseverance,
courage, wonder and awe, right
judgment and knowledge. The elect
will grow weary and tire, they will be in
need of renewal and growth. They will
not shut themselves into an ideological
position but will be constantly open to
dialogue, discovery and change. The
elect will be dismissed at the end of the
Easter Vigil – “Go and Glorify the Lord
with Your Life!”
In a year of elections perhaps each
of the baptised could recall their own
baptism and remember their journey,
one way or another, to the sacraments
of initiation. Each of our journeys was
brought about by an election that is
forever beckoning us into the future.