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Free
Catholic Life
Publication of the Diocese of Sale
Stations of
the Cross
returned
- Page 3
ISSUE 168
Newest
member of
youth team
- Page 7
December 2012
Pregnancy
support centre
planned
- Page 8
‘Unlikely’ priest dies
By Colin Coomber
ST Mary’s Cathedral,
Sale, was always central
to the faith life of Fr Tim
McInnes and so it was
fitting that his Requiem
Mass was held there.
Fr McInnes who died on
November 22 used to say his
only claim to fame was that
he was the only Sale-born
person who had been baptised,
confirmed, ordained a deacon
and ordained a priest in the
cathedral.
By his own admission he was
the most unlikely person ever
to be ordained a priest in the
modern era.
His early life was dominated
by his desire to enjoy the
company of others, usually over
a few jugs of beer, and more
than once he likened himself
to a prodigal son who returned
home to the church.
His decision in 1981 to
become a late vocations priest
floored many of his closest
friends.
He had been having dinner
with Fr Peter Bickley at the
home of close friends John and
Maureen Cunninghame in Sale
when Maureen asked him if he
had ever considered becoming
a priest.
His response that he had
amazed his dinner companions
and so Fr Bickley asked why he
hadn’t done something about it.
Tim replied “Because no-one
asked me before!”
From then on he had a
battle, with the assistance of
both friends and clergy, to
convince Bishop Eric D’Arcy
that he had undergone some
sort of conversion and was
really dedicated to serving the
Church.
In January 1982 Bishop
D’Arcy accepted him as a
BISHOP Christopher Prowse leads the service at Sale Lawn Cemetery which followed the Requiem Mass at St Mary’s Cathedral.
candidate for the priesthood but
even then the battle was not over
because St Paul’s Seminary for
late vocations was reluctant
to accept him because he had
left school at age 15 without
completing a formal education.
Finally, in 1983 after
insistence from the bishop,
the seminary accepted him,
for four years of study for the
priesthood.
He was ordained at a deacon
at St Mary’s Cathedral in May
1986 and then to the priesthood
in December of that year.
He went on to serve as a
curate at both Cranbourne
and Bairnsdale before being
appointed parish priest at
Orbost from 1993-97, Koo Wee
Rup from 1997-2000 and then
Heyfield from 2000 until his
retirement in January 2010.
In all places he continued to
frequent the hotels, to meet the
common people and to bring a
little of God into their lives.
Fr McInnes often used to
cite instances of people he
had been able to bring back to
the Church by meeting them
and explaining his remarkable
faith
journey.
Baptisms,
confirmations, marriage and
wedding anniversary functions
were regularly organised at the
pub where people were on their
home ground, rather than being
asked to visit the priest back at
the presbytery.
After retirement he continued
to live on in a unit in Heyfield’s
main street and it was there that
he suffered the first of his major
strokes.
He was found lying on the
floor, perhaps many hours after
the stroke and was rushed to
the Sale hospital in a serious
condition. The stroke robbed
him of mobility and speech but
he was still able to recognise
visitors.
A second major stroke on
November 12 left him in a
critical condition and he slowly
deteriorated over the next 10
days.
• Continued Page 2
Your generous gift will go on giving
A donation to the Bishop’s Family Foundation will aid needy families in the
Diocese of Sale by funding much needed counselling and other programs.
Send tax deductible donations to:
Bishop’s Family Foundation, PO Box 1410, Warragul 3820
Phone 5622 6600 for more information
Page 2 - Catholic Life, December 2012
Grace and Faith found in Christmas manger
T
he sending and receiving of
Christmas cards is still popular.
The first card I received this
season gave me some reason to
reflect on Christmas for three
reasons.
First, in the bottom left hand
corner of the card were the
three wise men on pilgrimage to
Bethlehem.
Like the three wise men, in this
Year of Grace and Year of Faith,
all of us are on pilgrimage to
Jesus. We cannot imagine a new
evangelisation in Australia or our
world without “starting afresh from
Christ” (John Paul II). Liturgically,
the Advent season celebrates this
penitential pilgrimage in Word and
Sacrament.
It is a time of conversion. Please
consider the importance of going
to the Sacrament of Reconciliation
in this penitential season. It is a
wonderful way of preparing for the
joyous season of Christmas.
Secondly, the three wise men are
travelling at night and are guided
by a star.
We are travelling towards
Christmas this year in a kind of
“night” too. The recent media
exposure of sex abuse of children
in society and in our own Church
has once again concerned us
profoundly. We are trying to stand
in solidarity with the victims. Our
To God’s People
in the Catholic
Diocese of Sale
16 year old national protocols have
helped so much to respond to this
scourge in the Church. But still, the
fact that some of our own church
personnel have been involved as
our people who are so scandalized
by these events that their faith has
been shaken and confused.
Thirdly, the star led the Magi to
a humble stable in which the child
abusers continues to shock and
humiliate us all.
Yet, in all this, the star leading
us to Jesus travels by way of the
road of conversion and humility.
Simplicity and justice will be our
response as we pilgrimage with the
Magi towards this Christmas and
beyond. We pray for the victims
of child sex abuse. We pray too for
Jesus is found in a manger.
Where Jesus is found there
is the Church. We must never
separate Christ from the Church.
At Bethlehem Jesus is found in the
humility of the stable. A manger is
a feeding vessel for animals. Our
Sacred Tradition has suggested
that the manger is a symbol of
the Eucharist. Jesus feeds us
Reflection 2
with himself at Mass. In all our
confusion and darkness we come
into the presence of Jesus, the
Light of the World and food for the
nations.
The “glitz” of the Christmas
preparations and its commercial
aspect must be kept in proper
proportions. The key words are not
“big”, “expensive”, and “useful”.
When the Magi experienced a
personal encounter with Jesus on
that first Christmas, maybe their
key words were: “small”, “fragile”,
and “profound”.
Only a heart that is comfortable
with
silence,
contemplation,
simplicity and humility will truly
encounter Jesus in a lowly manger.
Grace and Faith open the door to
the child Saviour.
Let us all pray for an increase of
Grace and Faith this Christmas. Let
it begin in our hearts, and let it pass
onto our families, communities
and to the marginalised.
Be assured of my prayers for
you all at Christmas. May you
then have a restful holiday time in
January 2013. May you find extra
time for prayer and meditation.
May the joy of the Lord be with
you as 2013 approaches.
“Grace and peace be yours in
abundance” (1Peter 1:26).
+ Bishop Christopher Prowse
Catholic Bishop of Sale
Funeral of Sale’s ‘unlikely’ priest
• From Page 1
Fr Tim McInnes
DIOCESE OF SALE
Fr McInnes was the second
eldest of eight children, raised
in Briagolong and attended
the local state school before
moving to Sale to stay with his
grandparents and enrolling in
St Patrick’s College, Sale, as a
day boy in 1945.
He left school in 1949 to work
for the Post Master General’s
Catholic Life
PO Box 1410,
Warragul Vic. 3820
Phone: (03) 5622 6600
[email protected]
www.sale.catholic.org.au
Department as a telegram
delivery boy for the Sale Post
Office.
His PMG career took him to
various post offices in Victoria
and Tasmania over a 15 year
period before he returned to
Sale in 1964 to begin 19 years
with the Australian Electoral
Office.
In 1974 he was seconded to the
Northern Territory to become
Latrobe
alley
V
uneral
F
Services
the
first
Commonwealth
Government electoral officer
in Alice Springs where he was
responsible for conducting
elections in five seats, taking in
three-quarters of the territory.
In his young days he was
an accomplished cricketer,
showing great skills behind
the stumps as wicketkeeper for
Briagolong and Old Collegians,
and once represented SaleMaffra Cricket Association at
Country Week.
One of his great loves was
golf and not too many years ago
he won a golfing tournament
playing against other Victorian
priests.
First prize was trip to Ireland
and so he headed off and spent
the entire holiday playing golf
at various courses in Ireland,
Scotland and England.
At his Requiem Mass, his
youngest brother Gary paid
tribute to the people who had
found and supported Tim after
his first stroke, and also to the
doctors and staff at Central
Wellington Hospital.
Facing the Truth
Log in to follow the Catholic
Church response and latest
on the Victorian Government
inquiry into child abuse.
www.facingthetruth.org.au
Editor: Colin Coomber
Published monthly except January.
Deadline for advertising copy and
editorial contributions for next issue is
Monday, February 4.
Issues distributed free through
parishes and schools from
February 13.
Published by
Catholic Media Gippsland,
an agency of the Diocese of Sale.
Printed by Express Print, Morwell.
Member of
Australasian Catholic Press Association &
Australasian Religious Press Association
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MARK
RIDDLE
Consultant
2002900
PO Box 124, Sale 3853
204 Raymond St
www.lifefm.com.au
PH: 5143 0355
Fax: 5143 0388
[email protected]
Catholic Life, December 2012 - Page 3
Christmas message from Bishop Chistopher Prowse
Dear People of God in the Diocese of Sale,
We are celebrating Christmas during the Year of Grace
and the Year of Faith.
Christmas is surely where Grace and Faith meet. The
Grace of God sends us Jesus, God-with-us. The Faith of
Mary, Joseph, the shepherds, and the Magi all “contemplate the face of Christ” resting in the humble stable of
Bethlehem. Even such great Faith is an initiative of Grace.
We too join in this profound contemplation of the Saviour.
Indian priest
and seminarian
on the way
THE clergy in the Diocese of
Sale will be strengthened with
the arrival of two new men from
India in the coming weeks.
Stanly Constantine Devasia
will arrive first and will begin
studies for the priesthood at
Corpus Christi Seminary in the
new year.
Fr Aju Varghese from Carmelites of Mary Immaculate,
Kerala, India will arrive early
in the new year to serve as a
priest in our diocese for about
three years.
Last chance
for diocese
postmark
STAMP collectors only have a
couple of weeks to get themselves a special Diocese of Sale
postmark from the Sale Post
Office business centre.
