CAVHO IC LIFE - A Rosary for You - Catholic Diocese of Lismore
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CA
V L HO IC
IFE
Diocese of Lismore
Tweed Coast to Camden Haven www.lismorediocese.org September 2019 Vol.17 No.3
A Rosary for You
N
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THE BISHOP
Writes
On the Feast of the Assumption, 15 August,
I gave the Campion Lecture at my old high
school.
I
flew to Sydney from Ballina and arrived at the school
a few hours before the lecture. This gave me the
opportunity to spend some time in the school chapel
preparing my talk. It was surprisingly difficult for me to
focus my thoughts because as I sat there memories filled
my mind. Memories of happy times, of family and friends, A decision about the kind of person I would like to be
of teachers, of childhood and growing up. I remembered is already specified by what it means to be human and
being challenged to higher things and of what I had hoped made in the image and likeness of God. Virtuous, honest,
to do with my life. As a high school student I dreamed of good, forgiving and compassionate are examples of what
what I might do with my life and of the possible professions a flourishing human being is. Indeed this is what God is.
available to me; a good degree, a wife, children, and all the Perhaps the only choices over which I have some control
things a young man hopes for. The world was my oyster. are the choices towards being such a person. This is the
My life somehow took a different direction. As a year correct use of freedom.
12 student I would never have believed that I would one Looking back over my life, I can say that I have striven
day return to my school as a monk, and certainly not as to become a good person. As to whether this has happened,
a bishop. In spite of intense study and hard work in the I don’t know. Yet it remains my desire. How can a young
job of my choice my life did not unfold as I had expected person achieve such desires? Indeed how can anyone
and planned. As I sat in the chapel I thought “I might be a facilitate these profound human possibilities?
bishop but I am the same as the 17 year old boy who left
this school in 1975”. I believe that our lives are crafted by our deepest desires
and that these desires can fashion us if we allow them to
I began to realise that while I had freedom to make determine how we live our lives. The noise of influences
choices about the direction of my life, I had no control
external to us should not direct our lives, rather the deep
over how my life would proceed. My capacities and abilities
desire concerning the kind of person that I want to be,
are set and there is nothing one can do to change them.
should respond to the world in which I live.
Opportunities cannot be contrived, they are outside our
control. Part of my life was within my choosing but the The way of life which I choose, the rhythm and discipline
greater part was outside the determination of this young of daily life should accord with the kind of person I want to
man. In hindsight I had to grow into my own life before I be. It is very obvious that some ways of living are contrary
could make realistic choices. to the kind of person we want to be, and should therefore
be rejected. The real challenge is choosing to live in such a
Some people seem to have lives which are well within
way that I will become the person that God has created me
their control, but for most of us, so much of life is outside
to be. This is why I have freedom. Simplicity according to
our control. We cannot plan and determine the whole of
the Gospel and a regular review of life will help.
our lives, and certainly not the final outcomes. As I sat in
the chapel I asked “do I really have the freedom to make As yet, I haven’t got there, but hope that with perseverance
choices about my own life?” and the assistance of your prayers, I will one day make it.
Memory is a funny thing. One thought leads to another I will pray for you also.
and prayerful pondering often delivers wonderful treasures With my prayers and best wishes,
from within. As a school boy I not only had aspirations ✠ Bishop Greg Homeming OCD
with respect to the life I would have, I also had desires as
to the kind of person I would be.
My parents, in true Confucian tradition, placed virtue
ahead of success and constantly taught me to strive for
goodness and integrity. The priests at my school reinforced
this by their teaching and example. While we have little
control over the way our life will unfold, I believe that we
do have significant input into something which is far more
important. In terms of my life, I do have some real choice
about the kind of person I want to be.
Catholic Life, September, 2019 3
Religious ART
Cussignacco, Italy. Interiors of catholic church
in Cussignacco Chiesa di San Martino Vescovo.
Denis Vostrikov | Dreamstime.com
Regular Features Editor, Publisher and Advertising Enquiries for
3
4
5
The Bishop Writes
Religious Art
Editorial
Contents “Catholic Life”
Father Peter M Karam
Email: media@lismorediocese.org
Mobile: 0419 401 258 Fax: 02 6622 1771
7 Book Review
11 Question Box
Parish events:
13 Liturgy Email your planned Parish events, celebrations,
28 Unusual Churches of the World anniversaries, etc., for inclusion on our website and in
the next edition of “Catholic Life”
Features Email: media@lismorediocese.org
6 CEO Dr Sally Towns: Looking to the Future
7 Notre Dame’s Crown of Thorns
Printed by: Quality Plus Printers (02) 6686 7488
8 New CRA President and Council Members Art Direction & Graphic Design:
9 Australian Bishops meet Pope Francis Johanna Evans – gpg@bordernet.com.au
10 Empowering student military veterans
11 Don’t Be Scared Says Pope Francis
Visit our Diocesan website: www.lismorediocese.org
12,27,29 Aged Care Update: What to make of the Aged Care
Our website contains a daily news bulletin, spiritual
Royal Commission to date reflections and daily Mass readings.
14-16 Sawtell Coffs Harbour Cambodia Visit Catholic Life – A member of the Australasian
17 Plenary Council Catholic Press Association and the Australasian
26 Seeing double to improve inclusivity in the classroom Religious Press Association Inc.
29 New guidelines will inform Church’s response to abuse
School News
18 St. Joseph’s Primary School, Kempsey
St. Joseph’s Primary School, Alstonville
Cover
CAPTION
19 Mary Help of Christians Parish School, Sawtell
Holy Family Primary School, Skennars Head
St. Patrick’s Primary School, Macksville Pope Francis presents a
20 St. Brigid’s Primary School, Kyogle rosary to a child during
St. Mary’s Primary School, Grafton his visit at Zimpeto
21 St. Joseph’s Primary School, Wauchope Hospital, in Maputo,
Our Lady Help of Christians Parish School, Sth Lismore Mozambique, Friday,
22 Trinity Catholic College, Lismore Sept. 6, 2019.
23 Xavier Catholic College, Ballina
Alessandra Tarantino | AP
24 St. Paul’s College, Kempsey
25 St. Joseph’s Regional College, Port Macquarie
4 Catholic Life, September, 2019
Empty Tabernacles
There are many issues in our church in recent the current reality of the Catholic Church in Australia. This
gathered data also reveals some deeper hopes, questions,
years that have caused confusion, scandal and the diverse yearnings that we are now challenged to
and sadness. We no longer have a tidy church, consider together. (cf. Report page 17)
predictable and comfortable in the status Many are looking for a way back, trying to find
quo. meaning in what seemed meaningless. There
M
any survivors are asking: “Is Christ still here are those who have been hurt deeply by fellow
with us?” We are left with an empty tabernacle, parishioners and church representatives.
