We are the Catholic Church in the Ballarat Diocese. We gather in the name of Jesus from the Murray to the Sea

in interwoven faith communities. Spirit-filled, we celebrate and share our journey

reaching out to nurture all God’s people.

Draft Vision Statement for the Diocese

OUR DIOCESAN COMMUNITY

News around the Diocese No. 28 – August 2009

This issue of Our Diocesan Community highlights Reconciliation and Right Relationships. In the words of Pope John Paul II: “The only path to peace is forgiveness. Forgiveness given and received enables a new kind of relationship among people, breaking the spiral of hatred and revenge and shattering the chains of evil which bind the hearts of those in conflict with one another. For nations in search of reconciliation and for those who hope for peaceful co-existence between individuals and peoples, there is no other way than this: forgiveness given and received. How full of salutary lessons are the words of the Lord: "Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be children of your Father who is in heaven; for he makes his sun rise on the evil and the good and sends rain on the just and the unjust" (Mt 5:44-45)! To love those who have offended us is to disarm them and to turn even a battle-field into an arena of mutual support and cooperation. (Lent 2001). May we endeavour to live up to these words.

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Many throughout the Diocese will be saddened to hear of the death of Helen Roberts, Education Officer with CEO. Helen died on Monday, June 22 after a sudden illness. Her funeral was on Thursday, June 25 in St. Patrick’s Cathedral. Helen’s contribution to education was extensive, commencing as a teacher at St. Thomas More School, Alfredton in 1988. In 2002 she undertook the challenging role as Principal at St. Michael’s School, Wycheproof at a time when declining enrolments meant that the school ultimately had to close. Following that, Helen returned to St. Thomas More before taking a position with the Catholic Education Office, Ballarat which involved assisting the small schools in the Northern Zone of the Diocese with teaching and learning and curriculum development. Helen was a long-standing and committed member of St. Patrick’s Cathedral Parish, and contributed not only to the liturgical life of the parish but also was an important part of the preparation of Diocesan liturgical events such as the Mass of the Oils and the Rite of Election. We offer our sympathy to the Roberts family and the Catholic Education community. In Helen’s memory, her family intends to establish a fund in her name to support the work of Sr. Trish Franklin, a Loreto sister, a native of Ballarat, who runs the Sunshine orphanages in Vietnam. If you wish to donate to this work contact the Bishop’s Office, Ballarat.

Blessed Mary MacKillop – Towards Sainthood

Mary Mackillop was born on January 15, 1842 in Fitzroy and was the eldest of eight children. After her education she commenced employment as a governess, clerk and a teacher at the Portland school. During her time as a governess for her uncle’s children in Penola, she met Fr Julian Tenison Woods. In 1866, at the age of 24, she founded the Congregation of the Sisters of St Joseph of the Sacred Heart, in Penola, South Australia, together with Fr Woods. Mary’s main mission was the education of those less fortunate and assisted Fr Woods in establishing a Catholic Schooling system for the poor and isolated. During the early years of her religious life, Mary spent considerable time in our Diocese, establishing schools and continuing with her missionary work. The “Joey’s” as they were affectionately known, have worked in the following schools in the Diocese: Ballan 1964-1976; Coleraine 1924-1983; Creswick 1951-1980; Dunolly 1915-1924; Gordon 1914-1987; Hopetoun 1955-1987 (school), 1978-1988 (Regional/Pastoral); Nhill 1949-1978; Sea Lake 1958-present time (Parish Administration); Springbank 1909- 1986; Stawell 1924-1994 (School), Swan Hill 1923-2009; Ouyen 1953-1986; returned over recent years (Parish Administration).

We are very grateful to the Sisters of St Joseph for their many years of educational and pastoral ministry work in the Ballarat Diocese, which still continues today. Mary was beatified by Pope John Paul II on January 19,1995. At present her process for Sainthood is being examined by the Congregation for the Causes of Saints in Rome. We continue to pray and wait patiently, for the Canonisation of this wonderful, deserved woman. Mary died on August 8, 1909. Masses were celebrated in the Ballarat Diocese to commemorate the centenary of her death.

OUR DIOCESAN COMMUNITY (ODC) A 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, the Ballarat Catholic Development Fund and Australian Catholic University - Aquinas Campus.

EDITORIAL BOARD Sr Anne McMillan, Mr Allen Moloney, Sr Geraldine Mugavin, Mr Peter Schreenan, Mrs Julie Boyd,

Mrs. Jane Collins, Mr John Corrigan, Mrs Jenny Kingston, Ms Fiona Tonkin, Mr Peter Kerwan

During 2009, ODC will be published in April, September and December. All contributions to ODC may be forwarded to: OUR Diocesan community, PO Box 576, Ballarat 3353. Phone: (03) 5337 7179

Fax: (03) 5333 5148 Email: odc@ballarat.catholic.org.au

David Armstrong was a Protestant minister in Northern Ireland in the worst of the times of religious divisions. When he attempted to make a connection with the Catholics in the church across the road, he was brought to task by the elders of his own church. In the end he had to leave the town. When commenting on this he made this statement which is so true: A community that has nothing to say about reconciliation has nothing to say. It strikes me as I talk with many groups of parents throughout our Diocese, that this sacrament is at the very heart of who we are as family and who we are as Christians. What parents do not live out this sacrament daily in their family lives when they are daily living unconditional love? Who among us does not live out the essence of this sacrament every day in our daily interactions? We cannot be a Christian in isolation. Our movement towards God is a response to being loved by God, which we experience in and through each other – this is the very heart of what it means to be the Body of Christ. Every time we do something for each other, we are doing it for Christ. Every time we suffer for each other, we identify with Christ. This is the real gift of the incarnation we can find so hard to believe. Reconciliation calls us to metanoia, to a change of heart that comes about as a response to being loved by God and brings about a conversion in how we choose to live out our lives.

What God gave Adam, was not forgiveness of sin. God gave Adam the right to begin again.

Elie Wiessel Reconciliation, (and the new Rite is careful to point this out), is not just a matter of getting rid of sin. Nor is its dominant concern what we, the penitents do. The really important thing is what we allow God to continue to do in us and through us. (Awakenings Level 4 p3) The Parable of the Father and the Two Sons (Luke 15:11-32) is perhaps the most strikingly powerful illustration of the human process of reconciliation and of the theology inherent in the new Rite of Reconciliation, but we usually find it to difficult to believe the story. The father welcomes the son back instantly – he doesn’t even wait for him to get to the house and he isn’t at all interested in the young man’s confession. Only in celebrating his return no matter what he did. God is like the merciful parent in this parable: not out to catch us in our sin, but intent on reaching out and hanging on to us in spite of our sin. God will never turn from us but we, in our humanity, can easily turn from God. Can we believe how much God is wanting and waiting for us to turn around? (and around and around).

PRAYER OF ST THERESA OF AVILIA

Christ has no body but mine, Christ has no hands but mine, Christ has no feet but mine.

Mine are the eyes through which Christ’s compassion must look out on the world.

Mine are the feet with which Christ is to go about doing good. Mine are the hands with which

Christ is to bless us now. Sr Veronica Quinn SGS

Diocesan Parish Sacramental Team & Catechist Resource Person

 

 

 

About 80 people gathered with Bishop Peter Connors, for a liturgy to help celebrate the first one hundred years of spiritual & community life of St Joseph’s Catholic Church, Pirron Yallock. The liturgy acknowledged the many sacramental celebrations – the Baptisms, Confirmations and First Communions – plus the numerous weddings that have taken place in the picturesque wooden church in the valley of Pirron Yallock. The liturgy and the Mass the following day also gave thanks for the religious for whom St Joseph’s is “home”, in particular Fr Peter Sherman, Sr Marie & Sr Patricia Vagg, Sr Kay Hewitt in addition to recognition of the lives of Sr Mary & Sr Anne Hyland. The liturgy concluded with Guy Sebastian & Paulini’s “Receive the Power”, as the lights in St Joseph’s dimmed and the eight young Parish of Cororooke WYD08 representatives lit candles from the Pascal candle and passed these down through the congregation. It was a very moving tribute, and message, to our youth – “Receive the power & be a light unto the world”. The liturgy was followed by a three course meal and very social evening at the Swan Marsh Hall, enabling people who hadn’t seen each other for many decades to reacquaint and reminisce. At the Centenary Mass the following morning, Bishop Connors praised the St Joseph’s community, and the Parish of Cororooke, for taking up the challenge and continuing to come together as a faith community on a weekly basis, in the absence of a priest every second weekend. Fr Peter Sherman, a local Swan Marsh lad, who is currently parish priest of St Michael’s & St John’s, Horsham, followed up on this theme and spoke on the importance of the Church no longer being a place where people come, sit, listen and leave, but rather it is a place where every member of the community is involved. This is certainly the case for St Joseph’s, as every family, approximately 30 in total, has a role, whether it be leading, reading, special minister, cleaning or outreach. If you walk in the door of St Joseph’s you’re involved! St Joseph’s has had regular lay-led assemblies for nearly a decade. For St Brendan’s, Coragulac, it is only six months. Yet as a combined parish, we have strengthened. Marita O’Shea, Veronica Roache and Lucy Darcy are doing a wonderful job as Parish Leaders and are supported by the Parish Leadership Team and the numerous other committees and groups which go about their tasks virtually unnoticed, yet extremely appreciated. The Parish of Cororooke is currently being used as a model for other parishes throughout Australia who are facing the future without the support of a parish priest or for some parishes, without the support of even a regular visiting priest. Our parish was extremely well prepared for the challenges, through the planning and training by Sr Marg Carmody during her thirteen years as Parish Administrator. A highlight of the weekend was the fact that, not to be outdone by the early pioneers who virtually paid for the construction of the church (£1000) through donations and the collection at the Opening Mass on July 4, 1909, the community of St Joseph’s are extremely proud of the fact that they, too, were able to pay for the entire weekend’s celebrations through the dinner, the lunch and the raffle!

