- Diocese of Broken Bay

Artwork by Nicholas Contreras, Yr 2 St Cecilia’s Catholic Primary, Wyong.
“The Scriptural passage that inspired my artwork is the Pentecost story.
My artwork is about how courage is a gift that can help you be brave and strong.”
When I grow up I want to be…
October is Mission Month and we focus on building a better world
where everyone has all they need to live a dignified and fulfilling life
BROKENBAYnews
BROKEN BAY NEWS PUBLICATION OF THE CATHOLIC DIOCESE OF BROKEN BAY OCTOBER 2014 ISSUE 171
ACROSS OUR DIOCESE
It Goes without Saying…
“Can you imagine how you would feel if you couldn’t speak? If you couldn’t
say you’ve hurt yourself or your tummy is sore, or nobody wants to be
your friend? How would you feel if you couldn’t tell your mum you need
a big hug? Most of my friends at St Lucy’s live like that. Some can say
a few words, some talk all the time but they are hard to understand and
some never say anything at all.” – St Lucy’s Week Without Words Video
O
n Wednesday 3 September, Zachariah
Duke, Academic Assistant to the Dean
at The Broken Bay Institute took the silent
challenge for ‘Week Without Words’, an
initiative by St Lucy’s School, to help raise
awareness and to fundraise for children
living with a communication disability.
Zachariah said, “I volunteer with Hornets
class every Monday and I see how difficult
it is for the children to communicate. Now,
having had the time to reflect on what it
would be like not being able to communicate,
it has made it even more significant!”
At St Lucy’s School, 95% of the students
are living with a communication disability
and often require therapy and electronic
devices that can ‘speak’ for them.
For ‘Week Without Words’, Zachariah
communicated through sign language,
a tablet and prompting cards.
“I was able to raise over two hundred
dollars for St Lucy’s School through generous
donations from family, friends and colleagues
at The Broken Bay Institute,” said Zachariah.
“One colleague mentioned that it
completely changed the dynamic of the
office – my silence rubbed off on everybody
and we got a lot of work done!”
For more information about ‘Week Without
Words’, visit www.weekwithoutwords.org.au
DIOCESE OF BROKEN BAY
P O Box 340 Pennant Hills NSW 1715
Diocesan Office:
Tel (02) 9847 0000
Fax (02) 9847 0201
Caroline Chisholm Centre
Building 2, 423 Pennant Hills Rd
Pennant Hills NSW 2120
(Access off City View Rd)
[email protected]
CURIA
Diocesan Administrator
Fr Vince Casey
Co-ordinator of the Curia, and
Diocesan Financial Administrator:
David Penny
Co-ordinator Office for Clergy:
Anne Walker
Marriage Tribunal
Rev John Hannon
Tel: (02) 9847 0458
Catholic Development Fund
Chris Field
Tel: (02) 9847 0748
PARISH SUPPORT UNIT
Confraternity of Christian Doctrine (CCD)
Director:
Carole Gan (02) 9847 0560
CATHOLIC SCHOOLS OFFICE
Director:
Peter Hamill
Tel (02) 9847 0000
PO Box 967
Pennant Hills NSW 1715
CATHOLICCARE
Executive Director:
Deirdre Cheers
Tel: (02) 9481 2600
PO Box 966 Pennant Hills 1715
Children’s Services:
Tel: (02) 9481 2660
Family Centres:
Brookvale – Tel: (02) 8968 5100
Naremburn – Tel: (02) 8425 8700
Waitara – Tel: (02) 9488 2400
Warnervale – Tel: (02) 4356 2600
Foster and Residential Care:
Tel: (02) 4340 0786
Mission, Hospital Chaplaincy
and Pastoral Care
(02) 9481 2658
SOUTHERN CROSS
OUTDOOR EDUCATION CENTRE
Mr Gordon Crabb
Tel: (02) 4372 1221
COMMUNICATIONS
Broken Bay News:
Editor:
Annie Carrett
Tel: (02) 9847 0724 /
Fax: (02) 9847 0721
[email protected]
P O Box 340 Pennant Hills, NSW, 1715
Design: Chris Murray
22,000 copies of the Broken Bay News are distributed
monthly through 26 parishes and 43 schools in the
Diocese of Broken Bay. The Broken Bay News is a member
of the Australasian Catholic Press Association and the
Australasian Religious Press Association. Acceptance of
advertisements does not imply diocesan endorsement of
products or services advertised.
www.dbb.org.au
2
OCTOBER 2014
BBN
PARISH
SUPPORT
Family Synod Commencing Early October
By Janette Davidson, Parish Support Unit
The Extraordinary General Assembly of Bishops (First Family Synod) is meeting from 5 to 19 October 2014.
T
he Synod is examining ways
to pastorally respond to the
difficulties confronting families in
contemporary society including
couples in formation and in
crisis, passing on the faith, the
needs of families within irregular
marriages and the impacts
of various Church teachings
(including artificial contraception,
divorce and remarriage, premarital
cohabitation and same sex unions).
Prior to the commencement of
the Synod, members have been
informed by the Working Paper
which summarised responses to the
questionnaire sent out worldwide
last November (including responses
from the Broken Bay Diocesan
community, links to this paper
can be found on the Diocesan
website www.dbb.org.au/family)
The Synod is made up of
more than 100 bishops being
the presidents of national
bishops’ conferences around the
world. Also in attendance are
the heads of Eastern Catholic
churches, Vatican officials and
expert advisors, around a dozen
members named by Pope Francis,
3 priests chosen by the Union of
Superior Generals, representatives
of other Christian churches
and up to 30 observers, more
than half of whom are married
couples who will be encouraged
to address the assembly.
So far as is currently
known, the Synod is applying
the following procedure:
• members will have submitted
presentations (grounded
by the Working Paper)
prior to the Synod;
• the report opening the Synod
is a first summary of the
members’ submissions;
• the members speak briefly
to their submissions which
are then discussed;
• a revised report taking into
account the presentations and
discussions is then prepared;
• the revised report is then
considered by the assembly
in small groups organised
according to language, who
consider particular themes and
amend the revised report.
The final revised summary
report from the 2014 Synod will
not contain definitive proposals,
rather it will be in the nature of
a further working paper which
will inform the 2015 Synod
(the theme for which is, ‘Jesus
Christ reveals the Mystery and
Vocation of the Family’).
The Second Family Synod
(Ordinary General Assembly)
will take place 4-25 October 2015
(involving a much larger gathering
of elected Bishop’s representatives)
and proposals from this Synod will
be forwarded to Pope Francis to
assist him in finalising guidelines
for the pastoral care of the family
which will be contained in an
apostolic exhortation expected
to be published in 2016.
Pope Francis has asked that we
pray for the fruits of the Synods
and a special prayer bookmark
is being distributed across the
Diocese preparatory to a day
of prayer and fasting on Friday
10 October 2014. Additionally
Archbishop Forte, special secretary
to the Synods, has emphasised
the importance of discussions and
reflections at diocesan and parish
level whilst the work of the Synods
is progressing, recalling that major
developments took
place between the
sessions of the Second
Vatican Council.
PoPe Francis has asked
that we Pray For the syn
od on the Family to
take Place From 5–19 oct
ober 2014. we invite eac
h household to join in
oFFering this Prayer –
PerhaPs with grace beF
ore your evening me al.
Prayer for
the Synod on the Family
dear heavenly Father,
our beloved holy Father, Po
pe Francis
has asked that we pray for
the upcoming
synod on the Family. Please
send your holy
spirit and fill all who take pa
rt with wisdom,
courage and love. sustain ou
r holy Father,
Pope Francis, that he may gu
ide us
by his example of fatherly lov
e.
in our families, help us alway
s to follow
in jesus’ footsteps by show
ing mercy
to others, especially familie
s who suffer
separation from one another
and those
who feel unloved. open our
eyes,
hearts and hands, so that we
may
recognise and serve you by
helping
our sisters and brothers.
these things we ask in the
name
of your son, jesus. amen.
st mary and st joseph, pra
y for us.
© AP viA AAP
BBN
OCTOBER 2014
3
PARISH SUPPORT
Diocesan Sacramental Program Launched
O
n Thursday 28 August,
Fr Vince Casey, Diocesan
Administrator, officially launched
the Diocese of Broken Bay
Sacramental program following
a 12-month pilot. Four resources
were launched – the Sacrament of
Baptism for Infants, Confirmation,
Reconciliation and Eucharist. The
pilot phase of a fifth resource,
Sacrament of Baptism for Young
Children was also launched.
These resources are the first phase
of a much larger program, which covers Youth, Children with Disabilities,
Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander /
Multi-cultural /Ethnic Communities,
Parish Leadership Training, Parish
Resources and Resources for Parent
Formation. Plans are for the larger
program to be gradually released
as a mix of digital and hard copy
resources over the next two to three
years. More information about the
Sacramental Program and Order
Forms can be found on the website
www.dbb.org.au/litugy
It was a fitting occasion to
thank those who have given much
time, effort and of themselves in
the service of preparing children
and adults for the Sacraments of
Initiation. Nearly seventy names
were submitted in the response to
a call for names of those in parishes who, prepared families for
their infant’s baptism, children for
their Sacraments of Initiation and
prepared adults through the Rite
of Christian Initiation of Adults
process. Fr Vince handed the
Certificates of Appreciation to parish representatives amidst beaming
faces and applause for acknowledgment from those present. It was also
good to hear that some parishes
intended to make mention of their
recipients in the parish bulletins.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Catholic Ministry Celebrates
By Carole Gan, Director, Parish Support Unit
T
he Aboriginal community had
extra cause to celebrate at the
Vigil Mass on 16 August. As the
wind lashed and rain poured outside, a most meaningful celebration
was happening inside the Church,
hosted by the St Mary MacKillop
Catholic Parish, Warnervale. Isobel
Partridge and Xavier Saunders
received the Sacrament of Baptism,
their mother Tanya received the
Sacraments of Initiation, and
Julieann Coombes, the Chair
of our Diocesan Aboriginal and
Torres Strait Islander Catholic
Ministry (ATSICM) Steering
Committee, was received into
the Church. Graeme Mundine, a
member of the ATSICM Steering
Committee and the Executive
Officer of the Aboriginal
Catholic Ministry in the Sydney
Archdiocese, gave a reflection of
the readings of the day from an
Aboriginal perspective.
The ATSICM was set up by
Bishop David Walker in 2010
following a forum in which he
invited the Aboriginal and Torres
Strait Islander peoples to meet
with him. Bishop David listened
as the community told him of
their hopes for the Diocese of
Broken Bay and made suggestions
for some of the things that could
be done. Since then, the Aboriginal
and Torres Strait Islander Catholic
Ministry has organised a number of Aboriginal themed Masses;
sought sponsors to assist in sending Aboriginal young people to
World Youth Day and other
Catholic Youth events and have
been looking at ways in which
to engage Aboriginal and Torres
Strait Islander Catholics. One of
the next projects members of the
ministry will be working on is
the Aboriginal themed resources
to extend the recently launched
Sacramental Program.
The next ATSICM Mass will
be held at Woy Woy Peninsula
Parish, 54 Victoria Road, on
Saturday 6 December at 5.00pm;
all are welcome.
Nancy Page – A Model Catechist
By Amanda Hickey, The Lakes Parish
D
uring August, the Lakes Parish
held a very special celebration
during one of the 9.30am Masses
– the presentation of an award to
Nancy Page for thirty years of service as a Catechist. There was a special reason for Nancy receiving the
award at this time as she has cancer
and knows that there is nothing
further that can be done medically
to assist her.
Always a person with a lovely
smile for everyone and an outstanding outgoing personality, Nancy is
greatly loved by all, especially by
her family and her quietly devoted
4
OCTOBER 2014
BBN
husband. Three rows were taken
up in the church by her proud and
supportive family. Many Catechists
in the parish also attended to show
their respect and love for Nancy.
Nancy spoke after the presentation and said how important it
was to her to be a Catechist; how
she loved the children and also felt
it was her privilege to be able to
have the opportunity to tell them
about God. Nancy is, has been,
and always will be an outstanding
example for all through her obvious
joy, love and commitment to being
a Catechist.
Thank you and well done Nancy.
There are certainly many more
such Catechists in the Diocese of
Broken Bay but we always need
more and we ask you to consider
that perhaps it could be YOU.
Nancy said that after saying the
Our Father and the Hail Mary
with her children she prays the
following prayer:
“Dear Lord we thank you for this
day. We thank you for the blessings
that you give these beautiful children and their families. We love You.
We praise You and we thank You.
Continue to love and protect these
beautiful children and their families all
the days of their lives.”
Nancy says she would love for
all catechists to give this blessing
to their classes. She says that the
children have to be told that they
are beautiful.