a symbol of an empty world... like the women at At times when they needed help and kindness there
the empty tomb on the first Easter morning. Do we debate was none. There are others who have been turned away
the existence of God or seek comfort and answers in his because there was no place for their ideas and inspiration...
abiding presence? Sunday worship has declined; there is a not even a place around the table, when all they wanted to
loss of moral credibility replaced with a hateful intolerance hear was: “Good to see you again” and not “where have you
of religious practices. been?” Each of us needs to be convinced that social and
Where are our watershed moments where we can get church renewal has to come from individuals.
a breath of fresh air and ponder the need for renewal These days the question frequently asked is: Why stay
and transformation? when there are so many issues unresolved? The ongoing
I don’t believe that our faith response is to be hiding in crises of abuse cover up, the cry for more representation
inhospitable environments, fearful and looking for exile. of women in leadership roles, persisting clericalism that
Pope Francis tells us to be realistic and see that the walls stands in the way of lay peoples’ empowerment, more
of our church have been blown away and our salvation lies concern for the elderly who are often left out of the
in meeting God among the sick, homeless and lost. “Mercy discussion and making children safe and valued.
is the very foundation of the Church’s life. It is her mission I believe we stay because of how we gather for our
to announce God’s mercy based on the love of Christ. On liturgy and sacrament, with people we know who are
it depends her credibility.” (The Face of Mercy 4). No more friends, who read God’s word in their own way often
clericalism, dominance and privilege. Change the language leaving out words and putting some in. We stay because of
to speak of affirmation, compassion, welcome and mission. the way we sing those old favourites like “Yahweh is the
In October 2020, the Catholic Church in Australia will God of my Salvation” and “Amazing Grace.”
gather for the first Plenary Council to be held since the
We stay because we look around our church
second Vatican Council.
community and respect those who are older or
In 2018, a gathering was called to prepare for this younger, happier, sick or in sadness. We stay because
historic Council by listening to God, by listening to one we are with others who have fought for justice to be
another’s stories of faith. given a fair go at work or at school... and we can learn
More than 222,000 people participated in listening and
from them.
dialogue encounters and contributed 17,457 submissions
And when all is said and done we stay because the
during the first stage of preparation for the Australian
Plenary Council. The voices of the faithful help all of us church is our own and the Tabernacle is not empty.
to understand something of the historical experience and Father Peter M. Karam. Editor.
Catholic Life, September, 2019 5
equity and excellence to encompass the Gospel imperative
Looking to be the light in the world. This requires us to have at
the forefront the message of Jesus Christ – we are created
TO THE FUTURE in the image and likeness of God and we are known and
loved.
There are many challenges for Catholic education in
Lismore, many of them similar to the challenges faced by
other Catholic education authorities across the country.
by Dr Sally Towns As Pope Francis said, “We are not living an era of
Director of Catholic Schools change but a change of era”, and this is certainly true for
for the Diocese of Lismore Catholic education in Australia. A society characterised
by increasing pluralism, changing parental expectations
At the time of writing I have just completed and rapid developments in technology (to name a few)
poses many opportunities and challenges for us in Catholic
my first six weeks in the role. education.
W
hat a busy six weeks it has been. I have been Looking to the future, a major priority for the diocese is
fortunate to have attend and address meetings in the transition to a new model of governance and I will be
all six clusters in the diocese, which have been focussed on ensuring that this is as smooth a process as
attended by school leaders in our Parish Schools. I have possible for everyone within the diocese.
also had twenty school visits. These visits take on various Furthermore, ensuring that, as a system of Catholic
forms, but I have been energised by the conversations with schools, we continue to provide quality education and
school leaders and Parish Priests and the learning that is opportunities for school communities to engage in the
taking place in all of the schools I have been privileged to mission of the Church through daily active living of
have visited. the Gospel, nurturing and celebrating God’s presence in
I am delighted to have returned to the diocese and people, community and creation.
am grateful for the warm welcome I have received. It The position of Director of Catholic Schools, Diocese
has been almost 12 years since I left the diocese and my of Lismore is a privileged position and I acknowledge the
initial observation is that, while much has changed, there responsibilities and accountabilities of stepping into the
have been some constants over time. Of particular note role. I am excited about the opportunities and challenges
is that our Catholic schools continue to be faith-based ahead. As I continue to make my way around the diocese
communities of learning. They extend beyond the goals of I look forward to meeting you all.
6 Catholic Life, September, 2019
Notre Dame’s Crown of Thorns
PRESENTED TO THE PUBLIC FOR THE FIRST TIME
AFTER SURVIVING THE INFERNO
A venerated relic saved from flames during
the April fire at Notre Dame Cathedral has
been presented to the public in Paris.
T
he Crown of Thorns is purported to be the woven
crown of thorns placed on the head of Jesus Christ
at his crucifixion, estimated to be sometime between
AD 30-33.
The crown is considered one of Christianity’s Instruments The Crown of Thorns was purportedly placed on Jesus Christ at
of the Passion (otherwise known as Arma Christi) — objects his crucifixion. AP: Christophe Ena
associated with Jesus’s Passion in Christian symbolism
and art — and was believed to have been employed by his King Louis IX brought it to Paris in the 13th century,
captors to mock his claim of authority and to cause pain. following an offer by Constantinople’s Baldwin II in 1238.
