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OUR DIOCESAN COMMUNITY News around the Diocese - No. 23 Summer 2007

We are the Catholic Church in the Ballarat Diocese.We gather in the name of Jesus

from the Murray to the Seain interwoven faith communities.

Spirit-filled, we celebrate and share our journeyreaching out to nurture all God’s people.

Draft Vision Statement for the Diocese

In this issue we see many examples of the Church making a difference - from one person’s life of service, to individuals, communities and schools undertaking projects and activities that bring about a better world for many.

Most of all, in this time of Advent and Christmas, we again recall and celebrate the reality of Jesus, the one who came among us and brought about a diffferent world - a task we are now called to continue.

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Our Diocesan Community - December 20072

The St Malachy’s school community in Edenhope held a wonderful celebration on Friday 21st September to conclude term 3. Mass was held to recognise the contributions made to the school by three special ladies. Maureen Payne has worked tirelessly at St Malachy’s for the past 25 years! Her dedication, gentle nature and genuine love for her job has had a positive and lasting impact on staff, students and parents. She is a valued and much loved part of our school and so it was seen as a fitting tribute for staff and students to demonstrate their gratitude for all that she does.

Sr Bernadette Ryan and Sr Patsy Burke are members of the Melbourne Congregation of Mercy Sisters. Their congregation this year celebrates its 150th year. Sr Bern and Sr Patsy are respected and valued members of our local community and are indicative of the mission of the Sisters of Mercy. During the mass the journey of their congregation as well as their personal commitment to the people of Edenhope were celebrated.

The Church was colourfully decorated fit for a celebration and filled with people who came to show their appreciation and admiration. As well as staff, students and parents, family members and fellow Mercy Sisters traveled to share the occasion. Maureen, Bern and Patsy were presented with gifts after receiving a special blessing from all present. A special lunch, magnificently catered for by St Malachy’s parents, was then shared back at school.

Jo-Anne Bond - Principal

BISHOP’S INAUGURAL FORUM ON SOCIAL JUSTICE

The Bishop’s Inaugural Forum on Social Justice attracted a large crowd to the Mulkearns Theatre at the Australian Catholic University in Ballarat on November 2 to hear Fr. Frank Brennan SJ speak on “Who is My Neighbour?” Australia’s Role as a Global Citizen. People came from Warrnambool, Maryborough, Quambatook, Boort, Terang, Timboon and Ararat, as well as from the Ballarat area, to be both inspired and challenged. It was an impressive way to launch what will be an annual event in the Diocese of Ballarat into the future. Bishop Connors launched the Australian Bishops Statement on the same topic. He also introduced his Diocesan Social Justice Reference Group (SJRG) to the Diocese. These are the people who will carry forward into the Diocese in the next year the message of the forum and work with people and parishes in responding to the Bishops’ Statement.For further information go to the Social Justice section of the Diocesan website which is found at www.ballarat.catholic.org.au or contact one of the Reference Group members whose details are on the website.

Maree Harris - Convenor SJRG

Celebrating Commitment and Service

L-R: Sr. Bernadette, Sr Patsy, Maureen Payne

3Our Diocesan Community - December 2007

On Wednesday the 31st October at 3.40 pm, Monsignor Henry Nolan died after a short battle with cancer. I had the privilege to journey with Monsignor Nolan over the last few weeks of his life.

Monsignor was a real people’s person. He had an ability to be present for people at their hour of need. Without a fuss he would offer to help in what ever way he could. This was obvious to us during the last weeks of his life as so many people from all realms of society came to see him. Most of them came to say ‘Thanks’.

Born on October 5, 1930 in Ballarat, Monsignor Nolan was ordained as a priest on July 22, 1956 at St Patrick’s Cathedral, Ballarat. He ministered in many parishes throughout Western Victoria including Bungaree, Sebastopol and Beaufort, was Administrator of St. Patrick’s Cathedral and Vicar General of the Diocese as well as serving as a Military Chaplain with the Military Vicariate, with a term in Vietnam from 1968 to 1973.

On Sunday, 4th November, it was a great honour to be one of the Cathedral Staff as we wheeled his coffin into the crowded Cathedral for his Vigil Mass. Then on Monday, 5th November, his cousin, George Cardinal Pell, celebrated the Funeral Mass with four other bishops, 60 priests and the Cathedral filled with over 800 people. At the beginning of the Mass, those who had entered the Seminary with him wheeled the coffin to the front of the Altar. This was a moving experience as some of them are on walking sticks and in their late 70’s. At the end of the Mass, following the final prayers of Commendation, the Last Post was played to honour his service in Vietnam. After a minute’s silence, Reveille was played and this, the signal of the rising of a new day and a symbol of resurrection, was a great way to finish just before Monsignor’s coffin was carried by his family and close friends from the Cathedral.

“Mons” will be greatly missed by the many people that he worked with and served in the parishes and communities over his 51 years of ministry to the Diocese. We miss him in the presbytery as a wise and great man to live and work with. “Mons”, may you rest now in peace, good and faithful servant of God. Thanks for all the memories, the laughs, your leadership and most of all your friendship.

Fr Matthew Thomas - Assistant Priest - St Patrick’s Cathedral

Acknowledgement: Funeral photo on front page courtesy of “The Ballarat Courier” November 6, 2007

Monsignor Henry Nolan October 5, 1930 - October 31, 2007

our diocesan communityA joint publication of the Catholic Diocese of Ballarat and the Catholic Education Office of Ballarat.

The Editorial Committee of Our DiOCEsan COmmuniTy wishes to thank the many people who have contributed to this issue. We also acknowledge the support through sponsorship of the Catholic superannuation Fund, Catholic Church insurances and the Ballarat Catholic Development Fund.

EDiTOriaL BOarDFr. Gerry Baldock, Sr Anne McMillan, Mr Allen Moloney, Sr Geraldine Mugavin, Mr Peter Schreenan, Mrs Carla Woodruff.