PARISH
SUPPORT
Families and Disability
– Enriching and graced filled moments
By Janette Davidson
P
Parish Support Unit
ope Francis has strongly associated his papacy with support
for the disabled emphasising that
“we are all equal in the eyes of God,
everyone, all of us”.
A family had the following memorable personal encounter with
Pope Francis in Rome:
“We are the parents of an intellectually disabled son now almost 40.
All his life he has been a great fan of
the Popes. He would wear my poncho
and walk around the house with
the straw broom upside down chattering away in his version of Latin.
Earlier this year we visited Rome and
organised tickets to the Wednesday
audience in the Square, the highlight of our whole European tour.
Excitement was at fever pitch but
unfortunately excitement and autism
don’t go together, so when he saw the
other hundreds of people heading to
the same place, Andy was off, and I
mean OFF! Through the crowd he
went, towards the back of the Square
and disappeared. This is the same
Andy who walked from Pennant
Hills to the City on a boiling hot day,
because he lost his money and you
must never miss work, so there was a
chance he was headed for outer Rome
and beyond! Shortly afterwards the
Pope appeared, but all we saw was his
head, as people jumped up on seats.
The next hour was spent in gross
anxiety, where was he and why would
God let him miss this great event? But
God works in mysterious ways. We
headed to the back at the completion,
feeling overwhelmed and suddenly,
there he was. ‘I saw the Pope and he
blessed me like this and then he gave
me a medal’! Which begs the question
‘why didn’t we all go to the outside?’
We walked back to the hotel with
Andy blessing everyone coming in the
opposite direction, and a very thrilled
family admiring the medal the Pope
gave him.
And Pope Francis proved he is a
Pope for the disabled.”
Another family had a moving
and personal experience of inclusion and acceptance in their parish:
“Many parents who have a child
with a disability are reluctant to take
them to Mass with them and often
this means that the whole family stays
home. Disapproving looks from others
in the Church or even a simple gesture
of annoyance at the noise their child
is making are devastating for parents
whose lives are spent justifying their
child’s different behaviour to a world
that doesn’t understand disability.
Imagine then how this mother felt
when her daughter, a student at St
Lucy’s, went up into the sanctuary
during the Family Mass recently.
The little girl was excited about
wearing her best red dress with white
cambric lace and she liked being up
high where everyone could see her.
The mother frantically beckoned and
called to her in stage whispers but her
daughter took no notice. What could
she do? The little girl sat a while in
the priest’s chair during the prayers of
the faithful and then got up and went
to explore the lectern where she had
seen the priest reading the Gospel.
Her sister had come up on the other
side of the sanctuary and was also
trying to get the little girl out of there.
‘No!’ the girl shouted and turned her
back. She reached up on tiptoe to look
at the book that had the Gospels in
it and it fell with a resounding crash
to the floor. The whole congregation
gasped, horrified.
Afterwards the mortified mother
went to apologise to the priest. ‘Just let
her be’, he said to her. ‘If she comes up,
I am quite happy, and if I’m happy,
the congregation will be too. You are
not to worry about it.’ The mother
could hardly believe her ears. ‘But
what about the Gospel? She knocked
it onto the floor.’
‘It’s a book,’ the priest said. ‘In the
end, it’s a book. Your daughter is
welcome in this Church whatever she
does. You’re not to worry.’”
This story illustrates how parish
communities give witness to the
welcoming and inclusive message of
Pope Francis.
The International Day of
People with Disability is observed
annually on 3 December and this
provides a special opportunity for
parish communities to focus on
awareness, hospitality and inclusion
of people with disability and their
families in our faith communities.
The Annual Diocesan Mass for People with Special Needs and their families will be celebrated at the 10.30am Mass on Sunday 30 November
(the Sunday before the International Day of People with Disability) at Pennant Hills Parish and everyone is welcome!
(For further details see ad on back pages)
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BBN
OCTOBER 2014
5
adi and his wife Nicki are a
Gosford couple with a house
full of teenage boys and young
men living with them who
aren’t their own kids. They’re
foster carers with CatholicCare
whose Christian faith has
found expression in ‘making
good kids’. Anna Brown talked
to Padi in the week before
Father’s Day for a unique take
on fatherhood.
Padi ”We ‘ve been fostering ‘informally’ for
about 15 years now. We’ve probably looked
after 30 local kids in that time. We’ve been
‘formally’ fostering – firstly for the government
and now with CatholicCare – since 2007.
“I came to Australia from New Zealand. I’m
very grateful to be here. I know if I help to
make good kids I couldn’t pay Australia back
any better. And I know I do good. I know I
make a difference … For life. We help the
boys develop life skills, open a bank account,
manage a budget, learn to drive a car, to
maintain a car, respect women.
“And we see the reward for our effort and
what we are doing in the lives of these boys
every day. We’ve seen one of our boys who
had numerous stepfathers change from a
reticent, reclusive, recalcitrant kid to one who
thanks me properly for the things I do for
him. We see another of our foster sons, who
always wanted to be a chef but had scarcely
been to school, working as an apprentice in
Jamie Oliver’s restaurant. We have a boy who
hadn’t been to school for more than 6 months
in the previous five years when he came to
live with us finish year 11 and is now looking
forward to year 12. This is the power of family,
love, trust and security.
“Boys need male role models for autonomy
and capability. They get nurture from
women but they need blokes for growing
with resilience, into independence and
responsibility. I’ve gone to see employers to
say, ‘I’m their foster dad, they need a chance
to prove themselves, they haven’t had a
chance before now. Any probs give me a ring
and I’ll sort them out!’… [the boys that is!]
“Being in their corner you just see the most
amazing changes. I was called up to the
school for a conference concerning one of our
boys. He’d gone from 80 reports a term – for
bad behaviour, losing it etc. – down to 60, to
50 down to 30, while living with us. But it was
still unacceptable. So I said to him, ‘Give me
a semester without a report and you can get
that special thing you want. He got the special
thing! And this was a kid who’d hardly been to
school before staying with us.
“There are really only two cardinal rules in our
house. One is that you have to have an aim in
life. All the boys who’ve stayed with us know
they have to go to school or they have to get
an apprenticeship. It is not OK to sit around.
“The other thing is that I don’t tolerate
disrespect. Especially to women. Our boys are
from really tough backgrounds, kids who’ve
been failed by their parents, abused by their
parents and not cared for or disciplined in any
way. Kids who’ve been in juvenile justice and
are close to being totally off the rails. You just
have to have a contract, an understanding
and need to hold to it. Be consistent. I don’t
think that s different to any other family.
“And we keep it pretty basic: I once heard a
woman say most discipline for teenagers is
about SELF. Nothing fancy, just enough Sleep,
plenty of Exercise, lots of Laughter and good
Food, not alcohol and drugs.
“No! We use the power of family – our pulled
together family. The older boys will talk to the
younger ones. They’ll say “You live here, you
deal with it. There is a contract. You fulfil it,
you get the reward. You don’t, then you won’t.
Pretty straightforward.
“We hold a family Gathering every Friday night
and each member of our family has to say
something nice about another member of the
family. This is very powerful because these boys
haven’t been exposed to being praised or used
to saying positive things about others. It builds
their confidence as well.
Even adolescent boys get that.
...Including short term and part time ones!
Vanessa Smith, Manager CatholicCare’s
Foster Care Program, says:
Padi is a great example of the down to
earth approach to parenting which takes
away all the mystery about what is like to
be a foster father … or mother.
[Plus all CatholicCare foster parents get
24/7 support to help with anything from
transport to doctors to assistance with
schooling as well as a financial allowance.]
So if you think you could help give
a kid a go being part of your family
– even if just to provide time out or
respite for carers like Padi – or to
help kids for short periods – please
ring our CatholicCare Foster Care
team on 4340 1030
EARLY LEARNING AND CARE: Forestville • Lake Munmorah • Terrigal • Waitara OUTSIDE SCHOOL HOURS CARE: Carlingford • Collaroy Plateau • Davidson
• East Gosford • Forestville • Freshwater • Lake Munmorah • Manly • Mona Vale • Pymble • Waitara • West Pymble
justice
love
serving in
and
When five dioceses are better than one…
Staff from the five diocesan CatholicCare
agencies which cover the greater Sydney
metropolitan region were in the Caroline
Chisholm Centre recently to attend two days
training initiated by CatholicCare Diocese
of Broken Bay on the changes to NSW’s
child protection legislation which are being
proclaimed at the end of October.
More than 160 representatives from Newcastle,
Broken Bay, Parramatta, Sydney and Wollongong
were in attendance to hear the Department of Family
& Community Services’ Executive Director of Safe
Home For Life, Simone Walker, talk about the reform
agenda underpinning the new legislative changes,
the goals of the change and the Department’s new
approach to refining policy through practice via the
application of ‘design thinking’.
Executive Director for CatholicCare Wollongong,
Michael Austin, a CatholicCare manager for more
than 20 years, said it was the largest gathering
of CatholicCare teams across Diocesan divides
that he could remember and that the contacts
and knowledge shared on the days should be
the start of better collaboration between the
Diocesan social care agencies “who, after all,
share many of the same streams of funding from
the NSW Government”.
Diocese of Broken Bay’s CatholicCare
Executive Director Deirdre Cheers said:
“There have been some key learnings
gained [today] just by getting people
together. The training has been as
much about refocussing on what we, as
CatholicCare agencies, can do to best help
children as it has been about the mandatory
reporting of the risk of significant harm (ROSH).
“Somehow the general community seems to think
there is a ‘weight of numbers’ factor to reporting,
that receipt of a number of reports about a
particular family/child creates a tipping point which
pushes the Department to act even if the ROSH
threshold has not been reached in any single
instance. This is not the case. Reporting on nonROSH matters just clogs up the system and FACS
resources without achieving any action that can
deliver better outcomes for the children involved.
Where risk of significant harm (ROSH) has not
been established the focus should be on finding
the resources and expertise to help families.
4 Catholic Care staff - Dr Stephen Mondy,
Vanessa Smith, Mick Cashin and Romaine
Moss – were among 18 Australians invited
to Copenhagen recently (2-5 September)
to speak at EUSARF - the 13th European
Scientific Association on Residential and
Family Care for Children and Adolescents
Conference.
“The Family Referral Services – such as the
service CatholicCare Diocese of Broken Bay
runs for the Northern District or suburbs of
Sydney – should be the first port of call for any
social worker, school counsellor, school principal,
or other prescribed person seeking specific or
expert help for families and children with issues
falling short of the risk of significant harm.
Skilfully facilitated by Bronwen Elliott, an
independent social worker who works
across the agencies, the goodwill in
the conference room was palpable,
with CatholicCare’s Acting Central
Coast Family Centre Manager Bill
Sutton getting the biggest laugh of
the first day. Announcing from the floor
in the Q&A session, “Hello, I’m Bill from
CatholicCare…”, a colleague responded
– to general laughter – ‘We’re all
CatholicCare remember! Which one?”
theLMent.com
“Currently in NSW almost 60% of reports to
the NSW Child Protection Helpline (132 111
or 1800 212 936) are of instances or situations
which do not reach the ROSH threshold. Dealing
with this over-reporting is a significant drain on
FACS resources, taking away funding from case
worker numbers, yet results in no action that
assists the children involved.
Members of CatholicCare’s Family Referral Service team [L to R]: Miki Brown, Katie Biggs;
Isabel Simoes, Trudy Wilson. (Missing: Sally Jones, Anne Robinson-Cast, Michele Brownsberger)
More than 450 participants from 40
separate countries attended to hear the
latest research and practice findings
related to the care of children in statutory
protection systems globally.
According to CatholicCare Foster Care
Manager Vanessa Smith, Australia leads
the world in some areas of foster and
residential therapeutic care for children.
“There was great interest in the topics we
presented. Our Australian framework, our
tools, our case management system, our
carer recruitment process, our focus on
foster rather than residential care, our peak
advocacy body (ACWA) enabling children’s
voices to be heard, were all of great interest
to participants from other countries, as was
our focus on managing the vicarious trauma
often associated with working with children
and young people who have come from very
difficult backgrounds of abuse and neglect.
FOSTER AND THERAPEUTIC GROUP CARE: Kariong • Pennant Hills FAMILY CENTRES: Brookvale • Central Coast • Lake Munmorah • Naremburn • Waitara
HOSPITAL CHAPLAINCY: Gosford • Hornsby • Manly • Mona Vale • Royal North Shore • Wahroonga (Sydney Adventist) • Wyong
ACROSS OUR DIOCESE
Father Frank Vaughan – Lovingly Remembered
By Debra Vermeer
Fr Francis (Frank) Vaughan was farewelled from Our Lady of the Rosary Cathedral in the same way that he lived
his life – surrounded by family, his parishioners, his fellow priests, and the Eucharist – in the loving embrace of the
Church and the Saviour he served so well and for so long.