“And when they had platted a crown of thorns, they put It stayed in the French Royal chapel of Sainte-Chapelle
it upon his head, and a reed in his right hand,” according until the French Revolution when it was deposited in the
to the Gospel of Matthew (King James Version translation). Cathedral of Notre Dame.
“And they bowed the knee and mocked him, saying, ‘Hail, During Notre Dame’s April inferno, firefighters rescued
King of the Jews!’” the relic and other treasures as the cathedral’s spire
The relic is further referenced by the Church fathers — collapsed and roof burned away.
ancient and influential Christian theologians and writers Full story: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2019-09-
— and has become synonymous with artistic interpretations 07/the-crown-of-thorns-relic-is-on-display-during-a-
of the Passion. ceremony-in-st/11488612
The book draws an easily understandable
continuous thread through the history of mankind
B O O K R E VIE W with God: from the first ray of light in Genesis to the
vision of the second coming of Christ.
This 400 page text offers an introduction to
each Book of the Catholic Bible. The layout and
Illustrations are excellent with hundreds of quotes
The YOUCAT project, with its range of books that border the bible text. Apart from the usual
and media, is one of the most valuable and suspects of saints, mystics, theologians and
exciting tools the Church has at its disposal scholars, the quotes include composers, novelists,
poets, playwrights, politicians and philosophers.
for teaching and information. The newest
The pages of the Bible have 8 different icons that
addition to this range is the Y-Bible. offer scripture parallels, explanatory notes, and links
to the other YOUCAT texts. The Bible “Surprises” icon
has some very clever comments and the occasional
humourous note – a laugh from a scripture text!
The genius of this taster to the Scriptures is the
selection of a few key chapters to read. These
choices serve as a ‘101’ introduction to the whole
Bible and whets the appetite for further reading.
Apart from some texts (Matthew’s Gospel) the
selections from each book is limited to three
chapters. The 34 Old Testament and 23 of the New
Testament books that comprise this YOUCAT Bible
are manageable.
This Australian Edition is NRSV with quotes from
prominent Australian Catholics.
WWW.YOUCAT.ORG
Catholic Life, September, 2019 7
New CRA
President and
Council Members
ELECTED TO CARRY
FORWARD THE
VISION OF RELIGIOUS
ACROSS AUSTRALIA
The 43rd National Assembly
of Catholic Religious Australia
began on Tuesday, 18 June
2019 exploring the theme of
Members of the Council L-R: Back row: Peter Jones osa, Sue Flood osu, David Hawke
“Communio: Stewarding a life fsc, Lucy Van Kessel pbvm, Peter Carroll fms, Catherine Reuter rsm, Noreen Reynolds op,
that belongs to the Church and William Matthews sdb, Tom McDonough cp Front row: Patty Fawkner sgs, Clare Nolan
rsc, Mary-Clare Holland op, Paul O’Keeffe fsp, Eveline Crotty rsm, Anne Boyd csb
the World,” creating a deepening
awareness of coming together in Gospel message. Council members • Lucy Van Kessel pbvm Presentation
come from across Australia, from Sisters, Western Australia
relationship and transformation. small and large congregations. The • Monica Cavanagh rsj,
A
n important part of the National 2019 Council comprises the President
Congregational Leader for the
Assembly is the election of the and the following Council members:
CRA President and Council Sisters of St Joseph and outgoing
• Anne Boyd csb, Brigidine Sisters
members. Br Peter Carroll fms, President, is confident in the new
• Eveline Crotty rsm, Institute of the team.
Provincial, Marist Brothers Australia Sisters of Mercy of Australia and
was enthusiastically elected as the Papua New Guinea Sr Monica said, “Serving as
new President of CRA on Wednesday, President for the past year has been
• Patty Fawkner sgs, Sisters of the
19 June. both gift and challenge. I know the
Good Samaritan
CRA is one of the few conferences • Sue Flood osu, Ursuline Sisters Council will continue the important
of religious leaders in the world which work of being a prophetic voice at this
• David Hawke fsc, De La Salle
represents both female and male moment in history. I wish Br Peter and
Brothers of the District of
religious. The Vice President will be
Australia, New Zealand, Pakistan the new Council every blessing.”
elected at the first Council meeting
and Papua New Guinea Br Peter is deeply grateful for the
and will be a female religious leader.
CRA values the gifts of women and • Mary-Clare Holland op, Dominican leadership of his predecessor. He
men and its statutes require that the Sisters of Eastern Australia and the acknowledges the task ahead.
roles of President and Vice President Solomon Islands
“A President is only as good as
represent each gender. • Peter Jones osa, Augustinian
Fathers his or her team and I am delighted to
“I thank my peers for giving me have people of such calibre as those
the opportunity to serve them and • William Matthews sdb, Salesians of
Don Bosco who are in our new Council and in the
the Church at this time. There is no
• Tom McDonough cp, Passionist Secretariat. Our call is to be servant
doubt in my mind that the voice of the
Fathers leaders, particularly at this time in
Gospel is an absolute imperative in
our society today. CRA’s role is to help • Clare Nolan rsc Sisters of Charity our Church. A gift of this community
amplify that voice within our Church Australia is to walk together as pilgrims of the
and broader community,” said Br Peter. • Paul O’Keeffe fsp Patrician Brothers Gospel,” said Br Peter.
New members were also elected to • Catherine Reuter rsm, Sisters of Sylvia MacRitchie-Hook E: comms@
the Council and will address issues of Mercy, Brisbane catholicreligious.org.au M: 0410 644
importance to religious, the Church • Noreen Reynolds op Dominican 356 www.catholicreligiousaustralia.
and society through the lens of the Sisters of North Adelaide org.au
V L
Give a gift subscription to
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IFE
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8 Catholic Life, September, 2019
Australian Bishops MEET POPE FRANCIS
Pope Francis has given his apostolic blessing to Petrine ministry, “of being our solid ‘rock’ and ‘confirming
the brethren’”.
the Australian Catholic bishops and encouraged
“The Holy Father clearly understood our situation in
them to explore new ways of being missionary in Australia. It was a real moment of grace,” Archbishop
Australia at this time. Fisher said.