During 2007, ODC will be published quarterly, March, June, September and December. all contributions to ODC may be forwarded to:

Our DiOCEsan COmmuniTy, PO Box 576, Ballarat 3353

Phone: (03) 5337 7159 Fax: (03) 5333 5148 Email: [email protected]

Bungaree parishioner Frank Hanrahan knows a great deal about building. After all he spent most of his working life as a carpenter. But he also knows the importance of building a better world in a more spiritual way. In his younger days Frank was highly active in the Young Christian Workers movement firstly at Bungaree and after that on a national level. His dedication was shown by his willingness to accept an assignment as a YCW extension worker in the industrial city of Wollongong. Now, some 40 years later, the recently-retired builder has volunteered to work in the Catholic Archdiocese of Madang in Papua New Guinea for two years.

This has been arranged by the lay missionary organisation PALMS Australia. In a letter of recommendation, Frank has been described as a hard worker, most reliable and a positive member of any team. He remains fit

and active and brings enthusiasm and energy to his work.

Frank, who expects to take up his posting in Madang in the new year, will contribute to reducing poverty in Papua New Guinea by developing the skills of local tradespeople to increase their opportunities and ensure future development for the people of Madang. The Parish of Bungaree is considering ways in which it will support Frank during his time in PNG. People wishing to follow Frank’s progress can do so by visiting www.palms.org.au/volunteers/frankh

Ray Frawley ( A member of the Parish of Bungaree Leadership Team)

Making a Difference

Our Diocesan Community - December 2007�

A Day Full of Song and Spirit

On Thursday 25th October, St. Patrick’s - St Arnaud, St. Mary’s - Donald and St. Joseph’s - Charlton Primary Schools gathered together for a cluster day at Charlton. The focus of the day was Religious Education and Music. The guest performer for the day was Andrew Chinn (Butterfly Music) from New South Wales. The day began with a Liturgy provided by the Religious Education Coordinators of each school. The focus of the liturgy was on Mission.

Andrew ran workshops during the day (Prep – Yr 2, Yrs 3&4 & Yrs 5&6) introducing the children to new songs and movements. He engaged all the children, who were eager to participate and take leading roles during the activities. Andrew was a wonderful performer who sang songs, told stories and enabled the students to participate in an environment which was not only educational but also a lot of fun.

While these workshops were occurring the teachers from the three schools organised activities that involved activities from the new “Awakenings”, Religious Education Curriculum. The activities included movement, prayer, ‘Godly’ plays, singing and scripture. Each student is partnered by a student from a different school. This encourages all students to develop friendships with other children from a different town.

At the end of the day the children from Prep to Yr. 6 along with Andrew presented songs that they had learnt in a mini concert. This was a wonderful experience not only for all the children but also the teachers and parents present.

Les Butler

EAST TIMOR SUCCESSSeptember 2006 saw an English Language Support Program begin in Ballarat’s Friendship District of Ainaro, a mountainous region six hours south of Dili. This program, a response to requests of Ainaro church and community leaders, was an initiative of the parishes of Beaufort and Redan/Delacombe.

SECOND YEAR BEGINSSix of last year’s participants were delighted to tell the second-phase volunteer teachers, Tricia Walsh (Maryborough), Rosalie Molloy-Myers (Linton) and Julie Chandler (Cave Hill Creek) that they have gained employment in Ainaro. They maintain that their English proficiency developed through the English Support Program was a real factor in their appointments in interpreting and computer instructor positions.

DISCERNMENT AND PREPARATION WORKSHOPSDiscernment and preparation of potential volunteer teachers for Ainaro is essential. Following six day-long workshops this year and regular Tetun (national language) classes, the same program is planned for 2008 to prepare future volunteers.

FURTHER INFORMATIONFor further information, contact: Julie Chandler: 0438 568 662, Bronwyn McNamee: 5331 2468 (AH) or Gerry Baldock: 5335 9460

The World Youth Day icon of Our Lady in the Sovereign Hill carriage during the pilgrimage in the City of Ballarat

�Our Diocesan Community - December 2007

Our Lady Help of Christians School, Murtoa has recently dedicated a mural of Mary, Help of Christians to the Brigidine Sisters to mark the celebration of the Bi-Centenary this year. The Brigidine Sisters were the founding staff of the Murtoa School when it opened in 1963 and taught in the school for ten years. The mosaic was a project of Natimuk artist Melanie Obst who was commissioned by the school community to create the work of art. Taking many hours of painstaking work the mural takes pride of place beside the front entrance of the school.

Veronica Slattery - Principal

St Mary’s School, Colac has welcomed Sudanese refugee children into its community over the past three years. These young people together with their families have come directly from camps in Ethiopia, Kenya and Egypt. The families arrive at Tullamarine and are then driven to Colac to begin a new life. One little girl came with no family having lost them in the Sudan. The children generally arrive at our school within the next forty-eight hours. Their journey from their home-life in Sudan to the horror of war that led to their flight, to the dangerous journey out of Sudan to refugee camps has meant that they have experienced dislocation, deprivation and loss unknown to any in our community. They have experienced years in camps with poor hygiene, meagre food supplies, little social and recreational activities and little or no education.

Last week, many of the school community attended a viewing of the ‘Lost Boys of Sudan.’ During the evening, one local Sudanese man told of his journey since the moment his village was attacked, his family slain and he walking for months to flee Sudan. His greatest fear at that time was being taken by wild lions or dying from lack of food and water. After fifteen years in the camp, (his entire childhood) he arrived in Colac for a new life. When the movie finished I found myself unable to leave my seat – left in reflection of the school’s journey over the past three years – a journey that began with an honest desire to support the Sudanese people. As time has gone on, a sense of reality has taken over as the school recognises the overwhelming horror in the lives of these Sudanese. As the school struggles ‘to be’ for these families, it searches out information, employs help from the Sudanese community, uses interpreters, welcomes the help of community nurses and uses its inner knowing of its own people. The school has learnt that when people reach out to each other, despite language and cultural differences, a connection is made that goes beyond words and backgrounds.

