Blessings The magazine of St Brigid's Mordialloc and St Louis de Montfort Aspendale - the Catholic Archdiocese of Melbourne
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Blessings
The magazine of St Brigid’s Mordialloc and St Louis de Montfort Aspendale
Issue No. 12 October November 2018
Contents Blessings
Contents
Editor’s Note
Hello and welcome to our October November 2018
edition of Blessings. One of the five priorities in our
Parish Pastoral Plan is to support and strengthen our
Parish Groups. Inside you will find articles on our
Men’s Group, our Justice
Action Group (JAG) and our
Young Adults Group giving you In memory of Sr Sue Talking with our
more insight into what they do Many of us were shocked
and inviting you to be involved.
Parish Councillors
and saddened by the In the last of “talking
If you have been reading the sudden passing of Sr Sue with” our Parish Pastoral
Sunday Bulletin you will know Shannon. Read this Councillors, we get to
that as part of another Parish special article know Lindy Wilson. p14
Pastoral Plan priority – remembering a beautiful
Treasure our Seniors, we will parishioner. p8
shortly be running an
information session designed
to help navigate the world of
the iPhone and iPad.
Fr Andrew encourages us to keep up to date with
news in the parish in his regular column. One
p6
other way to stay up to date is via our new website
which provides lots of interesting information.
Make sure you check it out at:
http://cam.org.au/aspendalemordialloc
Plenary Council 2020 ‘Onion Odour’ in
Keep up to date with Mordialloc
I hope you enjoy reading this issue, and this most important What you might ask has
remember - event on the church the odour of onions got
calendar in Australia.
If you have a story about our people p15
to do with our founding
father, Fr Jim English?
and our Parish community, please P16
do contact me.
Berna Wake,
Blessings Editor
Berna.Wake@cam.org.au Also, inside
04 Young Adults Group Inaugural Retreat
Hoang has joined
05 Young Saint our
– Jose Sanchez del Rio
Parish for his
06 St Brigid’s 6- &
month
St Louis’ Men’s Group
Front Cover:
pastoral
07 Justice Action from
placement Group (JAG) Update
‘Pompei’s Boat’ Mordialloc alongside the bridge
July. Get to know Hoang
named for the Pompei family, by Julie Squires. The 10 Baptisms & Funerals
on p4
artist Julie Squires spent considerable time 12 St Brigid’s & St Louis’ School News
consulting with brothers Joe and the late Jack 14 Parish Pastoral Council Meeting Update
regarding the style of boat building that has become 18 Father Andrew’s Word
synonymous with the Pompei style of hand - made
boat construction.
OCTOBER NOVEMBER 2018 ISSUE 12 2
18 Father Andrew’s Word
Blessings parish life
Happy 21st
Year of
Ordination
Fr Andrew –
23 August.
Year 1 & 2 Mural- Family Mass 18/19 August.
Fr Andrew & Deacon Brian celebrating a special Mass for Fr Andrew's
21st Year of Ordination with Year 3 students – 23 August.
Fr Justel celebrates his
3rd year of Ordination –
12 September.
Fr Andrew with Michelle Pham - Confirmation
Candidate & Michelle's sponsor Anne Nguyen.
Confirmation at St Pat’s Cathedral 29 July.
OCTOBER NOVEMBER 2018 ISSUE 12 3
connect with youth
Parish Pastoral Plan Priority 2 Blessings
Young Adults Group Retreat
For the first time since the formation of the Young Adults Group (YAG) its members enjoyed a weekend
retreat away from their familiar surroundings. Ten of its members (AJ, Liz, Thirdie, Jonathan, Maddie,
Kasia, Basia, Janitha, Hoang) including Father Justel made a short trip (on Friday 3rd of August) to the
picturesque town of Foster just outside of Wilsons Promontory.
The purpose of the trip was to give all members a chance to take a mini break from their busy lives of
work, study and other commitments. The trip also gave everyone a chance to strengthen their friendship
on social and spiritual levels through group sharing, indoor and outdoor activities. One of the activities
was a short walk to the bay of Wilsons Prom. Once we reached our bay destination everyone could not
help but pose for a few group and individual “selfies”.
Some call a retreat in the Christian
tradition as a holiday with God. As I
reflected on my own experiences, I
found the presence of God in the
beautiful and natural sceneries of the
land and sea. All the elements were
there to take in such as the stillness
and silence found in the open road to
the movements and life of the plants
and animals.
We had numerous moments to
appreciate each other’s company
through prayer and meditation.
Fr. Justel celebrated a vigil Mass on
the Saturday night so that those
staying on until the next day didn’t
have to worry about rushing back.
I thoroughly enjoyed the experiences of this retreat. I would like to thank Fr. Justel for leading the group. I
would also like to thank every YAG member for their contribution and generosity in making the first retreat
a memorable one. On the high of the retreat, some have already put some thought into the next event!
Hoang Dinh (Hoang is a 4th year seminarian who is undertaking his pastoral placement with us from July -
December this year)
Would you like to be a part of our Young Adults Group?