A
lmost 40 Australian bishops met with Pope Francis Bishop Charles Gauci, the most recently ordained of
for more than two hours as part of their Ad Limina the Australian bishops, having become Bishop of Darwin
Apostolorum visit, translated as “To the Threshold last September, said he was “deeply impressed” by Pope
of the Apostles”. Francis.
It was a high point of a memorable first day of the Ad “I was impressed by his humanity, his compassion,
Limina, which began with the bishops celebrating Mass at his sense of collegiality, his passion for working with
the tomb of St Peter. all the people of God in a synodal Church and his true
“To celebrate the Eucharist at the tomb of Peter and commitment to the Gospel,” Bishop Gauci said.
then to engage in pastoral dialogue with his successor “I felt a deep sense of connection with the Holy Father
was a unique and grace-filled way to start our week in as a fellow member of the College of Bishops, as bishops
Rome,” Australian Catholic Bishops Conference president in service of the People of God and in partnership with the
Archbishop Mark Coleridge said. People of God.”
The bishops raised with Pope Francis a number of Melbourne Archbishop Peter A. Comensoli posted on
topics that are of deep concern to the Catholic Church in social media that the meeting with the Holy Father was
Australia. “an extraordinary conversation, brother to brothers”. He
Among them were the Church’s work to eliminate child said it was “spiritually intense, deeply honest, pastorally
sexual abuse and to accompany survivors of abuse, the astute, free and frank”.
bishops’ desire to support and minister to Aboriginal and
Torres Strait Islander peoples, the hopes for the Plenary
Council and the need to find new ways of witnessing to
VISIT OUR WEBSITE:
Jesus Christ in Australian society in a time of change.
“There was an ease and a fraternal warmth in the way
Pope Francis spoke and an attentiveness in his listening
to the questions the bishops asked,” Archbishop Coleridge
said.
“For a man of his years, the Holy Father’s energy
through a long and complex conversation was amazing.”
Conference vice president Archbishop Anthony Fisher
OP said the meeting with Pope Francis was “moving and
deeply encouraging”. He said it showed the benefit of the
www.lismorediocese.org
Catholic Life, September, 2019 9
ACU over other institutions because of its welcoming and
inclusive culture.”
ACU is part of a network of Australian universities that
work to support students who are also Australian Defence
Forces (ADF) veterans.
The University has partnered with the Australian
Student Veterans’ Association (ASVA) and several other
Australian universities on a major national project to
increase access to and support of younger military student
veterans in higher education.
The project builds on findings from previous research by
La Trobe University’s Centre for Higher Education Equity
and Diversity (CHEEDR) with the ASVA, which found that
most student veterans were not identified within higher
education institutions, and many felt marginalised and
unsupported.
As part of its initiatives to support student veterans,
ACU and the ASVA sponsored Michael to attend the 2019
Student military veterans
EMPOWERED THROUGH
US Student Veteran Association’s National Conference
(NatCon) in Orlando, Florida. NatCon is the largest annual
gathering of student veterans, advocates, thought-leaders,
HIGHER EDUCATION stakeholders, and supporters in higher education in the
world.
Michael said that he planned to implement much of
what he had learnt at the conference and that there were
It was during his tour of Afghanistan during common experiences with the US Student Veterans that
2015-2016 that Australian Army veteran Michael transcended national boundaries.
“They described how they felt under prepared and
Addis decided he wanted to be a nurse. isolated once commencing higher education. This is an
T
hough the bases he was stationed at in Kandahar issue I also experienced and seek to overcome for future
and Kabul were subject to shelling and rocket fire, Student Veterans at ACU,” said Michael.
Michael didn’t fight on the front line against the Michael is now President of ACU’s Student Veterans
Taliban forces. However, the 20 year-old saw the horror of chapter and ACU’s first Veteran Administration Officer,
war first hand in the hospitals and clinics where he worked located within ACU Engagement Brisbane. In an initiative
as part of a security detail tasked with protecting coalition supported by Pro Vice-Chancellor Engagement, Vice-
trainers. President, Chief Operating Officer, and Deputy Vice-
It was while observing the trainers that he became Chancellor Education and Innovation, Michael is working
inspired to pursue nursing as a profession on his return to with Kimberley Fort in the ACU Engagement team to
Australia. After considering his options, Michael decided develop and implement a comprehensive program to
to enroll in a Bachelor of Nursing at Australian Catholic support student veterans at ACU.
University (ACU) Brisbane Campus. “I hope the program can offer a range of benefits
“In war, it’s the civilian population that really suffers. alleviating transitional issues for veterans within higher
But watching how much the coalition trainers made a education,” said Michael.
difference in the lives of the local population gave me the “The goal is for more veterans to enjoy success at
desire to want to help people,” said Michael. university.”
“After I was discharged from the army, I started to look Georgina Bible 0475 963 606
around at different universities in Brisbane. I finally chose Georgina.Bible@acu.edu.au
www.buyabale.com.au
10 Catholic Life, September, 2019Don’t Be Scared
SAYS POPE FRANCIS
Pope Francis told his general
audience Wednesday that people
should not be scared of those
who tell them to shut up.
“
We too ask the Holy Spirit for the
strength to not be afraid before
those who command us to be silent,
malign us and even make attempts on hold a privileged role in the Church His wounds, is always there,” he
our life,” he told the weekly gathering and in the priestly heart of all the added. “Jesus calls each of us to look
in St Peter’s Square. faithful,” said Pope Francis. “They are after them, to support them, and to
Continuing his catechesis on the not to be cast aside. On the contrary, heal them.” Pope Francis said the
Acts of the Apostles, Francis recalled they are to be cared for, to be looked healing power of the apostles incited
the teaching of St Peter: “I obey God after. They are the objects of Christian envy and hate in the Sadducees, who
before men, it is the great Christian concern.” The Holy Father said Peter imprisoned and beat them.
response”. emerges as the head of the apostles, as Peter’s response to their threats,
Francis also reflected on how his Pentecost preaching and ministry said the Pope, was that “we must obey
Jesus strengthened the early Christian of healing shows. God rather than men. This is the great
community to serve those in need, Peter, like Jesus, is drawn to people Christian response,” he said. “It means
especially as seen in the ministry of suffering illness and infirmity, so he listening to God without hesitation”.