The postmark has been in use
since May to commemorate the
125th anniversary of the creation of the diocese.
It was the first time a diocese
had been recognised in such a
way by Australia Post.
The postmark can be put on
any letter but it must be specifically requested from post office
staff.
The diocese also has on hand
a limited amount of numbered
first day of issue envelopes featuring the postmark.
Each envelope is hand numbered and is dated May 4 which
was the first day of issue. In
addition the envelopes have
been embossed using Bishop
Prowse’s official seal.
To obtain one of these contact
the bishop’s personal assistant
Cathy Dougan on 5622 6600.
Cost is $5 each.
Thank you for your Faith and strength during these dark
times where the issue of child sex abuse is for all to see.
May the star of Christmas lead us in this darkness to the
light of the child Jesus.
May you all be blessed by the Lord at this Christmas
time.
Bishop Christopher Prowse
December 2012
Sion Sisters return Stations of Cross
WARRAGUL - The original
stations of the cross have been
returned to Sion House by the
Sisters of Our Lady of Sion.
The new diocesan headquarters was originally the Sion
convent and the 14 brass stations of the cross were removed
when the sisters left Warragul.
Sr Angela Bayliss and Sr
Margaret Rush presented the
stations to Bishop Prowse last
month.
They are currently being
placed on wooden plaques
before being mounted on the
walls.
Both sisters have a strong link
with the building. Sr Margaret
was sent there as a boarder after
the 1939 bushfires had burnt out
their family home in the high
country near Harrietville.
Sr Angela, whose father was
weirkeeper at Glenmaggie
Weir, near Heyfield joined the
Sion Sisters in Sale and went
on to teach at Warragul.
She was one of the last sisters to leave the old convent in
1972, sharing the facilities with
the Taylor family when Ken
Taylor was appointed the first
lay principal of the college.
The Sisters of Sion were the
first religious congregation in
the diocese after being encouraged by Bishop James Corbett
to come from France to Sale.
They established their mother
house, orphanage and school
in Sale and later expanded to
establish schools in Bairnsdale
and Warragul.
The last Sion Sister in the
diocese was Sr Lauraine Brice
who moved from Sale to Melbourne several years ago.
The Sion House chapel has
been fitted out with furniture
built in Maffra from Gippsland
mountain ash timber, and had
Away for a weekend
and need to check local
Mass times?
Use the QR scanning app on
your smart phone and it will
take you directly to the
Diocese of Sale website
an altar stone and brass tabernacle which were sourced from
the old Josephite convent in
Yarram.
Bishop Prowse has begun
saying regular early morning
Masses in the chapel when he
is available.
RIGHT: Sr Margaret Rush
nds (left) and Sr Angela Bayliss
nds with Bishop Prowse and
some of the brass Stations of
the Cross.
It’s
not all
about
the
money!
Can you help us fulfil the mission the Church in this way?
Have you got money invested elsewhere that you could
consider investing with the CDF?
If you are able to help why not give the CDF
a call or email and see how easy it is.
You will be rewarded with:
• A competitive rate of return on your investment;
• The security of investing with the Catholic Church; and,
• Most importantly you are making a contribution to
furthering the Catholic faith and education in our diocese.
So you see it’s not
just about the money
Phone 5622 6699
[email protected]
The Catholic Development Fund, Diocese of Sale is not subject to the provisions of the Corporation Act 2001 nor has it been examined
or approved by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission. Deposits with the Catholic Development Fund, Diocese of Sale are
guaranteed by CDPF Limited, a company established by the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference for this purpose. We welcome your investment with the Catholic Development Fund, Diocese of Sale rather than with a profit orientated commercial organisation as a conscious
commitment by you to support the Charitable, Religious and Educational works of the Catholic Church. Neither the Catholic Development
Fund, Diocese of Sale nor the Trustees of the Roman Catholic Trust Corporation for the Diocese of Sale are prudentially supervised by the
Australian Prudential Regulation Authority; contributions to the Catholic Development Fund, Diocese of Sale do not obtain the benefit of
the depositor protection provisions of the Banking Act 1959; the Catholic Development Fund, Diocese of Sale is designed for investors who
wish to promote the charitable purposes of the Catholic Diocese of Sale.
Lumen Christi refurbishment
Deceptive
SALE woman clearing out her
cupboards prior to a move to
the big smoke decided to donate some of her jewellery to a
friend’s granddaughter.
There was an old set of rosary beads and what she thought
was a St Christopher medal
among it.
The friend looked at the
various pieces and asked if she
happened to be born under the
star sign Aquarius.
Sure enough, the “St Christopher” was not carrying
Christ at all but had a big jug
of water.
It was her Aquarius pendant.
Blame the Chinese
FAIRLY new voice on a Gippsland radio station is showing
her tender years with some of
her comments.
But we thought her announcement last week that it
was the anniversary of the Chinese attack on Pearl Harbor
during World War 2 that really
showed history was not one of
her greatest subjects.
Christmas lights
NOT so many years back we
had a plethora of homes covered in Christmas lights.
Local media outlets and even
councils promoted competitions for the best lights in most
towns across the region.
We ended up with some displays being impressive and
many being downright tacky.
Now a few years later, it
seems most people have tired
of the competitive spirit.
Most towns still have a few
homes which put on a really
good show but instead of every
house in the block having a
light display, there is now only
one or two.
And while on Christmas displays, it must be said that most
municipalities and business associations have backed off on
their street decorations.
We have been through lots
of the diocese in the past few
weeks and have noticed the
lack of Christmas decorations.
The high cost of such decorations and the desire to have
something different every year
has obviously made them prohibitive.
Christmas Masses
PARISHES are deluged each
year by people wanting to
know Christmas Mass times.
Many have recorded messages but the easiest way of locating a Mass closest to you is
to go on our website www.sale.
catholic.org.au, then clicking on parishes and Christmas
Masses.
Last year more than 1000
people logged into the page in
the week before Christmas.
BISHOP Christopher Prowse blesses the refurbished junior block at Lumen Christi Primary School,
with school leaders, principal Cathy Blackford, Minister for Higher Education Peter Hall, director of
Catholic education Maria Kirkwood, and Fr Francis Otobo.
CHURCHILL - The new jun- eral Government had given
She also praised the chilior block at Lumen Christi Pri- $200,000.
dren’s work on display in the
mary School has been officially
More importantly, the school classrooms.
opened and blessed by Bishop community had got behind the
Principal Cathy Blackwood,
Prowse.
project and raised $40,000 of who leaves at the end of term to
The long awaited renovation local contribution.
take over as principal at St Miwas part of an ongoing upgrade
Director of Catholic edu- chael’s, Traralgon, announced
of the school.
cation Maria Kirkwood also that the school had just been
The bishop spoke enthusiasti- congratulated the school and advised by the Federal Govcally to the children and gave praised it for the high standards ernment that it would received
them a talk on the famous Lu- which were evident whenever $550,000 to refurbish the senior
men Christi painting which he she visited.
block.
had seen when in England.
Minister for Higher Education and local Member of Parliament Peter Hall said he was
pleased to see the development
at the school.
He said the State Government
had provided $400,000 towards
the refurbishment and the Fed-
Young debaters up
to the challenge
Of all the decisions we make in our
lifetime, making a valid will is among
the most important.
ST Michael’s debaters (from left) are Joshua, Erin, Sarah, Olivia K,
Tahlia and Olivia W.
This final testament speaks loudly of the values, causes and possessions we hold most dear. We
bequest personal treasures and
mementos to special friends and
loved ones and ask them to care
for them after our passing.
If you hold the Church dear, you
may consider leaving a percentage of your estate or a specific
amount to the
Diocese of Sale.
The Diocese is grateful for the
support of its benefactors, who
have enabled the Church
to grow in its service of
its people, and invite you
to share in this
rich heritage.
BERWICK - St Michael’s Primary School Grade Six debating teams, set out to influence
and persuade the judges to
agree with their point of view at
the inter school debating competition, held at St Catherine’s
Primary School last month.
Both sides were able to provide solid reasons for their
argument, outlining their contention and demonstrated their
support for each other throughout the entire debate.
Both St Michael’s teams are
to be commended on their delivery with one of its students,
Sarah M receiving an award for
best speaker on the day.
Testing out their ideas against
difficult oppositions resulted in
one of their teams coming first.
Both teams’ achievements
were admirable; their ability
to plan and think logically has
sharpened and each of them has
gained invaluable skills in planning and delivering a structured
argument in a formal setting.
BARRY AND ANNETTE LETT
Funeral Directors
Barry, Annette and
Bradley Lett offer care,
compassion and service with
dignity for the people
of Gippsland.
Caring and personal
24-hour service.
Prepaid and prearranged funeral plans available.
67 Macarthur St., Sale 3850
(03) 5143 1232
Statement from bishops on
Royal Commission
WITH leaders of Religious Orders, we welcome
the establishment of the Royal Commission into
institutional responses to child sexual abuse.
It is an opportunity for those who have suffered
to obtain a compassionate hearing, justice and
further healing.
It is also an opportunity for the Church’s processes to be scrutinised with greater objectivity.
This will allow further refinements that seek justice and pastoral care.
However imperfectly, this work has been going
on in the Catholic Church for the last two decades. It will continue.
Once again, we renew our heartfelt apology
to those whose lives have been so grievously
harmed by the evil perpetrated upon them by
some priests, religious and church personnel.
In order to work as effectively as possible with
the Royal Commission, we have established a supervisory group of representatives from the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference and Catho-
lic Religious Australia.
This supervisory group will establish and oversee a new Council for the Royal Commission
consisting of 10 people (including bishops, religious and lay people) served by an Executive
Officer.
Our hope is that, in its search for truth, the Royal Commission will present recommendations
ensuring the best possible standards of child protection in our country.
Painful and difficult as this might be for the
Church, it is nothing compared to the hurt of
those who have suffered sexual abuse, particularly by clergy and religious.