The vibrant spirits of the Sudanese children have deeply touched the St Mary’s children and taught them a tolerance and an understanding of difference beyond what they had experienced and known before. The children know the Sudanese as their friends who laugh, cry, learn and play just as they do. When they cannot use language to communicate, they find new ways of communication and form relationships based on a mutual need to be understood and understand and to accept and be accepted. Our Sudanese children are now happy, content and are learning. It will take them at least five to eight years before they can be on the same learning base as our own children.

The Sudanese story has become our story and we at St Mary’s are blessed, honoured and humbled to be part of it.Angela Kelly - Principal, St. Mary’s Colac

from the sudan to colac

ASpecialMosaic


Edmund Rice Network Gathering

On the weekend of September 22 and 23, 2007, St Patrick’s College, hosted an Edmund Rice Network Gathering for approximately 90 delegates from Victoria, Tasmania, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea and Rome. The Network which covers all the Edmund Rice Ministries is populated by people whose lives are animated by the charism of Edmund Rice. Delegates spent time exploring what lies at the heart of being a sister or brother in the Edmund Rice Network and the issues at the heart of our shared understanding of the term ‘social justice’.

By way of the heart, worldwide Congregation Leader of the Christian Brothers, Br Philip Pinto, was the keynote speaker for the conference and left an indelible impression upon the hearts and minds of all delegates. As a young brother, Philip’s extensive travel and experience impressed on him how much the poor suffer. As a result he has dedicated his life’s work to bringing fullness of life to those positioned at the margins.

The staff and students representing the College at the Edmund Rice network were deeply challenged by Philip’s wisdom and will no doubt be further enthused to bring about God’s reign and continue the rich legacy of service that is a hallmark of boys who attend St Patrick’s College. The conference was organised and managed by Mr Danny Moore, Edmund Rice Network Coordinator at the College and Acting Director of Mission Mrs Maree Moore.

The conference involved many diverse and challenging aspects and it was gratifying to witness and acknowledge the rich contribution of St Patrick’s College Old Collegians including Danny Moore, Br Gerry Brady, Br Geoff Whitehead, Hayden O’Doherty, Bernard Wilson, David Hall, Dale Rogers and Lachlan Keen as well as the enthusiastic participation of current students including 2008 College Captain Tom Kavanagh and Vice Captain Jack Ferguson, who have been active members of the College’s St Vincent de Paul Conference in recent years.

The above photo shows the Congregational Leader of the Christian Brothers, Br Philip Pinto with 2008 SPC Vice Captain Jack Ferguson (left) and 2008 College Captain Tom Kavanagh at the Edmund Rice Network Gathering in Ballarat.

Launching a CD in Charlton The 26 students at St Joseph’s Primary School Charlton have released a 5 track CD just in time for Christmas. The CD launch was held on Friday 16th November at their annual school fete.

The idea for the students to record the CD came from Nicole Russell, the mother of a grade prep student. Nicole, her husband Adrian and children Bonny and Charli moved to Charlton 18 months ago from the city and have noticed that during these hard times of drought the St Joseph’s children take pride in their school and community.

The songs on the CD came from ideas from the students and Nicole, who enjoys writing and producing music, turned them in to songs. The students took several weeks recording the songs and enjoyed every moment of the journey to the final product. The recordings focus on what impacts the children’s everyday lives. The title track of the CD is called “St Joseph’s Primary School” which talks about being caring and compassionate to others at the school and shows how the whole school community is one. Track 2 is called “Here In Charlton” and focuses on the town and its facilities. Track 3 “Sports Are Great” is a rap song about the children’s enjoyment for sport. Track 4 “Christmas” is about celebrating the birth of Jesus and the need for giving and the final track “What Is Special?” is the children’s way of expressing the special things in their lives.

Following the launch and making the front page of the Bendigo Advertiser the first 50 CD’s produced have sold out and additional copies are now being produced to fill orders taken and to be sold through the school office and local businesses for $10.

The children are now looking forward to performing several of their own songs at the town’s Christmas celebrations to be held on 16th December at Charlton park in conjunction with a twilight meeting of the local Harness Racing Club.

The students would like to thank Nicole for her inspiration and her dedication during the making of the CD, she has given the children a valuable learning experience that doesn’t come along in rural Victoria very often.

Maxine Thompson and Mary McLoughlan for St. Joseph’s School.


St Mary’s Church - Donald Centenary Celebration

1907 -2007On the weekend of October 20 - 21 the Donald Catholic community celebrated the Centenary of St Mary’s Parish Church. There was a very successful dinner on Saturday evening which was attended by Bishop Peter Connors, Fr. Marcello Colasante and his parents, Sisters from the Our Lady of the Mission and Mercy Orders, local Buloke Shire councillors, visitors and parishioners.

The Sunday Mass was the focus of the celebrations with Bishop Peter Connors as principal celebrant with Parish Priest Fr. Marcello Colasante assisting. During Mass the Bishop dedicated the new altar and other furnishings which had been recently installed. Bishop Connors carried the historic crozier which had been borne by his predecessor, Bishop Joseph Higgins, when he dedicated the church in 1907.

The church has undergone a major refurbishment to prepare it for its next century as a place of worship, while maintaining the integrity of its original design and wood furnishings. The century old Kauri Pine pews have been sanded back and revarnished in their original light colour. They have also been shortened to provide wider aisles. A new altar has being constructed from timber taken from the two old side altars and has been positioned directly under the arch of the sanctuary. Other timber from these side altars was used to construct a lectern, tabernacle stand and presider’s chair. The interior was painted, lighting renewed, an improved sound system installed, a plasma screen has replaced the overhead projector and the floor has been carpeted.