Veronica Roache - Parish Leader  

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LANDCARE AWARD FOR ST. FRANCIS XAVIER St. Francis Xavier Primary School, Ballarat East received a ‘Certificate of Recognition’ for outstanding contributions to Landcare in Corangamite’ at the Regional Landcare Awards. St. Francis Xavier School continues to work towards creating a school setting that educates the school and wider community about environmental sustainability. Children at the school are directly involved in the management of several project areas or ‘Learnscapes’ as they are known at the school. The latest development being a Community Kitchen Garden incorporating vegetable gardens, chook pens, hothouse, shade house and pond. The school is happy to share its journey with others. Most recently, seventeen students from St. Malachy’s School Edenhope visited while on camp in Ballarat.

The award is recognition of the work that has been done while at the same time a reminder of the work that still needs to be done. Constant energy and enthusiasm is required to maintain an environment that truly does educate our students in environmentally sustainable practices that will stay with them for life. Working with organisations such as Landcare and the Catchment Management Authority has kept the school in touch with people who are passionate about the environment and willing to share their expertise.

Tony Perkins

Principal   

 

PUPILS BEGIN TO SETTLE IN

A New Catholic primary school with a design far removed from a traditional classroom setting opened in Ballarat yesterday. Emmaus Primary School pupils yesterday walked from the school’s temporary location in Jones Avenue to the new school in Geelong Road. Principal Brendan Maher said planning for the school began in 2006 to provide a Catholic presence in the Mt Clear, Mt Helen and Buninyong areas. The school opened at the temporary location in the grounds of Damascus College Ballarat with just 25 children last year and has since grown to 75 pupils. Another 38 preps have also been confirmed for next year.

The new school has bean bags scattered about the communal space known as a “learning mall” and wireless internet access throughout. There is also a kitchen and large decking area in the building which was designed with a focus on modern teaching practices. “We have tried deliberately to challenge some of the contemporary thinking that has been around and come up with a model of education that works for us,” Mr. Maher said, “Rather than having kids in the four walls

of a classroom”.

Parents and friends accompanied the pupils for the start of their first day at the new school yesterday. Mt Clear resident Michelle Leonard is a parent of twins who are in prep at the school. She yesterday described the new building as “fantastic”. “I just love how bright and vibrant it is”, she said. Mrs. Leonard said she and her husband had wanted to give their children a Catholic education. Meanwhile, the school’s pupils were also enjoying the extra space. Grade 5 pupil Alice Monkman said the school was “really cool”. “I like how the classrooms are very big and there’s a lot of spaces,” she said.

Article courtesy of “The Ballarat Courier” July 15 2009, by Cathy Morris Photo courtesy of Damascus College Ballarat & Leon Beaton

YYEEAARR OOFF TTHHEE PPRRIIEESSTT

With the Year of St. Paul (June 2008 – June 2009) reaching its conclusion, Pope Benedict has announced the inauguration of a “Year for Priests” from June 2009 – June 2010. In his Letter proclaiming the Year for Priests, the Pope said:

“Dear Brother Priests, On the forthcoming Solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, Friday 19 June 2009 – a day traditionally devoted to prayer for the sanctification of the clergy –, I have decided to inaugurate a “Year for Priests” in celebration of the 150th anniversary of the “dies natalis” of John Mary Vianney, the patron saint of parish priests worldwide. This Year, meant to deepen the commitment of all priests to interior renewal for the sake of a more forceful and incisive witness to the Gospel in today’s world, will conclude on the same Solemnity in 2010. The priesthood is the love of the heart of Jesus”, the saintly Curé of Ars would often say. This touching expression makes us reflect, first of all, with heartfelt gratitude on the immense gift which priests represent, not only for the Church, but also for humanity itself. I think of all those priests who quietly present Christ’s words and actions each day to the faithful and to the whole world, striving to be one with the Lord in their thoughts and their will, their sentiments and their style of life. How can I not pay tribute to their apostolic labours, their tireless and hidden service, their universal charity? And how can I not praise the courageous fidelity of so many priests who, even amid difficulties and incomprehension, remain faithful to their vocation as “friends of Christ”, whom he has called by name, chosen and sent?” The Vatican's Congregation for the Clergy have developed a website to mark the "Year for Priests" which is a special year to deepen the commitment of all priests to interior renewal for the sake of a more forceful and incisive witness to the Gospel in today's world. The site contains the Letter from the Pope proclaiming the occasion and the special role of St John Vianney, the patron saint of parish priests worldwide, in the inauguration of the event. The site also has several other resources including reflections and prayers for priests and access to a mailing list for clergy for articles of relevance from the Congregation. For the website go to: http://www.annussacerdotalis.org/ During this special year, let us unite in prayer for our priests:

Loving God, We thank you for our faithful priests and bishops,

whose example of fidelity, self-sacrifice, and devotion is so vital to the faith of your people.

May our priests be guided by the examples of Saints Peter and Paul, all the Apostles and their saintly successors.

Give them valiant faith in the face of confusion and conflict, hope in time of trouble and sorrow,

and steadfast love for you and for all your people throughout the world. May the light of your Truth shine through their lives and their good works.

Assist all our priests, that through your Grace they may steadily grow in holiness and in knowledge and understanding of your Truth.

May they generously share this knowledge and love of You with those to whom they minister.

We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Let us give thanks and pray for James McKay

who is to be ordained a Priest for the Diocese of Ballarat

on Friday, September 4, 2009 in St Mary’s Church, Colac.

50 YEARS OF CATHOLIC EDUCATION IN ROBINVALE  Catholic Education Week came to an end which coincided with the 50th anniversary of St Mary’s School, Robinvale. A great two days of celebrating and reminiscing was a fitting way to remember 50 years. There were many ex-students, parents, teachers and visitors in town to join in the celebrations. It started on Saturday, May 2 with many generous staff showing people through the school. The fun and formalities combined on Saturday night, as 120 people enjoyed a two course meal and a very social night at the Robinvale Golf Club. Photos of former staff and students were displayed around the room and there was plenty of blue, St Mary’s traditional colour, on show. In the background, an impressive slide show full of memories of the past 50 years played on the wall.

Principal, Mary Knight, opened the evening and welcomed everybody. After reading out apologies from those who couldn’t make it, former Parish Priest Fr Les Sheahan led grace. Fr Les was instrumental in founding St Mary’s School all those years ago. After sharing the first course part of the meal, guests were then treated to a wonderful line-up of stories and memories from past staff and students. Who better to start the ball rolling than a teacher whose name is synonymous with St Mary’s - Marie Pragt. With a career of 40 years at St Mary’s, Mrs Pragt is a much loved and respected teacher at the school. She entertained and had everyone in stitches with her many stories involving past students. She also talked fondly about her memories of living next door to the nuns, as well as their generosity and compassion. Former student and previous Board Member, Trevor Jury, had the difficult task of following Mrs Pragt, but did so in fine style. He started by asking how many of the original students from 1959 were in attendance, and 16 people stood up. Mr Jury talked about the intrigue of the youngsters in the town when the famous nuns arrived. Needing no encouragement, former student and Board President, John Pisasale, shared some entertaining stories on what he remembered from his school years. There were plenty of laughs as he relived some of the moments that were funny many years later. At the end of the speech, Mr Pisasale made a toast to the Staff, Sisters and Parish Priests who contributed so much to make St Mary’s what it is today. The person whose name was the first on the student register in 1959, Pat Curran, spoke next. He talked about the important role of the original farmers who were involved in working bees and influential in building the school. The Sisters of Mercy were the founding and original teachers in 1959. They have always had a special relationship with St Mary’s and the people of Robinvale, and so it was only fitting that they were a big part of the celebrations. Former teacher, Principal and all-round hard and devoted worker for the school and parish, Sister Connie Walsh, spoke about her many memories. After Sr Connie, Sr Geraldine Mugavin, who taught at the school in 1979 for four years, shared her memories of Robinvale. She described it as a place where the nuns enjoyed a wonderful social life which included tennis. It was then open slather, and several people took the opportunity to share a story or anecdote from St Mary’s. At the end of the night, Mrs Knight thanked everyone for coming and the festivities came to an end, but the stories and good times that were shared are sure to be around for another 50 years.