The St Brigid's and St Louis' Young Adults Group offers a safe, friendly, fun and welcoming
environment for those seeking a place to explore, deepen and practice their Christian faith.
We welcome people between the ages 18-35 years to gather and discuss what faith means in
today's context and participate in both religious and social activities. We meet once a month,
typically on a Friday evening. We look forward to welcoming you.
Please contact Fr Justel at Justel.Callos@cam.org.au for more information.
OCTOBER NOVEMBER 2018 ISSUE 12 4
connect with youth
Blessings Parish Pastoral Plan Priority 2
In this, the Year of Youth, Blessings will feature the story of a
young contemporary saint in each edition.
Jose Sanchez del Rio
Viva Cristo Ray - Long Live Christ the King
1913 – 1928, Canonised 2016, Feast Day February 10
By 1926, Mexico was the world’s most
dangerous place to be Catholic. Churches had
been closed. Religious vows became illegal. PRAYER
Every homily had to be approved by the Viva Cristo Rey – Long live
government authorities. Christ the King!
For fourteen-year-old José, the churches had Let this be the cry of my
to open at any cost. His older brothers had heart as I fight the good fight
already joined the Cristeros, a rebel in love. Help me to remain
movement resisting the religious persecution firm in my faith, with a
of the faith. José insisted on joining. Though generous and steadfast
he was only permitted to be a flag-bearer, he
sensed that this would lead to heaven: “For heart.
Jesus Christ, I will do everything”.
Enable me to be a person of
After heavy fighting with government forces, José prayer, calling out night and
was caught and imprisoned. Under threat of day to You, God. Let me not
death, José was commanded to renounce his lose faith, and may Your
faith in Christ. Knowing that refusing to obey Holy Spirit pray within me.
meant death, he wrote to his mother “I believe
that I am going to die very shortly, but it does not Help me to support others in
matter, Mama… I will die happy, because I die on prayer, that we may keep
the side of Our Lord.” our arms raised in prayer
until Your Victory is won.
José was transferred to the sacristy of his local Inspire all young people,
church – the church where he had been Saint José, to be capable of
baptised – which had been taken over by giving witness to Christ in
government forces. The sanctuary had been our daily lives.
converted into a holding pen for horses and for
the deputy’s prized fighting roosters. For José Adapted from Pope Francis’
this was clear desecration. He killed the Homily at the Canonisation
roosters, knowing this final statement in of St José Sánchez Del Rio,
defending God’s honour would confirm his
16 October 2016, and
death.
Cardinal José Saravia
As José was tortured and led through the town to Martins’ Homily at St José
the cemetery, the town people could hear him cry Sánchez Del Rio’s
out “Viva Cristo Rey” – Long Live Christ the King. beatification at Guadalajara,
When he was finally shot, his last action was to 20 November 2005.
draw a cross in the ground at his feet and kiss it.
OCTOBER NOVEMBER 2018 ISSUE 12 5
strong parish groups
Parish Pastoral Plan Priority 3 Blessings
St Brigid’s and St Louis’ Men’s Group
St Louis Fathers Club/Men’s Club/Men’s Times change, the school continued to grow, and the
Group can trace its origins back to the earliest way schools were funded changed too. Time poor
days of the school and parish. An informal group parents found it difficult to commit as much time
of enthusiastic and dedicated men were called particularly those families where both parents needed
upon to tackle the many challenges of the to work to meet financial demands.
Dolphin Street site. The Men’s Group as it is now known continues to
Volunteers were vital to the young and cash operate to this day. In 2014 a review took place and it
strapped community. They gave generously of was agreed that our membership was now
their time and we now reap the benefits of their predominantly men from the parish - no longer school
hard labour. fathers as in the past. So, our focus has changed to
Prime movers of that time were Theo Jaspers Parish. Men from St Brigid’s were invited to join us, and
and Laurie Mills, ably assisted by a brigade of this is reflected in our present name of St Brigid’s and
helpers including Peter Youl, Colin Carter, John St Louis Men’s Group.
Illot, Neil Skipworth, Joe Barnhoorn and Pat Proceeds from fundraising now go to the parish,
Dalton, just to mention a few. except for the funds allocated for scholarships.
After the appointment of a Parish Priest in Activities during the year include informal meetings,
1971, monthly Friday evenings at the Presbytery speaker nights, dinner evenings, assisting the parish
in Dolphin Street were renowned occasions and with the car raffle and helping in other areas as
usually a prelude to a weekend working bee. requested.
Somewhere along the way the Fathers Club was Our links with the schools continues. We support the
officially formed, and fundraising was added to schools by assisting at functions if asked to do so and
the activities. The $500 Club, later to be providing the annual Michael Callaghan (St Louis) and
renamed the $1000 Club raised valuable funds Mim Rodolico (St Brigid’s) Scholarship’s which are
for the school and the annual prize of awarded to deserving Year 6 students as they move
$500/$1000 was drawn at a well-attended onto secondary school. We continue to co-ordinate the
social function. hiring of the BBQ trailer with profits returned to St Louis
The Mothers Club and Fathers Club merged school at year’s end. The trailer BBQ which is also
into The Parents and Friends Association, but an regularly used by the schools was presented to St Louis
ardent group of dads felt there was still a need school in early 2008 in lieu of a cash donation.
for a separate men’s group.
