World Youth Day 2008

Diocese of Bathurst
Volume 43, No 5
Print Post Approved PP 22620/00019
June 2008 $1.00
World Youth Day 2008
New Justice-Peace-Ecology
Commission for our Diocese
In early April this year, Bishop
work of the Commission. As well, each has
Bishops Conference and other publications
Dougherty established a Diocesan
extensive networks of contacts from which
of the ACSJC - Justice Trends, issues
Justice-Peace-Ecology Commission.
to draw advice and support in fulfilling the
papers, social justice series, submissions to
Commision members appointed by
work of the Commission.
government, background papers etc.
the Bishop are Fr Carl Mackander, Sr
Fr Paul Devitt will Chair the new
Fr Paul still acts as a reference person for
Kath Luchetti, Sr Patricia Powell, Mr
Commission. He is the Diocesan Contact
the ACSJC on their published information
Michael Dickson, Miss Suzie Lawson
for the Australian Catholic Social Justice
in the area of Catholic Social Teaching.
and Fr Paul Devitt.
Council. He was member of the ACSJC
A regular Justice Matters columnist for
Each of these Commission members
for 9 years and had significant input
The Observer, Fr Paul this month gives us
brings a wealth of experience and
into all annual social justice statements
an idea of the vision and work of the new
knowledge in the social justice arena to the
published by the Australian Catholic
Justice-Peace-Ecology Commission….
Caritas helps
Those of you who’ve been working in
Burma
the social justice and ecology fields will
know that much work has been going on
Page 3
throughout the Diocese for years. The time
is right now, however, for establishing this
co-ordinating body to further facilitate the
work already in progress.
The context and vision of the Commission
comes from the vision of Jesus himself and
the teaching of the Church.
Jesus outlined his own vision of his life’s
work in the synagogue at Nazara:
The Spirit of the Lord is upon me,
for the Spirit has anointed me
to bring good news to the poor,
to proclaim liberty to captives,
sight to the blind,
to let the oppressed go free,
and to proclaim a year of favour
Solidarity - building links with those
burgeoning ecological initiatives within
from the Lord. (Luke 4:16-21)
marginalised through injustice
the Church and extend the hand of
The world’s Catholic Bishops firmly
• to listen to people of the Diocese and wider
friendship and co-operation to other
placed the necessity and centrality of
afield (especially poor or disadvantaged) to
like-minded groups working in the
work for justice as integral to the life of
try to understand their life situations
broader community;
Diocesan
all followers of Jesus:
Education - educating the faith
• Carry out advocacy initiatives by
‘Action on behalf of justice and
community for action by
encouraging a reverence for Creation, a
Panorama
participation in the transformation of the
enabling the study of
responsible stewardship of Earth’s natural
world fully appear to us as a constitutive
• Scriptural information as basis of
resources and ecosystems, and by providing
Pages 8 - 9
dimension of the preaching of the gospel’
justice work
a voice for the victims of pollution and
(Justice in the World: Synod of Bishops, 1971)
• Catholic Social Teaching
environmental degradation;
The Popes of the 20th century,
• Tools for analysing injustice situations
• Provide educational materials and
especially John Paul II, consistently
• And by continuing to provide guest
services to Catholic schools, organisations,
reminded us that true peace will not
speakers, prophetic/challenging leaders
congregations and parish communities,
be achieved unless right relationships
and ‘doers’ of justice from our local area
particularly information to assist in the
are established and maintained with
and from outside the Diocese
carrying out of environmental audits and
ourselves, our God, our neighbours, and
Leadership - providing leadership
the implementation of more ecologically
our environment.
in action for justice
and ethically sustainable practices.
• to take appropriate and informed action,
The Commission will promote the cause
The Commission’s Mission
in partnership with those affected by unjust
of
Social
Justice
The Justice-Peace-Ecology Commission
structures and situations, to challenge and
in the Diocese and
will have several functions:
change these structures
wider community by
Spirituality - promoting
• link with key diocesan bodies and
encouraging
current
a spirituality of justice
personnel in the work of social justice
efforts
for
justice
• through the teaching of the Scriptures
wherever they are to be
on justice and the Social teaching of
The Ecological Dimension
found and by opening
the Church
The Ecological Dimension of the
up new possibilities for
Study - researching and analysing
Commission will link in with the tasks
thought and action.
particular issues of injustice
and responsibilities of Catholic Earthcare
Fr Paul Devitt
Something
• to empower people of the Diocese with
Australia at a Diocesan level - eg…
More information on the Social Justice Ministry
the necessary skills of social analysis and
• Carry out research from the perspective
and Catholic Social Justice Teaching can be
Different Sunday
reflection to understand the forces at work
of Scripture and Catholic Social Teaching;
found on the Diocesan Website:
Page 16
in issues of injustice
• Network, link, encourage the many
www.bathurst.catholic.org.au

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The Bishop’s Message
The Encyclical “Humanae Vitae” (26th July 1968)
40 years have elapsed since Pope
ciples of a human and Christian
which governs the transmission
text of Humanae Vitae indicates:
Paul VI issued the Encyclical Let-
doctrine of marriage” affirmed
of life, and that which governs the
and though ever afterwards in no
ter on “the right ordering of the
“Equally to be condemned is any
fostering of married love”.
doubt that he had responded ac-
procreation of children”.
action which either before, at the
curately to God’s Will, suffered
Addressed to all members of the
moment of, or after sexual inter-
Reactions to the
much from the contestation. In-
Catholic Church and to “all people
course, is specifically intended to
deed the Church community and
of good will”, the document exam-
prevent procreation - whether as
Encyclical
its Teaching Authorities have ever
ined new or newly complex and
an end or as a means. The Church
To the question “Did the En-
since suffered because of it.