ANNIVERSARY MASS On Sunday, May 3 the celebrations culminated with Mass in St Mary’s Church. Celebrants for the Mass were Fr Bill Melican and Fr Les Sheahan with many past and present students, families and staff taking part. A special feature of the Mass was when current Chairman of the Board, Phillip Englefield, made a speech. In his speech he commended the Sisters of Mercy and talked about their significant contribution to the school. “I find it hard to get my head around the fact that in 1959, we had the same number of students we have now and only five nuns teaching. Now we have 25 staff,” he said. He paid tribute to the incredible involvement that the Sisters of Mercy had in the school. Sisters Connie Walsh, Pat O’Brien, Sheila Belleville, Agnes Connellan, Geraldine Mugavin, Emmanuel Cooke and Mary Madden attended the dinner on the Saturday night and presented the offertory at Mass. In Mr Englefield’s speech, he announced that the new library would be named the Mercy Library in recognition of their work for the school. Congregational Leader of the Ballarat Sisters of Mercy, Veronica Lawson, accepted the honour on behalf of the Sisters. In response, she presented several books and DVD’s to the library honouring the Mercy founder Catherine McAuley. She said that all the Sisters who had any involvement in Robinvale were always very positive about the experience, even quoting one nun saying that “Robinvale is the place of my heart.”

       

Photos: Left, L-R: Ballarat East Sisters of Mercy Congregational Leader, Veronica Lawson, Chairman of the Board, Phillip Englefield, Catholic Education Office Consultant, Chris Robarts and St Mary’s Catholic School Principal, Mary Knight. Right: L-R: Srs Geraldine Mugavin, Sheila Belleville, Mary Madden, Emmanuel Cook, Pat O’Brien. Front L-R: Agnes Connellan, Connie Walsh.

Text and photos courtesy of “The Robinvale Sentinel” 7/5/2009

Warracknabeal In early August 2007, I received a request to assist Bert and Joan to obtain a permanent Visa in Australia. This was an arranged marriage in the Philippines, one which they can be justly proud of. This family had been sponsored by a local machinery dealership to work as a qualified mechanic in Warracknabeal. They were loaned money for temporary Visas, travel and associated costs to resettle in the small country town in my region, eg. rent, furnishings, etc. These costs were then deducted from his wage, which meant there was little to live on. Then they were expecting their first child – there were no Medicare benefits available to them due to the restrictions of the temporary Visa. We used all our contacts to assist them through the pregnancy and eminent birth to a beautiful little daughter. Whilst settling in Joan showed an amazing ability to utilise all resources, eg. she bought a huge roll of material from a second-hand shop for $5.00, borrowed a sewing machine and made new and bright covers for her second-hand lounge suite. We eventually gave her a sewing machine, which has proved most valuable. The cost of applying for this Visa was $5365.00. The numerous documents, eg. passport, birth certificates, marriage contract, police clearance, certified copy of licenced qualifications, was never ending. Checking the progress with the Department of Immigration takes months and tries one’s patience. With the assistance of John McLean and ABC Global Services (long and detailed), who were the agents who sourced and recruited this family, plus interaction with the employer, we eventually obtained the necessary finance to apply for a permanent Visa. This also included a small loan, which the family diligently repaid. As you can imagine, the many letters, emails, phone calls, faxes and visits to the family were ongoing, but it was so rewarding as this family was so grateful and really appreciated our efforts. Only at the end of last year did we find out our application was granted, so allowing the family to eventually obtain the benefits we all enjoy. At our Regional Conference, we invited Bert and Joan to be our Guest Speakers on their experiences. They responded beautifully and all in attendance were so impressed, which makes our work so interesting and fruitful, not to mention my education into Government protocol and patience.

Bride Schaefer, Wimmera Regional President, St Vincent de Paul Society Victoria Inc. Joan & Bert’s Story

Putting my pen down to write something about our life back home is like reminiscing of what we left behind. It’s been a while, but it seems like this page could not encompass the joy and pains and the kind of life we had grown to love and accept, but had to leave behind for the great opportunities - for a greater future that was laid at our feet. Bert and I both came from the lovely mountainous region of the Philippines and proud to say, a lovely place enriched with beautiful people and a culture that tourists love to come and see. We both hail from the so-called “Igorot Tribes”, which is an ethnic minority of the country. Though we grew up with a culture that has its own tribal customs and practices that we grew to love, accept and respect, we also grew up with a Christian faith that greatly differentiates us and separates us on the traditional practices of our ethnicity. Amidst the beauty of our roots and the luscious greenery of our environs, it is also easy to proclaim the phenomenon of

financial instability and how the poor and average standard of living for people fills the major percentage of the levels of society. Beneath the rhetoric lies the reality of a system that puts personal profits ahead of millions of lives. That’s why we grew up with parents inculcating on our minds the value of education and how it is the best and only inheritance they could ever impart on us. It is the key of the good life we have always aimed for. Our parents strove to send us to school and university to be somebody, as only Batchelor Degree holders could hold a position or a job in the society. But then employment is so hard that we have always dreamed and tried our luck in applying for jobs abroad. Before Bert and I got married, he was like a working treadmill of long, low paid hours, knowing not when he is going to get paid – in the next month or next three months – or maybe not. And there I was, not keeping a good job also as the monthly pay was too low or the opportunity was too unlikely for me. I ended up helping my Mum in a business that didn’t work out as well, as competition was too tight.

St Vincent de Paul Society - Continuing their good works in our Diocese

“Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, protect the rights of those who are destitute. Speak out and pronounce a sentence of justice, defend the cause of the needy and the poor.” (Proverbs 31:8-9)

We were both in a position thinking of how we could finance our upcoming wedding. But we lived in faith that God would provide all our needs. Indeed, by God’s grace, we had a beautiful wedding – more than we could ever have hoped for. Ironically, just a few weeks after the wedding, Bert left for this beautiful country for a job he was so blessed to have. It’s like we just got married and then he’s going away again. Though the time was too short for us to be together, we have always looked forward to that day when we could be together again, in this new country our God had set forth for us to build our new lives. We came from a place where income alone is insufficient to provide a decent standard of living and well-being, wherein life is the tyranny of late or unpaid bills and escalating debts without the hope of being able to pay it off. Now, here we are in a beautiful place, enriched with beautiful people and enjoying every moment of it. Though sometimes it really gets tough, we just take one day at a time and thank God always that He is really looking after us as He had always done. Truly, we started with nothing but wherever, whatever and whoever you are, we’ve always believed that life is what you strive to make it - and not forgetting who you were and where you came from and who were with you - because it’s what makes you distinct and move forward. Birchip – The Garcia Family Story As I set forth to sail to Australia, I am very much hopeful that I could one day have my family with me and be raised in this place. I thought to myself that I am really so lucky to be chosen as one of the five Mechanics that our employer selected to work in J J O’Connors Company, out of 18 applicants. During my first days here, I observed the good traits that the Australians have towards foreign workers. They are very friendly, trusting, honest and always greet you whenever they see you in the street. They are very warm, generous and caring people. That’s why when my boss told me I could now get my family, it’s really an answered prayer. As soon as my family arrived, that’s the time that we really were in need of financial aid. Well, with the four kids and I was the only one earning at that time and with piles of bills that needed to be settled, we were really in financial distress. Thank goodness that one day St Vincent de Paul played Santa, as it was nearly Christmas time when my family arrived here, offering some goods not only for the kids, but for the entire family. It was really a memorable Christmas that we had. And it doesn’t end there, because when the school year started, St Vinnie’s again showed their generosity by giving us the school uniforms, bags and all the things that my kids would be needing for their schooling, plus the payment of their school fees. I was also helped by the School Principal, Mr John Richmond, who bought shoes for my kids out of his own pocket. He even helped my wife get a job, by being one of her referees. Maybe the workers of St Vinnie’s had seen my difficulties in our settlement here, because one day Mrs Merrilyn Kelly, together with Mrs Moya Connelly and Mr Brian Lea, came to our house asking what else we needed, and I took that opportunity to share my problems with regards to my residency status. Having permanent residency, it would surely lighten my load. And I also let them see what I am receiving as my wages and what is left after paying all the bills. And they noted that I am really in need of financial aid. They decided to help me in the process of my application for permanent residency. During the processing of my permanent residency, maybe I was struck by bad luck. I say that because our permanent residency application was denied or disapproved on the first attempt due to some reasons. It takes us six months to wait, then we received that information. It was really very depressing that time because we were hopeful that we would get the approval and then it was not. Then we asked the help of Mrs Merrilyn Kelly, who has been very supportive to us, and she tried her best to be of help, to the point that she is ringing our Case Officer and asking them what else we need to submit just to be able to get the approval. Then on February 25, 2009, after more than a year in the making and with our Case Manager who handled our case, we got our residency at long last. This we owed to the unending support that we got from the good people of St Vincent de Paul. Really, I feel blessed to have had their help in our settlement in this beautiful place of Birchip. Now I can say that I, too, can do my share and be one of them, that’s why I joined St Vincent de Paul. In addition to that, I am also an active Church worker - being a collector – and also a Lions Club member of Birchip. I am happy to be part of these, because somehow that’s my way of repaying all the good things that I have received. Now-a-days I am happily working still at J J O’Connor’s, my wife is with the Hospital and the IGA supermarket and is hoping to pursue her Nursing course. And with my kids, they are doing well in their school. In fact my older boys are enjoying their footy games, which serves as our family bonding during Saturday’s. I can finally say that we are completely settled in, we have our own house too and all things are in the right places. I am really a lifetime indebted to those people who helped us out.

Arnel, Tina, Nikko, Mikko, Nariel & Neril Garcia.

L - R: Joan Smith, Carmel Sheahan, Fr John McKinnon, Sr Veronica Quinn, Denise Hogan, Moira Sheahan and Leanne Poyner.