New members are always welcome.
Monthly meetings are held between
February and December, usually on the
2nd Thursday of the month and
alternate between Aspendale and
Mordialloc.
Contacts: Peter Waltho (President) 9587 3184
Tony Allday (A/Secretary & Treasurer) 9580 7344
Jon Searle, Peter Waltho & Tony Allday from the Men's Group
OCTOBER NOVEMBER 2018 ISSUE 12 6
strong parish groups
Blessings Parish Pastoral Plan Priority 3
JAG PICNIC 2018
WHEN
Sunday October 28, 12 noon
WHERE
St Louis’ School Grounds
FOOD
BBQ lunch provided
COST
$20 Family, $10 Individual
(Tickets on sale after Mass or on the day)
Our Justice Action Group will once again be hosting a picnic to
welcome refugees who have settled in Australia but are
awaiting visas. Up to 50 families from countries including
Afghanistan, Iran, Pakistan, Syria and Myanmar will join our parish
community for this wonderful family day out. Please come along and
make our friends welcome. If you can’t make it, please do consider a
$10 donation to help cover the costs.
Thank you from JAG and BASP
In previous years our Justice Action Group has requested donations of
non-perishable food items, toiletries & cleaning products which they
termed JAG BAGS. These were donated in our annual parish appeal to
the Melbourne-based initiative of the Brigidine Sisters for their
Brigidine Asylum Seekers Project. Because of BASP’s limited storage
space this year they have asked for cash donations or supermarket To learn more about BASP please
vouchers. visit: www.basp.org.au
Our parishioners have generously donated a total of $1500 this year. Or email at: contact@basp.org.au
If you are interested to know more about our JAG (Justice Action Group) please come and join us at one of
our gatherings. No obligation. We meet on the second Wednesday of the month from 7.30- 9pm at St Louis’.
We are always looking for new members and new ideas.
OCTOBER NOVEMBER 2018 ISSUE 12 7
in loving memory Blessings
In loving memory of Sr Sue Shannon
Many parishioners will have been shocked and saddened by the
recent passing of Sr Sue Shannon. Sr Sue was a warm, smiling
face in our parishes who gave tirelessly to helping others. Many
will have provided materials for Sr Sue’s beautiful greeting
cards as well as contributing to fundraising for Sr Sue’s
missionary work.
I am thankful to Sr Sue’s brother Mark who kindly provided a
profile, reproduced on the adjacent page, that Sr Sue
completed a few years back when she was part of Our Lady of
the Assumption Parish in Cheltenham.
In addition, Sr Sue had been the founder and leader of a group
named ‘Hearts in Action’. Hearts in Action (HIA) was founded in
1999 by Sr Sue. It is a group designed to bring together young
Catholics from parishes across Melbourne with the goal of
nurturing people in their faith and providing friendship
opportunities, by connecting them with other Catholics in their
age group. Sr Sue sought to share heart spirituality, the special
charism of her order, the Sisters of Our Lady of the Sacred
Heart, with young Catholics in Melbourne. The Hearts in Action
Group also provided the loving remembrance below.
Our thoughts and prayers are with Sue’s family and friends.
‘As many of you know, our beloved friend and founder Sr Sue Shannon died unexpectedly last Friday 31st
August of a bowel obstruction, 3 weeks short of her 69th birthday.
She had been vacationing at Bonnie Doon and was airlifted to Wangaratta Hospital, where she died at
about 9pm, surrounded by family. She leaves 7 siblings, many nieces and nephews and more friends than
can be counted.
Sr Sue was a force of nature! Her trust in God, love of others and infectious joy never failed to brighten our
day and our lives.
And through her work with Hearts in Action she set off a chain reaction of friendships and marriages which
will benefit us for the rest of our lives.
We were, individually and as a group, very close to her heart.
The family will be accepting donations for Born to Live, if you would like to make a donation. This charity
was founded by Fr Sean Smith MSC, and Sr Sue visited its mission in Thailand, where they care for HIV
positive children.
Eternal rest grant unto her, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon her. May she rest in peace.’
OCTOBER NOVEMBER 2018 ISSUE 12 8
in loving memory
Blessings
In loving memory of Sr Sue Shannon - In her own words (written in 2013)
Family: I was born in Kew and I am the eldest of eight children- five brothers and two sisters. Mostly raised in East
Bentleigh by my wonderful parents, Eric and Margaret Shannon, life was simple and fairly tight. Our family motto was
“Love is sharing”! I well remember Mum saying to me: “When Dad and I go, there will not be much to leave to you, but
you will realise we have gifted you along the way with the best gift. Your wealth will be each other”. And she was spot on,
to this day my brother’s, sister’s and I are best friends!