There are cases of non-accep-
pressing moral questions which
teaches as absolutely required that
cyclical Humanae Vitae fulfil the
tance of the doctrinal teaching,
had arisen regarding the sexual
in any use whatever of marriage
expectations of Catholics?” the
whatever the reasoning - or lack
privileges of married couples and
there must be no impairment of its
lines of reply are well known.
of it - behind such a stance. There
their privilege and responsibility
natural capacity to procreate hu-
Many hoped and expected, indeed
are people who though knowing
to transmit human life.
man life. This particular doctrine,
presumed, that Pope Paul would
and accepting Humanae Vitae to
With the devoted conscientious-
often expounded by the Teaching
confirm the line of the Church’s
be authentic Catholic doctrine,
ness and assiduous study for
Authority of the Church is based
teaching present more explicitly
treat it as another of those “hard
which he was always admired,
on the inseparable connection,
in the documents of Pope Pius XI,
sayings” which the hearers of Je-
Pope Paul received, sought and
established by God, which human
Pope Pius XII, Pope John XXIII
sus Christ Himself did not accept,
weighed the views of many: for
beings on their own initiative may
and the Second Vatican Council.
with the result that many no longer
he was well aware that he had
not break, between the unitive and
Many others hoped - and some
followed Him (cf. John VI, 60, 66).
“the duty of examining the mat-
the procreative significance of the
expected and/or presumed - that
And there is human frailty which,
ter personally”. Finally on 26th
marriage act”.
this, the first detailed and profound
despite good will, tends to lead
July 1968 he exercised his papal
The Pope was very mindful of
overall papal study of the moral
people to temporary or for years
mission of authoritative teaching.
the appropriateness and neces-
question of artificial contracep-
falling from their ideals and from
“Now that We have sifted careful-
sity of “responsible parenthood”,
tion might lead, if not to a blanket
this sexual dimension of Catholic
ly the evidence sent to Us and in-
of the need for generosity in wel-
approval of it, to some approval of
Christian commitment.
tently studied the whole matter, as
coming conception and children,
it in certain circumstances.
It is easy or tempting to assert
well as prayed constantly to God,
even when this is far from easy,
The teaching
tranquility of conscience in the
We, by virtue of the mandate en-
of the need to space conceptions
Historically, the Encyclical was
aberration of artificial contra-
trusted to Us by Christ, intend to
and not to be gravely burdened by
issued in a turbulent moment for
re-affirmed by Pope
ception. What is asserted is not
give Our reply to this series of
a family too numerous to be ap-
society generally and for Chris-
John Paul II and Pope always the reality - so perhaps
grave questions”.
propriately looked after, and, of
tianity and the Church. The late
Benedict XVI
not widespread is such genu-
the difficulties, including human
1960s - and perhaps more so,
inely conscientious tranquility,
A document worthy of frailty, of observing God’s plan 1968 itself - were characterised by
However, the Humanae Vitae
when even some admirable mar-
and law as revealed in nature and
at least the beginning of an era in
teaching of Pope Paul was firmly
ried couples who, having already
detailed study
in Christian teaching.
which a certain rebellious spirit,
and at all times proclaimed by
generously welcomed a large
Even though 40 years have
He affirmed the morally ac-
not excluding excesses of many
Pope John Paul II during his long
family, find themselves newly
passed, it could still be asked
ceptable natural family planning,
kinds, was making its presence
pontificate as Pope Paul’s succes-
and temporarily torn between the
whether the text of Humanae Vi-
sor. As recently as 10th May 2008,
unitive and procreative dimen-
tae has ever been widely studied
Pope Benedict XVI has affirmed
sions of married love?
or even read. The equivalent of
that “40 years after its publication
On the other hand, there are
the media headlines of July 1968
that teaching not only manifests
vast numbers of Catholic mar-
continues to reverberate as, for so
unchanged its truth, but reveals
ried couples who in true Chris-
many people, virtually their only
also the farsightedness with which
tian and Catholic spirit ad-
knowledge of it. This is to be re-
the problem was faced. What was
here faithfully to the Church’s
gretted: for Humanae Vitae was
true yesterday, remains true today.
teaching in this matter and, be-
and remains a document which
The truth expressed in Humanae
cause of their edifying fidelity
briefly yet profoundly and beau-
Vitae does not change: indeed
and generous even sacrificial
tifully examines the mission of
precisely in the light of new sci-
selfless love, merit admiration,
marriage, of married people and
entific discoveries, its teaching
every encouragement and the
of married love, the body-soul
becomes more vitally relevant and
abundance of God’s reward-
unity and the dignity of every per-
provokes reflection on the intrin-
ing blessing on themselves and
son involved, and the marvellous
sic value it possesses. As believ-
their families.
plan and Will of God the Creator
ers we could never permit the do-
May all other married couples
for them, for their deep unity of
minion of technology to assail the
who strive to be faithful to the
mind and heart, also with regard
quality of love and the sacredness
Church’s teaching but experience
to their sexual activity, and for the
of life. The teaching expressed by
difficulty and setbacks in doing
transmission of human life.
the Encyclical Humanae Vitae is
so, be blessed with light, cour-
The Encyclical is the fruit, la-
not easy. However it conforms to
age, perseverance and peace-
boriously reached, of the Pope’s
the fundamental structure through
bringing success.
faith, trust in truth and the faith,
which life has always been trans-
intellectual capacity and good
mitted from the creation of the
A prophetic document
will of people, and love for all,
world, in respect for nature and
especially those burdened by their
in conformity with its demands.