L – R: Fr John Monaghan, Lauren Hogan and Paul Fawcett (hidden), John Forrester, Paula

Hogan, Mitchell Cole, Meaghan Walsh, Leanne Poyner and Karen Williams.

RECONCILIATION

The four boys presenting for the Sacrament Reconciliation completed a four week program involving parents and children together. A DVD (Destructive David) from the Resource Centre made a strong impact on the group and provided food for discussion. A PowerPoint presentation that follows the ceremony step-by-step, helped to ground the concept and to bring the sacrament to the level of the participants On Wednesday, March 25 the community gathered with those receiving the Sacrament and joined in prayers and readings, followed by the Sacrament of Reconciliation. SACRAMENTS OF INITIATION

On Sunday, June 21, local parishioners were joined by families, extended families and members of the local parish community for the celebration of the Sacraments of Initiation. Four excited boys and one lovely baby girl were recipients of the sacraments of Confirmation and First Eucharist, and the Baptism of baby Tessa Sheahan. The impact of the occasion on the local church and beyond was evident.. A PowerPoint presentation giving a picture story of each of the participants was prepared by Robert James and shown to those present. CONFIRMATION AND FIRST EUCHARIST

Parents & children who were receiving the sacraments came together with the catechists for the preparation program. Following the “Let the Children Come” program, all participants were actively involved through the use of worksheets and making posters, which were displayed in the Church to inform parishioners of the content of the program and also to involve the community in prayer for the participants. Names and photos of those receiving the Sacraments were displayed.

BAPTISM

The Baptism of Tessa Sheahan, daughter of Ricky and Di Sheahan, was one more celebration for the Nullawil Catholic Community. The Baptism was included in the Eucharistic Celebration, which also became a community celebration welcoming Tessa into the Catholic and wider community. An Ecumenical Service combining the Catholic, Uniting Church and representatives from other denominations, gathered for prayer and reflection two weeks before Easter. The Primary School children, who participate in the Religious Education Program, presented the Easter Story through words and song. This was followed by the presentation of a Caritas story, telling of the effect on the lives of people in Indonesia where land is being cleared of trees, especially the rubber trees, which provided an income on which people were totally dependent. The loss of dwellings because of landslides was also an issue. Links were made with the Jesus story and our faith in everyday life journey. REFLECTION DAY

Several of the Nullawil people came together in the Community Complex to reflect on our faith and how this is lived in our community. Nourished by a good breakfast together, Fr John McKinnon began the program for the day with some insights into the life of St Paul and his missionary work. This was followed by a DVD showing segments of the life and times in which Jesus lived. We then took time for quiet meditation. After a delicious lunch, Sr Veronica Quinn directed us through the process of discovering Lectio Divina (an ancient way of praying the scriptures) as a means of exploring the Gospels. The latter part of the reflection day required of us, the participants, some serious thinking about our faith in relation to our Church, to the wider community and to the environment. We were left with many questions and with the message that our faith is a work in progress. Our day was enriched when we were joined by the wider community for 5.00pm Mass. We sincerely appreciate and thank Fr John and Sr Veronica for the gift they have been to us and we believe the benefit of the day will remain with us.

MINISTRY TO 30 - 49 YEAR OLDS In the 2006 National Church Life Survey, it was identified that almost 1in 5 of the respondents in the Ballarat Diocese were aged between 30-49 years. In response to this, the Ballarat Diocesan Pastoral Council proposed that Catholics within that age bracket come together to examine their role in the Church and to meet other people at a similar stage of life. A trial group was set up in Warrnambool, with an initial meeting held in late October 2008. Representatives from each of the three Warrnambool parishes expressed a wish for further faith formation and a forum for socialising. A series of three adult faith sessions were held at St Joseph’s Parish Hall, facilitated by Fr Barry Ryan. An average of 30 participants for each session braved the wet, cold wintry weather of Warrnambool to come together to nourish their faith. Barry’s sessions were enjoyable and thought provoking. His presentations challenged the group to examine beliefs, scripture and practice of Catholicism in a way that many had not had the opportunity to do since being at school. Due to requests from the group, three more sessions will be held later this year in the lead-up to Advent. Special thanks to Fr Barry, Vin Dillon and the Diocesan Office for their work in getting this great project off the ground. Thanks also to our parish priests Fr Michael Linehan, Fr John Fitzgerald and Fr Lawrence O’Toole for their ongoing support.

Joe & Gabrielle Ewing and Steve & Jenny Callaghan

DIOCESAN YOUTH COUNCIL The creation of the Diocesan Youth Council is an essential part of the Diocese’s commitment to youth ministry. The profoundly rewarding and participatory experience of the Sydney World Youth Day Pilgrims, highlighted the need for the continued involvement of young Catholics at a Diocesan level and an affirmation of their contribution to everyday parish life. Throughout 2009, several events have been held to advance the formation of a responsive and representative body of youth. Expressions of interest led to a Discernment Day in April, led by Sr. Margaret Carmody SGS and attended by an enthusiastic group of young women and men from a variety of parishes. Through a focus upon gifts, responsibilities and mission, a preferred model for the Council was established and the Bishop made the following appointments to the Council:

Belinda Brown - Wendouree Tara Fitzgibbon - Maryborough

Anna Kemp - Terang Robert O’Shea - Cororooke Jandree (Jaz) Patel - Ararat Michael Rix - Wendouree

Siobhan Simper - Warrnambool As well as benefiting from the support of the Bishop, the Council is enhanced by the assistance of Fr Andrew Hayes and Fr Ed Moloney, the Youth Chaplains of the Diocese. This group held their first formal meeting on Sunday, June 28 in Ballarat, and intends to hold regular meetings in different areas of the Diocese, so as to remain connected to the diversity of youth and their issues. The Council members will also share in a Formation Weekend in August, facilitated by Fr Chris Ryan, who was responsible for the journey of the World Youth Day Cross and Icon across much of the Diocese. The Council’s initial tasks include organising a one-year reunion for the region’s World Youth Day Pilgrims, while future projects shall seek to further encourage the active and important role of young people within our faith communities.

Robert O’Shea, Diocesan Youth Council Member

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On Thursday, May 28 ,194 students and twelve staff experienced a night of homelessness as part of the College’s Year 10 Programme, “The Journey”. Each night in Australia, an affluent country by any measure, a staggering 36,000 people from the 12-25 age group, will sleep out in the elements. This rate of homelessness is of great concern and is literally on our own doorstep. It is imperative that we raise awareness about this issue and look at the many underlying factors that contribute to young people’s homelessness. The experience was co-ordinated by the College’s Leadership and Standards Officer, Mr Jamie Bobrowski, and is part of a holistic leadership development programme in Year 10, titled “The Journey”. Mr Bobrowski noted that for boys used to the comforts of home and supportive families, “One Night of Homelessness” was a challenging, and at times confronting experience, that introduced Year 10 boys to just some of the conditions that homeless young people in Australia experience on any given night. Students were able to experience a real-life soup kitchen and meet workers and volunteers whose daily reality brings them into contact with some of societies marginalised. “One Night of Homelessness” complements the St Patrick’s College leadership programme, “The Journey”, by enabling boys to experience a real life situation that provided insights into the challenges faced by those living at the margins. It also reinforced that the causes of homelessness are multi-faceted – many people who live on the streets attended school, had jobs and families but for reasons linked to mental health, social connectivity and substance abuse, now find themselves living on our streets. Other experiences for the night included a range of team challenges and experiences including eating a meal from a soup kitchen, sleeping with only the assistance of a blanket, exposure to the elements of nature and midnight informative sessions from Open Family Melbourne, who work with homeless youth on a daily basis. The boys’ response to the evening was outstanding. The experience was a voluntary one, which attracted a response rate of over 99% from boys in the year level. Several boys, who due to medical reasons could not sleep in the elements, participated in the programme till well after midnight before finding shelter. The experience was an invaluable one for students, highlighting that homelessness is literally on our doorsteps and a number of

students have already committed to organising practical assistance for the homeless at local level. It is also central to the College’s charism as a Catholic school in the tradition of Blessed Edmund Rice. Mark Waddington Development Manager - St Patrick’s College, Ballarat.

Later this year Damascus College, Ballarat, students will cover more kilometres than riders in the Tour De France, in less time. Using their new solar pedal assisted bike called ADIMOV Dreaming, students of the Energy Breakthrough Team will head to Darwin and ride back to Ballarat, all in the name of raising money for poverty and to highlight climate change. However getting there is not a cheap exercise. There are flights, food and accommodation to consider and that is before fundraising can begin. The RODE RAGE (Ride Against Greenhouse Gas Emissions) team will leave November 23 and yesterday received some help in the form of $20,000 in State Government funding. Teacher Mark McLean said he was hopeful up to $100,000 would be raised through their website, which will stream the journey live. ‘‘The students are involved in raising funds for it, but we hope to raise funds not only to just cover the event and costs, but raise funds to fight poverty,’’ he said. ‘‘People in poverty do it tougher when we say let’s reduce greenhouse gas emissions, so we are trying to do it from a two-pronged approach by highlighting the need to reduce emissions but also support those who will be most affected.’’ Ballarat East MLA Geoff Howard said the money was in recognition of the program’s ongoing success. For more details visit www.roderage.com.au.

Text and photo courtesy of the “Ballarat Courier”, 17/7/2009 Article by James Kelly, photo by Lachlan Bence.