St. Peter. acts in persona Christi, allowing Christ Finally, the Holy Father invited
The Lord, said the Pope, was to operate in his actions. the pilgrims present at the General
generous with Jesus’ disciples, who “Peter carries out the work of the Audience to ask the Holy Spirit for the
worked “many signs and wonders” Master,” said Pope Francis. “Looking at interior strength to know that God is
(Acts 5:12,15-16). him with faith, we see Christ himself.” always at our side as we carry out His
He said the early Church is depicted “In the wounds of the sick and in the healing work.
as “a field hospital that takes in the diseases that impede us from moving All Rights Reserved
weakest people: the infirm.” “The sick forward in life, Jesus’ presence, and ©ANSA Vatican City, August 28
The Questions As a Sacrament of healing, Penance is for the
good of the person participating and brings
you ask about the many graces.
Catholic Faith “Christ instituted the sacrament of Penance
for all sinful members of his Church: above all
for those who, since Baptism, have fallen into
Is there something about the Catholic faith you
want answered? CATHOLIC ENQUIRY CENTRE
Q: What are the holy days of obligation in grave sin and have thus lost their baptismal
info@catholicenquiry.com Ph: 1300 4 FAITH
Australia? grace and wounded ecclesial communion. It is
to them that the sacrament of Penance offers
A: Christmas Day and Assumption (15 August)
a new possibility to convert and to recover
are the holy days of obligation in Australia.
the grace of justification. The Fathers of the
There are several days which used be Church present this sacrament as “the second
celebrated on the day of the feast but which plank [of salvation] after the shipwreck which is
have now been moved to the nearest Sunday. the loss of grace.” (CCC, 1446)
(1300 432 484)
Q: It has been many years since I’ve been to The Catechism of the Catholic Church
Mass and I have a family wedding coming provides helpful instruction on the place
of the Sacrament of Penance in relation to
up that I want to go to. Do I need to go to
Communion: “Anyone who desires to receive
confession before I go to communion or is
Christ in the Eucharistic Communion must be
that now out of date?
in a state of grace. Anyone aware of having
A: The Sacrament of Penance is still an integral sinned mortally must not receive Communion
part of the Catholic faith, although there are without having received absolution in the
some Catholics who do not participate as Sacrament of Penance.” (CCC, 1415)
often as they could. The Sacrament of Penance We have a little pamphlet on the Sacrament of
is about God’s love for us and his desire to Reconciliation, with prayers etc that you might
heal us and set us free. This he does when we find useful in your preparation. Please contact
turn to him and tell him of our sins. us if you’d like a copy.
Catholic Life, September, 2019 11Aged Care
UPDATE: WHAT TO MAKE
OF THE AGED CARE ROYAL
COMMISSION TO DATE
The $104m Royal Commission into Aged Residential aged care
A major focus of the Commission to date has been on
Care Quality and Safety is gradually aspects of substandard care in residential aged care.
working its way through its terms of In particular, the inappropriate use of chemical and
reference. physical restraints; substandard dementia care and
behaviour management practices; challenges in managing
A
t the time of writing this article, the Royal the intersection between the health and aged care sectors,
Commission had conducted 39 days of Hearings and including in relation to palliative care; substandard
six community forums across Australia, published medication, pressure wound and continence management
seven Background Papers, held a number of invitation-only practices; inadequate attention to oral health; poor nutrition
Roundtables, and was embarking on five days of Hearings and hydration; challenges aged care providers in rural and
focusing on the operation of the aged care quality and regional locations face; and the challenges regarding
safety regulatory system. access to culturally safe and culturally appropriate care by
The key matters that the Royal Commission is required Indigenous communities.
to inquire into, and make recommendations on, include: With regard to restrictive practices, Counsel Assisting
the extent of substandard care being provided, the causes the Commissioners has observed that medications to
of any systemic failures, and any actions that should be control behaviour are being over prescribed in residential
taken in response; how best to deliver aged care services aged care, with psychotropic medication justified in only
to young people with disabilities living in aged care homes about 10% of cases, and that restrictive practices can be
and people living with dementia; the future challenges associated with increased risk of falls and strokes. Counsel
and opportunities for delivering accessible, affordable Assisting also observed that aged care providers should
and high quality aged care services; what the Australian obtain and retain documentary records that informed
Government, aged care industry, families and the wider consent has been obtained. The Commission will be
community can do to strengthen the system of aged care subjecting the recent changes to regulations introduced by
services; how to ensure aged care services are person- the Australian Government intended to tighten the use of
centred, including through allowing people to exercise chemical and physical restraints to further scrutiny.
greater choice, control and independence in relation to With regard to dementia care, Counsel Assisting noted
their care; and how best to deliver aged care services in a the consensus from experts that dementia care is not
sustainable way, including through innovative models of meeting community expectations, and that the evidence
care, increased use of technology, and investment in the suggests that a lack of understanding of dementia is
aged care workforce and capital infrastructure. common in the health and aged care sectors, and is likely
The Commission’s main approach to date has been to to lead to substandard care. Key systemic contributors to
use case studies at its Hearings to examine instances of substandard care identified by the Commission include
substandard care and service delivery issues identified a lack of respect for the person with dementia and for
through public submissions, and to call expert witnesses their choices and ability to express them, and a lack of
about how more appropriate care can be delivered, willingness to partner with the person’s family or informal
including providers who are pursuing innovative models carer.
of care. Counsel Assisting also drew attention to the challenges
In undertaking its inquiry, the Commission has also presented in managing the intersection between the health
recognised that quality aged care has multiple dimensions, and aged care sectors, including in relation to palliative
namely: safety, various domains of clinical and personal care. There is also evidence of a lack of appropriate wound
care, and quality of life, including cultural, socioeconomic management skills in aged care which has resulted in
and geographical factors. misdiagnosis and treatment. continued on page 27
12 Catholic Life, September, 2019by Elizabeth Harrington
Blessings One of Australia’s best known liturgists. Elizabeth has written over
1,000 Liturgy Lines. These pithy 500 word articles on everything
liturgy have appeared in publications all over the world. Elizabeth
was previously engaged as Liturgy Brisbane’s Education Officer.