Through the days of our meeting, the bishops
and religious leaders have appreciated the support of the prayers of many in the Australian
Catholic community.
That’s only $76 a day!
- Australian Catholic Bishops’ Conference
November 30, 2012
Josephite Associate enrolled
CRANBOURNE - On the Feast
of Christ the King, the roof was
raised by the beautiful voices of
the Samoan choir at St Agatha’s
Church, as the first Cranbourne
Josephite Associate was enrolled at the 10.45am Mass.
There were lots of congratulations as Colleen Nazareth made her commitment to
friendship, prayer and service.
Associates are lay women
and men who feel drawn to the
charism of Mary MacKillop
and Fr Julian Tenison Woods,
co-founders of the Sisters of
Saint Joseph.
Associates and the Sisters are
linked by the centrality of the
Josephite charism and the commitment to friendship, prayer
and service. They accept the
challenge to make a difference
in the world wherever they are
for the sake of the reign of God
in our world.
The most common statement
heard from other parishioners
after Mass was that, although
people loved the idea of being an associate, they were
concerned that they, “Can’t fit
anything else into their already
busy lives”.
When asked about this comment Colleen said, “I have
found that these are the very
people that are already living the Josephite charism, as
they are positive forces in their
families as parents and carers,
or in their parishes as lectors,
welcomers, choir members and
extraordinary eucharistic ministers.
“My reply to these active and
inspirational people is quite
simply this: Being a Josephite
Associate doesn’t add more
work to my already busy life; it
adds a new dimension to what I
am already doing in my life.
“I know that as I move
through my busy day that other
associates and the Sisters of St
Joseph are holding me, and all
that I do in their prayers. While
there are opportunities to connect regularly with the sisters
and other associates, I am asked
to attend one regional meeting
in two years where I connect
with other associates. When I
reap such incredible blessings
from being an associate I think
I can meet that requirement”.
If you would like more information about the Josephite Associates email Sr Mary Fermio
at [email protected]
39 Victoria St., Warragul 3820
Ph: 5623 5555
Fax 5623 4999
Email: [email protected]
2013 Gippsland departures
Our Gippsland departures are always popular. Getting picked up by coach and taken to
Tullamarine and returned, plus assistance with check-ins is a great start to a holiday and all part
of the service. Many of our group departures book out 6 months in advance, so we encourage
you to book early.
NEW ZEALAND COACH TOUR
20 day rail, cruise and coach holiday departing April 12, 2013
Includes return Gold Class Coach transfers to Melbourne Airport plus an extra
night’s accommodation pre tour in New Zealand.
$5329 per person twin share.
Discover the breathtaking scenery of New Zealand. This fully escorted tour offers superior accommodation,
six two-night stays, 41 superb meals including breakfast daily and five specialty dinners, five spectacular rail
journeys, plus an array of scenic cruises. Includes over $1150 prepaid activities and attractions.
SEE THE REAL ALASKA & THE CANADIAN ROCKIES
25 day tour (includes Rocky Mountaineer) departing May 28, 2013
Include return coach transfers, return international airfares including
taxes, 13 day Globus tour of Alaska including cruise, 11 day Globus
tour of the Rockies, extra night’s accommodation in Vancouver,
prepaid gratuities.
$11,490 per person twin share
COLLEEN Nazareth (left) with Sr Mary Fermio rsj after her Josephite Associate enrolment at Cranbourne.
Featuring Fairbanks, Denali, Anchorage, Kenai Fjords National Park, Vancouver, Rocky
Mountaineer, Banff, Columbia Icefield, Jasper, Whistler, Victoria.
BRITISH ISLES IN DEPTH
Psst... Here’s a bargain!
Do you want to advertise
in this space?
Only $50 a month if you
run the advertisement
for 3 issues
Call Catholic Life on 5622 6600
27 day tour of Britain & Ireland departing August 17, 2013
Includes return coach tranfers, return airfare to London incl. taxes, airport transfers, 5 nights in
London, 21 day Cosmos tour, Edinburgh Military Tattoo ticket, prepaid gratuities.
$6485 per person twin share
OTHER 2013 TOURS
Call 5623 5555 for a brochure including our other tours which include Three
Rivers of France (August), Paris to Prague River Cruise (August), China Splendid
(September), Eastern USA & Route 66 (September) & New York and Panama Canal
(October).
Government back-flip on bus subsidies welcomed
OVERTURNING a decision to
means test families for student
bus subsidies has been widely
welcomed.
The Director of Catholic
Education for the Diocese
of Sale, Maria Kirkwood,
has welcomed the Victorian
Government’s decision to
remove means testing for
student bus subsidies.
The government had previously announced that the Bus
Conveyance Allowance would
be means tested, meaning hundreds of families would be disadvantaged.
Education Minister Martin
Dixon announced the change
had been made after representations from various groups about
the unintended consequences of
the proposed 2013 changes.
Ms Kirkwood thanked the
Minister and government for
listening to the concerns of
Catholic education and affected
parents.
“Many of our Catholic
schools are in some of the
state’s most disadvantaged
areas and means testing of the
bus conveyance allowance was
likely to cause financial stress
to many regional families, who
would be relieved to hear the
Minister’s announcement.”
She said that changes to the
urban growth boundaries to
include schools in the western
end of the diocese meant that in
future the allowances would be
affected.
She understood that students
who currently received an allowance would continue under a “grandfathering clause”
but students changing schools
might not be eligible.
Students with Beaconsfield,
Officer, Pakenham and Cardinia
postcodes would still be eligible
Taizé service under the Southern Cross
AN ecumenical prayer service
was held at Drouin Anglican
church on November 27.
The “Taizé Under the Southern Cross” event, which attracted a sizeable gathering of
young and old from all over
Gippsland, was an initiative of
the Sale Diocese Ecumenical
Commission.
The Rev Amy Turner of the
Anglican Church, along with
Mike Hanson and Deacon
Mark Kelly of the ecumenical commission led prayer and
scripture readings, while the
Lavalla College liturgical choir
led the singing.
In this Taizé style service the
congregation gathered around
the cross of Jesus to light a
“Christ Candle” and express
prayers of intercession for
themselves and for the needs of
the world.
The gentle Taizé chants, lead
by the young, accomplished
Lavalla choristers, made it a
deeply reflective experience.
After the reading of each petition, those present were invited
to approach the cross and light
a taper from the Paschal candle
if the petition resonated with
someone or some situation they
wanted to remember in prayer.
The participation of all those
present, especially the youth,
made it a very moving experience.
A reading from the Gospel of
Mark related both the Transfiguration of Jesus on the mountain and his rejoining the other
disciples afterward on the plain
below where he healed the boy
possessed by a demon.
The message conveyed by
the passage was that we cannot
remain on the mountain top,
engulfed in the mystical revelation of God, but must come
down to the plain to confront
the needs of a world in pain.
By the end of the service the
mass of lighted remembrance
tapers under the cross made a
forceful statement. It made visible the belief that the Light of
Christ can be borne by each one
of us in prayer and solidarity
with the world.
Many people spoke after the
service of the great blessings
they had received praying with
Christians of other denominations and seeking unity together
as our Lord so desires for us.
as these areas had been declared
exempt by the government
while public transport was still
limited.
However, Cranbourne and
Berwick were not exempt and
so students moving from primary school to secondary school
would no longer be eligible for
the subsidy in those areas.
Principal
named
for Maffra
DARREN Stanbury has been
appointed principal of St
Mary’s Primary School, Maffra from the start of the 2013
school year.
He is currently principal at
Sacred Heart Primary School,
Casterton.
He has held a number of leadership positions in schools in
Western Australia, Queensland
and Victoria.
He replaces Anita Little who
has decided to return to classroom teaching at St Thomas’s,
Sale.
At St Mary’s, Yarram, deputy
principal Anthony Sheedy has
been appointed acting principal
to replace Di Austin who has
moved to Queensland.
What gift should I pray for?
Col & Pal Semmens
FUNERAL DIRECTORS
~Servicing Gippsland~
Maffra
5147 1954
Sale
5144 1954
Heyfield
5148 3354
Brad
Pal
Col
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303 York St.,
SALE
5144 9898
287 Commercial Rd
YARRAM
5182 5722
Yarram, Traralgon, Bairnsdale,
Sale, Pakenham, Jindabyne
Phone 0417 376 483
TURNBULL USED CARS
LMCT 2140
73 Argyle St.,
TRARALGON
5174 8290
WHEN King David died, Solomon was chosen by God to be
the next king of Israel.
God appeared to Solomon
in a dream and said, “Ask for
whatever you want me to give
you.”
Solomon answered, ”God,
you have made your servant
king in place of my father
David. But I am only a little
child and do not know how to
carry out my duties among the
people you have chosen, a great
people, too numerous to count
or number. So give your servant
a discerning heart to govern
your people and to distinguish
between right and wrong.”
In another place it is translated
as “Grant that I may have the
gift of listening with the heart”.
What a gift to pray for as
we prepare for Christmas, the
gift of listening with what St
Benedict calls ‘the ear of the
heart’.
The ear of the heart hears the
voice of God above the voices
of the world, the voice of
God in our life journey, in the
others around us, in what we
have come to believe. The ear
of the heart is sensitive to the
voice of God who is merciful
and compassionate, slow to get
angry and filled with unfailing
love (Psalm 145:8).
The ear of the heart hears
in the Christmas story the
overwhelming expression of
the love of God for all people,
especially those who are poor
or oppressed or suffering.
When we listen again to the
Christmas story, we hear of
those three travellers from the
east and the shepherds who left
their flocks to come to the stable
– the ear of the heart hears the
voice of welcome.
Reflections
by Jim Quillinan
The ear of the heart hears
in this story the voices of the
outcaste, for those for whom
there is ‘no room’, the homeless,
those whom society excludes,
the voice of those seeking
refuge within our shores.