F
r Vaughan died on July 23, aged
95. He was buried on what would
have been his 96th birthday.
The evening before his burial, the community
of Queen of Peace Normanhurst came
together for a Vigil Mass to pray for and
remember their beloved pastor of over 40 years.
Extraordinarily, it was the 39th anniversary
of the dedication of Queen of Peace church.
Fr Vaughan was born to Annie and Henry
Vaughan in the family home in Clovelly on
August 1, 1918. He was the youngest of five
children and attended St Anthony’s Primary
School, Clovelly, and then Marist Brothers,
Randwick. As a young man, he trained to be
a jeweller and watchmaker and played first
grade Rugby League for Eastern Suburbs,
before answering the call to priesthood and
being ordained on November 29, 1947.
He worked in a number of parishes
throughout the old Archdiocese of Sydney,
including Bankstown, Brighton Le Sands,
Sutherland, Lithgow, North Leichardt,
Lidcombe, Campsie, Harris Park, Blackheath
and Woy Woy, before receiving a call from
Cardinal Normal Gilroy, asking him to
establish a parish at Normanhurst.
Fr Vaughan took a hands-on approach to
building the new church, overcoming local
opposition to finally receive Council approval
and then famously borrowing a tractor from
the Loreto Sisters, driving it up Pennant Hills
Rd with a slasher attached (despite never
having driven a tractor before), and clearing
the jungle-like block himself so that work
could begin. As the building progressed, he
8
OCTOBER 2014
BBN
could often be found up ladders and on the
roof, doing his bit among the tradesmen.
Long-time friend and Normanhurst
parishioner, John Bolster, paid tribute
to Fr Vaughan in his eulogy.
“He was our mentor, confidante and
friend over 41 years, always available to
listen to us – except perhaps on Mondays
when he was out playing golf with his priest
mates, some of whom are here today, and
of course, when he was away on his annual
holiday trip to the Gold Coast,” John said.
“During that holiday he related that he’d
had 28 surfs and 28 games of golf, as well
as doing the shopping and cooking for all.
His mates were not domesticated at all.”
John told of how Fr Vaughan had furnished
the church at Normanhurst bit by bit, picking
up the tabernacle and sacred vessels from
various places he went on retreat or visited.
“Father at that time, always had his eye out
for items that could be used in his Church. On
one of his retreats at Gilroy House, he noticed
a Tabernacle that was not being used. That
became our first tabernacle in the church.”
Subsequent retreats and visits to Gilroy
House resulted in Fr Vaughan finding a more
suitable tabernacle for Queen of Peace, and
that tabernacle is the one still in use today.
Later, again on retreat, he noticed workmen
reducing sandstone altars to rubble.
“With the aid of a dozen or so parishioners
one of the altars destined for demolition was
transferred to Queen of Peace,” said John.
He also heard of a crucifix in a state of
disrepair at Lane Cove parish and asked
whether he could have it. They agreed,
he went and picked it up and had it
repaired and it remains behind the altar
in the Queen of Peace Church today.
But it was Fr Vaughan’s commitment to his
parishioners and to the celebration of the Mass
for which he will be most lovingly remembered.
In his eulogy, John recalled the time, in the
recent past, when Fr Vaughan told him that he
had driven to the SAN hospital to attend to a
sick call in the middle of the night, anointing
the person, before driving home again.
“There was nothing strange about that,
except that Father didn’t have a driver’s
license, as it was taken from him due to his
own health problems,” said John. “To him, he
was simply carrying out his priestly duties.”
On another occasion, John arrived early
for Mass because he was serving at the altar
that day, only to find Fr Vaughan sitting in
the sacristy, already fully robed and saying
the Rosary. He asked the elderly Fr Vaughan
if he had forgotten to adjust his clock.
“No,” he replied. “But two parishioners
did, so I said a quick Mass for them and now
I’m waiting for the rest of you to turn up.”
John said there were many stories like
this that illustrated Fr Vaughan’s dedication
to the spiritual welfare of others.
“And we, members of his flock, should
thank Almighty God that we were chosen
to have him as our spiritual leader,” he said.
“His sincerity and simplicity was truly
remarkable. I have no doubt that he is now
in the company of Our Saviour and we can
now pray to him to intercede on our behalf.”
ACROSS OUR DIOCESE
On the evening before his funeral, the
Vigil Mass for Fr Vaughan, saw Queen
of Peace church filled to overflowing with
people who had come back to pray for and
honour the priest who had baptised, married,
delivered the sacraments, and buried two or
three generations of their families. Many had
travelled significant distances to attend.
At the conclusion of the Mass,
there was time for people to share
their memories of Fr Vaughan.
As the microphone was passed around,
a picture emerged of a priest who was
a friend to many, who was there for his
parishioners in good times and tragic times,
who enjoyed sharing regular meals at their
homes, who, although a straight-talker,
had a warm and witty sense of humour,
and whose commitment to being with
the sick and the dying was legendary, no
matter how late at night the call came.
The spiritual singer and musician, Monica
Brown, who grew up in Normanhurst parish,
said that sitting back in his chair after a shared
meal at their family home, Fr Vaughan would
ponder how he could “be a better priest”.
“He would ask, what more can I be
doing for the young ones, in particular?
He was completely dedicated,” she said.
Fr Vaughan’s funeral was a time for
his family to remember him also, as
their beloved Uncle and Great Uncle.
His Great-Niece, Gemma Dooley spoke
lovingly of the big role he had played
in the life of the extended family.
“He did all the priestly things for us –
married the lucky ones, baptised the great
and great-great nieces and nephews and
buried a few before their time, namely his
niece Frances and my dad Jim,” she said.
“But he was much more than that to us.
Uncle Frank was the brother of my grandfather,
Harry Vaughan, who died before I was
born, so he filled that gap in many ways.”
Gemma said her earliest memories
of Uncle Frank were of him trying to
teach her and five siblings, all country
kids, how to body surf at Bronte Beach
during their school holidays in Sydney.
“He always loved the surf. One by one he
would drag us through the breakers and hold
us up until the perfect wave came along. He
would then give us a big push and off we’d
go. Sometimes it went well and we had a
smooth ride into the shore but more often we
ended up coughing and spluttering, spitting
out sand and cursing Uncle Frank,” she said.
Gemma said the outdoors and sport
played a big part in her Uncle Frank’s life.
“Growing up he was an accomplished runner,
life saver and all around sportsman and played
first grade rugby league for Eastern Suburbs
(now the Roosters) in 1939, before his entry
into the seminary cut short that career. He
was extremely proud when 50 years later my
twin brother Justin followed in his footsteps
and played league for his beloved Roosters and
forged a career as a professional league player.”
Golf was his other great love, and Fr Vaughan
was a member of St Michael’s Golf Club, La
Perouse for over 60 years. He continued to play
there every Monday with his golf-buddy priests
until he was in his late 80s. It was an interest he
shared with family members, including Gemma.
“Over the last decade, whenever I visited
Uncle Frank at the nursing home, I knew he was
having a good day when the first thing he would
say to me was ‘how you hitting ‘em?’” she said.
As Fr Vaughan’s family, friends, fellow
priests and parishioners gathered to farewell
him and pray for the repose of his soul,
Emeritus Bishop David Walker gave a homily
in which he reflected on Fr Vaughan’s own
commitment over so many years to regular
preaching on the mystery of eternal life.
“We know now that for Frank, it is a
mystery no more, and as we pray for him
today we rejoice in the fact that he has entered
into eternal life with his Saviour, Jesus.”
As the hearse pulled away from the
Cathedral, carrying Fr Vaughan’s body to be
buried, senior students from St Leo’s Catholic
College formed a guard of honour as a final
sign of respect for a much-loved priest.
BBN
OCTOBER 2014
9
SOCIAL JUSTICE
Building Fraternity
Profiling a year of social justice across parish life.
In this year’s World Day of Peace message, Pope Francis challenged us saying, we have an inherent calling to
fraternity. “Fraternity is an essential human quality, for we are relational beings. A lively awareness of our relatedness
helps us to look upon and to treat each person as a true sister or brother; without fraternity it is impossible to build
a just society and a solid and lasting peace”. Parish life offers many situations to build fraternity. The Catholic parish
of Corpus Christi, St Ives has a Social Justice ministry composed of people from many sections across their parish
who have answered the call to fraternity, commitment to the poor and vulnerable, which is at the very centre of the
Church’s evangelising mission. Across the year, through monthly meetings, fortnightly emails and a weekly section in
their parish bulletin, they have reflected, prayed, dialogued and acted building fraternity. This is the joy of the Gospel.
Rwanda: Earlier this year several parishioners
attended the opening of a centre for the
rehabilitation of disabled children in the remote
village of Muganza, Southern Province Rwanda.
The parish helped to raise over $80,000 to
facilitate construction of the centre and will
continue to assist in equipping the centre and
providing support personnel for brief periods.
Vinnies: Members of St Vincent de Paul Society
meet regularly and co-ordinate activities, including
home visitations to the disadvantaged, clothing
collections, and fundraising. Several parishioners are
volunteers in the regional welfare office at Chatswood,
and others volunteer at regular fund-raising BBQs.
Supporting indigenous issues. Late last year we
held a successful evening of dinner conversations
and Q&A panel with people involved in working
with indigenous communities. In the spirit of
Diocesan social justice, our parishioners regularly
attend social justice activities promoted by other
parishes. Our group annually attends indigenous
conversation evening and dinner at our neighbouring
parish of St Anthony in the Field Terrey Hills.
East Timor (Timor Leste): Since 2010 the parish
has conducted annual immersion to East Timor.
For 2 weeks parishioners immerse themselves in
the lives of the Timorese, engaging with them in
an environment of mutual learning and respect,
and with a true spirit of love and solidarity.
Advent heralds the start of our Church year. As we
approach the coming of Christ, our thoughts turn to
the needy. Our parish community has been providing
Christmas gifts to children from Tibetan families on
the northern beaches. The Tibetan community is
quite large; families have arrived on our shores as
humanitarian entrants. These gifts bring much joy to
what would otherwise be a sad and lonely time as they
remember their homeland and the relations left behind.
Migrant & Refugee Sunday: Dispersing brochures
from ACRMO – What the Catholic Church Teaches
on Asylum and Migration after mass. Parish offers an
area to leave such brochures and regular SJ material.
Youth Off the Streets: Under the direction of
John & Margaret Kelly, 35 families prepare a large
meal. This monthly meal is taken to a central point
in our parish where a parishioner is assigned to
transport them to Don Bosco Home – Crisis Refuge
Accommodation, Marrickville (run by Fr Christ Riley’s
Youth off the Streets), where young homeless people
really appreciate a good home-cooked meal.
Epitomising the strong link between Social Justice
and Sport, each year we hold a soccer match
and picnic day and invite the young men from the
Tibetan community to play against members of our
parish congregation and compete for the St Mary
MacKillop shield. The Tibetan elders join us for a
BBQ/picnic and we have a wonderful day. Now in
its 5th year, our parish is yet to win the shield!
Supporting Catholic Mission: the official
mission aid agency of the Catholic Church
in Australia’s annual appeal. This year our
worshipping community were encouraged
to consider how in a concrete way to
respond to the invitation by Pope Francis
to participate in the mission of the Church
to ‘go forth’, and to share with others your
faith, hope and evangelising charity.
This year Caritas’ Project Compassion’s theme over
Lent was from the John 10:10 – “have life and have
it to the full” – we used the appeal to celebrate our
shared desire to live a full life, free from the burden
of poverty; enriched by fair and equal access to food
and water, healthcare, shelter, education and justice.
Social Justice DVD/BBQ evening: These
evenings are held quarterly after 6pm Sunday Mass
and provide a platform for parishioners to reflect
on issues of social justice. During August, East
Timor’s award-winning first feature film – Beatriz’s
War – was screened. The movie, whilst entertaining,
highlighted the atrocities committed during the
time of Indonesian occupation of East Timor.
Parish volunteers collect left over bread from
local bakeries every Wednesday and Saturday
evenings. This is then delivered in to Matthew Talbot
Hostel in Woolloomooloo, Sydney, a crisis centre for
homeless men. The homeless men of Sydney truly
appreciate the generosity of the donating bakery.
If you are
interested in developing a social
Justice ministry in your parish,please
contact the Diocesan Social Justice Projects
Officer, Jennifer Skelly: [email protected]
10
OCTOBER 2014
BBN
PARISH SUPPORT
Broken Bay Bible Conference a Success
By Pina Bernard, Parish Support Unit
Outstanding Johannine scholars Fr Francis Moloney SDB and Sr Mary Coloe PBVM were joined by Emeritus Bishop
David Walker, Fr Vince Casey and over 130 participants at the Caroline Chisholm Centre on 12-13 September for
this year’s Broken Bay Bible Conference on “The Gospel of John – Joy Made Complete.”
