Summer 2014 - Catholic Diocese of Armidale

SUMMER 2014 - CATHOLIC VIEWPOINT - 1

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VOL 23 - NO. 4SUMMER 2014

DIOCESE OF ARMIDALE

Our front cover for this issue represents children experiencing the joy and true wonder of Christmas. A parent or grandparent’s dream on their behalf. Lou Farina created the image with the nativity statues from St Patrick’s West Tamworth and the children are his grandchildren, Ethan and Georgia Lancsar.

The Wonder

ofChristmas

2 - SUMMER 2014 - CATHOLIC VIEWPOINT

The Bishop Speaks

What does it mean to be a Catholic? Do or should Catholics live their life in a certain way? Are there certain things that all Catholics should do? How do we share and pass on our Catholic faith and way of life to others, our children, grandchildren and friends?

Our parents’ and grandparents’ generations would have found these questions quite easy to answer. But a certain confusion, fragmentation, and disarray has entered into our thinking in recent decades, and so these questions have been the source of much discussion and debate, particularly in light of the call to the New Evangelization.

So what does it mean to be a Catholic? In truth, there are many different ways to approach the question; many different angles to be considered. It would make a good topic for a book or a doctoral thesis. But for this, my brief column, let’s not over-complicate it; let’s look at the question the way the very first Christians did, let’s look at the Acts of the Apostles in the New Testament which tells us so much about the way of life of the first Christians. In chapter two Saint Luke gives us this brief summary: “The whole community remained faithful to the teaching of the Apostles, to the brotherhood, to the breaking of bread, and to the prayers ….. (and) they shared according to what each person needed.” If I am authentically Catholic,

this summary of the life of the first Christian should also describe me. Let’s look at it.

1. They remained faithful to the teaching of the Apostles. These days people talk a lot about “Gospel Values”. The first Christians were not just faithful to a vague set of Gospel Values which in our own day seem to reduce Christ’s teachings to simply being nice and non-judgemental. It is indeed important to be nice and to not judge others, but Christ taught the Apostles much more than this. Gospel values are easy, and each generation can make them whatever they want them to be. But the teachings of the Apostles are definite, and they are challenging and demanding. And their teaching still survives today since it has been authentically handed on to each generation by the Church’s magisterium.

To be Catholic means to be faithful to the full body of the Apostles’ teaching, not just to the teachings that I like or agree with. Have you ever noticed that the teachings we tend to dislike or disagree with are the ones we find difficult? It’s easy to be faithful in the things we find easy isn’t it? But to be Catholic means to trust in God, to trust that he is true to his word, and that he therefore does teach us the truth through his Apostles and their successors. When I am convinced of this, it becomes

Can I be a Catholic without being Catholic?


easier to remain faithful to the teachings of the Apostles as the early Christians were.

2. They remained faithful to the brotherhood. The first Christians knew that, by establishing a Church, Jesus wanted them to be a true community; not just a number of isolated individuals each pursuing their own individualistic spirituality, but a communion of people who pray together, who support one another, and who carry out a mission together. He wanted them to stick together. People today sometimes say that they want spirituality, not religion; they want Jesus, not the Church. This is not the Catholic way, because it is not the way that Jesus gave us. We need both. To be Catholic means to be faithful to the brotherhood, to stick together with the Church and not just go my own way.

3. They remained faithful to the breaking of Bread. The New Testament and the writings of the Church Fathers from the early centuries attest time and time again that the distinguishing feature of Christian life was the coming together every Sunday for the Braking of the Bread which later came to be called the Eucharist and eventually the Mass. Sunday is important, as we know, because it is the day of the resurrection, but it is important also because it is the day on which the Risen Lord still comes and stands in the midst of his people gathered together in his name to bestow his gift of peace just as he did in the upper room on the evening of the resurrection.