Listening is a gift, but like
all gifts and talents it needs to
be cultivated, to be improved
by practice. Listening with the
ear of the heart changes us, it
helps us to see each other and
the world we live in as God sees
them.
It encourages us to give
thanks for all our blessings,
large and small.
Praying for the gift of
listening with the heart means
praying that we might not be too
quick in our responding, rather
than waiting and listening for
the movement of God in our
hearts, praying that we not be
too quick to judge rather than
listening to what it feels like to
walk in the other’s shoes.
We pray that the ear of the
heart might hear the voice of
hope when things are not going
the way we would like or when
we despair, or that we might
hear the voice of calm in the
midst of anger, the voice of
courage especially when we are
afraid, the voice of welcome,
the voice of peace brought in
our working for justice and
fairness.
Christmas reminds us each
year that in Jesus we see the
overwhelming love of God for
each of us. May we learn to
listen with the ear of the heart
to the voices of those who love
us, who care for us, who inspire
us and challenge us and may we
share that love fearlessly and
with generosity and courage.
I found this verse on a card
some years ago:
When the song of the angels is
stilled,
when the star in the sky is
gone,
when the kings and princes
are home,
when the shepherds are back
with the flocks,
then the work of Christmas
begins:
to find the lost,
to heal those broken in spirit,
to feed the hungry,
to release the oppressed,
to rebuild the nations,
to bring peace among all
peoples,
to make a little music with the
heart…
And to radiate the Light of
Christ,
every day, in every way, in all
that we do and in all that
we say.
Then the work of Christmas
begins………
Newest member of youth team Pastoral plan next year
THE newest member of the Sale
Diocese youth ministry team
is Cassie Gawley who started
work at Sion House, Warragul,
last week.
She is 19 and graduated from
St Francis Xavier College, Beaconsfield, last year where she
was college vice captain.
Cassie said she was excited to
be taking on the role of youth
ministry support officer for the
diocese.
She said she had a lot of experience in youth ministry, particularly as a student, as she was
actively involved in the Catholic Schools Youth Ministry
Australia program, and it was
something she felt passionately
about.
“I feel very blessed to have
been given the opportunity to
work as a part of the Diocese of
Sale in this role and I am really
looking forward to what the
year 2013 has in store for me.
“I am really looking forward
to meeting young people from
our secondary schools and also
to engage in and work with the
current youth ministry activities that are in place over the
diocese.”
A PASTORAL plan to direct
the Diocese of Sale over the
next five years will be released
by Bishop Christopher Prowse
in his annual Pentecost Pastoral
Letter next year.
The new pastoral plan has
been developed by the bishop
over the past couple of years
following a series of regional
meetings with parishioners.
Theme of the letter will be
Family Evangelisation and
there will be a different focus
each year.
The first year’s focus will be
family prayer and members of
the Diocesan Pastoral Council
are assisting is developing the
necessary resources for use by
families.
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Fr Anthony
Also departing 23rd Sep 2013
NEWEST youth ministry team member Cassie Gawley, Berwick,
with youth ministry co-ordinator Jess Denehy.
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Departing18th June 2013
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Making present the Kingdom of God
AS the new Director of Catholic Education in the Diocese of
Sale, the month of November
has been a very busy one and
December is shaping up to be
equally so.
Over recent weeks I have
been visiting several schools in
the diocese for a range of reasons – School Renewal follow
up, Blessings and Openings
of buildings, Presentation and
Awards evenings and occasionally just to visit.
Several things have been
evident during these visits and
special occasions. Firstly, there
is great diversity amongst our
schools. This diversity is experienced in the size, shape, environment and demographics of
each of the locations.
Student and staff profiles vary
greatly from place to place and
have an impact on which particular educational program or
endeavour has priority or specific focus.
Having been in the business
of visiting a large number of
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schools over the last 18 years
for a variety of reasons, I have
become attuned to the differing
nuances of school life and to
picking up rather quickly where
the strengths and weaknesses,
joys and challenges exist within
each setting.
Arriving at a school and, as is
often the case with me, looking
lost and a bit confused trying to
find the main office, I have been
struck by the number of times
I have been approached by a
staff member, parent or student
offering help. The sense of hospitality this invariably conveys
is a great starting point for any
visit.
On the occasions when I
have had to ask for assistance
I have also found that students
in particular have been willing
to leave their companions and
instead of just pointing towards
a door have accompanied me to
the exact spot.
Walking into the reception
area of any school gives the
next clear message of what
is important in this particular
school community. For some it
is their history, for others their
future.
For all of the ones I have visited to date there is a strong
sense of a Catholic community
proud of their particular identity, grounded in a commitment
to follow the teachings and actions of Christ.
This has been evidenced by
the obviously carefully chosen
Talking
Catholic
Education
with Maria Kirkwood
pieces of art and iconography,
vision and mission statements
and student art everywhere on
display. Visitors and prospective parents and students are
left in no doubt that these are
Catholic schools.
I have personally felt an enormous sense of pride as well as
good fortune to be associated
with this vibrant community of
schools in the Sale Diocese.
Some recent awards nights at
Catholic Secondary Colleges in
the diocese have left me with
a sense of great confidence in
the young people who are leaving our schools to go out into a
world that is far more complex
than the world many of us entered when we left school.
The joy, spirit, confidence,
talent and goodness that I have
both witnessed and felt at these
events have been exceptional.
When I consider that many of
these young people will have
the opportunity to take up significant leadership of our cities, state and country I feel
confident that the grounding
they have received in Christian
principles and ethics will stand
us all in good stead in the years
ahead.
In the director’s message on
the Catholic Education Office
website the following passage
occurs and sums up my recent
experiences:
Yet clearly we are all about
the same thing – making present the Kingdom of God to
our communities, providing
students with the opportunity
to grow in the love of God and
develop a respectful knowledge
of their world in an atmosphere
of peace, joy, hope, justice and
love.
As we enter the season of Advent on the journey to Christmas I take this opportunity to
wish all associated with and
interested in Catholic education
in the Diocese of Sale a safe
and joyous Christmas.
New apostolic
administrator
for Wilcannia
THE Bishop of Armidale Michael Kennedy has been appointed new apostolic administrator of Wilcannia-Forbes
Diocese in outback NSW.
He replaces Bishop Kevin
Manning, retired Bishop of Parramatta, who has filled the position for the past couple of years.
Wilcannia-Forbes has been
without a bishop since Bishop
Chris Toohey resigned in 2009.
The future of the outback diocese, which covers almost half
the area of NSW but has few
populations centres, has been
debated for several years with
suggestions that it be carved up
between neighboring dioceses
Wagga Wagga, Canberra-Goulburn, Bathurst and Armidale.
One suggestion was for eastern part to be taken in by neighboring dioceses but the outback
region be taken under the wing
of and be serviced by priests
from Sydney Archdiocese.
Pregnancy support
centre is planned
Reflect On Your Life
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[email protected]
Email:
Kirsten Finger (left) and Melissa Raymond
STRONG public financial support is required to make the
dream of a pregnancy support
centre in Warragul come true.
Olivia’s Place is the dream of
a local group of women who as
mothers themselves identified a
gap in the community for supportive services for mums and
families in need of a little additional support.
Organisers Kirsten Finger of
Drouin and Melissa Raymond
of Warragul are hoping that a
shopfront will be open in Warragul next year to provide services to those experiencing difficulties during pregnancy.
Olivia’s Place will be a community based organisation, and
as such will be seeking sup-
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They said the centre would
provide support needs from
early pregnancy through to the
baby’s first birthday and unlike
many other services would also
provide support for the fathers
and families.
Olivia’s Place would have all
the latest information on available services and trained volunteers would be able to refer people to the best services to meet
their needs.
A booklet for new parents,
called The Olive Guide, has
been produced and will be
widely available in Baw Baw
Shire.
Olivia’s Place plans three major fundraisers a year, targeting
Mother’s Day, Father’s Day and
an annual baby bottle appeal in
which people are encouraged
to donate in the over 300 baby
bottles that have been spread
around churches and businesses.
Regular sponsors will also be
needed to ensure the success of
the project.
More information is available
from the website wwww.oliviasplace.org.au.
Youth seminar at Narre Warren Oblate's 40th jubilee
NARRE WARREN - A youth
seminar day was presented
by Morwell assistant priest Fr
Francis Otobo, with the support
of
Catholic
Charismatic
Renewal coordinators Michael
and Wendy Power and Peter
Schreurs.
The day was attended by
youth from both Narre Warren
and Cranbourne.
Fr Otobo commenced his inspirational day about the Year
of Grace, speaking about the
grace of God in our lives explaining that the grace was a
gift of God that came when we
least expected it.
After having conversation
with a parent in relation to birth
and marriage giving him an
inspiration to share about the
Grace of God within his own
life, how his mother explained
that he came into this world
by the Grace of God. Through
this sharing we were able to see
how we can see God at work in
our lives.
Do we remember the reading
about Joseph being sold into
slavery? Fr Otobo pointed out
the Grace of God shown by Joseph to his brothers when years
later they had come begging for
help.
Fr Otobo spoke about salvation and that it came through
one man. As a result, death has
spread to the whole human race
because everyone has sinned.
Does God reject his people, absolutely not. He reassured the
Youth that
Father continued to speak
about whether God rejected his
people in answer to this we find
in Reassurance was given for
the Youth that there is a small
number left of those whom God
has chosen because of his grace.
God’s choice is based on his
grace, not on what they have
done.
Digging deeper into our hearts
Father spoke about the life of St
Paul how he went against God
but how God transformed him
through grace.
At this point in time Father
graced us with a very touching song reflecting life and the
graces that flow.
The afternoon continued with
more inspirational words in relation to challenges and obstacles which don’t always come
from afar but from close by.
In the Gospel of John we are
promised a helper, we will not
be left orphans.
We need to encourage Catholics to pray more, we need
someone to have the courage to
say yes to allow the Holy Spirit
to move, when you receive the
Holy Spirit you will have the
power to say Jesus is Alive, to
Praise God, to be Passionate
about your faith, allow the Holy
Spirit to take control and lead
you.