SOMETIMES PEOPLE IMAGINE THAT WHEN A PRIEST BLESSES A ROSARY, CAR OR HOUSE
IT IS LIKE STICKING A LABEL ON IT TO MAKE IT HOLY. THAT IS NOT THE BEST WAY TO
THINK ABOUT BLESSINGS. BLESSING STARTS WITH GOD AND INVOLVES A TWO-WAY
MOVEMENT – FROM GOD TO US AND US TO GOD.
We start with God’s goodness God’s goodness. When we bless or thing will be an occasion to
and care for us. So the first another person we invoke divine experience God’s love. This
meaning of blessing is the praise help upon them; we pray that adds a communal dimension to
and thanksgiving we offer God they may be placed under God’s the blessing. Sometimes these
in worship. Blessed are you Lord loving care. When we bless blessings are formal and involve
God of all creation… We praise water, we ask that it will serve as a full liturgy with Scripture and
you, we bless you, we give you a reminder of our baptism and a gathering of people (the
thanks… We acknowledge that a reminder that we are saved in blessing of the oils at the Chrism
God cares for us. We rejoice in the death and resurrection of Mass, for example). However
God’s providence. This is the Christ. Holy water is precious blessing is not the exclusive
movement from us to God. because through the blessing domain of the priest or the
When we celebrate blessings it becomes an eloquent sign of church building. Families bless
– whether it be the blessing of God’s gracious kindness; but God and bless their food at the
a rosary, a wheat crop, a mother it doesn’t change the water as meal table. Parents bless their
or a bridge – the person or thing consecration changes the bread children as they go to bed or set
or event that we bless becomes and wine. When we bless a off for school.
an opportunity to praise God rosary or image, we ask that it
for creation and to invoke the will open our hearts to God’s So blessings are not like
protection of God’s mercy upon grace. Thus blessings are really magic or Harry Potter spells that
our world. Our blessing is a way for people. We bless objects or would assign spiritual power
of saying that God is the source places primarily in view of the to a mere object or place.
of all blessing. people who use them. All good comes from God. A
blessing brings people into the
Blessing also involves a When a priest blesses, he
orbit of God’s loving kindness,
movement from God to us. It does so as a representative of
sometimes through a particular
is an invocation upon a person, the Church. The whole body
place or thing.
thing or event asking that it of Christ joins in praising God
will become a sign, a sign of and in asking that the person God bless!
Catholic Life, September, 2019 13SOMETHING BEAUTIFUL FOR CAMBODIA
Fr. Colin and visitors with the team for the rice project.
In July this year we remembered the first landing on the
moon as part of the Apollo mission to fulfil President John
F. Kennedy’s challenge to put man on the moon by the end
of the decade. The Apollo flights that preceded this historic
event changed the way we look at the world. In particular
the photo of the earth rising over the moon’s horizon.
We developed a consciousness that this planet looked so
fragile in space, apart from the birth of the environmental
movement, another concept was coined that of the “global
village”. This concept saw humanity as connected and that
we have a common life. Also the challenge given to us by St
Mary MacKillop “Never see a need without doing something
Rice Intensification Project: This lady was one of the first and now has
about it” prompted the parishioners to raise funds for the
a house.
work of the Jesuit Mission in Cambodia.
Pre-School Children A number of parishioners from Coffs Harbour and
Sawtell parishes travelled to Cambodia in May/June of this
year to visit the two projects that they have raised funds
for over the past 12 months.
These two projects were a rice storage shed for the Rice
Intensification Programme and a Multi-Purpose Hall for St
Mary’s Parish in the Village of Piak Snaeng Chas outside
Siem Reap.
The Rice Intensification Programme, near Pursat, is a rice
growing method that is changing peoples lives. Less rice is
used for a greater yield, it is sustainable and environmentally
friendly in that the farmers use only organic fertilisers (no
chemicals). It is a simple method that was first developed
14in Madagascar, taken to India and introduced into Cambodia from loan sharks to buy seed to plant next season’s crops.
by the Jesuits. The numbers of farmers using this method is This method of rice growing, because of the increase in
gradually growing from three farmers three years ago to fifty yield, enables farmers to have extra income that is helping
this year. Throughout Cambodia it is estimated that nearly to break this debt cycle in which they are trapped.
three thousand farmers are taking up this method. One
Br Noel Oliver s.j. is an Indian Jesuit who introduced this
of the original farmers has been able to purchase a house
programme into Cambodia from India. He was in Australia
instead of living is a shelter made of plastic sheeting. Because
recently for his nephew’s wedding anniversary. During that
of the increased yield from her rice crop she is paying off
time he came to Sawtell Parish to thank the parishioners
the loan at a faster rate. This method has the potential to
break the poverty cycle that so many Cambodian farmers for their support. At a fund-raising dinner, Br Noel gave an
find themselves in. address to those present on the rice growing method. The
farmers are gradually taking up the method because they can
The demonstration farm being developed will have a
see the financial and environmental benefits.
learning centre to teach farmers this method of growing
rice, it will be an outlet for their produce and a café run The second project was to build a Multi-Purpose Hall for
by the farmers to supplement their meagre income form St Mary’s Parish in the Village of Piak Snaeng Chas outside
rice growing. Most Cambodian rice farmers earn between Siem Reap. The local parish runs a small two-class room
$US1,200. 00 to $US1,400.00 annually. They have to borrow school. One classroom is used as a pre-school and the other
The Multi-purpose Hall
15Official Ribbon cutting with Village Leaders.
is used as “catch-up class” for the children who are struggling preparation and serving area, a place for the dishes to be
at the local government school. cleaned, for the children to wash their hands and a new
The request for the hall came from the local community water purification system to provide safe drinking water.