I
t was indeed a joyful two days as we were
led on a wonderful journey through John’s
Gospel, unlocking new and interesting insights
at each and every step along the way.
We began with discovering the world-view
in which John’s community found themselves
and the persecutions they endured, and
then starting with the Prologue in Chapter
1, our presenters guided us through wellknown texts such as the wedding at Cana,
Nicodemus, the Samaritan woman, the
bread of life discourse, the man born blind,
the Last Supper discourse, and through the
Passion, Death and Resurrection of Christ.
Each talk offered current scholarship
delivered with clarity and good humour.
Links to the Old Testament texts were
explored, and occasionally the original Greek
text was given to try to recover something
of what has been lost in translation. These
were excellent insights which a cursory
reading of the text simply can’t discover.
Patterns within the text were
revealed to us, for example:
• the references to the Creation story: John
1 starts in the same way as the Book of
Genesis (“In the beginning”) and we see
Jesus as the “light in the darkness”; at the
Passion, Jesus is in a “garden” and indeed is
crucified in the middle of this garden – the
place where Genesis places the tree of life.
• the wedding imagery of the Samaritan
woman story: in the Old Testament, a
man and woman often met at a well.
Considering the woman’s 6 previous
partners, Jesus is portrayed as the perfect 7th
bridegroom. Symbolically, this represents
the uniting of the Judeans and Samaritans,
Israel together again through Christ.
• the symmetry and pattern of the very long
Last Supper discourse: these chapters
can seem long and winding, but a clear
pattern emerges which shows two retellings
of the same narrative, and between
them the central section of Chapter
15, and specifically the commandment
to “love one another” at its heart.
• the transition of the “disciples” to “brothers
and sisters” of Christ: at the cross where
Jesus gives his mother to the disciple he
loved, the relationship between them
is changed. Jesus’ own mother becomes
the mother of all the disciples, and all
disciples are therefore brothers and
sisters of Christ, becoming children of
God as promised in the Prologue.
Exploring Scripture is a bit like putting
together the pieces of a jigsaw puzzle, and
this conference certainly put some of those
pieces in place for everyone present. The
conference proceedings were recorded, and
will be made available. Please continue to
visit www.dbb.org.au/bible for further details.
BBN
OCTOBER 2014
11
PARISH SUPPORT
A Journey Through the Old Testament
On 19 June a group of 18 participants began a twelve-week introduction to the
Old Testament course at the Caroline Chisholm Centre, Pennant Hills.
M
eeting each Thursday over 2 hours, the
journey commenced with an overview
of the Old Testament and then progressively
traced the development of the Hebrew Bible
over the centuries by unpacking the rich
history and literature of the Hebrew people.
Each week participants watched and
discussed a Yale University Old Testament
lecture by Professor Christine Hayes, using
Lawrence Boadt’s “Reading the Old Testament:
An Introduction” as a helpful reference.
After 12 weeks the group elected to
continue for another 12 weeks, taking in the
comprehensive catalogue of the Yale lectures.
“There’s a lot of enthusiasm and
encouragement within the group,”
offered Pauline McClelland.
“There’s a lot of enthusiasm
and encouragement
within the group… I have
learnt a great deal…”
“I have learnt a great deal. It has
given me a better understanding
and background to Jesus’ life.”
Pauline gives encouragement to others
who may take up the course next year:“I
would highly recommend the course to
anyone, no matter what stage you are in your
knowledge of the Bible. There’s no pressure;
you learn so much from the group.”
Tony and Carmel Smith spoke of the 12
weeks flying by: “The course material was
just so interesting and informative… time just
whizzed by! We were won over from the first
day and looked forward to it each week.”
Fellow participants Excel and Estrella Glinoga
spoke of the rich history behind the biblical
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301-303 PENNANT HILLS ROAD, THORNLEIGH
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OCTOBER 2014
BBN
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LAWRENCE & ASSOCIATES
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12
writings: “There’s a whole world behind the
texts. It has given us a better understanding of
the Bible stories and their underlying messages.”
The 12 week introduction to the Old
Testament course will be offered next
year beginning Tuesday 14 April at The
Entrance and Thursday 16 April at Pennant
Hills. To register your early interest, please
telephone David Patterson on 9847 0514
or email [email protected]
PO Box 132, St Ives, NSW 2075
[email protected]
Phone 9440 2048
Mobile 0435483153
ACROSS OUR DIOCESE
“Outstanding Publication!”
The Diocese of Broken Bay and Broken Bay News recently won four awards at the Annual Australasian Catholic
Press Association (ACPA) Awards for Excellence in Canberra.
T
he Awards were presented
by His Excellency,
Archbishop Paul Gallagher,
Apostolic Nuncio to Australia
at the National Press Club on
Thursday 4 September 2014.
Broken Bay News won
the award for Best Example
of Education Coverage
for the December 2013
edition, Celebrating 2013.
Broken Bay News also was
Highly Commended for Best
Print Magazine (sharing the
honour with Kairos Catholic
Journal, Melbourne) and
Most Improved Magazine.
A Highly Commended Award
for best Use of New Media
was given to the Diocese of
Broken Bay for their Lectio
Divina App for smartphones and
tablets (which will be released
again this year for Advent).
Aurora Magazine, from
the neighbouring Diocese of
Maitland-Newcastle, won
the award for Best Print
Magazine and the major
accolade, the Bishop Philip
Kennedy Award for Overall
Excellence in a Catholic
Publication. Other award
winners included Eureka Street
for Best Online Publication
and the Catholic Leader in
Brisbane for Best Newspaper.
Judge’s comments for awards
for Broken Bay News:
Best Example of
Education Coverage
This article is a deserved
winner as it was engaging
from the moment I saw it.
The eye catching colours,
photos and headline banners
attract the reader’s interest
to engage in the story. It is
quite a task to endeavour to
capture the essence of a whole
Diocese – this was achieved
outstandingly by showing
the diversity of the different
This article is a
deserved winner as
it was engaging from
the moment I saw it…
schools and regions. The range
of reports and articles from an
education perspective was also
outstanding ranging from the
building of a new school to
the importance of literacy and
numeracy week. What really
stood out in this publication
though, is that despite the
diversity of information within
it – there was a sense that
the diocese was connected
with one sense of purpose.
Outstanding publication!
Best Print Magazine
Could not split these two
publications on points in a
judging system which allocated
marks for writing quality and
content matter, photography,
design, print quality and
audience engagement. Both
magazines offered excellent
thought-provoking features
combined with bright and
Broken Bay News Editor, Annie Carrett, receives one of four ACPA
Awards from His Excellency, Archbishop Paul Gallagher, Apostolic
Nuncio to Australia at the National Press Club, Canberra.
…there was a sense
that the diocese
was connected
with one sense of
purpose. Outstanding
publication!
to-the-point coverage of
local diocesan news.
Most Improved Publication
A great make-over to a
polished publication. Takes good
quality layout and improves
headlines and page design
to deliver a very clean and
contemporary publication. BBN
seems to be courageous with its
Masthead and shifts it about
to make better use of the cover
design. It is great to also see
some brave use of imagery on the
front cover. Using artwork really
gave selected issues a wonderful
feel. The reader would want to
pick this publication up – and
they would be rewarded.
Best use of New Media
Lectio divina is a clever
solution to a difficult, yet
common, problem – lack of
budget. By creating an App,
Broken Bay Diocese came
up with an inventive way to
continue to provide guided
assistance through the Sunday
Scriptures of Lent when they
were unable to afford printed
materials. With nearly 6,000
downloads, this is an exceptional
demonstration of how new
media, combined with creative
thinking, can achieve amazing
results with limited resources.
BBN
OCTOBER 2014
13
ACROSS OUR
DIOCESE
The Lakes Celebrates
O
n Sunday 13 July, The Lakes Parish
celebrated its eighth anniversary of
formation from the twinning of St Joseph’s
Narrabeen and St Rose Collaroy Plateau
Parishes at a BBQ in the Parish Hall
By coincidence, Fr Paul Walsh C.S.Sp,
Parish Priest at the time of formation and now
living in Ireland, was in Australia and able to
join in the celebrations. To add more reason
to party, it happened to be Fr Walsh’s 45th
anniversary of ordination and of Fr Michael
Hwang, who is current priest, 6th anniversary
Many parishioners, who had moved
away, came back to the weekend Masses
to say hello to Fr Paul and catch up
with old friends at the party.
Margaret Colman made a magnificent
cake highlighting the anniversaries of the
Parish and the priests. The cake was cut
by Frs Paul and Michael with Fr Shije
Simon, the other parish priest joining in.
The weekend demonstrated what a
wonderful spirit exists in the Parish and
how successful the twinning has been.
Sharing Sacred Hospitality
I
n late July, more than 90 guests, Muslims
and Catholics, sat down together for a
Ramadan Iftar Dinner hosted by the Diocese
of Broken Bay with Affinity Intercultural
Foundation. A lovely interfaith spirit filled
the room, and a beautiful meal was provided
by Afghan Cuisine Catering. The gathering
was joined by the mayor of Hornsby, and
a number of other community leaders sent
their good wishes. Some families brought
By Terese Pirola
their children, and their youthful presence
added to the occasion. We were especially
delighted to have good numbers of Muslim
guests from the Hills District and from other
parts of the Diocesan geographical area.
Thank you to all who attended from Broken
Bay parishes and agencies of the Diocese, and
who contributed to the spirit of hospitality
and interfaith sharing. Photos: Cyrilla Almeida.
Memorial and
Funeral Services
Religious and secular
music: organist, experienced
psalmists, regular Church and
performance musicians.
Music and program preparation
Audio Visual creations
SaM
SaM
14
OCTOBER 2014
BBN
Contact Sonya
on 0439 136 877
or Dennis
on 0419 209 272
E: [email protected]
www.clubmusika.com.au
After you have
attended
TO YOUR
family,
relatives
&
FRIENDS,
would
you
BE WILLING
a gift
TO LEAVE
IN YOUR WILL
for your faith
community?
For more information regarding a bequest to the
Diocese of Broken Bay or your local parish, please contact
the Diocesan Bequest Officer on 9847 0750
Encountering Jesus
Fr James Martin, SJ and Fr Richard Leonard, SJ
James Martin is an American Jesuit priest, writer and Culture Editor
for the Jesuit magazine, America. He is a frequent commentator
for major US news outlets, including CNN, NPR, Time magazine
and The New York Times. He is well known as the author of books
such as The Jesuit Guide to (Almost) Everything, My Life with
the Saints, and his most recent offering, Jesus: A Pilgrimage.
It is on the theme of this last book that he’ll be presenting in
Broken Bay live via satellite* direct from New York City.
Encountering Jesus
A Live Presentation by
Fr James Martin, SJ
and
Co-presenting on the day will be Fr Richard Leonard, SJ. Fr Richard
is based at North Sydney and directs the Australian Catholic Office
for Film & Broadcasting. Richard is the author of several books
including Where the Hell is God?, an international best-seller.
In a presentation entitled, “Encountering Jesus,” Fr James will
speak for 30 minutes followed by a 15 minute conversation
with Fr Richard, who will be present at Pennant Hills.
The day will conclude with audience generated Q and
A. Don’t miss this opportunity. Please Note: Seating is
limited due to venue restrictions and so the booking
window may close before the advertised RSVP date.
*Skype
Fr Richard Leonard, SJ
Date: Saturday 15 November 2014
Time: 10:30 am – 12 noon (Please be seated by 10:25 am)
Venue: Caroline Chisholm Centre, Building 2, 423 Pennant Hills
Road, Pennant Hills (vehicular access via City View Road)
RSVP: By Wednesday 12 November 2014
to www.trybooking.com/FTPN
“Should Christianity still have a Voice
in the Public Square?”
A Presentation by John Cleary
John Cleary is the presenter of Sunday Nights on ABC Local
Radio. He is a member of the ABC’s specialist Religion unit
and is often heard as a commentator on religious issues
for ABC Radio & Television. John is best known for his
years with Radio National as presenter of The Religion
Report and, prior to that, the philosophy programme
Meridian. Please don’t miss this special presentation
of the Parish Support Unit. All welcome.
Date: Saturday 1 November 2014
Time: 10:30 am – 12 noon
Venue: Caroline Chisholm Centre, Building 2, 423 Pennant Hills Road,
Pennant Hills (Vehicular access via City View Road)
RSVP: By Thursday 30 October
To register please telephone 9847 0448 or 4332 9825
or email: [email protected]
Should Christianity still have
a Voice in the Public Square?