Perhaps the fruits of contra-
circumstances, by worries or by
Respect for human life and the
ceptive practice and a growing
their frailty. In it he presents both
safeguarding of the dignity of
contraceptive mentality, which
the challenges of nature and the
persons impose on us not to leave
include a birth-rate below replace-
challenges of the Gospel with
untried anything which can bring
ment levels, the developing of an
regard to married life as a freely-
about sharing the genuine truth of
anti-large-families and perhaps an
chosen committed communion of
responsible conjugal love, in full
anti-child mentality, and, outside
life and of unselfish fully mutual
and exhorted scientists to “try to
widely and effectively felt.
adherence to the law inscribed on
marriage, a trivialisation of sex
love, a communion ever deepen-
elucidate better the conditions fa-
It was no surprise that, some five
the heart of every person”.
and widespread distortion or re-
ing and simultaneously open to
vourable to a lawful regulation of
years after the contraceptive pill
jection of moral responsibilities,
the conception, birth, and growth
procreation, and, by the study of
began to be available, promoted
The current situation
point to the truth and timeliness of
of new human lives.
natural rhythms, succeed in de-
and increasingly widely used by
Pope Paul’s reiteration of the plan
termining a sufficiently secure as
and well beyond married couples,
It is said that among Catholic
of the Creator, who is Love itself,
Decision on a
well as a moral basis for the regu-
the Pope’s ruling on its moral
married couples there is a wide-
the source of the genuine unselfish
specific question
lation of birth. In this way scien-
unacceptability was greeted by
spread non-observance of the
love He seeks in all of us, no less
tists will, by their research, estab-
much criticism, even by suffered,
known teaching of the Church
in married couples and in their
On the specific question of ar-
lish the truth of the Church’s claim
or proud or angry rejection by
regarding artificial contraception,
sexual expression of that love.
tificial contraception Pope Paul
that there can be no contradiction
many people.
that many Catholics avail of it
VI, on the basis of “the first prin-
between two divine laws - that
Pope Paul foresaw this, as the
in tranquility.
+ Patrick Dougherty
CATHOLIC OBSERVER JUNE 2008 PAGE 2

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Caritas helping in Burma
The Diocesan Director of
with local agencies, has been
Internationalis
Emergency
Caritas Australia, Sr Kath
involved in the delivery of aid
Response Support Team for
Luchetti, has offered her thanks
programs in Burma for the past
Myanmar, the amount of
to the people of the Bathurst
20 years. These local contacts
aid they are getting through
Diocese, who she says “…
enabled Burmese volunteers
remains significant but is far
have again responded with
to make a rapid distribution
outweighed by the enormous
generosity to this year’s Project
of emergency aid provided by
need that exists, particularly
Compassion
appeal”.
This
Caritas and enabled Caritas
in the Irrawaddy Delta region.
appeal provides funding for the
to overcome some of the
“We are still unable to conduct
aid and development work of
difficulties presented by the
mass distributions and this is
Caritas Australia.
Burmese government” Sr
raising the growing threat of
Sr Kath said the awareness and
Kath said.
malnutrition and spreading of
generosity of many people has
The immediate need has
disease” he said.
also been shown in the response
been for food and water,
For that reason, the Caritas
to the crisis in Burma (Myanmar)
medical
assistance
and
special appeal for Burma will
caused by the recent cyclone
clothing. Because of the
remain open and donations can
which has, according to the UN,
destruction of homes, roads
be made via the web (www.
killed 102,000 people. A further
and basic services, the needs
caritas.org.au),
by
phone
Children who survived the Cyclone, pictured here in a
220,000 are still unaccounted
of survivors in the devastated
(1800 024 413) or through the
makeshift camp, are at a growing risk of malnutrition and
for and 2.5 million people
areas will be ongoing.
Diocesan Office (P O Box 246
disease. Stagnant water, like the pools behind them, are breeding
are affected.
According to Mr J. P. Nelson,
Bathurst). All donations are
grounds for mosquitoes carrying Malaria and Dengue. Caritas’
local partners are delivering medical assistance but need your
“Caritas,
in
partnership
Co-ordinator of the Caritas
tax-deductible.
help to extend this life saving work.
Ballimore’s half
What’s on your plate?
century celebrations
Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Ballimore will be
50 years old on 29th June 2008.
To celebrate the day there will be a special
Mass at 11am, followed by a celebratory meal
in the Ballimore Town Hall.
All present and former members of the
Ballimore Catholic Community
are most welcome.
Boarding to continue at
Perthville
Sheahan’s Ellie Scott, Riannon Beuzeville and Imogen Johnson are three young ladies with a
Secondary boarding for girls
ership of St. Joseph’s to the
lot on their plate - including the HSC, and in Imogen’s case the role of School Captain -
will continue at St. Joseph’s Col-
Catholic Education Office. This
but they are all taking time out to put something on the plate of someone else
lege Perthville, under the man-
generous decision by the Sisters
agement and conduct of MacK-
means MacKillop College will
Being a member of a
High School are making a real
Conference came up with
illop College Bathurst.
become a secondary girls’ board-
Catholic school community
difference in the local Orange
the idea, recognising that
Last year, the Sisters of St. Jo-
means a lot more than simply
community, taking an active
the problems of needy and
seph had announced, with tre-
going to school to get the
role the Vinnies Soup Kitchen
homeless
people
aren’t
mendous regret, that St. Joseph’s
most you can from it for
which began in March.
just confined to the city,
would have to close at the end
yourself. Catholic schools
The opening of the soup
but prevalent also in our
of 2008. This was due to the
have long been involved in
kitchen followed the launch
rural area.
declining number of families
projects generating funds
of a night patrol van which
The soup kitchen will be
requiring a boarding facility to
for overseas missions, and
travels to areas in East Orange
open every second Friday
access education for their chil-
Caritas is a great example
every fortnight to hand out
from 12pm to 2pm (in the off
dren, along with the effects of the
of that.
sandwiches and drinks.
week to Centrelink payments)
long drought, the demise of rural
Closer to home, students
The young volunteers of
at the Senior Citizens’ Centre
communities, and an overall fall
from James Sheahan Catholic
the St Anthony’s Vinnies
in Kite Street.
in the number of girls in the rele-
vant age groups in the traditional
catchment area of the College.