It has been a very hectic 12 months for our school community. It was Holy Thursday in 2008 when we received initial reports that indicated Brigid House was structurally unsound. The Building Committee members were stunned by the news. Subsequent reports confirmed our fears about Brigid House and since then we have worked diligently through the process of demolition and the development of plans for a new school. It was with sadness that we farewelled the building and moved into our temporary accommodation after the third term holidays. Commemorative photos and tours of the building were provided in late 2008. Many took the chance to visit and relive old times and tell stories about escaping from the boarders’ rooms for dances and the like! The demolition process has been a slow one. There have been many hold ups along the way. Most recently the long awaited rains forced closure of the tip and therefore a halt to demolition work, as there wasn’t anywhere close to dump the rubble. We are now moving into a new phase, a phase of development and construction rather than the gloom of demolition and temporary buildings. At the end of 2008 we were successful in gaining a $1.35 million grant from the Federal Government. As the world economy headed toward recession, the Rudd Government announced a stimulus package, “Building the Education Revolution”. We were excited to get news of two more grants through this package: $125,000 National Schools Pride Grant and $2 million for Primary Schools of the 21st Century. These grants will enable us to redevelop the area once covered by Brigid House and build a new primary school containing 12 learning areas, new student and staff amenities, a resource hub and admin facilities. Twelve months ago this all seemed a dream! The new school of the 21st Century has the learner at its heart. Today’s learners are different and so we need to build schools for our children’s future - not our past. Have you considered how today’s learners are different? They devour technology - internet, email, sms, facebook, wikis, blogs. They want to create and collaborate. The jobs that they will have (and they are likely to have many), will be different and in fact some haven’t even been invented yet. Companies want employees who are able to create new ideas and problem solve. As we embark upon this new journey into 21st Century Learning, we are packing our suitcases full of the great practices we have in place, but looking to other examples of 21st Century Learning to create a place for the students of today - our future problem solvers and creative thinkers.

The Building Education Revolution is well underway at St Mary’s Primary School. We have won $50,000.00 from the “National School Pride Grant” and the Board have decided to upgrade office and staff room facilities. The office and the staff room lounge will be extended forward by three metres, allowing staff and visitors to comfortably enjoy their breaks. This also allows for a workbench area for staff around the photocopier. Administration will have much needed office space, with an area that will allow much more flexibility and freedom. The Principal’s office will now enjoy an interview area, which it is currently lacking. The school has employed local builder, Rick Collier, to co-ordinate the project and within a week, Rick already had half the slab down. The project is expected to be finished in about six weeks and the school is proud to support local contractors where and whenever possible. St Mary’s has an application in for the “Primary Schools for the 21st Century” grant for about $250,000.00. We are hoping to hear an answer to this application by the end of July. The proposal, at this stage, is to use this money, should it become available, to build a Multi-Purpose Hall. Busy and exciting times lay ahead for St Mary’s!

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Left picture: Before Demolition

Right picture:

After Demolition

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Centacare, Catholic Diocese of Ballarat Inc. has been providing support to communities throughout the South West, Western Victoria and the Sunraysia for over 30 years.

One of the many programs provided by Centacare is respite services for carers of people with a mental illness, who may be finding it difficult to provide the support and care to their family member or friend. The focus of the respite program is to assist carers in reducing their stress and to strengthen relationships between the carer and the person they care for, as well as supporting relationships within the broader family and social network of both the carer and care recipient. The program is flexible and adaptable to individual needs and circumstances. Centacare staff liaise with the carer, the client, and other family or friends to develop options and support which enable the carer to continue their caring role, while enhancing capacity for their own social participation and work needs. There are a variety of options that the Centacare mental health respite program can provide to carers and clients. Some of these options are; in-home respite, where skilled staff can provide support in the home; social respite, that enables the carer to participate in social events or activities; and residential respite providing short term supported accommodation for the care recipient; emergency respite and holiday respite- providing holiday accommodation options for the carer and ensuring support is provided for the care recipient. For further information on the Centacare Mental Health Respite Program, please telephone (03) 5336 7900. It was indeed a privilege to attend for six Thursday evenings the “Called & Gifted” workshops, run by Clara Geoghegan and Fr Chris Ryan MGL. Clara lives in Ballarat North and is a woman of great theological intellect. She lectures at the Catholic Theological College in Melbourne a few days each week. Amongst the busyness of her life as a mother, wife and lecturer, she is also the Director of the Catherine of Siena Institute in Australia. Clara and I had often talked about the possibility of holding a workshop in Ballarat. I and 35 others are now very grateful that this possibility was able to become a reality. Clara was assisted by Fr Chris Ryan MGL. Fr Chris, you may recall, was the Chaplain for the Journey of the Cross and Icon as it travelled around Australia for World Youth Day. Fr Chris was the priest who sat in the commentary box with Ray Martin during the Stations of the Cross. Fr Chris is handsome, has an engaging style with a captivating speaking voice and only a mere 34 years old - a gifted and able young man with a strong Charism of teaching. The Religious Order from which Fr Chris comes has a dedication to forming men to be priests for the ‘New Evangelization’. I am sure this focus fits well for Fr Chris as he encourages and teaches the laity, that it really is not all that difficult to work out what your Charisms may be. What are Charisms and what is “Called & Gifted” all about, you may be wondering? Charism is the Greek word for Gift. By virtue of our Baptism we are all called and we are all gifted - not some of us, but all of us. I had been eager for some years to attend a “Called & Gifted” workshop, having listened to Clara talk about her work and the wonderful way in which it empowers people to identify their gifts and pursue their vocation as lay people in the Church. After the first workshop we were invited to take home a copy of “The Catholic Spiritual Gifts Inventory”. We were asked to complete it and bring it back the following week. We were asked very simple and straight forward questions which required a Never, Little, Some, Often answers. You were encouraged not to spend too much time pondering your responses rather, the first thing that you think that sums up, for example, your feelings to a series of questions such as “I have sensed a “call” to pray intensely for people or places that I didn’t know well and have prayed for that situation “until” I felt that I was done” or another example “I gladly open my home and give food and shelter to others, even when I am not prepared to have guests”. From this you come up with scores that are then added up and compared alongside some of the most common Charisms, eg. administration, craftsmanship, encouragement, evangelism, faith, giving, healing, hospitality, intercessory prayer, leadership, mercy, music, teaching, etc. The top 5 or 6 areas where you scored the highest numbers suggest that you may have a particular Charism in these areas. I enjoyed the task of confirming what I had previously thought were possibly my gifts and the challenge that this has presented me in stepping out in faith, as I begin to further explore and test out my Charisms. We were treated along the way to great Catholic teaching, learning more about the lives of the Saints and how all of these great men and women were able to do much for those around them, because of recognising and knowing that they had been given certain gifts. The future of our Church today depends more and more on people been able to recognise their Charisms or Spiritual Gifts, as special abilities given them by the Holy Spirit. For we are all companions on the journey and are therefore, all called to be enablers and channels of God’s love and redeeming presence in the world.

Ruth Marquand

On 29th May the restoration of the historic Fincham & Hobday Organ at St Joseph’s Warrnambool was celebrated with a Dedication Ceremony conducted by Bishop Peter Connors and a recital of Organ and Choral music. The organ, installed in 1893, has been an important part of liturgical celebrations at St Joseph’s and is valued greatly by the community. The organ underwent a partial restoration by a group of parishioners in the 1970’s but over the past few years it became apparent that large sections of the organ were not functioning at all. It was important to bring the organ back to full capacity and in 2006 Fr John Fitzgerald commissioned the restoration of the organ. This latest restoration, which took about two and a half years, was undertaken by Ken Turner of Goldfields Pipe Organs and has ensured the organ will continue delighting congregations for many years to come. Leanne Earl, who grew up in the parish but who now lives in Adelaide, was the guest organist and her recital comprised music from Bach, Couperin, Jehan Alain, Dupré and Monti. Tony Herbert, one of the St Joseph’s organists, accompanied two local choirs, the St Joseph’s Singers and the Warrnambool Chorale, which sang a variety of choral music, some sacred, some secular. The Warrnambool String Quartet entertained in the Gathering Space during supper at the end of the recital. About 300 people attended the evening and enjoyed very beautiful music. A DVD of the Dedication is available from St Joseph’s Parish Office for $12.00

Pastoral care within a community can take a multitude of forms. In the case of the Cororooke Parish, the illness of two three-year-old girls, Genevieve McGuane and Emily Smith, provoked a varied and committed response. Both girls are undergoing treatment for leukemia, and have constantly received both practical and spiritual support from the local community. On June 28, over three hundred people of all ages gathered in the Performing Arts Centre in Colac, for a very public act of pastoral care: a variety concert fundraiser. The extensive programme for the evening featured entirely local talent - even the surprise guest, operatic cobbler Peter Brocklehurst, resides in nearby Pomborneit. Moreover, countless local businesses contributed valuable items for the auction and raffles and the St Brendan’s Care Group provided hospitality.

The importance of acknowledging Emily and Genevieve individually was exemplified by a group of teenagers, who performed the requested favourite songs of each of the girls, whilst a play (in Italian!) by the St Brendan’s Primary School children provided an opportunity for siblings from the Smith and McGuane families to perform alongside their friends. The spirit of generosity and co-operation which permeated the evening is indicative of the strong relationships that exist within small communities - bonds which are reinforced by times of difficulty.