The Gospel of Saint John in particular takes care to point out that the appearances of the risen Jesus to his disciples after the resurrection occur on Sundays. Jesus seems to have been teaching them to look forward to something pretty special on a Sunday. Do we still hold this enthusiasm for the first day of the week, the Lord’s Day, the day on which our Risen Lord still comes to us with his gift of peace? To be Catholic means to be faithful to the breaking of the Bread every Sunday.

4. They remained faithful to the prayers. We learn from the Acts of the Apostles and other early Christian writings that, as well as going to Mass on Sundays, the first Christians prayed every day - not just once a day, but several times a day. Over the centuries many good and different ways of praying have developed that help individuals and families to pray: grace at meal times, the

rosary, novenas, litanies, consecrations, psalms, Bible readings, and so on. It need only take a few minutes, but daily prayer is an oasis for the soul thirsty for God; for the family yearning for peace. I might ask myself, how often and how much time do I devote each day to both my personal prayer and to family prayer? To be Catholic means to be faithful to daily prayer.

5. Lastly, the Early Christians shared what they had with others gladly and generously. They shared according to what each one needed. This is one way in which Christ’s followers transformed a rather brutal world, making it more personal and more human. Throughout the Church’s history, this is the action that has been most evident to the rest of the world, and it is the action that Pope Francis is continually encouraging us in today. Do I have more than I need? To be Catholic means to share what I have gladly and generously.

In our increasingly secular and busy nation, some people wonder whether Christianity and the Catholic Church will still be around in Australia in a hundred years’ time. I hope and pray they are wrong. Jesus Christ does not only want us to “hang in there” so that we are still around next century; he wants us to boom and thrive and share his Good News with the whole world.

The only way the Catholic faith and way of life can survive in our families, our parishes, and our nation is if we live the same five-point Catholic life that the first Christians lived: By remaining faithful to the teaching of the Apostles, to the brotherhood, to the breaking of bread, and to the prayers … and by sharing what we have with others gladly and generously. This is the only authentic Catholic way of life. It worked in the beginning; it still works today. It’s impossible to be a Catholic without being Catholic. So let’s be catholic!

Most Reverend Michael Kennedy

Bishop of Armidale

Parish Christmas Mass and Confession times will be available on the Diocesan websit:e.

www.armidale.catholic.org.au


At the recent clergy assembly the priests took time out to celebrate the upcoming retirements of Fathers Max Davis and Bernie Frize. Bishop Kennedy thanked the priests for their loyal service to the Diocese and to its people. He recalled their great hospitality and warm welcome to him when he visited their parishes. He presented both priests with a bronze medallion of the Cathedral.

Father Max DavisFr Davis was ordained in Narrabri on 8th December 1987 and since then has served in Narrabri, Armidale, Inverell, Walcha and Werris Creek parishes. Fr Max came to the Diocese after a period as an Anglican minister for the Newcastle Diocese. He was received into the Catholic Church in May 1983 and says he has never regretted this decision. Fr Ross O’Brien described Fr Max as “Mr Organisation” a person who planned his work and worked to his plan. He stated Fr Davis has always been a man of faith who cherishes his faith.

Fr Davis responded thanking the priests for their support and recognition of his priestly ministry. He stated that he is

moving to Newcastle to help look after his brother who has health issues and needs assistance with his day to day living. However he hopes that in the future he will be able to return to his beloved Armidale Diocese.

Fr Bernie FrizeFr Frize was ordained on 23rd July 1963 and has spent time in Manilla, Narrabri, Gunnedah, West Tamworth, Moree, Uralla, Wee Waa, Armidale, Tenterfield, Inverell and Warialda parishes. He also spent time in Geraldton diocese undertaking missionary work. Fr Paul McCabe recalled that his own mother had asked Fr Frize to look after him when they started out together as young priests. Their friendship has lasted over 50 years! Fr Frize was described an authentic priest who combined his priestly vocation with being an ordinary bloke.