A Presentation by
John Cleary
EDUCATION
Art Teacher inspires Young Archie Finalist
A
budding artist from St
Agatha’s Catholic School is a
finalist in this year’s Young Archie
competition. The competition,
held by the Art Gallery of
NSW, received 1015 entries
from people aged five to 18.
Entrants had to create a
PHOTO Courtesy of Gene Ramirez, Fairfax Media.
portrait of a person who has
played a significant role in
their life and Elise Beldoza, 12,
sketched Liz Wilson, her art
teacher at St Agatha’s. It took
her 15 hours, using HB, 2B and
other graphite pencils to recreate
in detail her teacher’s face.
Elise said her teacher was
very important in her life.
“She has helped me with
art techniques and skills,”
she said. “She has helped
improve my ability [in art].”
Elise commented she was very
surprised to be named a finalist
in this year’s competition.
“I didn’t think I would ever
be chosen,” she said. “I didn’t
think I was that good.”
Elise’s artwork is on display
at the Art Gallery of NSW, in
her first exhibition. “It’s pretty
cool,” she said. “I want to thank
my family and friends who come
to the gallery to see my work.”
Elise hopes to pursue
a career in art.
The competition was judged by
Hills artist Ben Quilty, a gallery
trustee who won the Archibald
Prize in 2011; and Victoria
Collings, the gallery’s senior
co-ordinator of education and
family programs with each winner
to receive an array of prizes.
Students Reach Across Global Catholic Community
Catholic Bishops from Zambia visited St Leo’s Catholic College
last week in a fledgling partnership between the two dioceses.
B
ishop George Lungu and
Father Mark Mwale are from
the diocese of Chipata within
the Zambian capital of Lusaka.
Bishop Lungu is a young
bishop faced with many
challenges relating to the
advancement of his people
and the politics in his country.
Thirteen Year 11 students who
had just completed a retreat
at the Benedictine Abbey
in Jamberoo were chosen
to meet with the Bishop.
Anthony Gleeson, Principal
of the College, commented “for
our students it is wonderful for
them to hear about the life of
the Church in a context that is
so different from their own –
economically and culturally”.
Father David Ranson from
Holy Name Catholic Church
in Wahroonga hosted the
visitors, and having visited their
parish last May believed “this
is a unique opportunity for
the students to encounter one
of the emerging leaders of the
Church in Africa and hopefully
Living in Challenging Times
P
eninsula primary schools
recently gathered for their
Mission Project 2014 workshop
which was run by members of
Together for Humanity with
support from parish members
and student representatives
from Mater Maria and St
Paul’s Catholic Colleges.
Together for Humanity is a
Multi-Faith group of people
dedicated to helping schools
and communities respond
effectively to differences
of culture and belief.
The workshop focused
on Principles of Catholic
Social Teaching, specifically
the Common Good, which
emphasised that it is possible
for each social group and all
16
OCTOBER 2014
BBN
of their individual members
to achieve their potential.
One of the key goals of this
initiative was to link schools into
existing parish outreach projects,
hoping to strengthen students’
connection to, and involvement
in, their parish beyond their
primary school years.
The students developed a plan
for action within their school,
parish and wider community.
Students from Maria Regina
Catholic School Avalon
commented “Have you ever
judged a book by its cover? At
the beginning of the day, the
presenters asked us: “Who do
you think is Australian?” It
was a bit embarassing – but
we thought Zalman and Maha
were not. The way they looked
influenced our perceptions –
they were all Australian! One
of the best parts was when
the cloth of messages from
children all over Australia
was held over our heads.“
to be touched by his passion for
the people entrusted to his care.”
EDUCATION
Social Justice for All
With over 100,000 homeless people ‘sleeping rough’
each night in Australia and a fair share of those on the
Central Coast, teachers at St Cecilia’s Catholic School
Wyong started thinking about ways their students
could assist the needy in their local community.
B
eing in the midst of winter
the teachers thought it
would be a valuable opportunity
for their students to experience
a taste of what it might be like
to ‘sleep rough’ for a night.
About eighty students and
seven staff joined in the Winter
Sleep Out, which entailed
students returning to school that
evening with only the clothes
on their back, a sleeping bag
and a yoga mat. Parents helped
provide sustenance by way of a
cup of soup and a bread roll for
their dinner. Students were also
allowed to bring along cards and
board games to keep themselves
occupied however the evening
was strictly ‘electronic device free’.
The following morning all
students were involved in a Social
Justice Day which included a
visit to the local chapter of St
Vincent de Paul. Whilst there
they learnt about the charity’s
involvement in the community,
helped pack hampers with goods
donated by the students and later
presented to a representative
from the Coast Shelter.
Meanwhile down at Mater
Maria Catholic College,
Warriewood members of the
Class of 2014 braved the wildlife
and wet weather to display their
strong sense of social justice in
their own sleepout in the Murphy
Undercroft. Over fifty students
took part in this student led
initiative to support Fr Chris
Riley’s Youth Off The Streets.
Since opening in 1991, Youth
Off The Streets has grown from
a single food van delivering meals
to young homeless people on
the streets of Kings Cross to
a major youth specific agency
offering a full continuum
of care through delivery of
a wide range of services.
Mater Maria students
successfully raised $1,500
to help provide hot meals,
accommodation or other
everyday necessities to young
people living on the streets.
Towards 2015 – Mercy Rules
Three hundred Year 5 students from eight primary schools founded by the Sisters of Mercy,
North Sydney attended the Towards 2015 Mercy Primary School Forum.
he Broken Bay schools
students about the upcoming
Mercy Action Group (MAG)
attending were St Bernard’s
150th anniversary of the Sisters
from Monte Sant Angelo College.
Catholic School, Berowra, St
of Mercy, North Sydney.
Students from Sacred Heart
Patrick’s Catholic School, Asquith,
The forum was opened by Sr
Catholic School, Pymble
Our Lady of Perpetual Succour
Loreto Conroy, congregational
commented on how ”it was very
Catholic School, West Pymble,
leader of the Sisters of Mercy
interesting to hear how all of the
Our Lady of the Rosary Catholic
followed by Sr Miriam Grech who sisters committed their lives to
School, Waitara and Sacred
gave an inspiring key note address. reaching out to others. We had
Heart Catholic School, Pymble.
A highlight for the students
the opportunity to brainstorm
The event was held in the
were the small group conversations ideas for telling people about the
Broken Bay Diocese at the
with other Sisters of Mercy,
wonderful work of the Sisters of
Light of Christ Hall, Waitara
representatives from The Mercy
Mercy.” plus “We had the chance
with the overall purpose being
Foundation, Mercy Works,
to participate in a beautiful
to inform both school staff and
MAGnet and students of the
liturgy and to learn more about
T
the work of the Sisters of Mercy.
The day was amazing and I
really look forward to the 150th
anniversary celebrations next year.”
Over the next year the students
have been asked to carry out a
“Mercy Project” that will enrich
the Mercy life of their school.
Students and staff will gather
together again on June 24,
2015 at Monte Sant Angelo to
celebrate the 150th Anniversary
of the Sisters with a birthday
party and present their projects.
BBN
OCTOBER 2014
17
EDUCATION
Passion for Science on an International Stage
17 year old Courteney Paton from North Gosford has a love for
science which began when she was just 3 years of age.
“W
hen I was little I wanted
to discover my own
planet” she laughs. “Science is
exciting and youthful – it’s never
boring. It’s ever-changing and
dynamic. It excites me to think
of the possibilities out there. “
Courteney was one of six
students chosen to represent
Australia at the Canada Wide
Science Fair held in Ontario in
May as part of the International
Program with the National
Youth Science Forum (NYSF)
sponsored by Rotary Australia.
With over 200 applications
received, the selection process
was lengthy, involving a written
application with references
from teachers and community
leaders, then interviews to
demonstrate her passion for
science and her leadership skills.
Illustration by
Joseph Hurley
To be eligible for this program
Courteney was selected to attend
the NYSF program in January
before being offered a place on
a bio medicine PHD project
in conjunction with Curtin
University and the University
of Western Australia in January
2014. It was from this placement
Courteney was targeted for the
international program selection.
“There were so many inspiring
scientific and socially minded
people attending this forum all
there to encourage likeminded,
passionate young people to
challenge the way we think.
The National Youth Science
Forum demonstrated that there
are many young people ready
to explore new ways to improve
the way we live our lives.”
Her science teacher, Mrs
Amanda Eades has
always encouraged
Courteney’s love of
science. “Courteney is an
exceptional student who
has an infectious passion
for her studies in Science.
It is a great achievement
to be able to attend the
International Program
of the NYSF because it
allows students to have
an invaluable experience
in the field of Science in
which they are interested.
Courteney has built
excellent leadership skills and
has inspired other students to
get involved in Science projects.”
The St Joseph’s Catholic
College student is studying
Physics, Chemistry and Biology
for her HSC later this year. She
When I grow up …
S
t Mary’s Catholic School
Manly celebrated the Feast
of the Assumption and as part of
their Feast Day two students from
St Paul’s Catholic College Manly
visited and talked about their
immersion program to help build
homes in Cambodia. Sharon Kelly,
Religious Education Coordinator,
commented “there was much rich
discussion across all classes that
day about Cambodia.” When it
came to reflecting on the talk
Year 2 student Joseph Hurley
drew an illustration and fellow
student Natalie Bunting reflected:
“When I grow up I want to be
alive and safe. This is really sad
because in Cambodia at a very
young age some people die even
The Diverse World of Flavours
Year 4 students at St Thomas Catholic School Willoughby enjoyed the delicious
flavours of France, in particular pastries, when local chef Didier Sockeel, of
Ganache Patisserie popped in as part of the Week of Tastes program.
W
eek of Tastes is a program
specifically designed
for Year 4 students, helping
them understand how they use
their five senses to appreciate
food whilst also developing
curiosity and a positive
attitude towards new foods.
The program began in
France over 25 years ago when
it was recognised that French
children were losing touch
with how French food tasted,
where it came from and how
it was prepared. The program
18
OCTOBER 2014
BBN
now exists in many European
countries and in the USA.
One of the St Thomas students,
Ciara, outlined the sequence of
events on the day whereby “Didier
came to show us how he creates
some of his amazing pastries. For
starters, Didier let us try some
of his mouth watering croissants
and baguettes. Everyone thought
they were rated five stars. After
that, we tried some yummy dark
and milk chocolate and learnt
how white chocolate is not really
chocolate. Didier showed us
how to make a croquembouche
out of choux pastry, chocolate
crème and toffee. It was
AMAZING! And guess what…
we got to eat it after recess. It
was a delicious morning! “
Through these sensory exercises
and interacting with Didier it is
hoped the Year 4 students from
St Thomas will be able to make
more informed food choices,
be less fearful about trying new
and unknown foods and have
developed a wider understanding
of diverse culinary cultures.
plans to study Biomedicine at
university and will pursue a
career in genetic engineering.
“I hope I can inspire young
people, especially young girls,
to love science and to be open
minded to the possibilities”.
when they have a baby. St Pauls’
have a goal and it is to build 20
houses in 2 days, that’s one house
per person going. It is really sad
because if there were 20 people
in a class only 7 people or so
would get a nice fresh drink any
time they want and all the other
people would go thirsty or drink
water from a swamp or a lake.”
EDUCATION
The Vulnerable Yellow Bellied Glider
Year 4 students at Holy Cross Catholic School in Kincumber on the Central Coast
have been involved in a campaign called Project Yellow Bellied Glider.
T
his is a joint initiative between
Taronga Zoo, Gosford City
Council, the Catholic Schools
Office of the Diocese of Broken
Bay, St Edward’s College and St
Joseph’s Catholic College East
Gosford, St John the Baptist
Catholic School Woy Woy and
Holy Cross Catholic School
Kincumber to raise community
awareness about the plight of this
unique Australian mammal.
Not everyone has heard of the
Yellow Bellied Glider nor knows
that it is classified as a vulnerable
species in NSW. The students
at Holy Cross are fortunate that
this species can be found in their
local area including Kincumba
Mountain which is located
directly behind the school.
The Yellow Bellied Glider is
vulnerable for a number of reasons
including the loss and destruction
of their habitat, defragmentation
of bushland, pet cats and dogs that
are allowed to roam at night, feral
animals and barbed wire fences.
The Year 4 students went on
a fact finding mission to find out
how they could help the gliders
which involved working closely
with the education team at
Taronga Zoo, participating in a
Zoo Snooze overnight stay and an
excursion to Kincumba Mountain.
A highlight for many was
meeting baby Fergus, the Yellow
Bellied Glider at Taronga Zoo,
a successful outcome from their
captive breeding program. Gosford
City Council also gave all students
a couple of native plants to create
a friendlier habitat for our native
species in their backyards.