We concluded with praise
and worship and a Calling
of the Holy Spirit which was
beautifully lead by Narre Warren Youth Prayer Group music
ministry.
Fr Leon Anderson OMI
a remarkable recovery and being well enough to work at St
John Vianney’s in Springvale
North and later Our Lady of
Lourdes in Lesmurdie, Western Australia before retiring
in 2011 to the Little Sisters of
the Poor hostel in Mount Hawthorn, Western Australia.
o
th
lic Educ
a
tio
Ca
By Therese Hummel
AN Oblate priest who was seriously injured in a car accident
while serving at Moe has celebrated 40 years of the priesthood.
Fr Leon Anderson OMI was
the first priest to be ordained in
the new Oblate parish in Sefton,
New South Wales on December
8, 1972.
Ofter the ordination, he
worked for two years at St Kieran’s in Moe, before serving
in parishes in Queensland and
Western Australia.
In February 1993 he returned
to St Kieran’s as assistant priest
and in August that year he had
a near-fatal car accident while
returning from celebrating Sunday Mass at St John’s in Erica
when his car skidded on a wet
road and hit a tree.
Fr Anderson spent the next
two years in intensive rehabilitation programs before making
n
Catholic schools offer
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KWR remembrance
FRANK Worcester and John Hester enjoy the barbecue lunch.
KOO WEE RUP - St John’s annual remembrance Mass, held
early in November each year,
has become a significant celebration for parishioners and
visitors alike.
Families of deceased parishioners were invited to join in
the Mass during which representatives were invited to come
forward to light a candle in
memory of each parishioners
who died during the past year.
As a community we remembered and gave thanks for their
lives and their contribution to
parish life. Morning tea following Mass provided a great opportunity for some reminiscing
and catching up.
Significantly this year’s remembrance Mass was held on
November 11 which was Remembrance Day and so the sacrifices of our fallen servicemen
and women were also recognised prayerfully during Mass
with the tolling of the church
bell at 11am as a reminder of
the hour to the entire Koo Wee
Rup community.
During November we also
had cause to congratulate Fr
John Allen who celebrated a
significant birthday.
St John’s Christmas barbecue
was held on November 18 following Mass. Thanks to Rob
and Leonie Mure for their expertise in cooking and to all
those parishioners who brought
along food to share. It was a
great event with lots of talk!!
The refurbishment of the parquetry floor in the large sanctuary area of the church continues in the hope of restoring it
to its former condition prior to
Christmas.
Mental Health first aid course
TRARALGON - Lavalla Catholic College, Traralgon Secondary College and local mental
health education and training
group Minding Mental Health,
joined forces recently to give
staff the opportunity to undertake 14 hours of Youth Mental
Health First Aid training.
Twenty four staff met over
four weeks to increase their
knowledge, skills and awareness around this increasingly
important topic.
The course is for adults working or living with adolescents
(those aged between 12 and 18
years), however, the course can
be relevant for those helping
people who are a little younger
or older. This course is particularly suitable for parents, teach-
ers, sports coaches, employers
and youth workers.
The course teaches adults
how to assist adolescents who
are developing a mental health
problem or in a mental health
crisis. Course participants learn
about adolescent development,
the signs and symptoms of the
common and disabling mental
health problems in young people, where and how to get help
when a young person is developing a mental illness, what
sort of help has been shown
by research to be effective, and
how to provide first aid in a crisis situation.
The developing mental health
problems covered are depression, anxiety, psychosis, eating
disorders and substance misuse
The mental health crisis situations covered are suicidal
thoughts and behaviors, nonsuicidal self-injury, panic attacks, traumatic events, acute
effects of drug or alcohol use
and severe psychotic states
Participant feedback was
extremely positive with recommendations that
the
course continue to be offered
to school based staff and parents.
St Francis Xavier College,
Beaconsfield, is currently undertaking the training as facilitators who are happy to travel
when the need arises.
Further details about future
courses is available by emailing
Susanne or Caryn at [email protected]
Busy time for CWL branches
OCTOBER and November
have been very busy months for
the Catholic Women’s League.
Three regional retreats have
been held in the West Region/
Latrobe Valley, South Region
and East Region.
All retreats were well attended with approximately 30 members at each. All speakers were
very inspiring and successful
days were enjoyed by all.
All 18 branches in the diocese
held their annual meetings in
October and November.
Diocesan committee members attended all meetings and
were grateful for all the good
work done by branches. Members clean their parish churches
read at Masses, cater for funerals and many more varied work
in their parishes.
The
Catholic
Women’s
League donate to many charities here and overseas. One of
our main charities is Lodwar
home for girls in Kenya run by
the Franciscan Missionaries of
Mary nuns.
The girls are taught sewing
and cooking and after two years
training they graduate and most
are successful in finding work.
We also donate to Caritas, The
Bible Society, Right to Life,
Missionaries Of God’s Love,
Franciscan Missions, Father
Yelds in Kiribati and many other charities.
Some branches grant an award
to a child in Year 6 level at their
parish school for achievements
throughout the year.
Bishop Prowse requested we
donate towards our seminarians. This is done through the
diocesan committee and the
money is divided between these
young men.
The CWL is looking for new
members to join our branches.
If you feel you cannot attend
meetings on a regular basis
you may wish to become an
associate member. Contact any
branch in your area for more information. Membership is $20
per year.
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promoter for Allianz. Terms, conditions and exclusions apply. To decide if it is right for you please refer to the relevant Product Disclosure Statement, which can be requested by calling 1300 655 003;
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50 somethings - Facing up to future financials
THIS is the third in this series
of articles written for Catholic
Life and this time we look at
our investment needs and approach as we move through our
fifth decade.
The 50s is that stage of life
where we realise just how far
we’re going in our career and
realise that things are really finite.
The decisions we’ve made in
our earlier years have created
our life position and there’s not
that much time left to change
things before we contemplate
retirement. In a 45 year working life, at age 50 we’re two
thirds the way through.
Fortunately the mortgage is
probably gone or under control, although these days many
50-year-olds have mortgages
on bigger and more valuable
homes.
We are generally are more ac-
Quick calendar
What’s on & when
December
21 – Summer holidays begin
(primary schools)
25 – Christmas Day
26 – Boxing Day
30 – Feast of the Holy Family
31 – New Year’s Eve
2013
Trafalgar, 7.30pm
19 – Pentecost
22 – West region meeting,
Nar Nar Goon, 10.30am
24 – Our Lady Help of Christians
26 – Trinity Sunday
31 – Visitation of the BVM
January
June
1 - New Year’s Day
1- World Day of Peace
1 – Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God
6 – Epiphany
13 – Baptism of the Lord
17 – St Anthony
26 – Australia Day
28 – St Thomas Aquinas
31 - St John Bosco
3 – Corpus Christi Sunday
7 – Sacred Heart of Jesus
8 – Immaculate Heart of Mary
10 – Queen’s Birthday Holiday
20 – World Refugee Day
(UN)
20 – Valley region meeting,
noon
24 – Birth of John the Baptist
26 - South region meeting,
Leongatha, 11.15am
29 – Sts Peter and Paul
February
2 – Presentation of the Lord
5 – St Agatha
5 – East region meeting,
Omeo, 10.30am
9 – Diocesan pastoral council
meeting, St Michael’s Parish
Centre, Traralgon
10 – Chinese New Year
11 – Our Lady of Lourdes
13 – Ash Wednesday
noon
March
6 – South region meeting,
Leongatha, 11.15am
11 – Labor Day Holiday
18 – St Patrick’s Day
19 – Central region meeting,
Drouin, 7.30pm24 – Palm
Sunday
28 - Holy Thursday
29 – Good Friday
30 – Holy Saturday, Easter
Vigil
31 – Easter Sunday
April
7 – Daylight saving ends (turn
clocks back 1 hour)
8 – Annunciation
16 – East region meeting,
Lakes Entrance, 10.30am
noon
23 – World Book Day (UN)
23 – Diocesan pastoral council meeting, Sion House, Warragul
25 – Anzac Day
May
12 – Ascension
12 – Mother’s Day
13 – Our Lady of Fatima
July
9 – Ramadan begins
August
6 – Transfiguration of the
Lord
8 – St Mary of the Cross
MacKillop
9- International Day of Indigenous Peoples (UN)
12 – International Youth Day
(UN)
13- East region meeting,
Bairnsdale, 10.30am
15 - Assumption
noon
17 - Diocesan pastoral council meeting, St Michael’s Parish Centre, Traralgon
Warragul, 7.30pm
22 – Queenship of Mary
September
1 – Father’s Day
2 – Jewish New Year
21 – International Day of
Peace (UN)
27 – St Vincent de Paul
October
1 – International Day of Older
Persons (UN)
1 – St Therese of the Child
Jesus
4 – St Francis of Assisi
6 – Daylight Saving begins
(turn clocks forward one hour)
10 – World Mental Health
Day
15 – St Theresa of Avila
noon
cepting of debt at this stage of
our lives than in the past. The
children hopefully have left
home or are at uni, so the matter
of looking after them financially is or has become optional.
We’re at that stage of looking back at the financial travails
of our earlier years and saying “whoopee – it’s me (or us)
time” and then turning round
and realising that the light we
are seeing at the end of the tunnel may just be the retirement
train heading straight toward
us.
It’s a fact that more than 70
percent of Australians of age
50 will not have enough funds
in retirement to provide a comfortable lifestyle.
Just at the time we’re wanting to spend on ourselves for
a change, and just when we
should be looking at conserving
what we have built up, we need
to be more aggressive in trying
to grow our retirement capital.
Unlike our parents we at least
have our Superannuation Guarantee contributions since 1994
but these have now also been
shown to be insufficient.