Norman J Penhall Funerals
With the intention of assessing
the viability of secondary girls’
AFDA
Deidre and Norman Penhall
boarding in the Diocesan Catho-
ing school from the beginning of
lic School sector, an external
2009. It also means that the stel-
Established 1962
consultant was commissioned
lar 133 year boarding tradition
Head Office and Chapel
by the Executive Director of
at St. Joseph’s can now continue
33-35 William Street, Orange 2800
Schools, Mr Peter Hill. This as-
into a new era.
For personal attention 24 hours
sessment identified the boarding
Sister Mary Comer, Congre-
Ph: (02) 6362 3751
facility at Perthville as viable, if
gational Leader of the Perthville
attached to a school.
Sisters, said “The Sisters of St
Mrs Vonnie Ryan
Accordingly, a new model has
Joseph and the members of the
21 Marsden Street, Blayney 2799
been developed, making the
College Board welcome this
Ph: (02) 6368 2180
boarding facility an integral part
development which enables the
of MacKillop College, and there-
traditional ministry to the girls of
by making MacKillop a girls’
families in rural and isolated areas
• Locally owned and proudly Australian • Prepaid and Pre-arranged Funerals
boarding school.
to continue beyond the personnel
Servicing Orange, Blayney, Molong, Manildra, Canowindra and surrounding districts
In order to support this deci-
capacity of the present Josephite
sion, the Sisters of St. Joseph
Sisters and the resources gener-
Our family caring for your family
will transfer operational own-
ated by a stand alone facility”.
CATHOLIC OBSERVER JUNE 2008 PAGE 3

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A rundown on the WYD countdown
Recommended repairer
and stockist for
Aussie pop stars, ARIA award winners
R.M.Williams
and the Tap Dogs to headline
Visit our website:
ARIA award winners and
things up from 7pm with a three
Ambassador Amelia Farrugia,
www.franksmithworkclothing.com.au
Australian Idols Guy Sebastian
hour Welcome Concert beginning
and Latin-style crooner German
SPECIAL MAIL ORDER SERVICE
and Damien Leith, together with
with an indigenous dance
Silva. They will perform the
Paulini, the Tap Dogs, teen opera
performance and the Australian
WYD08 anthem “Receive
for SHOE REPAIRS
sensation Tempus and singer/
Girls Choir.
the Power” in the English and
• CLOTHING • BOOTS
songwriter Gary Pinto head up an
The week continues with
international versions.
all-star cast for World Youth Day
a number of international
Soulful
African-American
Sydney 2008.
sensations at major events and
Gospel singer Francine Bell
FRANK SMITH SHOE REPAIRS & WORK CLOTHING
This crew will perform a special
Youth Festival stages.
will also sing a Gospel Hymn
71 Keppel St, Bathurst Ph/Fax (02) 6331 7544
concert on Tuesday 15th July
Those lucky enough to
for the Pope at the Final Mass
sales@franksmithworkclothing.com.au
at Barangaroo following the
perform for His Holiness Pope
and will also feature during the
Opening Mass.
Benedict XVI at the Final
Stations of the Cross production
To kick-off World Youth Day the
Mass at Randwick Racecourse
on Friday 18th July.
Archbishop of Sydney, Cardinal
include Guy Sebastian and
Talented young Australian
George Pell will celebrate an
Paulini, Robert Galea, a
opera star Andrew Goodwin
Opening Mass at 4.30pm with the
singing
seminarian
from
will join Amelia Farrugia
Removals and Storage
225,000 registered pilgrims.
Malta, celebrated Australian
performing cantor roles at the
The headline crew will then heat
opera singer and WYD08
Final Mass.
Food for the masses
WYD08 has supported Austra-
Harbour and the Sydney Opera
unique, never before attempted
lian food producers by putting in
House Forecourt.
event at previous World Youth
large orders to feed the masses
In total, 3.5 million meals will
Days - a massive barbeque.
during the July event.
be served during the entire event,
Dubbed the “WYD Big Aussie
With up to 125,000 internation-
said Director of Pilgrim Services,
BBQ”, the iconic Aussie bar-
al visitors from over 170 nations
Geoff Morris.
beque will be taken to new
Web address: www.dawsons-removals.com.au
expected, organisers want to en-
“We want to provide pilgrims
heights on Wednesday 16th July
Email: dawsons@ix.net.au
sure they all have some dinky-di
with ‘a good feed’ and a little bit
when over 120,000 pilgrims are
Australian food.
of an Australian taste. We have
expected to take part in around
Approximately 25 million items
tried to do that by including some
200 locations.
have already been ordered. These
of our more iconic items such as
“There’s no better way to
Visiting Sydney? Why not stay at
will be used to serve breakfast at
Tim Tams, Weet-Bix crunch,
welcome young people to our
more than 400 accommodation
Vegemite, lamingtons and good
country than to host a tradition-
venues, lunch at 250 catechesis
old baked beans!”
al BBQ,” said Mr Morris. Tip
Stormanston House sites and evening meals in the Cadbury will provide 425,000 Top will supply over 220,000
27 McLaren Street, North Sydney
central city.
chocolate bars; Mrs Macs will
slices of bread for the WYD
Over 900,000 hot evening
supply over 200,000 traditional
Big Aussie BBQ.
meals, prepared by Easyfood in
‘Big Aussie Beef Pies’ for the
“Where possible, we have or-
Restful and secure accommodation operated
Victoria, will be served through-
event and Sanitarium will supply
dered food items with minimal
by the Sisters of Mercy, North Sydney.
out the week at major city lo-
more than 300,000 servings of
or recyclable packaging to re-
• Situated in the heart of North Sydney
cations including Barangaroo,
Weet-Bix Crunch. The Aussie
duce the mount of waste”, Mr
and a short distance from the city.