During Term 3 the Year 4
students at Holy Cross were
partnered with Year 10 mentors
from St Joseph’s Catholic
College and St Edward’s College
and working in small groups
created a variety of community
awareness campaigns.
These projects were displayed
within local community
partners including Kincumber
Library, Coles Shopping Centre
Kincumber, Westpac Bank
Kincumber and Cinema Paradiso
at Ettalong so as to engender
community awareness of the
Yellow Bellied Gliders’ plight.
Speaking up for the Voiceless
“Speaking up for the Voiceless” was the most popular topic chosen by the twelve finalists in the Br Tony Whelan
Public Speaking Competition for Year 6 students held at St Patrick’s Catholic School at Asquith recently.
P
rincipal Bernard Cumming
welcomed everyone including
Peter Hamill Director of Schools
and Mayor of Hornsby Cr
Steve Russell, all who had come
to hear the delightful speeches
presented by the children.
The students initially gave
a three-minute prepared
speech followed by writing
and delivering a one-minute
impromptu speech.
Cr Steve Russell said how
much “he loved coming to
such events and that the
standard was very high and
he enjoyed all the different
presentations and perspectives.”
The overall winner was
Sophie Lynch from Our Lady
of Perpetual Succour Catholic
School at West Pymble who
spoke about the troubles of the
Palestinian people. She talked
about how “the Palestinians
need a voice and we all have
a part to play to ensure that
Australia listens.“ Sophie had
even told her mum just the
week before that she had never
received a trophy prior to the
initial rounds of the School
Public speaking competition
and the week after she received
an even bigger one than she
could ever have imagined!
Women of the Future
I
nspired by an immersion
experience to India with her
school, St Peter’s Catholic
College, Tuggerah, confronted
by the illiteracy and poverty that
is often the reality of life there
Tealyn Lonergan founded her
charity Project Opportunity
when she was just 22 years of age.
Initially run out of her parents’
garage it has now flourished
into an international charity
which aims to give young girls
in India the opportunity to
reach their full potential through
education and empowerment.
Project Opportunity launched
the beginnings of the Lily Grace
Scholarship program from which
17 girls now receive full monetary
support for their studies, uniform
and school supplies. Tealyn has
also now partnered with an Indian
non-government organisation,
Tejaswi Trust, to provide
scholarships, about $15,000 worth
so far for children most in need.
In addition to these exciting
Central Coast students
Daniel Brazier from St John
Fisher Catholic School Tumbi
Umbi and Elloise Bright
from Our Lady of the Rosary
Catholic School Wyoming came
second and third respectively.
Congratulations to all finalists as
it takes courage to stand up and
talk at such a young age; they
have all developed great skills that
can be used in all walks of life.
enterprises the Australian Women’s
Weekly magazine recently held
a competition searching for
Australia’s 2014 Women of the
Future, an initiative celebrating
talent and entrepreneurship. In
recognition of her achievements
Tealyn was shortlisted as
one of the 15 finalists.
Funded completely by donations,
Project Opportunity runs
small community fundraisers
throughout the year to support
their projects. Tealyn has high
hopes for her charity and plans to
expand the scholarships to reach
more vulnerable girls each year.
BBN
OCTOBER 2014
19
NEWS
New Life for ‘The Centre’
Faith Formation for Life and Leadership
In 1969, then Fr David Walker, and fellow colleagues, Frs Neil Brown and Peter Neville, founded the Catholic
Correspondence Centre as a resource to offer Catholic people an opportunity to access serious theological study
and reflection.
I
n the first six years of the Correspondence
Centre about 6,500 courses were sent
out and about 16,000 courses followed.
After eleven years, Fr Walker went
on to establish the Centre for Christian
Spirituality at Randwick in 1978, where
face-to-face and distance courses in Christian
spirituality were offered. The Centre found
ready interest, with about 10,000 people
taking courses from 1978 to 2001.
Affectionately known as ‘The Centre’, the
institution at Randwick has had a 30 year
history of educating adult Christians to reflect
more deeply on their faith and be challenged
by the riches of the Christian tradition.
Following on from a demand for more
theologically and formally accredited courses,
cooperative arrangements for the delivery of
courses in distance mode were established
with the Melbourne College of Divinity
(1989) and the Sydney College of Divinity
(1994). With the support of the Catholic
Institute of Sydney (CIS), programs at
undergraduate and graduate level were
developed by The Centre for distance
students. The growth was such that, in 2001,
The Centre was accepted as a full member
institute of the Sydney College of Divinity.
A major move took place in January 2003
when the Directors of the Educational Centre
Pty Ltd passed on the academic programs
of The Centre for Christian Spirituality
to the Diocese of Broken Bay by deed of
gift. These programs became an integral
part of The Broken Bay Institute (BBI),
which continues delivering high quality
20
OCTOBER 2014
BBN
academic programs now in partnership
with the University of Newcastle.
With his recent retirement, Emeritus Bishop
David Walker has sought to return to his deep
love for adult faith education and theology.
On Saturday 23 August, an official
‘re-launch’ of The Centre for Christian
Spirituality took place at its Randwick
location, being celebrated with an enlivened
conversation between Bishop David and
renowned Canon Law scholar, Fr Francis
Morrisey OMI, Emeritus Professor of Canon
Law at Saint Paul University in Ottowa,
Canada. The theme: “If Today you hear his
voice – Forming Missionary Disciples Today.”
Many gathered at the launch had shared
in The Centre’s long history and are looking
forward to renewed programs that will seek
to support people in their life and ministry
through customised faith formation for life
and leadership. Under the guidance of a
Formation Team led by Bishop David, and
including, Fr John Frauenfelder, Mrs Virginia
Ryan, Sr Judith Glaister and Mrs Cathy
Martorana, formation can be offered at The
Centre itself or at any chosen venue, and can
be tailored for a Diocese, parish, religious
order, School (Boards, teachers, parents,
students, CSO staff ); Health organisations;
Church Agencies or rural communities.
To find out more please contact: The Centre
for Christian Spirituality, 14 Francis Street,
Randwick: (02) 9398 2211 or
[email protected].
You will find more information at
www.centreforchristianspirituality.com.au
ACROSS OUR DIOCESE
Bishops say Sport can make Everyone a Winner
In preparation for the celebration of Social Justice Sunday on 28 September, Legendary Coach and AFL player Kevin
Sheedy AM and renowned journalist and commentator Geraldine Doogue AO launched this year’s Social Justice
Statement on behalf of the Australian Catholic Bishops on 17 September at The Crypt, St Mary’s Cathedral, Sydney.
T
itled, A Crown for Australia:
Striving for the best in our sporting
nation, the Statement highlights the
vital role that sport plays in the health of
individuals, the life of communities and
the inclusion of all in Australian society.
…the Statement highlights
the vital role that sport plays
in the health of individuals,
the life of communities
and the inclusion of all
in Australian society.
Bishop Christopher Saunders,
Chairman of the Australian Catholic
Social Justice Council, said, “Australians
are passionate about their sport, whether
as participants or as supporters, whether
following the fortunes of their local club
or their national team. Sport brings us
together, builds communities and lets us
celebrate the joy of movement and skill.
Good sport makes everyone a winner.
“Sport also holds a mirror up to our society.
It reflects the best in us as individuals and
as a nation – but it can also reflect the worst
in us. We are becoming too familiar with
violence and abuse of drugs and alcohol, both
on the field and off it, on the part of players
and of spectators. Instances of illegal betting
and corruption across different codes pose
a real threat to the integrity of sport and its
capacity to build community. Discrimination
and exclusion undermine a key attribute of
sport to build bridges across social divides
and show a special concern for people who
are marginalised,” Bishop Saunders said.
In the Statement, A Crown for Australia, the
Catholic Bishops highlight the transformative
power of sport and call on all levels of
society to treasure and safeguard sport from
those forces that undermine its integrity.
The Statement and associated
resources can be downloaded at:
www.socialjustice.catholic.org.au
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BBN
OCTOBER 2014
21
ACROSS OUR DIOCESE
All in the Name of Fun
I
n its best ever turn out over
these last four years St Paul’s
Catholic College, Manly, proudly
entered a team of 40, made up of
teachers, students and their families, in the recent Manly Scenic
Fun Run and Walk 5km race.
Just under $4,000 was
raised by the team topped up
by an additional $1,000 for
winning the highest school
team fundraiser – the College
was thrilled to have taken
this award out for the fourth
consecutive year. From St Paul’s
it was Flynn Capell, a Year 8
student, who raised the highest
amount of just over $500.
In total around $110,000 was
raised for various charities by the
Fun Run and Douglas Miller,
Fun Run Director, accompanied
by Flynn had the pleasure of
visiting Bear Cottage to present
St Paul’s $5,000 cheque.
Flynn said “most of his
fundraising came from friends,
family and his father’s work
colleagues.” His focus during
the fun run was to try and
beat fellow students and
especially the teachers!
Flynn commented he was
keen to do the Fun Run again
and maybe even do the longer
10km category and hopes St
Paul’s can double the entrants
and the money raised next year.
Broken Bay Vinnies
Community Sleepout 2014
by Simon Peter Hyland
Regional Development Officer – Youth Ministry
O
n Saturday 26 July a group
of young people from
various Broken Bay Parishes
gathered together to attend our
Vinnies community sleepout.
The purpose of the night was
to spend a ‘night on the streets’ in
winter to experience just a taste
of what many homeless people
in our Diocese face every night.
We also challenged ourselves to
raise much needed money for
the Vinnies winter appeal.
The event was held at
the Light of Christ Centre,
Waitara. 28 young people slept
out and we raised $3,406!
A massive thank you to
all those who supported us
in this incredible effort.
We heard a great presentation
from Emily Bartlett – co-ordinator
of Vinnies youth for Broken Bay.
As well as raising money,
the other big factor was raising
awareness about homelessness
in our area. This great team of
young people are inspired to
continue working to help those
in need in our community.
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OCTOBER 2014
BBN
ACROSS OUR DIOCESE
Global Citizens in our own Backyard
Prouille Catholic Primary School, Wahroonga, was completely rebuilt three years ago; put simply,
the community at Prouille is now blessed with a 21st Century learning environment.
A
fter the first year in the
new school, Prouille was
shocked to learn that the yearly
energy bills increased from $5,800
(in the ‘old’ school) to $48,000.
When this news was delivered
to the Parents and Friends’
Association, a committed group
of parents formed a committee
with a view to assisting to
drastically improve the situation.
After extensive consultation
with the Catholic Schools
Office, the school committed to
investing in a 27KW, $48,000,
solar initiative. In partnership
with CSR Bradford Solutions, the
school secured a remarkable solar
system that includes several special
features that allow the students
to monitor energy consumption
as they learn more about the
sustainability of our planet.
School Staff and Parents believe
that by integrating solar panels
into the school they can see a
clear vision for sustainability that
authentically integrates ‘green
initiatives’ into the curriculum
and school life. Importantly too,
the vision involves engaging
families to make changes at
‘home’ that complement the
initiatives at school. Prouille’s
contribution as global citizens
has now dramatically improved.
In addition to the solar
initiative, Prouille has also recently
completed the construction of an
impressive Sustainability Garden.
This state-of-the-art garden
boasts numerous planter boxes in
a fully enclosed/netting-covered
environment with an extensive
irrigation and composting system.
This wonderful initiative for
Prouille was spearheaded by one
of the teachers, Mrs MaryAnne
Haines; Mrs Haines led a team
of staff, parents and grandparents
Distinguished guests formally opening the Sustainability Garden with Yr 6
Environment Leaders as they plant a citrus tree with a bit of jocularity.
Prouille Parents and Friends Solar Team with all the
distinguished guests at the official opening.
to achieve remarkable results.
Most importantly, Mrs Haines
was enthusiastically assisted by
Stage 3 student environment
leaders every step of the way;
particular mention must be
made of the three Year 6 student
leaders, Sarah Burton, Isabella
Knoke-Driver and Rui Yan
who were a decisive source of
knowledge, commitment and
enthusiasm throughout the entire
development of the garden. It is
now exciting to see how classroom
programs are being planned
to integrate further authentic
sustainability curriculum
perspectives K-6. (It is important
to note that the Sustainability
Garden and Solar Initiative
have direct links to English and
Mathematics throughout the
new Australian Curriculum
within the Sustainability
Cross Curriculum Priority.)
Finally, it is inspiring to see
students, parents and staff
generate creative and purposeful
ways to use the produce from
the Sustainability Garden;
produce grown in the garden
will be used for fundraising and
creating meals for “The Dish” – ie
a mobile food service for ‘needy’
people in the Hornsby area.