when a group from the parish visited in 2018. The local The villagers were very grateful and appreciative of the gift
parish was offering a rice soup programme for children to
of this new facility, the way the leaders spoke, the hall will be
supplement their poor diet. The programme feeds between
an integral part of village life. The community will be able to
120 to 140 children each week. The conditions around this
have meetings, celebrations, teach the children their cultural
programme were not the best hygienically and this was the
stimulus for the request. Funds were raised and the building dances and songs, be a place where adults can be taught skills
was constructed using local resources. where they can supplement their income. The local parish
On the 6th June this year the building was blessed and can use as a place to celebrate the Mass and sacraments
officially opened. The local villagers gathered, the children as well as catechetical class. It is amazing how little can go
sang and danced, the village leaders gave speeches. It was so far in Cambodia. Total cost of this project was less than
a grand event. The new facility consisted of a new food $AU10,000.00.
Children at lunch in the hall being served rice soup.
16The Plenary
COUNCIL
In October 2020, the Catholic Church in Australia
will gather for the first Plenary Council to be held
since the second Vatican Council.
I
n 2018, the People of God in Australia were called to
begin preparing for this historic moment by listening to
God and to one another’s stories of faith.
More than 222,000 people across Australia participated
in listening and dialogue encounters and the Lismore
Diocese contributed 266 submissions during the first
stage of preparation for the Australian Plenary Council. phase recently opened and a guide has been developed to
Our submissions were drawn from the Plenary Council encourage groups to take part in communal discernment
Listening and Dialogue Encounters held through the on the National Themes for Discernment. Learn more about
deaneries of the diocese and from individuals, families, the Christian practice of discernment and download the
Lismore Catholic Schools Parent Assembly parent events
guide, “Let’s Listen and Discern”, at www.plenarycouncil.
and small groups of parishioners who gathered to listen
catholic.org.au
and talk together about what it is God is asking of the
Catholic Church in Australia. This gathered data revealed The online portal has been launched to allow people
the hopes and questions, and the diverse yearnings, to submit their discerned response to the Plenary Council
and the challenges that we are now called upon to for the Listening and Discernment phase,
consider together. which we opened recently. People
The National Themes for Discernment are invited to participate in group
named below are inspired by the discernment one on of the six
data and call us toward the National Themes for Discernment
future. The six themes explore – a process that can be
different aspects of how we
facilitated by the Listening and
are being called to be a
Discernment guide, “Let’s
Christ-centred Church
that is: Listen and Discern”.
• Missionary and “Let’s Listen and
Evangelising Discern”, as well as
• Inclusive, other resources for
Participatory and this new phase, can be
Synodal accessed on this page of
• Prayerful and the Plenary Council website:
Eucharistic https://plenarycouncil.
• Humble, Healing and
catholic.org.au/listening-and-
Merciful
• A Joyful, Hope-filled, Servant Community discernment/
• Open to Conversion, Renewal and Reform Additional resources to help
As we enter in the next phase of preparation for the people understand the practice of
Plenary Council 2020, people in faith communities within discernment can be found on this
the Lismore diocese are called to participate locally in their page: https://plenarycouncil.catholic.org.au/introduction-
own communal Listening and Discernment encounters. to-discernment/
Further information and details about the National Themes You can also access a range of social media images
for Discernment and the resources to host Listening and and a video banner in this Google Drive for use on your
Discernment Encounters can be found at the Plenary
various online platforms: https://drive.google.com/drive/
Council website https://plenarycouncil.catholic.org.au
folders/1oqXW-
The Plenary
Council invites HL6tRgkQtYT0cLR
people to continue tseMggpAqjEq?us
to participate p=sharing
in the journey If there are
towards the other resources
Council sessions you’d find useful,
in 2020 and 2021. please let us know
The “Listening
and we’ll see
and Discernment”
what’s possible.
Catholic Life, September, 2019 17SCHOOLSACROSSTHEDIOCESE
St. Joseph’s Primary School Kempsey
Parent Partnership Pilot Program
Participants enjoying the Lego Masters challenges.
night was hailed a huge success by all and extremely well
As part of our 2019 SIP, we were successful in our attended by nearly 100 men and boys from our school
application to be included in the Parent Partnership Pilot community. It was so wonderful to see dads, granddads,
Program to work towards strengthening the school- uncles and male siblings all sharing in this night and we
family-community relationship. As part of our inclusion received positive feedback on the welcoming atmosphere,
in the program we have been working with Dr George fun activities and worthwhile conversations that took place.
Otero from the Centre for Relational Learning, who is The men and boys engaged in a community conversation
an internationally recognised speaker and writer in this around what it takes to be a good male citizen in society
field. Throughout the year staff, parents and community in this day and age. Ideas were harvested and shared and
members engaged with George in small group facilitated together with CSO support, a team has been working
conversations around ways to build this initiative within on implementing these ideas and creating a sustainable
our school and community. In March we hosted a action plan to ensure our school continues to thrive in this
‘Harmony Day’ evening which comprised of a shared area, and we look forward to hosting the Women and Girls
meal celebrating multicultural cuisines and a community Night scheduled for Term 4 this year!
conversation about the power of positive relationships and
ways to enrich and connect families and schools. Mrs Melissa Turner, Principal of St Joseph’s Kempsey
remarked that “It was great to see the genuine interest in
During Week 2 of Term 3 we held our second community the lives of our young people, and so heart-warming to
conversation evening, a Lego Masters themed ‘Men hear the positive stories of this community event for our
and Boys Night’ followed by a shared BBQ dinner. This families”.
St. Joseph’s Primary School Alstonville
Empathy for the Homeless
Our Alstonville school recently hosted their 4th Annual
Winter Sleepover which is an optional event held for any
student in years four, five or six who wish to gain a deeper
understanding of the plight of the homeless and the works
of St Vincent de Paul in supporting the community through
the Winter Appeal.