Fr Frize responded by thanking the priests for their kind words. He reflected on the example his brother priests gave him during his priestly ministry. He described his life as a priests as one of happiness and pleasure – a blessing and a privilege. He will be retiring to a unit in Armidale close the Cathedral.

Moving to retirement

Pope Francis has beatified Pope Paul VI, who died in 1978 after shepherding the church through a period of internal reform amid an era of social and political change and growing challenges to the church’s traditional teachings.

In his homily, the pope quoted Pope Paul VI, who concluded the work of the historic Second Vatican Council. “By carefully surveying the signs of the times, we are making every effort to adapt ways and methods to the growing needs of our time and the changing conditions of society,” the pope said, quoting from a 1965 apostolic letter written by Paul VI.

Giovanni Battista Montini, cardinal of Milan, was elected Pope in 1963 following John XXIII.

Paul VI was a pope of many firsts. He was the first pope to stop wearing a papal tiara “to show that the authority of the pope is not tied to temporal power,” and when he sold the tiara to raise funds, “he gave these to the poor, a sign of his commitment to social justice.”

Aside from the reforms instituted by the Second Vatican

Council, he cleaned house, abolishing the pontifical court and simplifying the Curia, the Vatican’s administrative arm.

Paul VI understood the importance of the arts for the church and inaugurated the Vatican Museum’s collection of modern art.

He promoted Christian unity and ecumenical dialogue. He was the first pope to travel to Israel before the Vatican officially recognized the state, and the first pope to visit six continents during his 15-year papacy.

He is also remembered for his 1968 encyclical Humanae Vitae which reaffirmed the church’s opposition to artificial birth control.

The beatification followed the certification in May of a miracle attributed to Paul’s intercession: the healing in 2001 of an unborn child whom doctors expected to be born with a number of birth defects. The boy, now 13, is a healthy American teenager whose identity is being withheld at the request of his parents.

Blessed Paul VI


Father John Carey was ordained a priest of the Diocese of Armidale on 21st December 1957 in the chapel of Propaganda Fide College in Rome. On 18 April 2014 he turned 80 years of age. He has been a priest for 57 years.

He is currently the parish priest of St Joseph’s Parish, Glen Innes. Over the years he has been an assistant priest in four parishes (St Nicholas East Tamworth; Sacred Heart Inverell; St Mary’s Tenterfield and St Francis Xavier Moree) and parish priest in three parishes (St Nicholas Parish East Tamworth; St Joseph’s Uralla and St Patrick’s Glen Innes) in the diocese of Armidale serving each with distinction and true pastoral zeal.

He is an active Parish Priest involved in parish and school activities. He is held in high esteem by current and past parishioners. A well-attended event was organised by his parish to celebrate his 80th birthday, an example of the affirmative way in which he connects to his parishioners.

In addition he has served for many years on a number of Diocesan boards and committees. For many of these boards and committees he was an inaugural member dating back to the 1970’s and has remained a valued contributor until the current time. This involvement has included the following:

• Member of the College of Consultors since 2004

• Member of the Council of Priests since 2004

• Vicar Forane since 1993

• The Clerical Salary Fund committee - including a period as Secretary/Treasurer

• The Clerical Sustentation Fund committee - including a period as Secretary/Treasurer

• Armidale Diocesan Investment Group Board since its inception in 1974 - chairman since 2004.

• Bishop’s Commission for Catholic Schools 1970’s until 2013 - Chairman Finance Sub Committee

• Confraternity for Catholic Doctrine Commission from 1970’s until 2013 - Chairman

• Chaplain to Correctional Service Facility from 2000

• Diocesan representative on the NSW Catholic Education Commission in the 1980’s and 1990’s

• Catholic Viewpoint editorial committee 1993 – 2000

Fr Carey is an outstanding example of a dedicated priest who has served the Church and the faithful in this diocese with great diligence and attention as a Parish Priest. He is actively engaged in his many and varied responsibilities with the vigour and enthusiasm of one many years younger. He is an example, to those around him, of living out authentically his vocation to the Diocesan priesthood. In addition he has accepted, and carried out faithfully with outstanding contributions, appointments to numerous Diocesan and State boards and committees.