The Solar Initiative and the
Sustainability Garden was
recently ‘opened’ by Mr Barry
O’Farrell MP, State Member for
Ku-ring-gai. Other distinguished
guests who attended the ceremony
were: Mr Matt Kean MP – State
Member for Hornsby; Mr Paul
Fletcher MP – Federal Member
for Bradfield; Councillor David
Citer, attending for our Mayor
of Ku-ring-gai Council, Jennifer
Anderson; and Mrs Diann
Hynes, Schools Consultant,
Catholic Schools Office.
“Putting Rungs in the Ladder”
Social Justice Advent Twilight Reflection Evening
A joint initiative of the Catholic Dioceses of Broken Bay, Parramatta and the Archdiocese of Sydney.
Social Justice Coordinators Jennifer Skelly, Sr Louise McKeogh and Qwayne Guevara respectively, offer an opportunity for prayerful reflection
on enriching the lives of asylum seekers and refugees in light of the 2014 Catholic Bishops’ Social Justice Statement. Offered during Advent,
the hope is to “put rungs in the ladder” for those interested in Social Justice, that is, giving avenues for prayer, aid, education and advocacy.
Date: Wednesday 10 December 2014
Time: 6.30 pm – 8.30 pm
Where: Caroline Chisholm Centre, Building 2, 423 Pennant Hills Road, Pennant Hills (vehicular entry off City View Road)
RSVP: By Friday 5 December 2014
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OCTOBER 2014
23
WORLD MISSION MONTH
When I Grow up I want to be ALIVE…
World Mission Day – Sunday 19 October
World Mission Day is celebrated every year in every country wherever there are Catholics committed to building a
better world for all of God’s people, a world where everyone has all they need to live a dignified and fulfilling life.
I
t is the day on which we reflect
on the urgency to proclaim
the Gospel in our times.
Missionary activity is a
response to the love with
which God loves us. God’s
love is the spiritual energy that
can make harmony; justice
and communion grow among
persons, races and peoples for
which everyone is searching. It is
God, who is Love, who leads the
Church towards those farthest
away and calls us to be renewed
from the original source, Jesus
Christ, from whose pierced
heart flows the love of God.
The God of love is the
source of care, tenderness,
compassion, hospitality and
interest in other people’s
problems, for spreading Christ’s
charity around the world.
Catholic Mission around
the world has the responsibility
of promoting a dignified
and fruitful celebration of
World Mission Day. This
year World Mission Day is
Sunday 19 October 2014.
The theme of this year’s
Catholic Mission World Mission
Appeal, ‘When I grow up I
want to be alive’, is inspired by
Ephesians 2:4-6, ‘God who is
rich in mercy... made us alive’.
This year, parishioners and
school children across Australia
are invited, as part of the
Catholic Mission World Mission
Appeal, to reach out to support
the crucial work of the Jamaican
Catholic Church in helping
people turn away from violence
and crime to seek a new future
through the power of education
and the spirit of Jesus Christ.
Sadly Jamaica is a nation
deeply troubled by violence and
crime. With the second-highest
rate of gun-killings anywhere
in the world*, communities
across Jamaica live in constant
fear. To just be alive might seem
like a simple dream to us, but
for many of the Jamaican youth
born into the ghettos, they know
24
OCTOBER 2014
BBN
chances are high that they will
never achieve their dreams or
that their life will be cut short
as a result of the violence.
Eleven year old Jessica,
featured in the poster, and
thirteen year old Andrew were
born into one of the most
dangerous ghetto areas in
Jamaica’s capital city, Kingston.
They have hopes and dreams
for the future, but they also
have personal experience of the
heartbreak caused by fear and
violence in their community.
Both Jessica and Andrew have
lost their fathers in violent
shootings within the last year.
Simple activities like walking
home from school can be
fraught with danger in this
corner of Kingston. But fear
and violence are not the end
of the story thanks to the
work of those bringing the
Good News to the children of
St Anne’s Primary School.
St Anne’s Primary School,
where Jessica and Andrew
attend, is supported by Catholic
Mission. Sr Anne Quinn, an
Australian Marist Missionary,
works at the school. Like the
children, Sr Anne is used to
the regular shootings in the
neighbourhood. “It becomes
almost a way of life. But it’s
an unnecessary way and we
are constantly encouraging the
children that no matter what the
situation is, they can still focus,
learn, put their trust in God
and everything will be okay.”
Education, she believes, is the
path to peace. “ Their path for
the future can only be through
education… What we are really
trying to do is rescue them from
eventually being on the streets,
into gangs, and into trouble”.
For Sr Anne, teaching the
children to live as peacemakers
is one way of sharing the
Good News in Jamaica
Together we can help
the youth of Jamaica, and
throughout the world, grow up
to be fully alive, and achieve
their dreams of a positive
and hope-filled future.
Parishioners are also
encouraged to consider how
this appeal is a concrete way
to respond to the invitation
by Pope Francis to participate
in the mission of the Church
to ‘go forth’, and to share
with others your faith, hope
and evangelising charity.
Children’s Mission Day
22 October 2014
In Australia, Catholic
Mission has designated
Wednesday 22 October 2014
as Children’s Mission Day to
promote mission in a manner
appropriate and relevant to
students, and to celebrate the
wonderful fundraising efforts
to support Catholic Mission’s
work with children worldwide.
When we allow God to act
through us in love for others,
bringing the fruits of the spirit
into the world—reconciliation,
forgiveness, justice, peace,
harmony, joy, and love—we build
God’s family and help everyone
experience fullness of life.
We can all act to reduce
poverty around the world
and improve the quality of
life for all our brothers and
sisters of God’s family. We
can stand in solidarity with all
who suffer exclusion, poverty
and injustice and whose life
is in some way diminished.
To find out more visit
www.catholicmission.org.au
ACROSS OUR DIOCESE
Study of Religion on the Rise
The postgraduate Theology programs, offered by the University of Newcastle in partnership with The Broken Bay
Institute, have experienced a 250% enrolment growth in the last 12 months and now boast over 1,300 students.
The Master of Theology program is the largest postgraduate program at UON.
T
he postgraduate Theology
programs, offered by the
University of Newcastle in
partnership with The Broken
Bay Institute, have experienced a
250% enrolment growth in the last
12 months and now boast over
1,300 students. The Master of
Theology program is the largest
postgraduate program at UON.
The University of
Newcastle’s GradSchool
started taking enrolments for
the postgraduate Theology
programs in November 2013.
Despite the fact that the number
of people reporting ‘no religion’
in Australia increased by almost
7% between 2001 and 20111,
the enrolment growth in these
theology programs shows interest
in studying religion is on the rise.
Emeritus Bishop David
Walker, the founding father of
The Broken Bay Institute said
“Adult spiritual formation and
education was one of my main
goals as bishop. I am proud to have
established an institute committed
to fostering a collaborative
approach to theological education,
helping people of the Broken
Bay Diocese, and indeed, around
the world, to grow in their
faith relationship with Jesus.”
As for job prospects, Dr Dan
Fleming, Dean of Studies at The
Broken Bay Institute, Conjoint
Lecturer at UON and Program
Convenor for the postgraduate
Theology programs, says the
skills and knowledge gained from
studying theology are highly
sought after in some industries.
“Human services employers
want their staff to understand
religion to better understand
the people they engage with on
Moved by the desperate plight of Christians
throughout the Middle East, the Catholic charity Aid
to the Church in Need (ACN) calls on your support to
help the region’s beleaguered Christian population.
Bishop David Walker pictured with BBI-UON Graduates of Theology.
a daily basis. Religious service
providers in fields like education
want their staff to accurately
understand their organisation’s
tradition as well as its place in the
complex and diverse environment
of today,” said Dr Fleming.
As the Australian Qualifications
Framework has revised
requirements for Master’s
programs across the country,
students have a limited time to
apply for the existing 8-course
Master of Theology program
before the number of courses
increases to 12 or 16 courses,
depending on prior learning.
The application deadline is
10 November to start study in
Summer Term 2014/2015.
For more information, please
visit www.bbi.catholic.edu.au/Masters.
fear as increasing poverty and growing extremism
threaten the survival of these ancient communities.
ACN is helping to keep faith and hope alive throughout
the region by providing urgent aid to priests, religious
and lay people, offering subsistence help to refugees
and building and repairing Churches and convents.
Please help us strengthen and rebuild the Church in
the land of Christ’s birth.
A mass exodus of Christians from the Middle East
is now taking place. For some, like the Christians of
Iraq and Syria, it is a question of their very survival
as they flee the bloody persecution of the militants of
the Islamic State (formerly ISIS).
A beautiful, olive wood crucifix, handcrafted in
For others, in parts of the Holy Land that Our Bethlehem, will be sent to all those who give a
Lord Jesus Christ knew so well, the proportion of donation of $20.00 or more to help this campaign.
Christians has plummeted from 20% to as little as Please tick the box below if you would like to
1.4% in the last forty years. The faithful now live in receive the little olive wood crucifix*.
Send to: Aid to the Church in Need PO Box 7246 Baulkham Hills NSW 2153
Tel No: (02) 9679-1929 Email: [email protected] Web: www.aidtochurch.org
I enclose a cheque/money order payable to Aid to the Church in Need
OR please debit my Visa or Mastercard:
Broken Bay News
Signature .................................................... Exp Date ....... /.......
BLOCK LETTERS PLEASE
Mr/Mrs/Miss/Ms/Rev ......................................................................................................
Address ................................................................................................... PC ..................
Ph ................................... Email .....................................................................................
AID TO THE CHURCH IN NEED...a Catholic charity dependent on the Holy See, providing pastoral relief to needy and oppressed Churches
BBN
OCTOBER 2014
25
WHAT’S ON
CALENDAR OF EVENTS 2014
�o��n �omers-�a�
Singer – Soloist Soprano – Cantor
Funerals, Memorial Services,
Weddings, Social Occasions
Phone:
(02) 9958 7919
0418 973-656
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.sopranosinger.com.au
Visit my website for more information
and samples of my singing
October
12 Our Lady of Fatima Feast Day– Our
Lady of Fatima Committee Arcadia would
like to invite your church community
to the special annual event.
Where: Parish Church of St Benedict’s
Arcadia, Corner Arcadia & Fagans Road,
Arcadia. When: Sunday 12 October at
1.00pm. Starts with children performing a
short re-enactment of the story of Our Lady
of Fatima, a procession of the Rosary in five
different languages, concluding with a Mass
in English followed by afternoon tea and
refreshments. For further information please
contact: Paul & Paula El-Chaar 0423 078 282
12 The Merciful Mother of Mentally Ill
Community Prayer Groupwill be
having Mass for Mentally Ill, at Our
Lady of the Rosary, The Entrance.
This Mass is held at the end of Mental
Health Week, and will be offered for mentally
ill to overcome the stigma and ignorance
surrounding mental illness. Following
Mass, The Divine Mercy will be said for
all souls who have lost their life as the
result of mental illness. Light refreshments
following the mass and prayers in Muldoon
Room. Contact Elizabeth 0243 344 376
19 The Australian Catholic Historical Society
will meet at 2:30pm in the Crypt of St Patrick’s
Church, Grosvenor Street, The Rocks. The
speaker will be Emeritus Professor Clive
Kessler: School of Sociology, UNSW. His topic
will be: Children of Abraham: Jews, Christians
and Muslims in history – one another’s.
All welcome. Enquiries: secretaryachs@
gmail.com or Dr John Carmody, President
ACHS [email protected]
November
12 Mass for the Angelswill be held at Our
Lady of the Rosary, The Entrance at 7pm,
followed by light refreshments in the Parish
Centre. This Mass is a time to remember
any infant who died pre-natal or in child
birth. Contact: Elizabeth 0243 344 376
12 Cosmic spirituality 5– A day to be immersed
in the wholeness of creation, through the
interaction of the elements, to listen and
respond to the desire of Jesus: I have
come that they may have life and have it to
the full (Jn.10:10). Mt St Benedict Centre,
Pennant Hills. Facilitated by Carol Tomlinson
sgs. Cost $20. Morning Tea provided BYO
lunch. For further information please contact:
[email protected] or 9484 6208
16 The Australian Catholic Historical
Societywill meet at 2:30pm in the Crypt
of St Patrick’s Church, Grosvenor Street,
The Rocks. The speaker will be Richard
Connolly: Composer and former Head,
ABC Radio Drama and Features. His topic
will be: Making hymns with James McAuley:
liturgical change in Australian Catholic life.
All welcome. Enquiries: secretaryachs@
gmail.com or Dr John Carmody, President
ACHS [email protected]
DEADLINE for December 2014 edition of Broken Bay News: Monday 3 November 2014
To have your event included in this section please send details to the Editor at:
[email protected] FAX: (02) 9847 0501. TEL: 9847 0724
When experience counts
A PREPAID FUNERAL
CREATIVE CIRCLE _BBN_03
For over 120 years WN Bull Funerals has been serving the people of Sydney there has been
significant growth and change in the community. We are proud to have been able to readily
adapt to these changes and remain compassionate, sensitive and responsive to the needs and
wishes of our client families.