After Mass those present gathered for a photograph and then adjourned to St Mary’s Hall for a finger–food luncheon which was a fitting finale to a very memorable occasion.

Brian Brazier

TRAINING DAYS - Using the Diocesan WebsiteTwo Website Training Days for Parish Communication Contacts were held on September 14 and November 9.

The new Diocesan website provides every parish with the opportunity to have their own website. Parishes were invited to nominate a Parish Communication Contact person who would manage their part of the website and following that came the opportunity to attend one of theTraining Days for managing the Parish section of the site. Forty attended the days held at the Ballarat Learning Exchange from the parishes of Warrnambool, Warrnambool West, Casterton, Ballarat North, Ballarat East, Bungaree, Horsham, Hamilton, Mildura, Beaufort, Redan, Daylesford, Maryborough, Ararat, Portland, Gordon, Creswick, Sebastopol, Ballarat Cathedral, Terang, Timboon, East Warrnambool, Colac, Wendouree, Donald, Cororooke and Linton.

Mr Nic Berces, staff member of Fraynework Multimedia, who built the website for the Diocese, introduced participants to the parish section of the site and then provided instruction in the details needed to administer, complete and keep the parish pages up to date. There was then an opportunity for participants to begin working on their own parish section.

The days were greatly appreciated by all who attended and results are already being seen in some of the parish pages on the site. During 2008, use of the Diocesan Network section of the website will be developed.

All who are interested and involved in parish and Diocesan life are invited to register as members of the Diocesan Network. Registration can be done on the website www.ballarat.catholic.org.au


“AWAKENING CONNECTIONS” - The Journey of the World Youth Day Cross and Icon in the Ballarat DioceseThe Journey of the WYD Cross and Icon and Aboriginal Message Stick (JCI) graced the Diocese of Ballarat from October 20-29 this year with the aim of Awakening Connections. Through the journey the Diocese aimed to make tangible the connections young Catholics have to our rich history, to each other, to the wider Church and to God.

The Cross and Icon have been travelling now for nearly 12 months. Communities asked themselves many questions: “Why do we want to host this Cross and Icon?” “Where can we take it in our community?” “How do we engage young people?” “What are we trying to connect with?” Through planning and preparation, through discussions with police and council, through publicity campaigns and countless hours of organizing, communities prepared to welcome the Cross and Icon and young people began to deepen their connections with their local parish.

Our time with the Cross and Icon began on the side of a highway at the Victorian-South Australian border with the people of the Port Pirie Diocese. Something very spiritual took place amongst the dust, mosquitoes and sounds of passing trucks. Like thousands of young people before us, it was now our opportunity to be with the Cross and continue its 23 year journey in our part of the world. The following nine days had many highlights and many common themes began to present themselves.

One thing that struck me was that nothing happened the same way twice. Each event represented the local community, each person approached the Cross and Icon in their own way and everyone was affected differently by these great symbols. The sense of community around the Diocese was overwhelming. From the children celebrating their first communion in Ouyen, the buzzing BBQ beside the dry Lake Lascelles in Hopetoun, every community seemed to relish their chance to be part of this journey. So many people went above and beyond to make sure the events were a success. Churches were brimming. Sausages were sizzling. Action was everywhere and people were talking about a Cross.

Our Diocese reaches from the Murray to the Sea. The soil and symbols we collected alone the way celebrated our diversity. The Cross and Icon went from a hot and dusty 38 degrees in Hopetoun one day to cool rain and jackets in the Grampians the next. The Cross and Icon experienced a number of firsts in Australia throughout the Diocese. The Cross and Icon travelled the mighty Murray River aboard PS Avoca and passed through Lock 11. The students of Horsham and surrounds created the WYD08 logo out of people, the Cross went on a bush walk in the Grampians and St Pius X set a new record for children carrying the Cross at once- a whole Prep class! It was even the first time that a Bishop had danced in the presence of the Cross and Icon. The Cross and Icon also went to many beautiful and significant places with the Twelve Apostles, the Grampians, sunset Stations of the Cross on the foreshore of Lake Colac and standing

Handover at the Border

Going through Lock 11 on the Murray River

In the Grampians

At the Twelve Apostles

�Our Diocesan Community - December 2007

with the Cross at the Eureka Stockade being some of the highlights.

The Cross and Icon were processed, touched and surfed. Thousands of people throughout the Diocese brought their prayers to the Cross and Icon in many different ways. However, it was in the midst of these moments that the young people of the Diocese gave me the greatest highlights. It was inspiring to see the courage of so many young people carrying these great symbols of our faith down their main streets. Nothing was braver than those people who took the Cross to the Mildura show and processed it around the main arena. The young people of Horsham on the WYD Committee showed their commitment by leaving the races early to process down the main street and then wore matching t-shirts the next day amongst their peers. In Ballarat 20 secondary school students

Above: At Eureka StockadeBelow: At the Mildura Show

travelled with the Cross and Icon during the day. Their energy and enthusiasm was infectious. In Wycheproof many young people stood up to say that they were going to WYD in Sydney.

In Camperdown

As a young person in the Catholic Church I was challenged throughout this journey. Alice Priest, Pastoral Planner for the JCI, spoke of the trust that Pope John Paul II had in the young people of the world. He wouldn’t have known that the Cross would be in the Diocese of Ballarat in October 2007, but he had such faith in the young people of the world that he knew that they would be there with their enthusiasm, hope and vision. Alice challenged us to walk across a fallen tree in the Grampians, symbolic of the obstacles young people are facing everywhere when it comes to faith. Fr Chris Ryan continued by challenging the young people of the Mallee to find the place where their lives and their faith overlap - unlike the famous train tracks running through the town.