It is only now at the age of 80 years that is he is beginning to step down from these additional responsibilities. With this in mind, a papal award is a most appropriate and timely recognition of this exemplary priest. This honour delights his current parish community as well as the wider Diocesan community.

Reverend Father John Patrick Carey PRO ECCLESIA ET PONTIFICE


John Mula reflects on his time in Armidale Diocese and his move to Hobart

As I embrace Julie’s and my move to Hobart to take up the position of State Executive Director for Catholic Education in the Archdiocese, I am deeply grateful for the ever constant support of Bishop Kennedy, Bishop Matthys, the Priests of the Diocese, CSO staff, Principals, members of our BCCS, the BCCS Finance Sub-Committee and CSO advisory committee members and those students, families and staff who make up our school and college communities. They have been an example to me of all that is best in Catholic education.

As I complete my five years as Director, I am grateful for what St John Paul II called the ‘sacred privilege and awesome responsibility’ of being a teacher and a leader and I pray for the grace to be ready for the challenge that waits in Tasmania.

I will always cherish the memory of the greetings, meetings, and generous friendship and professional support people have extended to me, during the last very engaging and fruitful five years. It has been an unusually demanding period in the development of Catholic education and education generally in this country and I am honoured to have had a part in leading our system during these challenging times.

Despite the challenges much has been achieved over the past five years in the areas of learning enhancements, the professional development of our school leaders and staff, the integration of learning technologies and improvements of school facilities and school financial support in the context of growing enrolments. However I am again mindful that our

successes and achievements would not have been possible without the generous advice, teamwork and support of so many experienced colleagues.

In the context of research in rural NSW which reveals the continuing decrease in the aspirations of families and students, essentially a loss of hope. This loss of hope is the responsibility of all educational providers but especially for ourselves as Catholic educators. As the much respected leader in Catholic education, the late Barry Dwyer stated in his succinct one page essay on Catholic schools – ‘the distinguishing feature of Catholic schools is that they are places of HOPE!

I have always believed that Catholic education exists to provide the opportunity for children and young people to experience God’s love for them and to know their destiny, whether they are Catholic or from a different background, to be the best they can as a human person loved by God and called to make a unique contribution to the world. That is human dignity at its best.

It is with peaceful joy that Julie and I complete this period of our lives in Armidale. Deo gratias for all that has been possible and for all that will unfold in the future.

Thank you for the privilege of leading with you and for your friendship and support I will miss your collegiality and the diocese but my love, prayers and active support will be with you all.

Yours in hope. John Mula

John and Julie Mula on a Holy Lands pilgrimage – the photo is taken from the Mount of Olives overlooking Jerusalem

Sacred privilege & awesome responsibility


Since 2010 John Mula has provided system leadership through advocacy, representation and policy development to ensure a high standard in the delivery of services to Armidale diocesan schools through the Catholic Schools Office.

John was assiduous in maintaining a relationship with the Bishop and parish priests that was characterised by mutual trust, close cooperation and continuing dialogue. John ensured that Armidale diocesan schools remain committed to the Church and the mission of Catholic education including a commitment to a culture of excellence and rigour. John recognised that Armidale diocesan schools exist in a time of rapid cultural, technological and economic change and that this required a continuous need for sustainable financial planning, human resource/personnel management and professional formation, facilities maintenance and enhancement and the requirement for advocacy and contemporary communication. John was worked tirelessly to ensure that the Armidale Diocesan system of Catholic schools adopted and maintained standards for operational vitality.