Robert O’Shea, Cororooke Parishioner Over the past year at St Joseph’s in Warrnambool a number of feast days have been honoured with Evening Prayer, either as vigil prayer or on the actual feast day. The aim has been to give more people an experience of the Prayer of the Church and those taking part have found it a very fulfilling experience. The psalms are sung in choir and leadership is shared. Since the initial Prayer, on Mary MacKillop’s Day 2008, we have become much more confident with our chanting skills. We have celebrated Prayer on the Feast of the Immaculate Conception (8th December), the Presentation of the Lord (2nd February), the Annunciation of The Lord (25th March) and on Tuesday of Holy Week. As well as the above we celebrated Evening Prayer on the Feast of Ss Peter and Paul (29th June). Siobhan Simper is pictured delivering her reflection at Evening Prayer.

Mary Lancaster

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The first ever on-line National E-Conference was held on Tuesday, June 30, 2009. It was an initiative of the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference and the Broken Bay Institute on the Year of St Paul. Some 5,000 people gathered during the international E-Conference to mark the end of the Pauline year, a landmark event for the Australian Church, according to the Broken Bay Diocese. The "online learning community" dedicated to be a source of information on St Paul, featured webcast lectures and panel sessions from Biblical and Media scholars including Fr Brendan Byrne, Sr Michele Connolly and Fr Richard Leonard and was hosted by prominent media personality, Mike Bailey. The sessions included facilitated discussion opportunities for participants, who joined up online. Some of the individual sites were hosting groups of up to 200 or more participants. More than 1,700 questions were received following the sessions in the first half of the day alone. "This is a wonderful opportunity for people to learn and share in the wisdom of the great Church communicator Paul," Archbishop John Bathersby, Chairman of the Bishops' Commission for Mission and Faith Formation, said in his opening address from Brisbane. "It is a fitting way to close the year that has celebrated his life and mission." Prime Minister Kevin Rudd also sent a message of support: "The Year of St Paul E-Conference ... will enable Catholic Dioceses across Australia to join together in reflecting on the legacy of one of the most important, yet elusive, figures in Church history”. "I trust the conference will facilitate a productive exchange of ideas for those who share in the Catholic tradition in Australia, and that it will benefit the communities you represent across the nation." In the Ballarat Diocese there were 10 host sites, with over 200 people attending. One notable international participant was Sr Patricia Day rsj, formerly Parish Leader of St Joseph’s, Ouyen and now working in the Missions in Peru. ARARAT Approximately 30 people, including Parishioners from Stawell, Willaura, Maryborough and Lake Bolac, gathered at Marian College for the recent E-Conference on St Paul. The sessions were very enlightening and the presenters were most engaging and understandable, encouraging further personal reflection. The different personalities and approaches kept up the interest. Local discussion was animated and some good sharing took place. The whole experience broadened our appreciation of St Paul. Fr Richard Leonard’s enthusiastic manner challenged us to a more positive appreciation of the Church, at a time when we need to hear this. The use of hi-tech presentation was a great way to bring people together and allow us to be able to access such great speakers. Our reception was in the capable hands of our youth, supported by Technician Kevin. It was a really good experience and opened the way for future sessions. Thanks to Marian College and all who prepared us for this day.

Maree Holt BALLARAT In Ballarat, the E-Conference was held at Loreto College, and approximately 45 people attended. There was a short delay in the broadcast initially and it was slightly unfortunate that we missed Fr Brendan Byrne’s first presentation on “Who was Paul”. However, due to quick thinking a DVD of Archbishop Mark Coleridge was shown speaking on the subject and he outlined his thoughts on who Paul was. This DVD is part of a lecture series by the Archbishop on St Paul called “Christ Lives In Me”. It is available from the Diocesan Resource Centre. When the broadcast began Sr Michele Connolly was presenting and she spoke about Paul’s missionary journeys from Asia to Europe, spreading the word. She spoke about the physical difficulties of his journey, the kilometres he travelled and the hardships he would have encountered. In her next presentation Sr Michele talked about Paul’s relationships with women and imparted her knowledge on how to read a Pauline letter. In his second presentation, Fr Brendan Byrne emphasised Paul’s sense of God – Grace, Spirit and Hope. The Grace of God being of utmost importance to Paul - Grace being beauty, lovable, a gift and simply freely given. The Spirit was the felt experience of God’s love and the overall message from Paul is one of Hope because of God’s love. Fr Richard Leonard was the third presenter and he spoke about one facet of Paul, being that he actually went out in the world to where the people were to proclaim his message. He went on to say the knowledge of who you are evangelising is imperative and that Courage, Adaptability, Right Judgment and Unity Through Love were the essence. The use of media is vital in the world today in this work and in this respect, Fr Richard stated that the E-Conference is a “ground breaking moment”. After each presentation there was local facilitated discussions in small groups, which enabled people to discuss what they heard and give their thoughts on Paul. The day was a huge success and was a wonderful way of bringing Catholics together and also hearing the story of St Paul.

Jane Collins

BIRCHIP Seventeen gallant believers gathered at the Birchip P-12 Community School, keen to be part of a new and innovative learning. We had some trouble at the beginning in getting access to the site – the doorway was not big enough for all of those who wanted to get through to hear about Paul. (I think Paul himself would have loved the excitement and the buzz. I think he would also have enjoyed the fact that many had to wait to gain entrance and to hear his teachings). By lunch time we had caught up on all our sessions and were well into the afternoon sessions, when we were caught in the midst of a storm and a blackout. We caught up again on what we had missed and were waiting for the final session when we had another blackout. This one had a certain finality about it, consequently we had to disband – something I’m sure often happened to Paul’s original followers. We, however, are able to make sure we hear it all again – the local learning centres at Birchip and Wycheproof are sure to be called on to enable us to hear the entire message.

Sr Veronica Quinn SGS CAMPERDOWN About twenty people gathered at Mercy Regional College, Camperdown for the E-Conference on St Paul. Our participants came from Camperdown, Mortlake, Simpson, Terang and Timboon and included a couple from the Uniting Church and a woman from the local Anglican Church. Vin Dillon was our facilitator. The participants were grateful to be part of such an historic happening and came away with a much deeper appreciation of St Paul as a person, and a better understanding of his message.

Noreen COLAC The communities of Apollo Bay, Colac and Cororooke were represented at the E-Conference at Trinity College, Colac. There was a strong sense of being united with others across the nation and internationally. Locally, our participants enthusiastically responded to Paul's story - a story that gives meaning, identification and motivation to our communities and to us as individuals. There was serious discussion, much laughter and enjoyment of each other's company. The stimulating presentations challenged us to consider the authenticity and sincerity of our faith in action. The love, mutual respect and harmony which Paul sought and set in the context of our equality in Christ, remain a challenge for us today. We thoroughly enjoyed our experience of the E-Conference. I found it difficult to capture the essence of our day in a few lines, but this is my attempt. I hope the experience was a positive one for others.

Marita O’Shea A huge thank you to all involved in the E-Conference in Colac – many parishioners participated which was great! Thank you to Gerard, Mary and the team at Trinity College for their support and help with proceedings - couldn't have done it without you. Thank you to Clare for facilitating on the day (even with such short notice!)

Fr Michael O’Toole, Colac PP

HAMILTON The gathering at Monivae College attracted eighteen interested people from the parishes of Hamilton, Portland, Casterton and Penshurst. Our local facilitator was Fr Andrew Hayes, Parish Priest of Casterton, Coleraine, Harrow and Edenhope. Participants found that each of the three presenters added a little more to their knowledge and understanding of St Paul's mission in the mid-first century A.D. Further lively group discussions followed into such areas as the reading of Pauline letters, Christianity and Judaism in the early Church, the role of women in the Church and the place of the Media in the Church of the 21st century. All attendees contributed well to an interesting day of Adult Faith Education.

John Donegan HORSHAM About thirty people participated in the E-Conference on St Paul at St Michael's & St Johns, Horsham. There was a hiccup at the beginning of the day due to computer problems, but Fr Peter and Sr Jacinta kept St Paul to the fore with a sheet on Paul's letters. We all appreciated the marvellous speakers and to be able to hear them so close to home was an extra bonus. We, who live so far from the city circuit, would greatly appreciate further E-Conferences.

Sr Patsy Bourke RSM

MILDURA Fourteen people gathered at St Joseph’s College to take part in the innovative, first ever online E-Conference. It was wonderful to have access to such credible scripture scholars, without having to move far from home. All presentations were easy to listen to and the speaker’s knowledge and love of Paul as presented to us, encourages us to return to a more profound reading of Paul’s letters, with some handy hints as to how to go about it. We came away with a greater understanding of the meaning of Paul’s conversion on the road to Damascus; his work as an apostle of God’s limitless love and his sense of God as Grace, Spirit and Hope. We trust that this innovative experience will be repeated again and we would like to suggest that Evangelisation and the Church’s Social Justice Teachings could be topics which would be well received. Thank you to those who organised this experience for so many Catholics seeking to increase their knowledge and love of Scripture.

Rosemary Graham SWAN HILL Three ladies from Quambatook travelled to MacKillop College, Swan Hill to be a part of the E-Conference, “St Paul in the 21st Century”. It was a most historical and spiritual lesson on the life and journey of Paul. Sr Michelle Connolly RSJ, Fr. Brendan Byrne SJ and Fr Richard Leonard were easy to listen to and understand, and have helped us to appreciate the life and writings of St Paul. We also enjoyed very much listening and sharing thoughts with others at discussion times. Thank you to our facilitator Catherine, who was most proficient and Jules for the cuppas. A wonderful educational day.