At St Patrick’s Cathedral

The JCI was a great stand alone event for our Diocese but it is only a precursor of what is to come. As a past pilgrim to a World Youth Day, there were many occasions when I was reminded of how great attending WYD can be. From sitting on the steps of a church making new friends, to singing on a horse drawn cart and kicking a footy after packing up a Cross. WYD is about energy, supporting each other and finding those connections. The Journey of the Cross and Icon in Ballarat was amazing- a great event. However, it is just the start of our journey to Sydney and after these nine days I really can’t wait.

Stacey Atkins - WYD Coordinator, Diocese of Ballarat.


The Cross in Hopetoun

On Sunday the 21st of October the World Youth Day Cross and Icon came to Hopetoun. Everyone was invited to come and celebrate the coming of the Cross and Icon.

We began the exciting event with Mass at St Joseph’s church in the morning. The students began Mass by carrying candles and flags representing countries of the world who are involved in World Youth Day.

After Mass we all went down to Lake Lascelles to share a barbeque lunch and fruit salad and slice. The Cross arrived and we all helped carry it to the stick shed. We had a prayer service to welcome the Cross and Icon and pray for the young people of the world. We all received a little cross to remind us of the Cross coming to our town and also to help us think about the rest of the journey for the Cross. Following the prayer service we took the Cross back to the trailer and helped to pack it up, ready for its journey to Horsham. Brylie and Aimiee then entertained us with their singing.

We all had a great day and were touched that we could have this once in a lifetime experience to be part of the Journey of the World Youth Day Cross.

By the Students of St Joseph’s School

The World Comes to BallaratWorld Youth Day 2008 has been a major focus for the Catholic Church in Australia for over 12 months now. Young Catholics throughout Australia are preparing to participate in Sydney. Communities are welcoming the Cross and Icon. Sydney is planning for our arrival. With so much activity it is easy to forget that in parishes and communities in all parts of the globe young people are preparing to be here, in Australia, in July 2008.

Many groups will make the trip to Sydney for the main event and many of these will head to other parts of Australia as part of their pilgrimage. Recently the Ballarat Diocese hosted two international visitors planning to visit the Diocese both prior and after WYD08.

Jeroen Goosen is head of the project team preparing to bring 400-600 young people from the Netherlands (pictured at the 12 Apostles). Jeroen is a father of teenage children who is excited about the possibilities of attending WYD08. He saw the sites. He met the people. He saw the chances for young people

from the Netherlands to engage with the Ballarat community. The group from the Netherlands will be visiting the Diocese after WYD08.

Fr Richard Scriven is leading the group from the Diocese of Ossory in Ireland. Ossory and Ballarat are connected through an Irishman called Count O’Loughlin who made his

fortune on the Gold Fields of Ballarat. Richard was coincidently in Melbourne for a wedding when the Cross and Icon were traveling through the Diocese and decided to take a drive to Swan Hill to be a part of it. The parishes of in the Diocese of Ossory are committed to sending one

person from their parish. Numbers are coming in slowly, but those who have signed up are committed to the pilgrimage.

Although these young pilgrims are visiting us from far away their current realities with young people and the Church are very similar. In a world where young people have many commitments to study and work (as well as a social life), church is not often seen as a high priority. There are less people attending mass. There are fewer priests. There are many challenges. Yet, they are coming. Somehow these young people are prepared to travel to the other side of the world to be part of an international gathering of young Catholic people.

Recently I had the opportunity to listen to Fr Hartmutt from Germany speak of the gift that WYD was to his country in 2005. He said that the young people in Germany were not good at expressing their faith and that they had many questions. However, amongst the numbers and the presence of so many other young people at WYD in Cologne it gave the young people hope and confidence in themselves and their faith.

The young people of the Netherlands and the Diocese of Ossory will be are guests in Ballarat, but I am sure that they will also give us a great gift and bring the spirit of WYD into the lives of our own community.

Stacey Atkins - Diocesan WYD Coordinator

REGISTER NOW!

To register to be part of the Ballarat Group travelling to World Youth Day go to www.wyd2008.org and follow the REGISTRATION links. Our Group Name is Ballarat1 and our Group number is 102.

If you want more information please contact Stacey Atkins phone: 5337 7172 or email:stacey.atkins@ballarat.


WYD Cross & Icon Enlighten Country YouthThe World Youth Day Cross and Icon came to north west Victoria recently and the unexpected joy it brought is still being felt by many, but especially isolated, young Catholics.

Being a young Catholic in Victoria’s small country towns can be tough. It is hard for country kids to find their Catholicism relevant. None of their friends go to church, there are no youth groups or Antioch groups and if there was there would be no members. At Mass on Sunday there is no fellowship because they have nothing in common with the dozen or so regularly attendees who tend to be in their twilight years. There is also no Catholic secondary school close by and it can seem like you’re the only one with these very ‘uncool’ beliefs upheld by an ‘unpopular’ and ‘old fashioned’ religion.

While Catholic young people in the cities tend to cope with the often parallel demands of faith and real life by hiding the former, kids in small communities (and I mean those with populations under 5,000), have no such luxury. Like their city cousins they too don’t want to stand out from their peers but in a little town it can prove difficult. If you go to Mass everyone knows – and why not have a dig, at an easy target. In small towns there is only one weekly Mass and if it clashes with sport or a party the teen is forced to admit to their friends that they are absent because of Mass or make up a lie and save face. Saturday night sleepovers are difficult because the ‘out of touch’ Catholic parent insists their child is picked up early for Church in the morning rather than allowing the teen to sleep in after a late night.