During his tenure John has demonstrated strategic leadership by instigating and implementing structural changes within the Catholic Schools Office and Armidale diocesan schools to ensure enhanced learning opportunities for students. These include the establishment of a learning and teaching team with its own Assistant Director, establishment of intervention programs for students who were underachieving and the implementation of the Australian curriculum. He also instigated a review of ICT support for Armidale diocesan schools and established a committee to oversee the implementation of the review recommendations.

John showed unflagging commitment in fostering ties and representation with agencies at the local and state level. He has been a member of the NSW Catholic Education Commission (CEC), the Confraternity of Diocesan Directors, Chair of the CEC’s Audit and Risk Committee and a member of the Board of Catholic Education Network (CeNet). John has been an active member of the local branches of the Australian College of Educators and the Australian Council for Educational Leaders and has shared with local members his leadership

journey, his beliefs, practices and motivation. In 2014 he was awarded the William Walker Award for educational leadership.

John also established strong links with professional organisations such as the Queensland Education Leadership Institute (QELI) to support and develop leadership capacity for principals and school executive staff. The 2014 Small School Leadership programme that was offered by the Armidale Catholic Schools Office in partnership with QELI that attracted attendees from Queensland and NSW country dioceses is an example of his efforts to build leadership capacity within schools and to recognise the unique aspects of leadership in Catholic rural and regional schools.

John’s contribution to Catholic education in the Armidale Diocese over the past five years has been substantial and he will be sadly missed.

Contributed by Paul Holman

He will be sadly missed


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Kate Rayment

We farewell Kate from the Diocese as she has been appointed principal of St Scholastica’s College in Glebe. Kate has had a long association with McCarthy Catholic College. She first joined the staff in January 1990 and has held the position of Religious Education Coordinator and was appointed Assistant Principal in 2006. During 2009 she fulfilled the role of Acting Principal before being appointed College Principal in 2010.

The school community of McCarthy College has benefited greatly from Kate’s dedicated leadership. Her commitment and enthusiasm for the college and the traditions of the Dominican Sisters and Christian Brothers and her connection with the parish have been greatly appreciated by everyone. She has been a supportive leader to the staff and she has worked tirelessly to provide the students with an excellent Catholic education.

Doug Garnett

Mr Doug Garnett has accepted the position of Principal of St Paul’s Primary School, Rutherford in the Diocese of Maitland – Newcastle.

Doug was appointed as principal of St Xavier’s Primary School in 2003 after being principal at St Patrick’s Primary School Walcha. During his time as Principal, Doug has led St Xavier’s with commitment and enthusiasm. During his time at St Xavier’s Doug has overseen a significant upgrade to the school facilities and a growth in student enrolments.

Val Thomas

Val has been appointed principal of Mater Dei Catholic College Wagga Wagga from the commencement of the 2015 school year.

Val began her teaching career at Holy Trinity School, Inverell

in 1980 before moving to the Lismore Diocese. Val returned to Holy Trinity as Principal in 2010.

During her time at Holy Trinity, Val has been an enthusiastic leader of the staff and students. She has worked tirelessly to provide the students with an excellent Catholic education and is committed to the professionalism of staff in a contemporary teaching/learning environment.

Val’s organisational skills are excellent and especially evident in her overseeing of a substantial improvement in the school’s facilities - a new library, creative arts/TAS building and refurbishment of secondary, infants and administration staff areas. This year will see the completion of a Trade Training Centre at the school’s agriculture facility.

School Principals leaving for new challenges

Adieu2014 sees a number of changes in the school system &

we acknowledge the valuable contribution to our schools, parishes and Diocese

of the following leaders in our schools.

John Mula: Director of Catholic SchoolsAlan Williams: Consultant at the Catholic Schools Office

Kate Rayment: Principal McCarthy Catholic CollegeVal Thomas: Principal Holy Trinity School Inverell

Doug Garnett: Principal St Xavier’s Primary GunnedahPeter Holmes: Principal St Joseph’s Primary Wee WaaSuzanne Fern: Principal St Mary’s Primary Armidale

We wish you God’s richest blessings for your future


It has been a busy time for ADIG during the last few months. We have been fortunate enough to be sponsors of some fantastic events as well as helping the diocese in many ways.