So we need to employ some
strategies to get us further toward our goals. Bear in mind
that the longer we live the longer our life expectancy. Even
in the last decade, the life expectancy of people aged 65
increased to 83.7 for men and
85.8 years for women. When I
started planning I was told that
we only had to fund retirement
to age 81!
It’s harder to change habits
the older we get, but unless we
have a very good superannuation scheme, or have been successful business people, sold
the farm or have wealthy parents and no siblings we need to
increase our funding.
The first point of call is superannuation. As mentioned in
the previous articles this avenue
is not as much benefit as it was,
but it’s still the best way, so we
can contribute $25,000 each
year of pre-tax money to this.
With no mortgage and children out of the way it should
be possible to do some or all of
this.
If we have other assets, we’re
allowed to contribute another
$150,000 each year in after tax
value – cash or appropriate investments. We can’t access this
money until we’re aged 55 so if
it’s contributed, it’s gone.
At age 55 we can start a transition to retirement pension and
there are strategies regarding
this involving re-contributions.
These are still positive but less
so than previously.
Outside these we have to look
after ourselves. We need to invest for growth, not income,
and in our mid-50s we can expect only one more investment
cycle before retirement, so we
can’t afford to be too conservative.
Whether we invest in property or shares, we need to concentrate on quality and to manage
it well and consistently.
We need to generate better
than average returns and to do
it consistently. Over time shares
have been shown to be slightly
better than property but it’s a
DOLLAR$
&
SENSE
with David Wells
case of do what we understand.
If we are not confident then
we need to find a competent investment adviser who will work
for us and in whom we must
also have complete confidence
that they are on our side, are
listening and heeding our considerations. If we’re not set up
properly by age 60 then we’ll
have difficulty achieving our
retirement goals.
There are many things that I
could tell people to do, but there
are two things that are great investments and worth far more
than their cost if done correctly.
The first is to get a proper and
well developed and thought out
strategic plan that encompasses
your requirements, and then use
that to invest sensibly in good
quality investments that with
the help of a professional, you
can control yourself.
In your 50s, you’re running
out of time to make mistakes
and recover from them.
On a brighter note, I hope
your Christmas is happy and
joyous, and doesn’t blow your
budget out of the water. And
may 2013 be your best year yet.
Merry Christmas.
• This report is intended to provide general
advice. In preparing this advice, David Wells
and Baillieu Holst Ltd did not take into account
the investment objective, the financial situation
and particular needs of any particular person.
Before making an investment decision on the
basis of this advice, you need to consider, with
or without the assistance of an adviser, whether
the advice is appropriate in light of your particular investment needs, objectives and financial
circumstances.
Fine tune
numbers
for paper
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to advise any adjustments in the
number of issues of Catholic
Life to be delivered each month
in 2013.
A change in enrolments could
mean you will have to adjust
numbers.
Just email the number of issues you want to catholiclife@
sale.catholic.org.au by the first
week of February.
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Melbourne Before Mannix launched by the bishop
BISHOP Prowse launched my
new book Melbourne Before
Mannix: Catholics in Public
Life 1880-1900 in Warragul on
November 15. Below is the talk
I gave on that occasion.
This book was written to
commemorate the centenary,
which occurred in October,
of Dr Mannix’s appointment
as Coadjutor Archbishop of
Melbourne. This book has two
connected parts - the first two
thirds is on Catholics in public
life during Archbishop Carr’s
reign, and the last part is on
Mannix’s early years in Melbourne. This arrangement came
about in the following way. My
main focus was on Mannix.
To understand his 50 turbulent years in Australia, his
many biographers have combed
through his earlier 50 years in
Ireland, searching for clues
which might explain his behavior here.
But often in vain, as in Ireland he had been largely a private figure, living in a seminary,
Maynooth, all his adult life.
My basic idea for this book
was that understanding the decades in Melbourne Catholic life
before he arrived is the true prehistory of his activities here.
Then we can ask what Mannix
inherited from the Melbourne
archdiocese, how he fitted in
and, most importantly, what he
changed.
Though I had my eye on Mannix, I discovered that the Carr
period was a wonderful story
in its own right, as under him
a great flourishing of religious
activity took place.
Archbishop Carr, unlike Cardinal Moran in Sydney, encouraged Melbourne lay Catholics
to be prominent. The dozen or
so Melbourne lay Catholic activists described in this book
were all thinkers, writers and
organizers.
Melbourne Catholics, both
clerical and lay, started up institutions which spread nationwide, like the Hibernians, the
CYMS, the Australian Catholic Truth Society, the Newman Societies and the monthly
magazine, Austral Light. The
Melbourne Archdiocese led the
way.
Writing this book became for
me a voyage of discovery of
things I’d taken for granted as
I grew up. Why was Melbourne
a Christian Brothers domain, in
contrast to Sydney where the
Marists predominated?
Why were there Vincentian
and Dominican parishes located
Gippsland
Gistory
H
with Patrick Morgan
in Malvern and Camberwell?
Why was the heaviest concentration of Irish Catholics in
North Melbourne and beyond?
I discovered that the lineaments of the Catholic Melbourne I knew after the second
world war had been established
not by Archbishop Mannix, but
by his lesser known predecessor, Archbishop Carr.
Nineteenth Century Melbourne was almost a quarter
Irish Catholic. It was the Australian city most conscious of
its Irish Australian heritage, and
most conscious of the wrongs
of old Ireland.
Mannix’s arrival in Melbourne was therefore not entirely random in time and place.
He came to the Australian city
most aware of its Irishness. And
in time he came just before the
Easter Rebellion, when Irish
events began for the first time
to play a role in Australian public life.
But there was a catch – there’s
always a catch. The leading
clerical and lay figures in Melbourne were, with very few exceptions, much more moderate
than Mannix on Irish and other
political issues (for reasons explained in this book).
When he arrives in Australia,
Mannix’s biographers tend to
place him in a political context,
leading a Catholic phalanx into
battle with Billy Hughes. This
makes him look dominant, as
he was soon the equal and opposite of the Prime Minister.
But his primary location was in
the Catholic Church.
Viewed from this perspective
he looks a less assured (though
still an important) figure, one
who was himself on a steep
learning curve.
The squabbles weren’t just
the public ones with the British
Australian establishment over
conscription - to which so much
attention has been drawn - there
were also deep disagreements
within the Catholic community.
Mannix had to form a new
alliance, over the heads of the
Catholic elite, between himself
and ordinary Melbourne Catholics, who applauded his interventions.
Mannix changed the style of
Central Catholic
Bookshop
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(Next door to St Francis Church)
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Melbourne Catholicism. He
didn’t talk at his people, but
identified with them, speaking on their behalf to the public rather than blaming them,
which made them warm to him.
He didn’t confine himself to
internal church arguments, but
went out into the public realm
to argue the church’s - and his
own – case.
Mannix also changed the
style of public debate in Melbourne. He didn’t employ the
high hectoring tone of escalating vituperation common in
Melbourne’s sectarian debates
at the time. Instead he spoke in
a sly, apparently self-deprecating, tone to undermine his targets.
This infuriated his opponents
in both the church and in the
political realm. Some Catholic
figures complained about his
activities to Rome - as a result
Mannix received two Papal reprimands.
Billy Hughes similarly asked
the British government in London to get rid of this troublesome prelate.
In later life Mannix’s favourite anecdote related to these attempts to restrain him:
During the first world war
the English statesman Asquith
happened to meet the leading
English Catholic cleric Cardinal Gasquet at a garden party at
Archbishop Carr
Two writers who were promiBuckingham Palace.
Asquith asked the Cardinal to nent in early Gippsland literapass this request to recall Man- ture, George Dunderdale and
nix to Pope Benedict XV. Car- Marion Miller Knowles, pubdinal Gasquet, startled by the lished in the Melbourne Cathorequest, said: “But what could lic journal Austral Light.
Irving Howe called his hiswe do with him? “Well” said
Asquith “couldn’t you bring tory of his own people - the
him back to Rome and put him New York Jewish community in charge of a college?” “God The World of Our Fathers. This
forbid!” said the Cardinal. “At book could equally be called
least in Australia he’s as far The World of Our Grandparents, as it’s a homage to the vast
away as he can be”.
A major figure under Arch- network of family and cousbishop Carr was Fr Patrick inage groups which constituted
Phelan, who became succes- Victoria’s Irish Catholicism at
sively Dean of St Patrick’s Ca- the time, and which many of us
thedral, Vicar General, Monsig- come from.
nor, and finally Bishop of Sale.
Story of the ark in rhyme
Talking about
Books
TWO BY TWO, by Emily
Hawkins and Nick Belcher,
published by Pippbrook
Books, distributed by Rainbow Books, hardback, 22
pages, rrp $12.95.
WE are amazed at how many
children’s books come out each
year with Noah’s Ark as the
theme. Most are well illustrated and rely on the appeal of
animals to children.
This latest offering is extremely well illustrated by
Maggie Kneen who is one of
England’s top illustrators and
children’s book authors.
However, what sets this book
apart from many others is that
the story of Noah and his ark
is retold in rhyme by the dove
which finds land and returns to
the ark with the olive branch.
It starts:
The day was bright, the air
was clear, no cloud was in
the sky.
I soared above the open
plain and something caught
my eye.
I settled in an olive branch
to find a clearer view:
A man below was toiling
hard with cypress wood and
yew.
It is hard to find decent rhyme
in children’s books nowadays
and this one has an easy rhythm
which we believe will appeal to
youngsters and have them asking for the story to be read over
and over.
ST FRANCIS, A Short Biography, by Kathleen M. Carroll, published by Franciscan
Media, distributed by Rainbow Books, paperback, 58
pages, rrp $7.95.
YOU would think that after so
much has been written on the
great St Francis of Assisi, there
could be little left to write.
However, such is the appeal
of Francis that his story continues to be told year after years to
new and interested audiences.
This small booklet draws on
the writings of dozen much
larger tomes to provide a snapshot of the saint who lived 800
years ago in rural Italy.
He fascinated biographers in
his own century and continues
to inspire, films, novels, plays,
poem and music.