Vocation/Work: I joined the OLSH (Our Lady of The Sacred Heart) Sisters in 1968, so if you are good at maths you will
know I have been a nun for 45 years! (I am really beginning to clock up the Frequent Flyer and Rewards points!!!) I am
now attached to the Melbourne Archdiocese, working in Youth Adult Ministry. I love my vocation and over the years have
been privileged to work as a school teacher and principal, Vocation Director, and now with young adults, especially with a
group called “Hearts in Action” which I started with another sister in 1999.
Schools attended: St Anthony’s Glenhuntly, St Peter’s Bentleigh and OLSH College Bentleigh.
A sentence to describe yourself: A lover of life. Hobbies: Mini excursions to places of
Greatest claim to fame: Pope John Paul interest around Melbourne, visits to
giving me the warmest smile and the Dandenong’s, music, reading,
shaking my hand at Randwick when gardening, bike-riding, swimming,
he came to Australia. challenging Sudoku puzzles and
crosswords.
What are the most important things in your
life? # My relationship with God Favourite holiday place: If I won
# Family & Friends # Walking & Tattslotto, I would go back to New
enjoying the journey of life with God’s Zealand, where in 2004, I had a
people # Making the most of the gift wonderful 6 months living in a tiny
of time and talents # Happiness hermitage at Southern Star Monastery,
the home of Cistercian monks, in
If you could change one thing about Kopua, north of Wellington.
yourself, what would it be? Honestly, I am But, Bonnie Doon comes a close
deeply happy being who and all I am. second! Aaaa…hh the serenity!!!
Favourite night out: Enjoying a meal at one of the Vietnamese restaurants on Victoria Rd, Richmond followed by a stroll
down Southbank under the lights.
Favourite book: ‘For the love of a rose’ by Antonia Ridge.
Favourite music: Lots!!! Secret Garden, Celtic Woman, The Priests, Ten Tenors, Amici, Andrea Bocelli, Susan Boyle, Beatles,
Rolling Stones…
Favourite movie: Anne of Green Gables, Hunt for Red October, Romero
Favourite Guiding Maxim: To be kind. “Kindness is a language the deaf can hear, and the blind can see”. (Mark Twain).
It never fails to lift spirits and bring a smile to the hearts of others.
Three people you’d like to have dinner with: Pope Francis, David Attenborough and Crown Princess Mary of Denmark. Would
also love to have a cuppa with John Cleese, Robin Williams and Steve Martin, all in one room if the offer was going!!!
We pray that Robin Williams has you in stitches, rest in peace, Sister Sue.
OCTOBER NOVEMBER 2018 ISSUE 12 9
parish celebrations Blessings
We welcome children recently baptised
KIGHT, William Hudson, son of Tim and Lauren Kight
WILLIS, Kyron Laidley and Mason Laidley,
children of Priyanka and Daniel Willis
MASON, Ethan John,
son of Rachel and Brendan Mason
FOURNA, Thomas John,
son of Alan Fourna and Meagan Barlow
WOOLHOUSE, Charlie Honey,
daughter of Kate and Michael Woolhouse
PAPANIKOLOAU, Liam John,
son of Joanne and Peter Papanikoloau
JOHNSON, Milla Ruby,
daughter of Liza and Matthew Johnson
DOUSHA, Audrey Rae,
daughter of Rebecca and Daniel Dousha
HONAN, Cara Mia, Eden James, Sienna Angela,
children of James Honan and Angela Cotter
GLENISTER, Harrison Steven,
son of Nicole and Samuel Glenister
CLARKE, Harper June, daughter of Lisa and Paul Clarke
EDGERTON, Cassandra Maise, Jake and John
children of Yayan and John Edgerton
WHATMORE, Lily Grace,
daughter of Evelyn and Adam Whatmore
HUDSON, Jameson Farrell,
son of Sorcha Hudson and Jesse Farrell
NGUYEN, Gracie, daughter of Long and Alice Nguyen
BOROVAC, George Joseph,
son of Josephine and Andrew Borovac
CUARESMA, Tigerlily,
daughter of Maja Arsic and Ryan Cuaresma
OCTOBER NOVEMBER 2018 ISSUE 12 10Blessings in sympathy our thoughts and
prayers are with
Maria Pitinga (85). Winifred Turner (92). Kerrin White (73). Wife John Ahern (60). Colin Forrest (84).
Mother of Frank. Mother of Dyanne of Frank & grandmother Husband of Julie. Husband of Franca.
Maria passed away Lerado. Winifred passed of Caroline. Kerrin John passed away Colin passed away
on 26 July 2018. away on passed away on 2 on 5 August 2018. on 5 August 2018.
Maria’s Requiem 5 August 2018. August 2018. Kerrin’s John’s funeral Colin’s funeral
Mass was held at Winifred’s Requiem Mass Requiem Mass was service was held at service was held at
St Brigid’s on was held at St Brigid’s on held at St Louis’ on St Brigid’s on St Brigid’s on
3 August 2018. 9 August 2018. 10 August 2018. 10 August 2018. 10 August 2018.
Isabella Costanzo (95). Mervat Marton (62). Melissa Thorne (53). Ken Raphael (89). Don Byrnes (89).