The Nazareth House Golf Day was held in September and was once again a big success. There was lots of fun (and even more lost golf balls!) had by the teams and from all reports, the day set a new record in terms of funds raised for this worthwhile cause.

ADIG was a sponsor for this again this year and donated several prizes and gifts for the presentations and the raffles at the end of the 18 holes.

Another great day out and fundraiser for Nazareth House was their annual fete which was held on October 11. This event has a long history of being extremely well attended and this year was no exception. Craft, jewellery, plants, cakes & biscuits, raffles and much more was on offer again and was snapped up.

Nazareth House once again appreciated the use of ADIG’s marquees for this event. They were a welcome relief from the sun and were used to keep everyone cool at the face painting stall, the sausage sizzle, the plants and more.

On 19th October, Patrick Rankmore from St Mary’s College Gunnedah, was selected as a NSW All School’s Team Member. With the help of the Armidale Diocesan Investment Group, Patrick was able to attend the five day event as a NSW All School’s 15’s referee for touch football and learnt a lot during his time down in Morwell, Victoria.

Patrick said he was kept extremely busy this time as we had about 20 less referees than last year. This meant Patrick was able to referee 32 matches over the five days he attended which kept him both fit and busy.

Patrick, who also coaches under 16’s tennis, enjoys playing touch football in the local competitions as well however he prefers refereeing, especially in the higher grades.

New South Wales Combined High Schools Representation is the highest honor a student in NSW can obtain. ADIG was proud to help Patrick make the trip and participate in this event.

ADIG Sponsors Success


On Friday 10th October a large group of family and friends gathered at Mary Help of Christians Catholic Church, South Tamworth to celebrate the achievement of Aboriginal Elder, Aunty Gloria Leigh.

Speakers told of the way in which Aunty Gloria has been able to meld traditional Aboriginal beliefs with Jesus’ message of love for one another.

Gloria has been active for over thirty years in Aboriginal Catholic Ministry at Local, Diocesan, State and National level. She is also a member of the Bishop’s Commission for Justice, Peace and Development.

During the ceremony Bishop Michael Kennedy presented Aunty Gloria with the initial Bishop Kennedy medal for services to the community and church.

St Albert’s College emphasises christian values within a catholic ethos with a true family atmosphere. There is a chaplain who also provides weekly Mass in the College chapel. To support the chaplain a Chaplaincy team is available to help students and ensure that the College policies and procedures reflect catholic values.

St Albert’s provides a full college experience at a reasonable fee that covers all of the residents’ expenses - fully catering with 21 meals a week (that’s 3 a day!!!), an onsite counsellor, free College parking and no rent for the room in the holidays.

St Alberts College values the individual and provides a balance of academic, spiritual, sporting, cultural and social events to help you become a well-rounded, sought after graduate. We believe that individual potential is best realised in a caring community that explicitly promotes faith, service and learning.

Aunty Gloria honoured

Become an Albies achiever

The College is proud of the results students achieve:

• Academically - with the high level of academic support student grades were primarily a credit, distinction or high distinction.

• Sporting - including Rugby, Netball, Hockey and Basketball Clubs

• Community Service – involvement in many community service events.

On-line residential applications are now open for 2015 – just go to:

http://www.une.edu.au/campus-life/une-accommodation/accommodation


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Catholic Viewpoint

The Golden Jubilee of Caritas in the Diocese of Armidale was celebrated with a Mass at Mary Help of Christians Church, South Tamworth and lunch for over 80 people.