As a parent of a child in the situation I have just described I rejoiced when I discovered World Youth Day was being held in Sydney in 2008. Finally my child would have the opportunity to worship with others her own age who share her beliefs! When told that the World Youth Day Cross and Icon would be passing through neighbouring Wycheproof I was excited but anxious that no one would come. Cleverly Wycheproof Parish Priest, Fr Ed Moloney unearthed youth from several neighbouring parishes and what a joy to get to Wycheproof on October 28 and see so many young people there! For many there this was the first time in their lives that they had the opportunity to be proud of their faith, flaunt it even, in their own community. They finally felt confident enough to do so because they had the support of other young people! It was an emotional and joyous experience seeing these bush kids proudly carrying the WYD Cross down the main street, singing and dancing as they went and later taking an active part in a Mass just for them.

I believe WYD08 shouldn’t be missed by any young Catholic but I particularly believed it is important to send our faith-starved country kids. Please help by encouraging local young Catholics to attend, sponsoring them and most of all praying for them. After all, they are the future of the Church. WYD08 is sure to inspire them and maybe even halt the decline in our local Parishes with renewed enthusiasm!

Justine Rowe

BALLARAT CATHOLIC SCHOOL COMBINED CHOIRAs part of the Ballarat Journey of the Cross and Icon celebrations, 125 students from Ballarat Catholic Diocese schools joined together, under the direction of Mr. Geoff Martin (Damascus College), to perform as a choir.

Students from - Damascus College, Ballarat Loreto College, Ballarat St. Patrick’s College, Ballarat St Francis Xavier PS, Ballarat St. Michael’s PS, Springbank St Aloysius PS Redan St Bridgid’s PS, Ballan St Columba’s PS, Ballarat North St Alipius PS, Ballarat East St James PS, Sebastopol St Patrick’s PS, GordonSt Thomas More PS, Alfredton Lumen Christi PS, Ballarat performed the official song of World Youth Day 2008, ‘Receive the Power’ written by Guy Sebastian and

Gary Pinto. Each school undertook their own rehearsal schedule with the assistance of the school REC/performing arts teacher and then a combined rehearsal and recording session was conducted at the Ballarat Learning Exchange.

The choir enjoyed their day and many new friends have been made as a result. “It was a great experience to sing with so many people and to a big crowd” (student). Each school has received a CD of the recording and student participation certificates.


Reunion of Friendship Nazareth HouseBallarat - 2007

The doors of Nazareth House were opened wide as the Poor Sisters of Nazareth welcomed their past girls and their families’ home. The grounds were once again humming with many voices as each person shared a memory handed down through the generations. A large crowd of nearly 200 had come to Ballarat again to join in the 2007 Reunion of FRIENDSHIP at Nazareth House.

The endearing phrase ‘old girls’ covers those who once resided here between 1889 to 1977. Past pupils, husbands, daughters, sons, grandchildren, cousins, friends, all travelled from various locations in Victoria, New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia and New Zealand. Representatives from Nazareth Houses of England, Ireland, Western Australia, Camberwell and Sebastopol joined in the celebrations.

The day started with a Reunion Mass in the chapel. Voices joined in prayer and song as sparkling eyes suddenly recognized a girl from the past. Today they are here again with their descendants who so proudly knelt with mum, grandmother or aunty. As in past years the Sisters prepared and catered for our needs. They provided a wonderful banquet and small guided tours throughout the day showing the changes behind the walls of the familiar old building. Groups stood arm in arm, their eyes smiling, some talking, others with silent thoughts, remembering and reflecting on the times of their youth. The unchanged hall again echoed with joyous tones of talk and laughter as groups surrounded the photo wall and display of memorabilia on the television. A wonderful celebration of ‘OLD GIRLS’ sharing a renewed FRIENDSHIP of childhood days.

Pamela Brooks

Stylin’ at MacKillop CollegeEarlier this year, students and staff of MacKillop College, Swan Hill commemorated the 40th Anniversary of the 1967 Referendum and the beginning of Reconciliation week with an exhilarating performance by Beizam Bala. Both the Aboriginal and the Torres Strait flags flew in the week leading up to the celebration. MacKillop College was very privileged to have local Elders, members of the community and students from the Swan Hill Koori School attend. Elders and members of the Swan Hill Indigenous community shared morning tea with staff and then commenced the celebration with a Welcome To

Country for the performers. This is the first time many of the students have seen and experienced Welcome to Country and it was a powerful and respect-filled moment. Students Carissa Bright, School Captains Philippa Tippett and Matthew Berg began the performance with a prayer and then welcomed the guests and performers, Beizam Bala.

Beizam Bala are a group of dancers from the Torres Strait Islands. For an hour the held the audience transfixed as they told stories of their people and their home through dynamic and powerful dance and song. The dancers wore traditional grass skirts and a range of different headdresses. The dances included exhibitions of spear and bow and arrow techniques, along with some serious and fierce

moves. Audience members were invited to the stage to learn the ‘moves’ to Taba Naba, a traditional song which tells of going down to the reef and stylin’ (having a good time, looking good!). This song has been popularised by The Wiggles and Christine Anu, herself a Torres Strait Islander. There was an extra treat in store for the school community as Mr Mark Corrie, MacKillop’s

Indigenous Liason Officer, joined the group on stage for the performance. Throughout the performance, members of the group spoke to the audience about the Torres Strait Islands, the culture and the environment. It was a wonderful performance and a great experience for all. Much thanks must go to Mr Mark Corrie who facilitated this amazing event. It is important to remember that if we are able to grow in our understanding of other people, we open ourselves to a richer experience of life and also towards Reconciliation.

Catherine Howison - MacKillop College, Swan Hill

www.prayertoons.com


On the evening of Friday, 19th October, we celebrated the return to our Church after an absence of six months. The Parish undertook a major refurbishment of St. Joseph’s Church and Bishop Peter Connors, together with Fr John Fitzgerald, the Parish Priest and priests of the Ballarat Diocese, along with a large number of parishioners and guests celebrated the Eucharist for the Dedication of the Altar and the Blessing of the renovations and refurbishment works. This was the culmination of many months of hard work by professional contractors and parish volunteers under the guidance of heritage architect, Richard Falkinger.