Hyde Park, Domain, Darling
food theme will continue with a
Morris said.
• Rooms available with ensuite facility.
Sydney gets dressed for WYD08
• Continental breakfast, tea/coffee making facilities
In anticipation of the arrival of
of World Youth Day Sydney 2008
yellow banners with waves of the
and television.
Pope Benedict XVI, organisers of
will make it clear that Sydney is
Sydney Opera House, and finally
• Separate lounge/dining room, kitchen and laundry.
WYD earlier this month unveiled
ready to welcome our visitors for
in the more public areas will be
the banners and official colours
this very special celebration”.
blue banners with water marks
• Private off-street parking.
that will decorate the city during
There are four main colours and
on them.
the international event in July.
symbols involved in the ‘look and
“The colours of red, orange
Contact: (0418) 650 661 or nsstorm@tpg.com.au
Around 2,500 banners will
feel’, which are taken from the
and yellow flowing throughout
decorate the city from Sydney
WYD08 logo, and focus on the
symbolise the trinity and unity
Peter’s Pence
Airport to Darling Harbour’s
event’s theme: You will receive
of God”, said Bishop Anthony.
foreshore, across the CBD and
power when the Holy Spirit has
“They also bring to mind the
The annual Peter’s Pence century, the Anglo-Saxons
around Randwick Racecourse.
come upon you, and you will be
colours of the Australian outback.
collection will be taken up in felt so closely linked to the
“The international spotlight
my witnesses (Acts 1:8).
The blue represents the waters
all churches in the Diocese Bishop of Rome that they
will once again be on Sydney this
The red banners feature a cross
of baptism, the sea of humanity
on Sunday 29th June 2008.
decided to send a regular
July”, said WYD08 Coordinator
and will be used in the most
and Mary full of grace. They also
Peter’s Pence is the name annual contribution to the
Bishop Anthony Fisher OP.
sacred spaces. The next colour is
represent the oceans that surround
given to the financial support Holy Father.
“Just like every other major event,
orange awash with the flame of
Australia, and the magnificent
offered by the faithful to the
we want Sydneysiders to be part of
the Holy Spirit. Moving further
Sydney harbour, the location of
Holy Father and is a sign
the celebration. The look and feel
from the sacred spaces will be
this great event”, he said.
that we share in the concern
of the Successor of Peter
for the many different needs
of the Universal Church and
His Holiness bound for Richmond RAAF Base
for the relief of those most
Pope Benedict will arrive
Organisers
have
outlined
schedule on his first visit to
in need.
at Richmond RAAF Base on
several
Papal
encounters
Australia”, said Bishop Anthony
Offerings to the Holy Father
Sunday 13th July. He will then
including a private lunch with
Fisher OP, Coordinator WYD08.
are destined to Church
spend a few days resting before
12 young people, a meeting with
“He has requested specific
needs,
to
humanitarian
his official welcome into Sydney
disadvantaged and at-risk youth
meetings in order to connect with
initiatives
and
social
on Thursday 17th July on Sydney
and meetings with Christian
the full range of Australian youth
promotion projects, as well
Harbour and Barangaroo.
leaders and the heads of other
and the youth of the world.
as to the support of the
Immediately before the Final
faith traditions.
“As a Head of State, he will also
Holy See.
Mass on Sunday 20th July, His
There will also be an official
be conducting several official
The Pope, being Pastor of
Holiness will also do a fly-over in
welcome at Government House,
meetings with civic leaders”, he
the whole Church, is also
a helicopter above Centennial Park
Sydney, a Thank You to volunteers
said.
attentive to the material
It was thus that the Denarius
and Randwick Racecourse, before
in the Domain and an official
The Papal itinerary is available
needs of poor dioceses.
Sancti Petri (Alms of Saint
getting into the ‘Popemobile’ and
farewell at Sydney airport.
on
the
Vatican
website:
This giving is an ancient Peter) originated and spread
circuiting the precinct.
“His Holiness has a very full
www.vatican.va.
tradition; by the end of the 8th throughout Europe.
CATHOLIC OBSERVER JUNE 2008 PAGE 4

---

Proclaim the Message
Towards Unity
by Helen Ryan
with Sr Michelle Farrugia rsm
An SRE Teacher sows the seed of God’s
word in the hearts of children who
Maintain Hope for Christian Unity, Pope Urges
otherwise may not hear of God.
Despite the difficulties, Pope
the Church spoke all languages,
with the apostles and with
Benedict XVI is encouraging
thanks to the power of the Holy
Mary to implore incessantly the
The important Ministry
Christians to not give up on
Spirit and the tongues of fire, and
effusion of the Holy Spirit”.
the hope for full unity. The
lives in all cultures. It does not
“Moved by the impetuous wind
that is SRE
Pontiff said this recently in
destroy the gifts or the history
it will be capable of announcing
To become a Special Religious Educator/Catechist is to
his catechesis at his weekly
of a culture, rather it assumes
the Gospel to the furthest confines
embark on something that will be significant, worthwhile and
general audience in St. Peter’s
them all in a great new unity,
of the earth”.
good not only for the students in the State schools, but for you
Square. Karekin II, Catholicos
which reconciles unity with the
“For this reason, despite the
- personally and spiritually.
of All Armenians, attended
multiplicity of forms.
difficulties and divisions”,
Catechising is a vital ministry. The commitment that you
the audience, and both leaders
“In the days that passed between
affirmed the Holy Father,
make will, at times, challenge you in your own faith and in the
exchanged formal greetings.
the Ascension of the Lord and
“Christians
cannot
resign
work you do in the classrooms.