Twelve priests joined Bishop Kennedy in celebrating the Mass. The Mary Help of Christians Choir lead the congregation in singing the hymns and responses. He said “Caritas, as an or-ganisation and the people who support it, put into practice the Catholic Social teaching principles of human dignity, respect, solidarity and subsidiarity.” Bishop Kennedy thanked all who have supported Caritas and in so doing have shown themselves “to be people who love other people, not people who love things.” “In particular, I thank Fr Ron Perrett, John Fittler and Brian Sullivan, the diocesan directors over these 50 years.”

Fr Ron Perrett spoke about the early days of Project Compas-sion in the Diocese, John Fittler recalled his happy experiences visiting schools and parishes and Brian Sullivan read a poem which recounted his experiences. Caritas Australia was repre-sented by Helen Forde from Sydney. Helen spoke about Caritas bringing love, hope and justice to people wherever they live.

Brian Sullivan

Fight against EbolaIn Catholic parishes in Liberia the hazard arising from Ebola and the possibilities of prevention are being pointed out more and more.

This was confirmed by the Apostolic Nuncio for Liberia, Sierra Leone and Gambia to the Catholic charity Aid to the Church in Need (ACN).

In a message Archbishop Adamczyk wrote: "Sunday´s Masses were a good occasion to explain to the people about prevention. Since the beginning of the month of August, in front of every public place, and in front of many private houses, it is possible to find a container with solution of water and chlorine for washing the hands. The same situation happens before to entry in every church."

The Nuncio described how the Catholic Church is also endeavouring to give support to all families with members who have been infected with Ebola or who must lament the death of loved ones due to the disease. "However, the Church cannot take care of the sick persons.

To do this, it is necessary to be prepared and to have special protection supplies. It is to noted that the number of the Health Workers who were infected is very high, namely 166 persons, and 80 of them have passed away."


On 18th September 2014, Pope Francis appointed Bishop Anthony Fisher the ninth Archbishop of Sydney. His installation was on 12th November 2014 at St Mary’s Cathedral, Sydney. Archbishop Fisher was an Auxiliary Bishop of the Sydney Archdiocese from 2003 and then in 2010 became Bishop of Parramatta Diocese. Shortly before his installation he spent time with his parents Gloria and Colin Fisher. (Photo: Newscorp)

The Australian Catholic Bishops Conference welcomes the concluding message released by the Synod Fathers at the III Extraordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops in Rome on 18th October 2014.

We support the Synod Fathers in their acknowledgement that as priests and bishops we have lived alongside families who have spoken to us and shown us the saga of their joys and their difficulties. Their example of generous faithfulness in marriage stands as an example for every society.

Following his contributions during the extraordinary Synod, President of the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference Archbishop Denis Hart said: “The Australian Bishops will continue to pray for families everywhere, in particular reflecting on how we can accompany and lead those in difficult situations, such as single women bringing up children and those who have divorced and remarried, towards participation in Church life.”

Archbishop Hart said that Pope Francis’ concluding address to the Synod Fathers was encouraging and inclusive: “The

Praying for families everywhereHoly Father described our Church as one that has the doors wide open to receive the needy, the penitent, and not only the just or those who believe they are perfect!” “Pope Francis has reminded us that we still have one year to mature, with true spiritual discernment, the proposed ideas and to find concrete solutions to so many challenges that families must confront, and to give answers to the many discouragements that surround families,” Archbishop Hart added.

Over the coming months, the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference will review the ‘lineamenta’ (guidelines), presented to each episcopal conference following the conclusion of the extraordinary Synod. “As Pope Francis has explained, the Church now has one year to work on the ‘Synodal Relatio’, which is the faithful and clear summary of everything that has been said and discussed during this extraordinary Synod,” Archbishop Hart said.

The full text of the statement from the Assembly can be found at http://armidale.catholic.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/Message-of-the-Synod-Assembly.pdf

Archbishop Anthony Fisher Clergy AppointmentsBishop Kennedy has announced the following clergy appointments to take effect from 28th February 2015..

Going into retirement are Fr Frize from Warialda and Fr Davis from Narrabri.