Mother of Vinnie, Tony, Wife of John and Mother of Sophie Father of Christine, Husband of Val,
John, Christine & Ross. mother of Amy. and Bella. Peter and Jo. father of Sue,
Isabella passed away Mervat passed away Melissa passed Ken passed away on Denise, Marie,
on 8 August 2018. on 8 August 2018. away on 3 August 9 September 2018. Michelle, Paul &
Isabella’s Requiem Mervat’s funeral 2018. Melissa’s Ken’s Requiem Louise. Don passed
Mass was held at St service was held at Requiem Mass was Mass was held at St away on
Brigid’s on 14 August WD Rose on held at St Brigid’s on Brigid’s on 11 September 2018.
2018. 15 August 2018. 17 August 2018. 14 September 2018. Don’s Requiem
Mass was held at St
Sr Susan Shannon (68). Louis’ on
Sr Sue passed away on 18 September 2018.
31 August 2018.
Sr Sue’s Requiem Mass
was held at Our Lady of Luis Corigliano’s funeral service was
held at Gateway Funerals on
the Assumption
Cheltenham on 6 September 2018.
9 September 2018.
OCTOBER NOVEMBER 2018 ISSUE 12 11support family life
Parish Pastoral Plan Priority 1 Blessings
St Brigid’s School News
FATHER’S DAY BREAKFAST
On Friday 31st August, St Brigid’s celebrated Father’s
Day with a beautiful breakfast provided by the mother’s
at St Brigid’s.
The father’s and their children were very spoilt with a
continental breakfast and a coffee van! Because we
were celebrating Footy Day as well, all the dads came
to school with their footy colours on and the tables had
a footy theme.
We had a raffle and all donations went to Buy a Bale
for the drought- stricken farmers.
BUY A BALE
A group of amazing students in Year 5/6 came up
with a proposal to do a fundraiser for the farmers
suffering drought. The children decided to have a
“Dress like a Farmer Day”. Children and staff came
to school dressed as farmers and gave a gold coin
donation. We also had a raffle on the day. We raised
an amazing $1404.15. What a great effort by all of
the wonderful St Brigid’s community.
St Louis’ School News - STEM Expo
On Wednesday 12th September St Louis hosted a STEM Expo. STEM
relates to an interdisciplinary learning approach of the disciplines
S - Science, T- Technology, E - Engineering and M - Mathematics.
The school was buzzing with excitement as our children shared their
work with all of those people in the community who were lucky
enough to attend.
The Prep stall was alive with chickens, stick insects, tadpoles, hermit
crabs and their fabulous grass heads. The Year Ones developed
their ultimate house - ‘Love Where You Live.’ Each house contained
features that would make their house more sustainable.
(Continued next page.)
OCTOBER NOVEMBER 2018 ISSUE 12 12support family life
Blessings Parish Pastoral Plan Priority 1
Support family life
support
St Louis’ School News - STEMParish
Expo Pastoral family
Plan Priority life
1
Parish Pastoral Plan Priority 1
Year Two created a school of the future. The final products were very colourful
and depicted many interesting features of the perfect learning place.
Year Three engaged in Chemical science and the spaghetti and marshmallow
challenge. Their final towers were very impressive and stood tall during the expo.
Year Four constructed animals from different materials and their accompanying
written explanation reflected their understanding of the animal’s physical
features, habitat and possible threats.
Year Five created models of a future civilisation with sustainable features.
The Year Sixes engaged in a collaborative project with the Melbourne Zoo titled
‘Love Your Locals.’ The aim of this project is to help to save 21 endangered
species in and around Melbourne. The children worked in teams to create a
puppet from recycled materials, their props and backdrops and an associated
script tapping into people’s emotions. They were able to share their journey so
far during our Expo.
Mr Wood showcased the 3D printer and the community were engaged
in various sphero challenges during the evening. This was a very
popular place to be and the senior students were offering lots of
assistance.
The people from ‘Green Hat Thinking’ ran a workshop and enabled
everyone who was present to let their imaginations run wild and build
as high, wide or as intrinsically as their minds allowed. The buildings
and towers constructed were nothing short of amazing.
A very big thankyou to all of those people who attended and
contributed to making the Expo such a huge success!
OCTOBER NOVEMBER 2018 ISSUE 12 13“talking with” – Lindy Wilson
Parish Pastoral Councillor
Parish Pastoral Plan Priority 3– Strengthen Parish Groups Blessings
Tell us where you grew up and your early years? I am the eldest of 3 girls; shortly after leaving
home my father remarried and as a result I now have a step sister and step brother. Family is
especially important to us all and we have become very close as a result of regular family get
togethers.
My father now retired, is a civil engineer and because of his work we found as a young family
we always seemed to be on the move. My very early years were spent growing up in
Switzerland.
At about the age of 4, I arrived back in Australia with the rest of the family where we
eventually settled in Mckinnon. I attended St. Kevin’s primary in Ormond and later moved to
Caulfield South where I attended Presentation College in Windsor.