“These days of immediate
Every week, throughout the Diocese, hundreds of SRE
preparation
for
Pentecost
Teachers/Catechists, just like you, set about to do something
encourages us to revive hope
amazing - they take time from their busy lives to serve their
in the help of the Holy Spirit
parishes as Catechists.
to advance in the path of
“At the heart of catechesis we find, in essence, a Person
ecumenism,” the Pontiff said
- the Person of Jesus of Nazareth, ‘the only Son from the
after greeting Karekin II.
Father… full of grace and truth’, who suffered and died for
“We have the certainty that the
us and who now, after rising, is living with us forever”. 1
Lord Jesus will never abandon us
To catechise is “to reveal in the person of Christ, the whole of
in the search for unity, given that
God’s eternal design reaching fulfillment in that Person. It is to
the Spirit acts tirelessly to bolster
seek to understand the meaning of Christ’s actions and words
our efforts oriented toward
and the signs worked by him”.2
overcoming every division and
Catechists/SRE teachers keep returning to the classrooms
to mend every tear in the living
because, every now and then, they have the experience of
cloth of the Church”, he added.
the Sunday of Pentecost, the
themselves, nor give in to
realising that they are engaged in something wonderful. This
The Holy Father said the Holy
disciples were united with Mary
discouragement. This is what the
insight gives them enough to sustain them and makes their
Spirit is presented “as the power
in the Cenacle to pray. They
Lord asks us: Hold fast in prayer
valuable contribution rewarding to them.
of the forgiveness of sins, of the
knew that alone they couldn’t
to keep alive the flames of faith,
As Catechists/SRE teachers we show our love by being willing
renewal of our hearts and of our
found, organise the Church: the
charity and hope, which nourish
to extend ourselves for the purpose of the faith development of
existence, and in this way renews
Church had to be established and
the longing for full unity”.
the students we work with in the classrooms.
the earth and creates unity where
organised by a divine initiative;
“Let us give thanks to the
Catechists are “people with a noble and generous heart who
there was division”.
it is not a creature of ours, but
Lord for the goals reached in
have heard the word of God and take it to themselves and yield
At Pentecost, the Pope
rather a gift of God”.
ecumenical dialogue thanks to
a harvest through their perseverance”. 3
continued, the Spirit was
“Only in this way is unity also
the action of the Holy Spirit.
As fellow parishioners I urge you to pray for the Catechists/
shown through other signs: “an
created”, the Pope continued, “a
Let us be docile, listening to
SRE teachers in your parishes. “The harvest is rich but the
impetuous wind, tongues of
unity that has to grow. The Church
his voice so that our hearts,
labourers are few. So ask the Lord of the harvest to send
fire, and the apostles speaking
in all times, and in particular
full of hope, set out without
labourers to his harvest”. 4
all languages”.
in those nine days between the
delay on the path that leads
We are always looking for more generous people to assist or
The Pontiff explained, “From
Ascension and Pentecost, unites
to the communion of all
teach in the State school’s classrooms. The 30 minutes you give
the first moment of its existence
itself spiritually in the Cenacle
Christ’s disciples”.
each week could mean 25 to 30 students will hear about God’s
love for them.
pilgrimage
1 Catechesi Tradendae No. 5; 2 Catechesi Tradendae; 3 Luke 8:15; 4 Matt 9:37
leaders of faith
Harvest provides the most suitable
The Western Inter-Church Inservice day for teachers of
priest chaplains, handchosen to spiritually
Special Religious Education was held in Mudgee recently.
lead and accompany you every step of the way.
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• 15 June with Fr Brian Ahearn
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CATHOLIC OBSERVER JUNE 2008 PAGE 5

---

On Line
with Mary Liesch
‘TED is worth sharing’
If you thirst for big or important ideas in a media format, many of the
video clips and podcasts available on the Net just do not have the depth
August 9th (Saturday)
August 10th (Sunday)
August 29th-31st
to really inform, stimulate or expand your thinking. There are plenty that
9.30am-4.30pm
9.30am-3.00pm
Rosary Retreat
have a single idea illustrated well and are designed to do just that. Wing-
Healing the Family Tree
Healing of Memories
Karel will guide this weekend Clips (http://wingclips.com/) mentioned in my previous column is a good
A one day retreat/seminar A one day retreat/seminar focusing on the life of Jesus example of source material on single spiritual or value ideas.
with Fr Bill Burston on with Fr Bill Burston on how as expressed through this
There are sites that, at first glance, present as worthwhile like Awesom-
praying for our dead and to pray for ourselves and most ancient of prayers. eStories.com (http://www.awesomestories.com/). It is self-described as
healing our family trees the past hurts residing Plenty of time for quiet ‘a gathering place for primary-source information’ which intends for the
through the power of the in our memories, which and personal reflection. source documents and information to be the story, rather than opinions
Eucharist. Fr Bill is very continue to influence the Commences Friday evening expressed about such. A great premise is promised, but it disappointed
experienced in this form of way we live our lives. Always at 8pm, and will conclude me. Limited topics were offered, too American and it was so text based
prayer, and brings a deep a powerful day of prayer.
with lunch on the Sunday. (most information was text). It did not fulfill my search for challenging
and compassionate faith to
Eucharist at Carcoar that and engaging material on big issues.
the day. One of the most
Please book by
Sunday 7.30am.