Judy Cameron WARRNAMBOOL The E-Conference revealed Paul to me as a real person. There was great value in watching the presentations as a group and being able to discuss amongst ourselves between each session. It was good to hear the insights others had gained and the many further questions the talks had elicited. I have always relished the parts in Paul’s letters where he talks of Grace and the Spirit, but have tended to shut out the Sin and Law parts - not really understanding the significance as regards negatives and positives. I now see that the negatives actually give more meaning to the positives of Grace and the Spirit. There was added value for us in knowing that we could go home and listen to the talks again – and further digest. There is a desire within me to know more of Paul and to really think about the man, his vision and his mission. I did enjoy the day and Mary Delaney was a great facilitator.

Mary Lancaster

ACU National Appoints Dean of Theology and Philosophy Australian Catholic University (ACU National) has appointed Professor Anne Hunt as Faculty Dean of Theology and Philosophy. The recent appointment of Professor Hunt as Faculty Dean makes her the first woman at a Catholic university in Australia to receive the title. Professor Hunt has been Rector of ACU National’s Ballarat Campus since 2002 while continuing her academic roles as lecturer, thesis supervisor and examiner. “I’m honoured to be appointed to the role of Dean of this new and exciting Faculty of Theology and Philosophy,” she said. “I am looking forward to assisting theology and philosophy to thrive and flourish within ACU National - these two disciplines lie at the very heart of what we strive to be and do as a distinctly Catholic university.” “Theology is one of the great loves of my life and I feel very privileged to serve the University, the Church, and theological education more broadly in this way. “I particularly look forward to collaborating closely with other theological education providers, nationally and internationally, to promote and advance theological education in Australia.” ACU National’s Faculty of Theology and Philosophy was established this year. The Faculty has a distinctive role in fostering an ever deeper understanding of the Catholic intellectual tradition through its research, scholarship and teaching in the areas of Theology and Philosophy and to making explicit the values and beliefs which lie at the heart of Australian Catholic University.

 

Jill Blee gives a colorful explanation of Catholic education.

Sovereign Hill celebrated Catholic Education Week with two events. In the Gold Museum we invited teachers, interested staff members and the general public to listen to two Ballarat notables. Jill Blee, Board Member of the Ballarat Mechanics Institute and novelist, spoke about the beginnings of Catholic Education in Ballarat. Michael Taffe, Secretary of the Ballarat Catholic Diocesan Historical Commission and Archivist for the Diocese of Ballarat, spoke about the material culture of the Catholic Church in Western Victoria. Jill began by setting the scene in early Victoria when the Catholic population was overwhelmingly Irish, as was the clergy. She read out comments made by the district Inspector: “Much pleased with the honesty, morality and intelligence of the teachers”. The same inspector commented that there was a failure of parents to pay fees especially at the St Alipius school. A few years later, St Alipius was described as “dilapidated and barely habitable”. A report in 1858 stated there was much improvement and that desks had been obtained for the children, but no blackboard and a shortage of maps, there was however a “handsome sundial” in the school yard. Jill explained that this had the dual purpose of teaching the children and getting their parents to church on time on Sundays. Jill painted an interesting and comprehensive picture of early Catholic education in Victoria. Michael spoke about the objects in the Gold Museum and Diocesan collections, some of which were on show on the night. The collections held by the Ballarat Diocesan Historical Commission, as with those relevant artifacts in the Gold Museum, are not maintained simply for gratification or hording purposes. They have an important story. Michael gave some colourful explanations of the various vestments on display. He managed in his talk to draw together the theme of education week – ‘Walking in the Footsteps of St Paul’ and the material culture. Paul’ and the material culture.  “Paul was a tent maker - he worked in leather and textiles - a textile worker. In Ch 18 of Acts, Paul is in Corinth where he stayed with Aquila and Priscilla. We are told ‘Paul went to visit them and when he found they were tentmakers, of the same trade as himself, he lodged with them and they worked together.’”      

As a finale to Catholic Education week, a Mass was said in St Alipius Diggings Church at Sovereign Hill, celebrated by Fr Adrian McInerney from St Alipius Parish, Ballarat East. The Sovereign Hill Diggings Church is a recreation of St Alipius Church in 1853, featuring dirt floor, rough wooden seats, timber sides and a canvas roof. There was a flag raising ceremony (as was the habit of Fr Matthew Downing and later Fr Patrick Smyth in the 1850s) before the Mass began. Lighted candles lined the walls of the Diggings Church which created a wonderful atmosphere, as the students sang modern known songs. Fr McInerney made mention of the faith of the Catholics on the goldfields and their hope for a better life. Mass began with a little Latin and explanation of priests saying Mass with their back to the congregation. The Sovereign Hill Education team hopes this inaugural event will become part of Catholic Education Week celebrations and an opportunity for schools to have student leadership teams involved in a bit of Catholic faith history.  Annemarie Kierce, Sovereign Hill Education Officer

CATHOLIC EDUCATION OFFICE - 30 YEAR AWARDS DINNER The 30 Year Awards dinner was held on Friday, April 24, 2009 at the Mercure Ballarat Hotel and Convention Centre, following the launch of the Catholic Education Week Mass. The dinner recognised the outstanding contribution made by staff in our Diocesan schools that have completed 30 years of service. Five staff from the Australian Catholic University, Ballarat Campus were also recognised for their 30 years of service to Catholic education, some of them as former teachers in our schools and all of them for their current roles working in teacher education. Sr Sylvia Williams was the guest speaker, who compared and contrasted her Catholic education journey to the journeys of St Paul. Sr Sylvia spoke of her various roles in schools around Victoria and mentioned the challenges and highlights she experienced as a Principal across a number of schools. Her successful career culminated as Principal at St Joseph’s College Mildura. The awardees were presented with a certificate by Bishop Peter Connors. Maree Bandt St Patrick’s Primary School, St Arnaud Leon Beaton Damascus College, Ballarat Jennifer Coffey St Patrick’s Primary School, Port Fairy Barbara Collins St Joseph’s College, Mildura Eugene Dalton OLHC Primary School, Warrnambool Dr Marian De Souza Australian Catholic University Carmen Duxson Damascus College, Ballarat Julie Duynhoven Catholic Education Office, Ballarat Barry Griffiths St Augustine’s Primary School, Creswick James Guinan St Joseph’s Primary School, Warrnambool Anthony Haintz Damascus College, Ballarat Joan Guinan St Pius X Primary School, Warrnambool Wt Dianne Johnson St Brigid’s Primary School, Ballan Brendan Maher Emmaus Primary School, Mt Clear Mark Moloney St Patrick’s Primary School, Koroit Dr Peter Morris Australian Catholic University Sr Mary Nuttall Australian Catholic University Sue O’Keefe Catholic Education Office, Ballarat Joanne Rix Australian Catholic University Sr Annette Schneider Australian Catholic University Phillip Sherry St Patrick’s College, Ballarat Lynn Stewart Monivae College, Hamilton Kevin Towns St Joseph’s College, Mildura John Yurisic St Pius X Primary School, Warrnambool Wt Peter Kerwan, Catholic Education Office

Vinnies Budget Grocery First Anniversary On June 25, 2009 a celebratory Dinner was held to mark the first birthday of the operation of VBG Mildura. The dinner was a way of expressing thanks to all the volunteers, patrons and benefactors who have helped with the store. Thanks were also expressed to Bob and Pat Pollock who have given an amazing commitment to this project and have spent countless hours to bring the project to fruition. The aim of the VBG is to provide grocery items, fresh fruit and vegetables and meat at cheaper prices for those on low incomes. All are welcome to use the shop because the more stock we sell, the cheaper the prices can be. The second aim of the project is to provide training and expertise for the many volunteers who help in the store. In the last twelve months ten people have moved on to paid employment in various fields.

Photos Top: Shirley & Brian Stephens cut the birthday cake Left: Red Cliff Conference Members B & M Pollock & Fr Frank Monaghan Right: Fr Tom Brophy - Mildura Parish Priest, Garry Webb – St Vincent de Paul, & Cr Mark Eckel

The successful operation of the Catholic Development Fund continues to provide a reliable source of income for the pastoral initiatives and services offered by the Diocese of Ballarat. The CDF are able to report that it has experienced another year of exceptional growth in 2008. Deposit holdings, loan balances, reserves and total assets have all increased significantly. The surplus for the year is yet again an improvement on the previous years result. Results Our financial result continues to improve. Some significant highlights of the years results worth noting include:- • Surplus up by 25% • Deposit funds up by 5% • Loan balances up by 17% • Reserves up by 15% • Total assets grew by 6% • Contributions to Diocese increased by 18% The improvement in earnings has enabled us to maintain our annual contribution to the Retired Priests Fund, further increase our distribution to the Diocese and again significantly increase our reserves which are now well in excess of $7.4m. The year’s surplus has been distributed as follows:- • Retired Priests Fund $ 50,000 • Diocese of Ballarat $ 600,000 • Retained Earnings $ 961,639

Total $ 1,611,639 Loans For the second year in a row, loans advanced to parishes and schools in our Diocese exceeded $9,000,000. This highlights that strong development continues to occur right throughout the Diocese. Loans outstanding at years end amounted to $35,389,640 which is over $5.3 million more than at the same time last year. Deposits Deposits with the CDF are not a donation. While every dollar you deposit works for the benefit of the Diocese, at the same time it earns you a healthy return, free of administrative fees and charges. The success that the CDF has achieved has been due to the support and loyalty that we receive from depositors, clergy, parishes, schools and colleges and other catholic entities. Thank you for your support in making the CDF such an integral part of the Diocese. Please feel free to contact the Fund on 1800 134 100 for further information.