The Church was completely emptied immediately after Easter and the workers moved in. The professionals knew what their role was but for the volunteers it evolved. It started with the removal of every item of furniture, from seats to Stations of the Cross, to everything in the Sanctuary. The volunteers then set to work and they worked constantly, some came every day. They cleaned and rubbed down every pew, every table. Every item which could be cleaned was cleaned and renovated. The Stations of the Cross, which were installed in the Church in 1898, were also stripped back, the wooden surrounds rubbed down and renovated and the Stations themselves were repainted. The statues, many of which were damaged, were repaired and repainted. Over 70 parishioners gave their time during the six months and they amassed more than 5000 hours of volunteer labour. Once their work was completed and the professionals had also finished, the volunteers were on hand to replace all the furniture and make the Church ready for the first weekend liturgies which took place a week prior to our official opening and blessing.

As part of the refurbishment an appeal for funds was made to parishioners and to local philanthropic trusts. A total of $117,000 has been raised so far. $76,000 has been raised through the generosity of parishioners and friends of the parish. $41,000 was donated by the trusts and is dedicated to the restoration of the historic Fincham Hobday Organ. This work is being undertaken by Ken Turner from Goldfields Pipe Organs, Ballarat. The fund-raising appeal will remain open throughout 2007.

A special antique leather bound display book was donated to chronicle St Joseph’s Parish from the date when it was established to the present day and into the future. It is planned that this book will also contain the names of all those who have contributed in any way over the years as an historic record of the Parish for future generations. The book will be displayed in the Gathering Space for all to see.The aim in the refurbishment was not only to carry out essential maintenance work but also to return our Church to a state which was more in keeping with its Gothic architecture. Unlike many other Churches of the same age, St Joseph’s no longer had a high altar. The large Assumption window was designed to have an altar or a screen below, as may be seen in photos which were taken of the Church in years gone by. The vision in the reordering of the Sanctuary was to blend the old with the new. The newly installed Reredos (screen) at the rear of the Sanctuary was designed to reflect the colours from the beautiful Assumption Window and enhance the space below.

The art work in the Sanctuary and in the Holy Oils Repository was carried out by Janusz and Magdalena Kuzbicki, artists who have been responsible for much religious art in Melbourne and, in particular, at St Paul’s Anglican Cathedral.

Fr John expressed his appreciation to parishioners with the following words: “We have inherited a beautiful Church because of the faith and commitment of St Joseph’s parishioners over the years since the establishment of the parish in 1853. This present refurbishment has been carried out in the spirit with which St Joseph’s Parish has been blest from its beginnings. Many people have generously given their time and many have also responded to the fund-raising appeal over the past six months. All these contributions will ensure that St Joseph’s Church will continue to be a centre of community and worship in Warrnambool.”

Mary Lancaster

St Joseph’s Church, Warrnambool - New Life

Advent calls us to watch, wait, prepare and be aware of the presence of Christ among us - within us and in the people around us. This yearning to identify Christ is satisfied in many ways but in a particularly meaningful way when we ponder the mystery of the Incarnation. To behold the divinity in the little Christ-child is to break through the barrier of aloneness and separation that was never God’s desire for us from the moment of creation.

This is the form chosen by God through which we can be aware of Christ in each other and in ourselves. It challenges us to accept ourselves and each other as we are, ‘warts and all’. It is with this common understanding and acceptance of our limitations and our great need for God in our lives that we can be ‘One Body in Christ’ and even identify that He makes obvious our limitations so that we can already experience what salvation means.

As the Body of Christ, we are called to the vision expressed in the reading from Isaiah. We are called to establish truth and justice where all people enjoy full participation. We are challenged to live in the ‘light’. To throw off the darkness of the night – to take off the clothes of exclusion and fear, and appear as lights of welcome in the darkness of exclusion.

Taken from: www.acbc.catholic.org.au/documents

An Advent Reflection


KOROIT GIVES THANKSThe western district township of Koroit had much to celebrate with the town commemorating their 150th birthday and 100 years since the Sisters of the Good Samaritan came to the area.

The Sisters were the first religious congregation to be founded in Australia and were established in 1857 by the Archbishop of Sydney, John Bede Polding. In 1907 the Sisters came to the south-west, building a convent in Koroit and teaching at schools in Koroit, Kirkstall and Crossley and later Illowa. The Sisters also visited the sick and elderly. The nuns came to Koroit because of the area’s large Irish population and strong Catholic faith. Seven nuns came to Koroit and at one stage, the number of nuns at the convent grew to twenty. Seventy women from the Koroit area went on to become Sisters of the Good Samaritan.

The Sisters of the Good Samaritan served in these areas for 80 years, until the schools returned to employing lay staff members. Although not teaching, the Sisters remained in the area until the end of 1992 for pastoral work. The convent was sold and became a hostel in 1973. Today, some Sisters return to the south-west a couple of times a year, to maintain contact with families of the Sisters who still reside in the area.

Principal of St. Patrick’s Primary School, Koroit, Mark Moloney said the weekend of October 12th & 14th was an enormous celebration for Koroit, and the Sisters of the Good Samaritan were an integral part of Koroit’s history. Bishop of Ballarat, Peter Connors wrote a letter to the parish giving praise and thanks for the blessings that Koroit had received since its foundation. “Another blessing has been the presence among you of the Good Samaritan Sisters…the influence of the Sisters lives on among you and for this you do well to thank God,” he said.

The centenary was celebrated with a Mass at the Infant Jesus Church by Fr Damian Heath who was assisted by parish priest Fr Eric Bryant, a morning tea and a luncheon. Both events were largely attended. About nine Sisters and past students travelled to the occasion. Sister Margaret Keane who lives in Sydney attended and spoke of the importance of working hard to ensure the present became a past we were proud of. Sister Reginald also travelled for the event, spending time with former students still living in Koroit. A historical display, including photos and class photos of the schools the nuns taught at and testimonials from past pupils, was well received by those who attended the celebration. The former convent of the Sisters was open to the public, as was St. Patrick’s Primary School.