A more rewarding site is Conversations with History (http://globetrot-
powerful retreats held at
Wednesday July 30th.
Donation $120, please
ter.berkeley.edu/conversations/). This is a collection of interviews with
Shalom each year.
$35 for the day includes
book by August 22nd.
experts from particular fields. The site is operated by the Institute of Inter-
a light lunch.
national Studies: University of California, Berkeley. You can search the in-
Please book by
If attending both
terviews by topic or speaker or select a particular format --- podcast, video,
Wednesday July 30th.
seminars and wishing
or YouTube videos. The range of topics within its parameters is reasonable.
Donation of $35 for the
to stay over-night Fri/
I selected the ‘Women Role Models for the New Millennium’ where inter-
day includes a light lunch.
Sat, including al meals,
viewees were listed with their qualifications, a brief summary of what the
donation just $120.
interview was about and the date loaded to the site. I vaguely recognised
a few of the women listed. While Annabel Patterson’s interview interested
Diocesan House of Prayer, Carcoar NSW 2797
me, ‘The Power of Words and the Power over Words’ (http://globetrot-
ter.berkeley.edu/people8/Patterson/patterson-con0.html), the nearly hour
Tel: 02 6367 3058
long duration put me off. ‘Conversations with History’ has value, but
Fax: 02 6367 3057
with a definite American bias, and interviews being too long.
The good news is that I have identified two internet sources that really
email: shalom@bluemaxx.com.au
do expand horizons when it comes to big ideas and issues rooted in expe-
Website: www.bathurst.catholic.org.au
rience and knowledge. One is home grown, a production of ABC Radio
Vale Peter Cain
National being ‘The Philospher’s Zone’ (http://www.abc.net.au/rn/phi-
losopherszone/). This is easily searched and options can be accessed by
podcast or transcript. Even if some of the conversation is over my head,
Well
known
Bathurst
with John King, forming what
James Cutcliffe, with Fathers
if I am interested enough I can pursue further information. We are very
Solicitor, Peter Francis Cain
has now become the solicitor’s
Brian Murphy, Hugh Delaney,
lucky in Australia with our ABC, and may it continue because other pro-
died on Friday, 9th May 2008,
firm ‘King Cain’. He studied
Greg Kennedy, Peter Robson,
grams offered are terrific too:
after suffering a fatal stroke.
Doug Akehurst, Maurice
‘Big Ideas’ http://www.abc.net.au/rn/bigideas/; ‘LifeMatters’ http://
Peter was born in Orange
Sullivan and Rom Barry
www.abc.net.au/rn/lifematters/; ‘Counterpoint’ http://www.abc.net.au/
and raised in Cargo. He had
concelebrating what was a
rn/counterpoint/
five siblings - Sr Jean Cain,
moving tribute to Peter.
If you’ve read this far, I saved the best for last. Imagine a source site that
Pauline McKenna and Denny,
The pall bearers at the
does exactly what it purports to do and does it well; opening up big and
Alan and Adrian Cain.
service were his sons, Peter,
important ideas for the world to hear and reflect on. This is ‘TED: ideas
Peter won a bursary to St
Stephen and Timothy Cain;
worth sharing’ (http://www.ted.com/index.php/talks). TED stands for
Stanislaus’ College in 1951
his son-in-law John Ryan,
Technology - Entertainment - Design. The talks really are inspiring, in-
and left in 1955. In 1962, he
and grandsons Peter Cain and
formative, and fascinating and generally run 15 to 20 minutes. Part of the
married Veronica Livermore,
Scott Ryan.
challenge given to speakers is a time frame to fit their talk into. Although
a Molong girl.
Peter is survived by his
longer than many clips and podcasts out in cyberspace, the length is just
He was appointed Assistant
loving wife Veronica, their
right for the topics being addressed. I do not plan to go back in time un-
Clerk of Petty Sessions at
four children and spouses
less I am specifically searching for information, but will try to listen to the
Bathurst Court House in
(Peter Cain, Cathy and John
new talks as they are available. To this end, I have set up a free subscrip-
1967. In 1969 he left Bathurst
Ryan, Stephen Cain, Timothy
tion to the weekly newsletter. Take the time to visit ‘TED: ideas worth
to work at the Court Houses
and Vanessa Cain) as well as
sharing’, especially if you have your heart in the future. I recommend
in West Wyalong, Walgett
during this time through the
eight grandchildren - Peter,
‘Rick Warren: Living a life of Purpose’ (http://www.ted.com/index.
and Campbelltown.
Solicitors’ Admission Board.
Susan,
Caitlin,
Spencer,
php/talks/view/id/71) for both spiritual and intellectual nourishment.
In 1971, Peter resigned
A
Mass
of
Christian
Madison and Liam Cain and
Mary Liesch - a net novice
from Court House work and
Burial was celebrated at the
Scott and Natasha Ryan.
returned to Bathurst to work
Cathedral in Bathurst by Fr
May he Rest in Peace.
Canowindra Centenary Coming
Preparations for the Centenary celebrations at St Edward’s Primary School
Canowindra are well underway and the school is asking all past and present
teachers, students, families and staff to help find ‘old boys and girls’.
The celebrations will take place on Saturday 20th and Sunday 21st
September 2008. Principal Mr Ken McNamara said an invitation and
information pack is available at the school. “Please call in if you would
like a copy and feel free to collect extras to give to people who would
like to be part of the weekend. There is an email version available for
those who’d like to pass information on that way”.