And your family now? Whilst working as a clerk for the ANZ bank I met my husband Peter who
also had worked for the bank for a short period. Two years later we married at St. Peter’s
East Bentleigh and have been married just on 30 years. My greatest achievement is my
family; Peter and I have 3 wonderful children and have recently been further blessed by the
recent arrival of our first grandchild.
Work Life? For the past 15 years I have worked as an Education Assistant at Yarrabah Special Development School
in Aspendale. My role at Yarrabah sees me working with children that have a variety of special learning
needs. Albeit challenging at times I find this vocation to be very rewarding and enormously fulfilling.
Favourite Books? I enjoy reading psychological thrillers and recently read 'the Dry' by Jane Harper.
Footy Team? Go the 'Mighty Tigers'.
What Do You Do to Relax? I enjoy watching a movie and also enjoy a good 'Netflix ' binge. I also enjoy a good book and
exercise to relax.
What Gets You Fired Up? I seldom get worked up, but I am very passionate about equal rights for all people. I prefer to
see myself as more of a mediator.
What’s it like being on the Parish Council? I believe I am a good listener and I am open to change in going forward. I am
enjoying being a part of the PPC and feel I can contribute positively at a time when there are many challenges
facing the church.
PARISH PASTORAL COUNCIL MEETING UPDATE
Four issues of note discussed at the 23 August 2018 Parish Pastoral Council Meeting:
Child Safety Training
The new CAM (Catholic Archdiocese of Melbourne) Professional Standards Unit was established on the 1st March
2018. There are a raft of new child protection measures and legislation in Victoria. The legislation clearly articulates the
fact that child protection is everybody’s responsibility. The Professional Standards Unit is gearing up to equip Parishes
to understand how child safety can be achieved in their particular context. The new policy and materials will be
released for feedback shortly and then distributed widely to assist parishes with safeguarding efforts. Fr Andrew will
discuss the planning for revised training with our Child Safety Team and advise next steps at the 18 October PPC
Meeting.
Parish Pastoral Plan
Parish Councillors updated progress on each of the PPP actions. Small team meetings on various action items are now
being convened. It was felt that there may not be universal knowledge throughout the parish about the PPP and its
intent. The plan will be to update the PPP and promote it widely in early 2019.
New Parish Website
Our new parish website is now available at htpp://cam.org.au/aspendalemordialloc
Dinner for Eight
Fr Andrew advised that two parishioners have expressed interest in taking on the coordinating role for Dinner for Eight.
More details on the dinner schedule to follow (refer Sunday Bulletin and webpage as updates become available).
OCTOBER NOVEMBER 2018 ISSUE 12 14Blessings evangelisation
Parish Pastoral Plan Priority 5
Plenary Council 2020
The Australian Plenary Council is the biggest item on the church calendar, it is the highest formal gathering
of all local churches in the country. Plenary Council 2020 is being held to enable dialogue about the future
of the Catholic Church in Australia.
In the previous edition (August September) of Blessings we had an article on the Plenary Council 2020,
which outlined what it is, who is involved, the three stages in the process and how we can all get involved.
If you would like to keep up to date on the Plenary Council 2020 you can do so at:
http://plenarycouncil.catholic.org.au. You can request to receive the Plenary Council newsletter direct to
your inbox.
In addition, our own new website http://cam.org.au/aspendalemordialloc has the direct link to the Plenary
Council website, plus FAQ sheets and we will provide regular updates on progress on this site.
The launch of the Plenary Council will take place in our parish on the weekend of October 27 and 28, 2018.
Plenary Council Prayer
Come, Holy Spirit of Pentecost.
Come, Holy Spirit of the great South Land.
O God, bless and unite all your people in Australia
and guide us on the pilgrim way of the Plenary Council.
Give us the grace to see your face in one another and to recognise Jesus,
our companion on the road.
Give us the courage to tell our stories and to speak boldly of your truth.
Give us ears to listen humbly to each other and a discerning heart
to hear what you are saying.
Lead your Church into a hope-filled future, that we may live the joy of the Gospel.
Through Jesus Christ our Lord, bread for the journey from age to age.
Amen.
Our Lady Help of Christians, pray for us.
St Mary MacKillop, pray for us.
OCTOBER NOVEMBER 2018 ISSUE 12 15interest Blessings
Onion Odour in Mordialloc – Author Graham J Whitehead
The odour of onions being processed had wafted around Main Street
Mordialloc for many years. W J Abbot had been dehydrating onions
and other vegetables in his back- yard factory since 1937 to the
complaints of many residents. Gertrude McKenzie elected to the
Mordialloc City Council in 1955 was determined to get rid of the
problem.
Father English, the parish priest of St Brigid’s, a near
neighbour of the Abbott’s onion factory wrote to the Mordialloc
City News in 1958 saying he could no longer remain silent on
the matter. He said he was weary of answering parishioners
and visitors inquires as to what was the cause of the offensive
odour. Even on hot humid nights he was forced to close all the
windows and forgo the cooling afternoon breezes from the
Bay, in an effort to keep the stench out. Because the factory
was well camouflaged, he suggested, some individuals even
believed the presbytery was the source of the obnoxious smell. Fr English, Parish Priest of St Brigid's Mordialloc 1962.