Here was a man born to
wealth, who gave up everything
to live out the gospel wearing
the poorest clothes he could
find.
Such was his appeal, he drew
around him a group of like
minded men and women such
as St Clare and from there we
have today almost countless
different religious congregations living in the tradition and
charism of St Francis.
PSALMS
FROM
THE
HEART, by Marion Van
Der Loo, published by
Pray Today, distributed by
Rainbow Books, paperback,
130 pages, rrp $9.95.
THESE psalms are really spiritfilled prayers, the same as the
psalms contained in the Bible
originally were.
The author reflects on day
to day life, the seasons of the
Church and nature.
Each psalm is a meditation
to draw readers deep into her
thinking as she seeks to verbalise her relationship with God.
They are beautiful prayers
collected together in a small
pocket or handbag-sized book
which will appeal to many people.
And the heavens opened
Koinonia John the Baptist visit
By Pat Kelly
BISHOP Christopher Prowse leads prayers at the annual pilgrimage, surrounded by devoted young Catholics.
SALE - A dramatic storm
meant a last minute change of
route was necessary the 2012
Diocesan Youth Gathering: Pilgrimage to the Shrine of Our
Lady of Perpetual Help.
However ,no amount of rain
or thunder could dampen the
spirits of more than 100 people
who gathered at St Mary’s Cathedral for this annual event.
Led by the youth of our diocese, pilgrims prayed the luminous mysteries as they made
their way to the shrine of Our
Lady of Perpetual Help. However, instead of a picturesque
pilgrimage walk around the
Port of Sale, a symbolic pilgrimage was made around the
Cathedral as thundered ech-
oed outside. The result was an
intimate, moving and intense
prayer experience.
Following the Benediction
pilgrims made the move to St
Mary’s Primary school to indulge in some afternoon tea and
show off their dance moves as
“Compliments of Gus” entertained the crowd. Pilgrims also
raised several hundred dollars
which has been sent to support
the work of the Marist Brothers
in Aleppo.
Many thanks to Mike Hansen,
and all of the volunteers, whose
hard work and generosity made
this event possible.
We look forward to making
the pilgrimage again in 2013 –
rain, hail or shine!
NW prayer group
hosts Life in Spirit
THE Narre Warren Prayer
Group had the privilege of attending a Life in the Spirit Program conducted by Philip and
Margaret Maloney, who have
travelled from Ireland to Victoria.
They were recently in the
Melbourne Archdiocese before
coming to the Sale Diocese.
Over the weekend we had the
pleasure of Catholic Charismatic Renewal leaders Michael
and Wendy Power attending.
Praise and worship was conducted by Narre Warren Prayer
group musicians/singers and
Spiritual Revival Ministry
Maggy, Mibil, Salmon, Rony,
Jolly, Navya and Angeline.
We would like to extend our
thanks to all ministries involved
and a special thanks to Philip
and Margaret Maloney.
It was with great interest that
we were informed about the Eucharistic Congress which was
recently held in Dublin, Ireland
and will be held in three years
time at the Island of Cebu, Philippines.
Psst... Here’s a bargain!
Do you want to advertise
in this space?
Only $50 a month if you
run the advertisement
for 3 issues
Call Catholic Life on 5622 6600
WHEN Pope John Paul II
called for a New Evangelisation
he called for an evangelisation
that was new in its ardor, new
in its methods and new in its
expression.
The emphasis being on something that was new. One response to this call was a new
charismatic, evangelising community the Koinonia John the
Baptist.
The Koinonia is a community
of friends, called to evangelise
in the power of the Holy Spirit,
following the example of John
the Baptist, the one who witnessed and pointed to Jesus.
The Koinonia John the Baptist was founded with four people in Italy in 1979 and over the
last 30 years it has spread to
16 countries with nearly 5000
members including 200 consecrated brothers and sisters and
30 priests.
In November, Fr Artur Bilski,
and two sisters, Christine Sawey and Bernadette Callaghan,
from the Koinonia John the
Baptist community visited Sale
Diocese, including Wonthaggi,
Lakes Entrance, Cranbourne,
Traralgon and San Remo.
Fr Artur is a Polish priest who
leads the KJB in Los Angeles
USA, Christine is from Ireland
and lives at the KJB headquar-
KOINONIA members gathering during the visit to Sale Diocese.
ters in the Czech Republic and Fr Artur and the sisters explored
Bernadette is a sister who is the possibility that there might
“consecrated in the world” and be an opening in Australia to
lives in Belfast in Northern Ire- establish a consecrated comland.
munity of brothers and sisters.
The Koinonia has had a tiny
Along with local mempresence in Australia over the bers Anne and Pat Kelly, they
last two years, with seven lay met with Archbishop Denis
members centred in Wonthaggi Hart and Bishop Christopher
parish. They meet once a week Prowse.
and evangelise through a home
Both bishops expressed their
based House of Prayer.
support for the community and
They also seek to live the life- gave them permission to work
style of the Koinonia focused in their respective dioceses.
on evangelisation, committed The hope now is that suitable
friendship and a charismatic accommodation for a comspirituality founded on the munity of consecrated people
Word of God and joyful praise. might be found in either MelDuring their visit to Australia bourne or the Sale Diocese.
Renewal of covenant vows
By Therese Hummel
NARRE WARREN – The
Narre Warren Prayer Group
welcomed Catholic Charismatic Renewal representative Peter
Schreurs to attend the renewal
of covenant vows on October
26
Ten cell servants made their
commitment to Jesus before the
community, led by Fernando.
Through the night various
cell members got up and shared
their experience of being involved in their cell groups.
The previous month 16 cell
members from the community
renewed their covenant vows
along with two members from
Hampton Park Prayer Group
and five cell members from the
Good Shepherd Servant Community, Clayton.
Some cell members were
away overseas or had other
schedules and were unable to
be there during the covenanting
ceremony.
A covenant is an agreement
or a pledge in the context of
our covenant with God and
each other. It is a solemn agreement between the members of
a church to act together in harmony with the direction of the
Gospel as a rule of action or as
a rule of conduct.
In the Cell we grow deeper in
relationship with God and with
Cell members, we put love into
action or it becomes lip service.
We respond to God’s love. We
give Jesus our commitment in
response, because He committed His life for us first.
In Mathew 22:15-36 which is
the greatest commandment in
the Law, Jesus answered, “Love
your God, with all your heart,
will all your soul, with all your
mind”.
Then Jesus says, “This is the
Greatest and the most important commandment, the second
most important commandment
is like it. Love your neighbor as
you love yourself.
In Mathew 28:18 I have been
given all authority in Heaven
and on Earth, Go then to all
peoples everywhere and make
them my Disciples.
These are the basis of our covenant : Love God, Love Your
Neighbor, God Make them my
Disciples.
For more information on cell
groups contact Lindsay and Arianne D’Argent, on: 9796 2661
or email aldargent@hotmail.
com
Kimberley Catholic Volunteer Service
WANTED: VOLUNTEER WORKERS
The Diocese of Broome, WA, requires volunteers to assist
with the work of the local Church on Aboriginal Missions.
There are various important voluntary tasks: administration, building maintenance, gardening, shop staffing, cooking, cleaning etc. Placements are preferred for a period of
12 months plus but a reduced time would be considered. For
further details, and an application form, please contact:
Volunteer Coordinator: 08 9192 1060 or 0415 526 142
Web: www.broomediocese.org
Mail: PO Box 76, BROOME WA 6725
Owned and operated by Ray and Maree Anderson
With care & dignity we serve
South Gippsland and Phillip Island
Main office:
WONTHAGGI/INVERLOCH
5672 1074
176-178 Graham St., Wonthaggi 3995
Fax 5672 1747
PHILLIP ISLAND
5952 5171
15 Warley Av., Cowes 3933 (by appointment only)
Pre-paid & pre-arranged funeral plans available
CARING & PERSONAL 24 HOUR SERVICE
Member of Australian Funeral Directors Association
For the Young and Young at Heart
Santa Claus is getting ready
Name . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Age . . . . .
Address . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
School . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Post entries to Catholic Life, PO Box 1410, Warragul 3820
Happy book prize wins
PROUDLY showing her
prize won in the October colouring contest is Mia Stothers from St Thomas’s, Sale.
A big
thank you
Catholic Life thanks all our
young readers for sending in
their entries to our colouring
competitions during the year.
Unfortunately there can
only be one winner each
month because we have so
many talented artists in our
schools.
Thank you also to the
teachers who encourage
WITH her book prize won in students to enter and for
last month’s nativity contest organising whole class
is Matilda Licciardello from entries.
Merry Christmas!
St Joseph’s, Warragul.
Time for a Laugh
A PRIEST was being
honored at his retirement
dinner after 25 years in
the parish. A leading local
politician and member of the
congregation was chosen to
make the presentation and
to give a little speech at the
dinner.
However, he was delayed,
so the priest decided to say
his own few words while
they waited:
“I got my first impression
of the parish from the first
confession I heard here. I
thought I had been assigned
to a terrible place.
“The very first person who
entered my confessional
told me he had stolen a
television set and, when
questioned by the police,
was able to lie his way out
of it. He had stolen money
from his parents, embezzled
his employer, and taken
illegal drugs. I was appalled.
“But as the days went on
I learned that my people
were not all like that and
I had, indeed, come to a
fine parish full of good and
loving people.”
Just as the priest finished
his talk, the politician arrived
full of apologies at being
late. He immediately began
to make the presentation
and gave his talk:
“I’ll never forget the first
day our parish priest arrived,”
said the politician.
“In fact, I had the honor of
being the first person to go
to him for confession.”
Moral: Never, Never,
Never Be Late
home phone number and
was greeted with a child’s
whisper. “Hello?”
“Is your daddy home?” he
asked.
“Yes ,” whispered the small
voice.
“May I talk with him?”
The child whispered, “No.”
Surprised and wanting to
talk with an adult, the boss
asked, “Is your Mummy
there?” - “Yes.”