Students engage in a rotation of activities including
packing hundreds of care packages, eating soup for dinner
and sleeping on cardboard on a hard wooden floor. This cardboard for an hour to gain an awareness of life on the
develops empathy as well as a greater gratitude for all the streets. We are extremely proud of our students who take
gifts they currently receive in their own lives. on all these opportunities and we are certain that their
During the day students have the opportunity to partake in faith journey going forward can only be strengthened by
a Homeless Challenge where they are sponsored to sit on these social justice activities.
18 CATHOLIC LIFE SEPTEMBER 2019SCHOOLSACROSSTHEDIOCESE
Mary Help of Christians Parish School Sawtell
Aboriginal Children’s Day Students from Coffs Harbour, Sawtell, Bellingen, Dorrigo
and Woolgoolga enjoyed music, food, games, art and
language classes led by our Indigenous Education Workers
Aboriginal children from our local Catholic primary and a variety of a local aboriginal leaders.
schools came together on the 5th August to celebrate
What a great day!
National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children’s
day. Aunty Kelly, MHOC Sawtell Indigenous Education Worker
Holy Family Primary School Skennars Head
NAIDOC Week
This year our Holy Family community celebrated NAIDOC
week through various activities and celebrations. This years
theme was VOICE, TREATY, TRUTH, “Let’s work together
for a shared future.’’
We were lucky to have 6M and the Indigenous students
at our school lead us in a beautiful prayer celebration for
our NAIDOC day. After the prayer celebration, all students
from Kinder – Year 6 were involved in further activities with
their classroom teacher. It was lovely to see the Indigenous
students and their families at our school, who came
together to share stories and enjoy a lovely lunch together.
St. Patrick’s Primary School Macksville
Celebrating NAIDOC
Our school celebrated NAIDOC week. We had a day full
of faith, fun and learning about our local Gumbaynggirr
culture. Each student got to experience our local
Gumbaynggirr culture through storytelling, games,
language and faith. The theme for NAIDOC week this year
was ‘Voice, Treaty, Truth’. Fr. Shelwin celebrating Mass with our School Community.
CATHOLIC LIFE SEPTEMBER 2019 19SCHOOLSACROSSTHEDIOCESE
St. Brigid’s Primary School Kyogle
Sharing cupcakes and a thank you certificate with Sylvia from Sylvia’s Barber Shop
Making a Difference community, Year 4, their teacher and a band of helpers,
made hundreds of cupcakes to share with them. It was a
Students took time to reflect and consider the massive job but the students were excited to be able to
importance of others and the support offered to our say thank you, to smile, to present a certificate, and to give
school and our local community. Businesses generously without expecting anything in return. Our students made a
assist our fundraising efforts and parishioners give their positive difference with their actions that day – just taking
time to support the learning needs and wellbeing of the time to acknowledge the good in others and to show
our students. To show our appreciation to the people their appreciation and care. Congratulations Year 4 – You
of Kyogle for the difference they make in serving our made a difference!
St. Mary’s Primary School Grafton
Making Jesus Real Caritas. This tremendous day raised a total of $180.65. The
team also placed Mission boxes throughout the school and
We are bringing Catholic Social Teaching to life for the raised a total amount of $169. Our community raised a
students, to not only deepen our students’ understanding grand total of $349.65 to go towards ending poverty and
of the principles, but also to enrich their understanding of to promote justice so the world’s poor won’t need to rely
how these principles can be enacted in real-life situations. on charity.
During Lent, The Making Jesus Real team promoted and The Making Jesus Real team thanked the community for
organised a dress in purple or blue day to raise money for their generosity towards giving to others.
20 CATHOLIC LIFE SEPTEMBER 2019SCHOOLSACROSSTHEDIOCESE
St. Joseph’s Primary School Wauchope
Winter Appeal The next week the students visited the Wauchope St
Vincent De Paul shop and the dedicated volunteers
showed the students the incredible systems in place to
The St Joseph’s Mini Vinnies team have been working ensure that almost everything donated is sold, re-used or
hard this year and the St Vincent De Paul Winter Appeal sent to people who can use it. Students were surprised
is always on the calendar. But this year they did things to learn that old woollen jumpers are sent overseas
differently. On the night of their annual winter sleep-out to be unpicked and turned into woollen rugs, ladies’
the students gathered all the donated goods from the undergarments are sent to Africa to be re-used, cotton
Winter Appeal and, with the help of local St Vincent De and linen that is too worn gets turned into rags and resold
Paul Shop manager, Jenny O’Rourke, learned how to sort to businesses like mechanics and all the clothes that are
the clothes and blankets as they would down at the Vinnies of good quality are sold in Wauchope and the money
shop. They then listened to a very interesting talk by gets put back into the community in the form of financial
Lindsay Hobson from St Vincent De Paul Accommodation support for struggling families.
and Support Services to learn about why people become
homeless, what the service does for our local community Nationally, the St Vincent de Paul Society offers in excess
and how they can help. The biggest message: never judge, of two hundred programs and services designed to help
there are so many reasons why people end up homeless those who are socially excluded and marginalised. They
and many of the reasons are not within their control. We do this by respecting people’s dignity, sharing hope, and
need to support our struggling families and individuals. encouraging them to take control of their own destiny.
Our Lady Help of Christians Parish School Sth Lismore
Tournament of Minds – HONOURS!
On Sunday 25th August, seven children from OLHC
attended the 2019 Tournament of Minds (TOM) Regional
Challenge held in Terranora. The children competed in
the Language Literature category on a communication
challenge. For five weeks prior to the tournament day,
the children worked tirelessly, through lunchtimes and
over weekends, to collaboratively solve their challenge
and to create props from recycled materials and a
multimedia presentation to support their performance. On
Sunday, tournament day, the team had to present their
challenge solution to the judges in a ten minute, dramatic
presentation as well as a spontaneous and unrehearsed 10
minute challenge on the day.
At the end of the day the OLHC TOM Team was awarded
The children presented a creative and entertaining solution
to their six-week challenge. Throughout the day they Honours! We congratulate all of the competitors for their
represented our school proudly both on and off the stage. outstanding efforts.
CATHOLIC LIFE SEPTEMBER 2019 21You can also read