Courtesy Leader Collection
Because Father English thought it was high time that the
Council had the factory removed to a more suitable location
he congratulated Cr McKenzie on her efforts to make
“Mordialloc a place that does not smell to high heaven." [1]
Resolving the problem was not to be an easy task. W J Abbott the founder of the
vegetable dehydration business had died but son Stanley Galbraith Abbott continued the
business operating it on its original site on Main Street, Mordialloc and was still doing so
in 1959. This was despite a request from the Council eight years earlier that it should be
relocated from its residential setting. The Abbotts argued that the business had
commenced in 1937 and the council had given it a building permit in 1944 enabling
them to go ahead, purchase expensive equipment and contribute to the war effort by
supplying dehydrated vegetables to the Australian troops. To a complaint from the
manager of the local movie theatre that the smell was driving patrons away Mr Abbott
responded that they had been putting up with it for twenty years without any drop-in
attendance. The recent poor attendance was not due to onion smell but rather to the
advent of television. In addition, Stan Abbott suggested that Council had erred in allowing
Cr Gertrude McKenzie 1959. the factory to be established there in the first place and were now probably trying to save
Courtesy Kingston Collection face by making moves from time to time to close the factory. [2]
In December 1957, Cr Gertrude McKenzie made enquiries at the Department of Labor and Industry and found that the
Mordialloc premises were not registered as a factory. As a consequence, Stan Abbott had to apply for a permit.
Cr McKenzie then strove hard to ensure that the permit was not granted, and the Council unanimously resolved to
inform the Department that they opposed the issuing of such authorization. Unfortunately, for the Council, the
communication of their attitude was not done in the stipulated thirty days, so the required permit was issued in
February 1958. [3]
Expressing her dissatisfaction with the Town Clerk’s explanation of the failure to inform the Department of Labor and
Industry of the Council’s opposition to the factory in its current location, Cr McKenzie adopted a different approach. As
the factory had been operating without a permit in an area zoned residential she argued it could now be closed down.
However, the Town Clerk (Mr Grut) pointed out that the factory was in existence before the council by-law and the land
had been unzoned. To resolve the impasse the councillors decided to refer the matter to their solicitors for advice. [4]
(Continued next page)
OCTOBER NOVEMBER 2018 ISSUE 12 16Blessings
interest
Onion Odour in Mordialloc – Author Graham J Whitehead
Maddock, Lonie and Chisholm, the council solicitors,
responded that if the business was not being lawfully carried
on at the time the residential law was instituted in 1948
proceedings could be taken. The complaint that the onion
odour was a nuisance was potentially a matter for civil action.
[5] The Town Clerk warned that proof would have to be
produced indicating that the business was operating illegally,
a view supported by Cr Denyer who doubted whether such
evidence was available. Nevertheless, Cr Denyer supported a
motion that advocated discussion on whether council could
force Mr Abbott to cease operations. The Town Clerk
reminded councillors that the fact that Council had not taken
any action in the eleven years the factory had been operating
would militate against achieving success before a court. In
closing the debate Cr McKenzie reiterated the point that it
was not possible to conduct a factory in a residential area and
the Council had the power to stop the factory operating. [6]
Main Street Mordialloc 1986. Courtesy Leader Collections
Almost twelve months later the council issued a summons to
Mr Abbott for operating a factory contrary to regulations. This
followed a petition to Council from three hundred and two
residents of Mordialloc complaining about the public
nuisance three months earlier. In response to the summons,
Mr Abbott’s solicitors suggested that their client was
prepared to give a written statement undertaking to move the
factory within three months on condition that the summons
be withdrawn. This was seen to be a victory by Cr McKenzie
who described it as “a red-letter day in my municipal life – we
are about to get rid of the onion smell." [7] The council’s
solicitor, Frank Lonie gained an adjournment of the case for
Main Street Mordialloc. Courtesy Leader Collection thirteen weeks at the Mordialloc Court to allow the matter to
be resolved. [8]
Footnotes
At the council meeting of August 10, 1959 the Mayor, Cr
1. Mordialloc City News, July 17, 1958. Gertrude McKenzie, presented a deed from Stanley Abbott
2. Mordialloc City News, July 10, 1958. declaring that on and after October 15, 1959 they would
3. Mordialloc City News, July 17, 1958.
cease the business of vegetable dehydration at 524 Main
4. Mordialloc City News, July 17, 1958.
5. Mordialloc City News, August 14, 1958.
Street, Mordialloc. Cr McKenzie added the comment, “I must
6. Mordialloc City News, August 14, 1958. say he’s making hay while the sun shines. He’s flat out
7. Mordialloc City News, July 16, 1959. dehydrating onions." [9]
8. Mordialloc City News, July 23, 1959.
9. Mordialloc City News, August 13, 1959.
This article has been reproduced with kind
permission fromThis article is reproduced with kind permission of the author Dr Graham Whitehead –
City of Kingston Historical Website.