WN Bull is especially proud of its heritage of providing real comfort and care when caring for the
deceased and their families. This care extends to the recommendation of prepaid funeral plans.
A prepaid WN Bull funeral will assist family members and ensure that every detail is attended to.
When the care you seek is unconditional – talk to us.
(02) 9519 5344 [email protected] www.wnbull.com.au 164 King Street NEWTOWN NSW 2042
Broken Bay News_AdPREP_03.indd 1
26
OCTOBER 2014
BBN
16/07/13 10:58 AM
You are invited to the annual
DIoceSe of Broken BaY
and their families
Sunday 30 november 2014
10:30am
Hosted by
St agatha’s Parish
20 Boundary road
(entry off Trebor rd)
Pennant Hills
celebrant: fr Vince casey
Diocesan administrator
Lunch will be served at the
conclusion of the Mass.
Please advise if you require
transport or other assistance,
or have any special
dietary requirements.
rSVP: 23 november 2014
If you or your family would like to participate in
the Mass please contact Susan Lee by phone
9476 5338 or email [email protected]
To rSVP please call colleen/Leanne
on 9847 0448 or 4332 9825
or email [email protected]
An initiative of Light of Torah and Catholic Diocese of Broken Bay.
This 2014 Bible education series is an opportunity for Christians to reflect on the Scriptures
under the guidance of an Orthodox rabbi and gifted teacher, Rabbi Gad Krebs. Join
us in this fascinating monthly journey of biblical and spiritual enrichment.
Topic: The character and adventures of Abraham (Genesis)
Date: W
ednesday 29 October
Topic: The character and adventures of Jacob (Genesis)
Date: W
ednesday 26 November (Final session for 2014)
Time: 6 :00 pm – 8:00 pm
Venue: C
aroline Chisholm Centre, Building 2, 423 Pennant Hills Road, Pennant Hills
(vehicular entry off City View Road)
RSVP: B
y the Monday before each event
The Gospel of Mark
Bishop David Walker will present a 4-week program on the Gospel of Mark. With the next liturgical
year (Year B) focussing on readings from Mark, this provides the perfect opportunity just prior to
Advent to become more familiar with this Gospel. This is the shortest and most fast-paced of all
the Gospels, with the most mysterious ending. Join us to discover the texts in a new way and gain
a deeper appreciation of the person of Jesus and his words and actions. All are very welcome.
Date: O
ver four Tuesday nights, 28 October & 4, 18, 25 November 2014
Time: 7 :00 pm – 8:30 pm
Venue: P
arish Centre, Our Lady of the Rosary Parish, 239 – 243 The Entrance Rd, The Entrance
RSVP: B
y Friday 24 October
Encountering Jesus: A Live Presentation by Fr James Martin, SJ and Fr Richard Leonard, SJ
James Martin is an American Jesuit priest, writer and Culture Editor for the Jesuit magazine, America. He
is a frequent commentator for major US news outlets, including CNN, NPR, Time magazine and The New
York Times. Fr James is also the honorary chaplain to Comedy Central’s The Colbert Report with Stephen
Colbert. He is well known as the author of books such as The Jesuit Guide to (Almost) Everything, Between
Heaven and Mirth, My Life with the Saints, and his most recent offering, Jesus: A Pilgrimage. It is on the theme
of this last book that he’ll be presenting in Broken Bay live via satellite* direct from New York City.
Co-presenting on the day will be Fr Richard Leonard, SJ. Fr Richard is based at North Sydney
and directs the Australian Catholic Office for Film & Broadcasting. Richard is the author of
several books including Movies That Matter: Reading Film Through the Lens of Faith. In 2010
he published Where the Hell is God?, which remains an international best-seller.
In a presentation entitled, “Encountering Jesus,” Fr James will speak for 30 minutes followed by a 15
minute conversation with Fr Richard, who will be present at Pennant Hills. The day will conclude
with audience generated Q and A. Don’t miss this opportunity. Please Note: Seating is limited due
to venue restrictions and so the booking window may close before the advertised RSVP date.
*Skype
Date: S
aturday 15 November 2014
Time: 1 0:30 am – 12 noon (Please be seated by 10:25 am)
Venue: C
aroline Chisholm Centre, Building 2, 423 Pennant Hills Road, Pennant Hills
(vehicular access via City View Road)
RSVP: B
y Wednesday 12 November to www.trybooking.com/FTPN
Social Justice Advent Twilight Reflection Evening: “Putting Rungs in the Ladder”
A joint initiative of the Catholic Dioceses of Broken Bay, Parramatta and the Archdiocese of Sydney.
Social Justice Coordinators Jennifer Skelly, Sr Louise McKeogh and Qwayne Guevara respectively, offer an
opportunity for prayerful reflection on enriching the lives of asylum seekers and refugees in light of the 2014
Catholic Bishops’ Social Justice Statement. Offered during Advent, the hope is to “put rungs in the ladder”
for those interested in Social Justice, that is, giving avenues for prayer, aid, education and advocacy.
Date: W
ednesday 10 December 2014
Time: 6.30 pm – 8.30 pm
Where: C
aroline Chisholm Centre, Building 2, 423 Pennant Hills Road, Pennant Hills
(vehicular entry off City View Road)
RSVP: B
y Friday 5 December
Confraternity of Christian Doctrine (CCD)
CCD Ministry Induction
CCDL1-01MI The Mission and Ministry of the Catechist
CCDL1-02MI SRE Teacher in the Parish and the School
CCDL1-03MI Child Protection
CCDL1-04MI
Lesson Planning: Teaching the Authorised Curriculum
CCDL1-05MI
The Development of the Child and Adolescent I
CCDL1-06MI
Classroom Management: Positive Discipline
CCDL1-07MI
Introduction to the Bible
MWP Region– Course Type: CCDMI
Location: F orestville
Date: T
uesday 7, 14, 21 & 28 October (28 Oct Only 9:30 am – 12:00 pm)
Time: 9:30 am - 2:30 pm
RSVP: B
y Tuesday 30 September
CC Region– Course Type: CCDMI
Location: M
acKillop House, East Gosford
Date: F riday 7, 14, & 28 November & 12 December (12 Dec Only 9:30 am – 12:00 pm)
Time: 9:30 am - 2:30 pm
RSVP: B
y Thursday 30 October
CC Region– Course Type: Child Protection and Integrity
Location: O
ur Lady of the Rosary Lecture Room, The Entrance
Date: F riday 31 October 2014
Time: 10:00 am – 1:00 pm
RSVP: B
y Friday 24 October
Combined Region– Course Type: Spirituality through Cinematography
Location:Caroline Chisholm Centre, Pennant Hills
Date:Friday 5 December 2014
Time:10:00am – 2:30pm
RSVP: B
y Friday 28 November
To register for any of these programs, please telephone 9847 0448 or 4332 9825 or email [email protected]
Parish Support Unit Education and Formation Opportunities
October – December 2014
All involved in Biblical Ministry across the Diocese are invited to come together to connect with each other,
and share ideas and resources. Bishop David Walker will be delivering a talk on ‘The God Who Speaks,’ and
there will be time for participants to share how Biblical Ministry takes shape in their own parish. This event is
especially suited to Bible Study group leaders and those with a special interest in the Bible and Biblical Ministry.
Date: S
aturday 8 November 2014
Time: 9:30 am – 1:30 pm
Venue: C
aroline Chisholm Centre, Building 2, 423 Pennant Hills Rd, Pennant Hills
(vehicular access via City View Road)
RSVP: B
y Monday 3 November
Biblical Ministry Get-Together
Come and join the Young Adults of the Diocese for a fun and social night at The Epping Club. Drinks &
Canapés will be followed by a three course meal. Organise a table or come along & join one of ours.
Date: S
aturday 1 November 2014 from 7:00 pm – 11:00 pm
Location: T
he Epping Club, 45-47 Rawson St Epping
Cost: $ 30 per head
RSVP: B
y Monday 13 October to [email protected]
Young Adult Dinner– For Young Adults 18-35 Years
Join young people from across the Diocese as they come together to celebrate faith through music,
testimony and preaching. A free BBQ dinner will be provided from 6:00 pm before our night begins. Date: F riday 12 December 2014
Location: S
acred Heart Catholic Church, 2 Richard Porter Way, Pymble
Time: 6:00 pm BBQ for a 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm event
RSVP: [email protected]
Praise and Worship Night
Date: S
aturday 25 October 2014
Time: 9:00 am – 12:00 noon
Venue: C
aroline Chisholm Centre, Building 2, 423 Pennant Hills Road, Pennant Hills
(vehicular entry via City View Road)
RSVP: B
y Monday 20 October
The English translation of the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults was issued in 1974. In this seminar, we explore
some examples of how parishes have implemented the process, the issues, and resources available today.
Date: S
aturday 18 October 2014
Time: 9:00 am – 12:00 noon
Venue: M
undoon Room, Our Lady of the Rosary Parish, 239 – 243 The Entrance Road, The Entrance
RSVP: B
y Monday 13 October
The RCIA:A Look at Pastoral Implementations 40 years On
The Parish Support Unit is proud to offer the following programs from October through to the end of December 2014. Courses are available to
all and are free of charge (unless otherwise stated). Registration is essential. We will notify you if programs have to be cancelled due to lack of numbers
or unforseen circumstances. To register for any of these programs, please telephone 9847 0448 or 4332 9825 or email [email protected]
“Journey to God: G
rowing through Faith” – Bishop David Walker
The Vatican Council proclaimed that the call to holiness was to all the faithful. Often it was only
associated with clerical or religious life. These talks, over three successive nights, focus on how to
respond to this call in ordinary, everyday life. Bishop David will be offering these talks at the Caroline
Chisholm Centre, Pennant Hills, and at East Gosford on the Central Coast. All are welcome.
Dates: 1 4, 15, & 16 October 2014
Time: 7 :00 pm – 8:30 pm
Venue: S
t Patrick’s Catholic Primary School Hall, York Street East Gosford
RSVP: B
y Friday 10 October
Dates: 2 1, 22 & 23 October 2014
Time: 7 :00 pm – 8:30 pm
Venue: C
aroline Chisholm Centre, Building 2, 423 Pennant Hills Road, Pennant Hills
(vehicular access via City View Road)
RSVP: B
y Friday 17 October
“Imitation of Christ”by Thomas à Kempis
Bishop David Walker will lead us through this spiritual classic. First composed in the 1400s, the Imitation provides
detailed spiritual instructions in four sections: Helpful Counsels of the Spiritual Life, Directives for the Interior
Life, On Interior Consolation, and On the Blessed Sacrament. Please join us in exploring the riches of this book.
Dates: 2 1, 28 October & 5, 18 November
Time: 1 0:30 am – 12 noon
Venue: C
aroline Chisholm Centre, Building 2, 423 Pennant Hills Road, Pennant Hills
(vehicular access via City View Road)
RSVP: B
y Friday 17 October
“Should Christianity still have a Voice in the Public Square?”
A Presentation by John Cleary
John Cleary is the presenter of Sunday Nights on ABC Local Radio. He is a member of the ABC’s specialist
Religion unit and is often heard as a commentator on religious issues for ABC Radio & Television. John is best
known for his years with Radio National as presenter of The Religion Report and, prior to that, the philosophy
programme Meridian. Please don’t miss this special presentation of the Parish Support Unit. All welcome.
Date: S
aturday 1 November 2014
Time: 1 0:30 am – 12 noon
Venue: C
aroline Chisholm Centre, Building 2, 423 Pennant Hills Road, Pennant Hills
(vehicular access via City View Road)
RSVP: B
y Thursday 30 October
Torah Study for Christians: w
ith Rabbi Gad Krebs
Annual Diocesan Charity Race Day
Date: Thursday 30 October 2014
Gosford Race Course
Proceeds to go to the Charitable Works Fund to assist those in our community who are in need
Racing at Gosford is an exciting experience. Our exclusive
area in the MJ Cusick stand has a panoramic view of the
Track and Winning Post, is fully air-conditioned and is an ideal
place to be to really enjoy the action of the day. Our area
has its own private bookmaker, Tote facilities, TV monitors
and Punter’s Club (for those game enough to try!).
MC Donnie Sutherland will keep you entertained for the day
with raffle prizes and competitions throughout the afternoon.
All funds raised on the day go the Diocese of Broken Bay’s
Charitable Works Fund, which helps support organisations including
CatholicCare, St Lucy’s School, St Edmund’s School, the Ephpheta
Centre for the hearing impaired and Catechists in our State Schools.
If you would like more information on how to buy tickets or support the day through sponsorship or prizes,
please contact Rhonda Andersen on 02 9847 0726 or email [email protected]