The programme will commence on Saturday afternoon with events
in school grounds, time capsule and new brick path unveiling, special
centenary speech, music, open classrooms, memoirs book and
afternoon tea. On Saturday night there will be a Cocktail Party, visual
display and entertainment.
Sunday will start off with Mass in St. Edward’s Church followed by events
in the school grounds, a BBQ picnic lunch, burying of the new time capsule
and lots of games, activities and displays.
A ‘memoirs book’ is also being developed and the School is asking for stories
and memories. These can be emailed to stedwardscanowindra@hotmail.
com, posted on an A4 page with reply form to PO Box 75 Canowindra
NSW 2804, or dropped into the School.
For information contact the School: email: stedwardscanowindra@
hotmail.com, phone: (02) 6344 1170 or fax (02) 6344 1559.
CATHOLIC OBSERVER JUNE 2008 PAGE 6

---

Faith ~ Love ~ Martyrdom ~ Joy Our early history
We continue with Part 2 of Fr Carl
courts. Of the 31,000 Hungarians who
Extracts from Bishop John Francis Norton’s 1938 Diary, written in his copy of The
Mackander’s reflections on last
were condemned and exiled to the gulags
Australasian Catholic Directory for that year. - Edited by Father Tim Cahill
year’s International Congress on
26,500 did not survive. The 91 year old Fr.
Evangelisation…..
Placid Olofsson OSB said of his 10 years
Sunday October 16 Celebrated 7.15
Three days of the Congress took as their
of forced labour in the Gulags, “I wanted
Mass in (Cowra Brigidine) School (since
themes the foundational gifts of the Chris-
to believe in the gospel in the camp too.
church was still under construction).
tian life in St. Paul’s letters. Monday was
We were children of the Good News there
Instruction in “Gambling”. Lovely
the day of Faith with Theology Professor as well”. In his wisdom he developed a
day. Went to Mandurama (20 or 30
and writer Ralph Martin of the USA the
method of thinking and faith reflection
miles north of Cowra) in evening. Mr.
main speaker. Questions posed by an aux-
which helped him and fellow prisoners to
R. J. Fagan switched on electric light
iliary bishop during the Morning Prayer
survive the camps with the freezing cold,
in the Church (still quite a novelty in
Dubbo). School being tiled. The green
meditation were: When did you realise
poor clothing and inadequate food, long
1938!). I preached, “So let your light
roof looks well. Work on Church
that you belong to Christ? What kind of
hours of outdoor labour in all weathers
shine before men”, etc. Stayed for
retarded by departure of several
experiences did you live in the building
and the torments of the guards.
the night at Sunny Ridge (the Fagan
bricklayers. Still progress good. Visited
of your faith? What were the obstacles to
He said to us that these four points
home). Mrs. and Miss Fagan greatly
site at Combara, where Mr. Brown
building faith? Why do you believe?
can help us to live a healthy, fully hu-
improved in health, thank God.
is beginning work on the new little
Maybe these questions can be posed
man life as a Christian in society
Monday October 17 Mass in Church of Blessed Oliver Plunkett. Dr.
in the homily to parents and families at
each day…
Mandurama Church at 8.30. 25 at
H. E. Ryan to be consecrated (bishop)
baptism ceremonies! They could also be
First, do not make a complaint or drama
Holy Communion. It was the first time
at Bendigo. Regretted inability to
asked of parents at information meet-
out of the things of life. In other words,
that the Blessed Sacrament had been
attend 16/9/38.
ings about First Eucharist, Reconciliation
look for the positive and the opportunities
reserved. Went to Orange with Fr.
[Notes]: Prayer for the Pope - V. Let
and Confirmation.
which come your way even when there is
Casey and caught the train for Dubbo.
us pray for Our Holy Father the Pope.
Tuesday was the day of Love. Francis-
worry or disappointment and negativity
Tuesday October 18 Mass in R. Lord preserve him and give him
can priest and Hungarian hero of char-
around us.
Dubbo Convent (of Mercy). Went to
peace, prosperity in his days and life
ity for the poor and youth, Csaba Bojte
Second, do not look for suffering, it will
Coonamble (about 100 miles north of
everlasting. Amen.
Esztergom Bascilica
A Pilgrim’s Prayer
Lord, we are al pilgrims.
We came from God and we are going to Him.
He who created us will welcome us at journey’s end.
He is preparing a place for al His brothers and sisters.
St. Anthony, Guide of Pilgrims, direct my steps in the straight path.
Help me in all my needs and difficulties.
CCI015_Secure180x125 27/7/05 11:39 AM Page 1
Protect me until I am safely home in heaven.
OFM, received a standing ovation before
come; look for the joys of life. e.g. in the
he spoke. He made the following points:
Gulag Camp it was easy to see only the
love invites us to serve - love creates
terrible privations of food, accommoda-
community - God has created me and re-
tion and cold. But after Fr. Placid said
creates me out of love - in love there is no
to his fellow prisoners, ‘let’s report at the
Secure.
room for fear - with Christ we can love
end of the day on the joys God gave that
How an insurance company is supposed
- have I accepted that God loves me - am
day’ it made the life bearable and built
to make you feel.
I loved and am I able to love? What are
a unity amongst the prisoners. A focus
5
2
the limits to my love and what urges me
only on suffering leads to individualism
1
x
0
8
to love? Discovering how to love can be
and separation.
/
1
5
1
hard; we have to learn to love. He quoted
Third, change your terminology from
I
0
C
/
C
the Franciscan Auschwitz martyr Maxi-
“I am innocent!” to saying “I am
T
B
H
milian Kolbe who said, “saints sanctif