OCTOBER NOVEMBER 2018 ISSUE 12 17reflect
Father Andrew’s Word
D O YOU have FOMO? Don’t worry if you don’t –
it stands for Fear Of Missing Out and it is a
Most responses have supported this proposed
name, some other suggestions have been “Our Lady
new term generally pertaining to the younger Help of Christians”, “Christ our Light”, “Christ our
generation who use their devices excessively. Social Hope”,“Jesus our Way”, “St. Mary MacKillop” “Holy
media is a wonderful platform for communication Family”. I am grateful for the extra suggestions and I
but there are some people who may be addicted to will take them into consideration.
being “up-to-date” with every bit of information and I would like to continue this consultation by offering
cannot but react when their device sends an alert a meeting for anyone interested in coming along
signaling new information. and finding more about the impact of the
I certainly don’t want parishioners to miss out on amalgamation. If you have any concerns, then come
interesting parish news and Blessings is one of the along to the meeting or at least contact me with
many forms of communication that can keep us up your concerns beforehand via email
to date (we can send daily alerts if you like?) so this andrew.jekot@cam.org.au or contact the parish
edition of Blessings continues to contain interesting office.
information about our partnered parishes and The meeting will be on Wednesday the 24th October
beyond. at 7pm at St. Brigid’s church. The parish liturgy
In the last edition I informed you of the impending meeting will follow (all welcome).
amalgamation of the two parishes and I have asked
for your feedback. I have received 7 emails and 5
feedback forms – thank you. Other than one Shalom,
response that I shouldn’t go ahead with the
amalgamation, all the rest have been supportive, Fr. Andrew
and some have given suggestions about the new
parish name. Again, rest assured that St. Brigid’s
and St. Louis’ names will be maintained but an
overriding parish name will be created. My proposal
Fr. Andrew Jekot
is for
Parish Priest
“St. Mary of the Cross Parish. Catholic communities
of St. Brigid’s, Mordialloc and St. Louis De Montfort, St Brigid’s Mordialloc and
St Louis de Montfort Aspendale
Aspendale”.
OCTOBER NOVEMBER 2018 ISSUE 12 18support our local
Blessings professional and trades
people
SERGE NAYNA
& ASSOCIATES
(LAWYERS)
General practice – Notary
Services, conveyancing,
Wills, probate,
Business, commercial law
PRE-PAID & consent orders.
FUNERALS Complimentary initial
AVAILABLE consultation for parishioners of
up to 30 minutes.
Cnr Wells Rd & Thames Promenade
Chelsea Heights, Victoria 3196 63 Nepean Hwy
Aspendale Vic 3195
Tel: 95805989
Ph: (03) 9776 0299 Mob: 0488104383
www.gatewayfunerals.com.au snayna1@bigpond.com
snayna1@bigpond.co
m Advertising
in
“Blessings”
Do you have a local
business?
Would you like the
opportunity to
support our
parishes &
increase your
business
exposure?
If so, please contact the editor:
Berna.Wake@cam.org.au
We appreciate the support of our local
businesses who help with the printing
costs for Blessings.
OCTOBER NOVEMBER 2018 ISSUE 12 19Blessings
Catholic?
Are you interested in becoming a
Catholic? Do you know someone Parish Directory
who is interested in joining the
Thinking
Catholic Church?
If you would like to know more,
St Louis’ & St Brigid’s
about it? please contact our Pastoral
Fr Andrew Jekot - Parish Priest
Associate Bernadette Carr at
T:9580 1018 E: Andrew.Jekot@cam.org.au
Bernadette.Carr@cam.org.au
Fr Justel Callos – Assistant Priest
T:9580 1018 E: Justel.Callos@cam.org.au
Pastoral Associate Bernadette Carr
Contact via Parish Office
As a parish we Parish Office
acknowledge the Parish Secretary: 9580 7981
traditional custodians Susan Dornom: Mon/Thurs/Fri
of the lands and waters Ann Fitzgerald: Tue/Wed
of Victoria, and pay our E: aspendale@cam.org.au
respect to Elders E: mordialloc@cam.org.au
past and present. W: http://cam.org.au/aspendalemordialloc
Baptism, Weddings & Funeral Inquiries
Rite of Christian Initiation Program Inquiries
Communion for the Sick Inquiries
Contact via Parish Office 9580 7981
Catechist Program - Elizabeth Newington
9512 1155
Our Parish Vision
We are a faith community who gather St Vincent de Paul Society
to give praise and worship to God. Mordialloc: Robyn Worsnop 0412 814 592
Aspendale: Geoff Terrell 9580 9937
We express Christ’s presence among us
by reaching out to those in need “Blessings” Editor Berna Wake
with Christ’s message of love Berna.Wake@cam.org.au
and forgiveness and the promise of
justice and hope for all. St Louis’ School
Principal Tom Lindeman 9580 5169
www.stlouisaspendale.catholic.edu.au
St Brigid’s School
Principal Michael Russo 9580 4518
www.sbmord.catholic.edu.au
OCTOBER NOVEMBER 2018 ISSUE 12 20You can also read