Madeleine McNeil

The Church of the Immaculate Conception, Ararat, devastated by the fire earlier this year, was re-opened for Mass on Saturday, 10th November.

A large congregation gathered in Marian College Hall, where they have been gathering for Sunday Mass since the fire and proceeded into the church, led by piper James Baxter and a cross made from the charred beams from the church, which was carried by World Youth Day students. This cross stood alongside the World Youth Day Cross in Halls Gap during the visit of the Cross and Icon to the Grampians. The cross will remain in the church until next year when it will journey to Sydney for World Youth Day.

The former marble high altar, although damaged by fire, will return to the church in the near future in a renewed way as the main altar and the reredos, which will hold the tabernacle. The altar will be consecrated by the Bishop next year as part of the parish’s 150th anniversary celebrations.

The beautiful roof has been painstakingly restored and the stained glass windows, one of which was completely destroyed, have been replaced and restored to their full beauty.

Prayers were offered for all who supported the Parish after the fire, especially the Holy Trinity Anglican community and St Andrew’s Uniting Church community.

Father Brendan Davey

From the Ashes

1�Our Diocesan Community - December 2007

GATHERING OF SACRAMENTAL TEAMS

In mid-October there was a gathering of 23 representatives from Sacramental Teams throughout the Diocese. The gathering was hosted by Sts. Michael & John’s Parish, Horsham and took place in the Parish Centre. The ways in which our Sacramental Teams can best support the parents of the children who are participating in our sacramental programs was a theme underlying the gathering.

We came together on the evening of Wednesday, 17th October, and listened to Dr Liam Davison, the Director of the Religious Education Centre talk of our need as educators to be aware of the range of different beliefs and preconceptions that will reflect the make up of any parent group. Beliefs within a parent group will range from unbelief to total belief while understandings of those beliefs will range from the literal, where, for instance, everything in the bible is believed to be totally true to the symbolic where different interpretations are the norm. After Liam’s talk we all went and enjoyed a lovely dinner. It was a reflection of the way the group interacted that the owner of the restaurant commented on how we seemed to enjoy the evening. When told that this was a first gathering of this particular group she was very surprised.

On Thursday morning we had a presentation by Jenny Kingston from the Resource Centre at the Diocesan Offices in Ballarat. Jenny talked about the many ways people throughout our Diocese can utilise the centre from both near and far. There was also a display of some of the books available ranging from those concerning adult spirituality and theology to picture books for children. The Resource Centre also has a wide range of current journals, music, videos and DVDs which every person in our Diocese is very welcome to borrow either by phone or internet, or just to come in and read if you are ever around the Cathedral precinct with time to spare. Julie Kelly, from Pauline Books and Media held a book display and introduced us to many new and exciting titles. After morning tea, we had a working session which revolved around the identity of parents of the children we teach and how we can best support them in the ongoing faith education of their children. A sharing time concluded the gathering with a clearly expressed hope that we can reconvene around the same time next year.

Thanks were expressed to the Horsham Parish for hosting us and in particular to Fr Peter Sherman and Heather Bush for their very generous hospitality.

Veronica Quinn SGS

Sharing the Christmas Spirit

Every year around Christmas the children from St Mary’s School, Clarkes Hill, travel in to Ballarat to sing Christmas carols for the old folks at Geoffrey Cutter Home for the Aged. The children sing the old favorites that the old people really enjoy as well as presenting a simple Christmas tableau. We have an ice-cream and a bag of lollies and spend some time talking to some of the old people. We have been doing this now for four years and it has become a tradition at our school and at the Geoffrey Cutter. They love to see the fresh young country faces of the ‘ragamuffins’ from St Mary’s.

St. Mary’s School students


For more than twelve months, an enthusiastic committee with Stacey Atkins as Executive Officer has been preparing for our involvement in the celebration of World Youth Day 2008 in Sydney from 15 till 20 July. The first experience of this event was the visit of the World Youth Day Cross and Icon to our Diocese in October.

Our Diocese has been richly blessed by the journey of the Cross and the Icon through all the regions of the Diocese over nine days when thousands walked, prayed and celebrated with these great symbols of our faith.

I was delighted by the manner in which so many communities prepared for and welcomed the Cross and the Icon. It provided me with the opportunity to meet many young people who seemed to have their faith and devotion transformed by their contact with the Cross and the Icon. The success of the journey was also due in no small measure to the generosity and the commitment of many of our Catholic schools. I am most grateful for their support and for their engagement.

A highlight of the journey for me was the morning when we took the Cross and the Icon to the Aboriginal community at Framlingham where I was privileged to bless the new community centre. I am told that this event has left an indelible impression on all who welcomed the Cross and the Icon.

There are many lessons that we can learn from our association with this part of the World Youth Day event.

Prayerful preparation ensured that we were able to welcome with faith and affection the symbol of Jesus’ love for all humanity proclaimed from the Cross of Calvary. We were also renewed in our devotion to Mary who stood by the Cross.

Let us continue our prayer, reflection and renewal as we commence the time of Advent. The season of Advent is an opportunity for us to make a prayerful preparation for Christmas when we welcome into our lives, our families and our communities Him who is the Light of the world and who is God with us. May the blessings of this special season be with you all.

+ Peter J Connors , Bishop of Ballarat

Community Minded

Lorna Quinlan, left, Dot Devereux and Maureen Frawley were farewelled on Sunday by members of St Michael’s Catholic Parish, Bungaree. The three women, all of whom are widows, have moved recently from Bungaree to Ballarat for family and other reasons. During their time in Bungaree they all contributed enormously to community activities.

Acknowledgement with thanks: Photo and text “Ballarat Courier”October 2007

The Last Word . . .

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