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CONTINUED SUCCESS FOR THE CATHOLIC DEVELOPMENT FUND (CDF)

Recent projects partially funded from the CDF: Right: Damascus College Left: St Augustine’s Primary School Creswick

Visit of Karl Schultz to the Ballarat Diocese

October 2-22, 2009

Karl A Schultz is the Director of the Genesis Personal Development Centre in Pittsburgh. He is an author, speaker and retreat leader on personal and organisational development and biblical spirituality, particularly the practice and application of lectio divina to such topics as:

Parish and Family Spirituality Potential Fulfilment and Wellness Gender Relations and Communications Time and Stress Management Care-giving and Suffering Journaling Theology of the Body The teachings of Pope Paul VI

Karl has presented programs in diocesan, Church, retreat, corporate, hospital, hospice, association and convention environments throughout the United States and Canada. He has discussed his work on numerous television and radio programs, including several EWTN programs. Karl will spend weekends in three major centres in the Diocese - Hamilton (October 2-5), Horsham (October 9-12) and Ballarat (October 16-19). There is also a possibility for him to visit other centres during the week. The program for the Ballarat Diocese is yet to be fully finalized, but it is expected that sessions will include a full day on using Lectio Divina, a Retreat for Men, Christian Time Management, Spirituality for Busy People and a gathering for Youth. Parishes will receive a final copy of the Karl’s timetable and some promotional material by the end of August. Further enquiries to Vin Dillon (ph. 53377125) or vin.dillon@ballarat.catholic.org.au

New Statue for Maryborough Last August Fr Ed Moloney and Fr Marcello Colasante from the Diocese of Ballarat, together with Fr Brendan Hogan and Fr Michael Williamson from the Diocese of Sale, accompanied Fr Lihn Tran and Fr Nhan Le for a holiday and visit to their homeland of Vietnam. Fr Nhan Le and Fr Lihn Tran, who both came from Vietnam as Refugees when they were teenagers, are both now working as priests in the Archdiocese of Melbourne. Whilst in Vietnam, the priests attended a celebration to mark the Feast of the Assumption of Mary into heaven to which over 600,000 attended. The gathering was larger than World Youth Day, which had been held in Sydney a month earlier. During the trip, Fr Nhan Le purchased a statue of St Joseph to be placed in the Church at Emerald and Fr Ed purchased a statue of Our Lady to be placed in the gardens of the Church and school grounds of St Augustine’s, Maryborough. A number of hurdles were encountered along the way in transporting the statues by sea from Vietnam to Australia. There was even a suspicion from custom authorities that Mary and Joseph contained drugs!!! A reminder that all things were not smooth sailing for the real Mary and Joseph when they escaped to Egypt!!

Many parishioners helped out in preparing the place for Mary. Brendan Dwyer and Peter Weir built the grotto to house the statue and Frank and Michael Fitzgibbon collected the statue from Melbourne. The Crameri, Dridan and Pascoe families also helped with the lighting and installation of the Grotto and statue. Blue stones were provided by the Moloney brothers from Kolora and the Maryborough Council. Finally after nine months of preparation and negotiations, parishioners from St Augustine’s gathered around a newly erected Grotto to Bless the statue of Mary after the Saturday evening Vigil Mass on April 24 . A few hours after Mary was installed in the Grotto, rain began to fall. Hopefully a sign of things to come! May Our Lady watch over and protect the people of Maryborough and beyond.

Bishop Returns to his Roots On July 11, 2008 recently ordained Auxiliary Bishop of Melbourne, Leslie Tomlinson, returned to Sacred Heart Parish Mildura for a visit. Bishop Les was accompanied by his sister, Jan Gaffy. Bishop Tomlinson celebrated the evening Mass on Saturday night and was officially welcomed back to his old parish by the Vice-Chairman of the Sacred Heart Pastoral Council, Mr Brian Grogan. In his homily Bishop Les paid tribute to the role Sacred Heart Parish, priests (particularly Fr Frank Monaghan) and people paid in the nurturing of his faith and his vocation to the priesthood. He also thanked the sisters of Mercy for the good education he received at Sacred Heart Primary School, St Joseph’s Red Cliffs and St Joseph’s College. Bishop Les was also pleased to renew acquaintances with

former class mates and parishioners in the sharing of a cup of tea after Masses in Mildura and Red Cliffs. On Monday July 13, Bishop Les celebrated Mass for the pupils of Sacred Heart Primary School and visited St Joseph’s College. Photos: Top – Bishop Les with his sister, Jan Gaffy Right: Fr Tom Brophty, Bishop Les, Fr Frank Monaghan and

Fr Matthew Thomas

Reconciliation & Right Relationships Resources at the Diocesan Resource Centre

DVD: APOLOGY TO THE STOLEN GENERATION The apology in Federal Parliament to the Stolen Generations of Australia, by Prime Minister Kevin Rudd was a defining moment in the nation's history. Crowds gathered across the country to mark the occasion with tears, cheers and emotional displays of relief, happiness and in some cases, anger. Presented by Tony Jones (Lateline) and Miriam Corowa (Message Stick) this DVD includes complete coverage of the speeches and proceedings with expert analysis and reaction from members of Australia's Stolen Generation. As seen on ABCTV 1 & 2 8.55am Wednesday, 13 February 2008 CD AUDIO: WIHISPERS OF PEACE A wonderful new resource for worship and peacemaking has been made available by the National Council of Churches in Australia. BOOK: Rue, Charles. (2009). THE LET THE SON SHINE: AN AUSTRALIAN CATHOLIC RESPONSE TO CLIMATE CHANGE. Strathfield, NSW: Columban Mission Institute. Christian beliefs can help people to identify the central values they bring to the climate change issue. Faith can be a source of courage to help people urgently confront the changes needed in their individual and community lifestyles. Catholics need to cooperate with others on the climate challenge at a deep level, but at this time they must strive to get the church’s own house in order. Neglect would be a sin of omission. PICTURE STORY BOOK: Weninger, Brigitte. WHAT HAVE YOU DONE DAVEY? What is it about Davey that keeps landing him in trouble? He means well, but wherever he goes accidents happen. Luckily Davey has a close and loving family who shows him that if he makes up for his mistakes he will soon be forgiven.

All titles are available for loan from the Diocesan Religious Education Resource Centre 5 Lyons Street South, PO Box 576, Ballarat 3353

Ph: 03 5337 7149, Fax: 03 5333 5048 e-mail: jkingston@ceoballarat.catholic.edu.au

Web Site: http://www.ballarat.catholic.org.au or http://www.ceoballarat.catholic.edu.au/library

“We forgive freely or we do not really forgive at all."

Lewis B. Smedes - Forgive & Forget: Healing the Hurts We Don't Deserve

When I was appointed Bishop of Ballarat twelve years ago, I was required to choose a motto for my Crest to be used for official documentation. By an act of God’s providence I decided upon “That we may be one”. I saw it as a response to the prayer of Jesus at the Last Supper, when he prayed that his disciples might “be one as you Father are in me and I am in you. May they be one in us; so that the world may believe that you have sent me” (John 17: 21). A few years previously in May 1995, Pope John Paul II had published an Encyclical Letter “On Commitment to Ecumenism” which he introduced with the same theme: “That they may be one”. One of my first duties was to sign a covenant for greater co-operation between the Anglican and the Catholic Dioceses of Ballarat. My close association with the late Archbishop Frank Little over many years, prompted me to reflect on the importance of unity among all Christians if we are to give true witness to Jesus Christ. Archbishop Little was renowned for his commitment to the cause of Christian Unity. Our whole nation felt relieved and involved when Prime Minister Kevin Rudd said “Sorry” to our indigenous brothers and sisters, in Federal Parliament in February 2008. It was an important step along the road to true reconciliation, with those who have suffered so much over the past two hundred years. On several occasions I have expressed my sincere regret and apology for the suffering and trauma caused by the actions of some of our priests. I know that this will be for the survivors but one step upon the road towards healing, and perhaps one day being reconciled with the Church. Because we are human and capable of sin, reconciliation is at the heart of life’s business. We recall the many occasions when Jesus dealt with the issue of forgiveness and of the need to be reconciled with our sisters and brothers before we can approach God (cf. Matthew 18: 21 -22; Luke 17:33-34). The final prayer of Jesus on the Cross was for the forgiveness of his executioners (cf. Luke 23:34). The parable of the Prodigal Son is above all the story of the inexpressible love of a Father – God – who offers to his son when he comes back to him, the gift of full reconciliation. The elder son portrays the selfishness that divides the brothers. Sadly it is the story of the human family. Let us keep before our eyes the image of the Prodigal Son, whose anxiety for conversion represents those who are aware of the existence in their inmost hearts, of a longing for reconciliation at all levels and without reserve.

+ Peter J Connors BISHOP OF BALLARAT