“May I talk with her?”
Again the small voice
whispered, “No.”
Hoping
there
was
somebody with whom he
could leave a message, the
boss asked, “Is anybody else
there?”
“Yes,” whispered the child,
“a policeman.”
Wondering what police
would be doing at his
employee’s home, the boss
asked, “May I speak with
the policeman?”
“ No, he’s busy,” whispered
the child.
“Busy doing what?”
“Talking to Daddy and
Mummy and the Fireman,”
came the whispered answer.
Growing more worried
as he heard a loud noise in
the background through the
earpiece on the phone, the
boss asked, “What is that
noise?”
“A helicopter” answered
the whispering voice.
“What is going on there?”
demanded the boss, now
truly apprehensive.
Again, whispering, the
child
answered,
“The
search team just landed a
helicopter.”
Alarmed, concerned and
a little frustrated the boss
asked, “What are they
searching for?”
Still whispering, the young
voice replied with a muffled
giggle ... “Me!”
IT was Christmas and the
judge was in a lenient mood.
He asked the defendant what
he was charged with.
“I was doing my Christmas
shopping early, your honor,”
replied the man.
“That’s not an offence,”
said the judge to the
IN an effort to help a
prosecutor, who replied “He
was shopping before the student understand the
concept of addition, he
store opened.”
asked “John, if you had $7
MARIA went to the in one pocket and $5 in the
post office to buy some other what would you have?”
John thought for a while
Christmas stamps.
“What
denomination?” and answered “Someone
else’s trousers!”
asked the clerk.
“Good heavens. Let me see.
A YOUNG apprentice
I’ll have 10 Catholic ones
and five each of Anglican butcher was sacked unfairly
and he decided to get even
and Uniting.”
with the boss.
On Saturday morning
THE boss wondered why
one of his most valued when the shop was full of
employees was absent but customers he walked in and
had not phoned in sick one put a dead cat on the counter.
day. Needing to have an “That’s nine. I’ll get you the
urgent problem with one of other three for the sausages
the main computers resolved, by Monday morning,” he
he dialled the employee’s said.
St James' fete goes
off with a bang
Classifieds
wanted known
public notices
Let’s leave
something for
those in need
VOCATIONS
public notices
TRY our Photo Classifieds.
Make your advertisement be
a stand out. Just $10 more
to include a colored photograph.
Priests &
Deacons
Are you considering a
vocation as a priest or
deacon for the
Diocese of Sale?
If so please contact
Diocesan Vocations
Director
The Bishop’s Family
Foundation helps
families by funding
charitable projects
throughout the
Diocese of Sale.
You can help by making
a bequest in your will.
If you need more
information contact
5622 6600
for some guidelines.
Do it today and sleep
easy knowing you have
done your part
prayer
Fr Darek Jablonski
5996 1985
[email protected]
accommodation
STORMANSTON HOUSE
NORTH SYDNEY
Quiet and charming accommodation in Federation Guest
House, close to the city.
Walking distance to Mary
MacKillop Place. Ensuite
double room $110 per night.
Tea/coffee provided. Kitchen
facilities. Off-street parking.
PH: 0407 666 936
E: [email protected]
HOLY SPIRIT You who
makes me see everything and
shows me the way to reach my
ideals, you who gives me a divine gift to forgive and forget
the wrong that is done to me;
in this short dialogue I want to
thank you for everything and
affirm once more that I never
want to be separated from you,
no matter how great the material desire may be. I want to be
with you and my loved ones in
Your perpetual Glory. (Mention
your request). Thank you Holy
Spirit for your love towards me
and my loved one. Amen
This prayer should be said for 3
consecutive days. After the 3rd
day the request will be granted,
no matter how difficult it may
be. While making the request
one must either promise to publish on granting the favour or
promise to circulate copies of it
to as many people as possible.
This is to spread the wonder of
the Holy Spirit.
LILY Moloney gets her face painted and crazy hair done at the St
James' Fete at Nar Nar Goon.
NAR NAR GOON - Not even
the pouring rain could dampen
the spirits of the St James' Primary School in Nar Nar Goon
Catholic Life
Classified Ads
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3...Post form with appropriate amount.
Please send cheque or money order with advertisement to:
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Community on their Twilight
Fete Day.
The lead up to the day was
exciting and everyone was preparing for a sensational event.
Parents helpers and kids
swarmed together on the day to
help set up a range of rides and
stalls for the anticipated evening.
All of the students of St James'
worked tirelessly on their papier mache sculptures for three
months to create beautifully
painted animal money boxes
and parents banded together to
bake a range of yummy goods
for the Country Kitchen Stall.
Students donated bottles of
anything you liked throughout
the year for the “Mystery Bottle” stall.
The Pre-loved stall was a hit
selling all sorts of goodies donated by families including
clothes, homewares and toys.
The silent auction was also a hit
with the fete goers.
In between the downpours,
children and adults alike hurried out to the rides and food
stalls and needless to say, everyone was saturated by the end
of the night.
Children milled around with
hot chips and fairy floss, painted faces and crazy painted hair!
The St James Twilight Fete
went off with a bang with the
display of magnificent fireworks
that whizzed and whooshed
everyone into amazement at the
end of the night.
It was a fantastic event and a
great opportunity for all of the
community to work together
and be involved in a great cause,
with all the proceeds going towards resources for the school.
Italian LOTE Week On a mission for Caritas
PREPS at St Michael's, Traralgon, get the taste for gelati during
Italian celebrations as part of their LOTE Week.
TRARALGON - St Michael’s
Primary School recently celebrated LOTE week - LOTE being an acronym for Language
other than English.
At St Michael’s the children
learn Italian.
The week started with all
the students watching a performance called “The Time
Warp.”
The show was based on travelling back in time to Venice
during Carnevale time, to the
Colosseum, then to visit Pinocchio and lastly to the San Remo
music festival. Some of the
children were invited up to be
part of the performance.
Throughout the week each
class was involved in cooking and tasting Italian cuisine.
Each child was given the opportunity to sample Gelato
which was served by parent
helpers.
Finally to round off a truly
Italian week the children were
asked to dress up. They could
either dress as something Italian or wear the Italian colors of
red, white and green.
Dress up day was amazing!
The school was awash with the
Italian colors, not to mention
gondoliers, pizza chefs, artists,
flags, Super Marios and Luigis
and lots more.
St Michaels Primary recognises that such a successful
week would not have been possible without Italian teacher,
Signora Massaro.
TRARALGON - Grade 1-2 students from St Michael’s School
Traralgon have been on a mission.
Their aim was to raise money
for Caritas and help people in
poorer countries have clean water, schools and food.
The children participated in a
drawing competition, Guess the
amount of Jelly Beans competition and “Who can fill the class
mission box?” competition.
The children then used all
the money to make the word
“GIVE” on the playground to
encourage other classes to give
to the poor. The children raised
$139.
St Joe's raises $1350
WARRAGUL - Mission Day at
St Joseph’s Primary School in
Warragul was held last month.
The grade 5/6 leaders of the
school organised and ran an
amazing array of activities in
the school hall with classes visiting at different times during
the day.
The hall was full of wonderful and challenging games,
music, lots of raffles, stalls,
secondhand items for purchase
and lots of exciting activities
for students to participate in
with many chances to win great
prizes.
One of the most popular stalls
was to have the chance to pay
to water bomb some teachers,
and the football handball and
‘minute-to-win it’ were also a
big hit!
All students were encouraged
to bring along coins to participate and really responded to
this with a total of $1350 raised!
It was a fantastic day, very
well organised, lots of fun and
is now an annual event during
Mission Month at St Joseph’s.
It is also a great leadership
responsibility for the senior students who planned and ran the
day.
The money raised will be going to Catholic Missions, who
raises money for the Catholic
Church in our world.
Some of the money will also
be going to Sr Bridget Arthur
and the Brigidine Nuns who
help many refugees in Australia.
Students focus on
just leadership
“ … Churches in the Middle East are
threatened in their very existence…
May God grant ACN strength to help
wherever the need is greatest.”
Pope Benedict XVI
Catholic Life Sale
Made of olive wood from the Holy Land,
this delightful little crib scene is powerfully evocative of Christ’s birthplace.
The cribs are lovingly, handcrafted by
poverty stricken families in Bethlehem
and your donation helps them survive.
(Size: 10 cm x 8 cm)
Please tick this box if you would like to
receive the crib ❏
Aid to the Church in Need …. a Catholic charity dependent on the Holy See, providing pastoral relief to needy and oppressed Churches
SALE - Some 56 Year 5 students gathered together to share
in a day on justice and leadership at St Thomas’s Primary
School on November 21.
Tony Dalton from Caritas in
Melbourne led the day which
involved students from St
Thomas’, St Mary’s Sale, St
Mary’s Bairnsdale, St Mary’s
Maffra and St Michael’s Heyfield.
The students learnt about
leadership skills and how these
can be used for the good of others, especially in the context
of Project Compassion. While
fundraising is certainly part of
the process, the students were
challenged in their perceptions
of and the actual reality of global need.
The facts and figures presented are astounding.
The students learnt that ...
• In a world where we produce enough food to feed everybody, nearly 1 billion people
are still starving
• 80 percent of the world have
only 17 percent of the world’s
resources
• 1 billion people live on less
than $1.25 per day
• 1.1 billion people have no
access to safe drinking water
• 5 cents can provide medicine to save the life of a child
Time was spent on three of
the principles of Catholic Social Teaching: The dignity of
the human person, the call to
live as family and the need to
care for the poor.
The work of Caritas was explored and in school groups,
the students came up with ideas
to take back to their schools in
order to raise awareness and develop Project Compassion initiatives for 2013.
Catholic Life wishes
all its readers and
contributors a very
happy and holy
Christmas.
Please keep safe over
the holiday period and
we look forward to
being with you
again in 2013.

View - Catholic Diocese of Sale

Transcription

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