Parish Priest AppointmentArmidale Father Francis Afu Assistant PriestNarrabri Father James

PoovathinkalParish Priest

South Tamworth Father Tuan Tran Assistant PriestWalgett Father Anthony

KoppmanParish Priest

Warialda Father Abmar Dumayag

Parish Priest

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The Brother Gatti Memorial Chapel overflowed with parishioners under a warm and blue spring sky, when Bishop Michael Kennedy, assisted by Deacon Francis Afu, celebrated the Mass in Commemoration of All Souls at the Armidale cemetery.

The occasion had been organised by Deacon Francis with the collaboration of Belinda and Gary Burton, Steve Burns,

Damian Roff and Rickie Withers. Rickie supplied the organ music with Chris Cunningham on the viola. Scripture readings were done by Vern Turner and Kerry Barrett, with Margaret Barrett reading the Prayers of the Faithful. Two little Rogers boys carried the Offertory gifts. At the conclusion of Mass, Bishop Kennedy blessed the chapel and the graves of our faithful departed.

All Souls Day Mass Armidale cemetery

What a privilege it is to celebrate Holy Mass here on this hallowed ground, surrounded by the mortal remains of our departed brothers and sisters, both in the flesh and in the faith, and to do so on this special day dedicated to them. In doing so we are keeping alive two great and ancient traditions in the Church:

First, that of celebrating Mass over the tombs of the deceased. In a great example of the “sense of faith” the early Christians instinctively celebrated Mass over the tombs of the martyrs, over the bones of those good Christians who gave themselves so completely to the Lord, whose souls they knew were now in heaven participating in the heavenly liturgy, and whose bones they knew would rise on the last day to be reunited with their immortal souls in the glory of the Lord in Heaven.

Second: that of praying for and offering suffrages for

the souls in Purgatory. In the ancient Apostles Creed the Church has always professed her faith in the “Communion

of Saints”, that is, the Communion of the baptised, for it is baptism that makes us holy/saints. This bond between us endures beyond death. Just as we “saints” on Earth benefit from the prayers of the Saints in Heaven, so too the holy souls in Purgatory benefit from our prayers and offerings for them.

And so we, the holy but imperfect People of God, celebrate Mass here today surrounded by the saints who have gone before us, some of whom are now in Heaven, some of whom are now in Purgatory, and we offer this Mass for those Holy Souls in Purgatory.

Extract from Bishop Kennedy’s homily All Souls Day 2014 at the Armidale cemetery. The full text can be found at http://armidale.catholic.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/All-Souls-Day-2014.pdf

Great & ancient traditions


Fr Suresh, you are leaving us after such a short time. Where are you off to?I have been in the Diocese for 13 months and now I am going to the Archdiocese of Hobart. That’s what happens when you are a “Roaming Catholic Priest!”

What will be your role in Hobart?I will be appointed as the Administrator of St Bernard’s Catholic Church in Claremont. This parish is regaining its status as a parish after many years and the parish community is so thrilled about this new development. A primary school also falls under the parish care. This opportunity came my way. I was not looking for a greener pasture (even though Tasmania is much greener!). There’s a shortage of priests in Tasmania.

What kind of ministry will you be involved in?It will be the usual day-to-day parish work: Mass, Sacraments, Catechesis, School activities, etc. I’ll also be saying the Extraordinary Form of the Latin Mass on Sundays for a group of about 80 people who have been waiting for a priest for many years.

What makes the Extraordinary Form of the Mass special for you?It’s special for me because it’s attracting quite a number of young people and families with children. It’s a worldwide phenomenon. As Catholics we like to safeguard centuries old treasures of the Church. The Extraordinary Form of the Mass is one of those precious treasures that we like to preserve for the benefit of the future generation.

How long will you stay in Hobart?Bishop Kennedy and Archbishop Porteous have agreed on me going to Hobart for one year on a “loan” basis. So, I’ll be on a loan for one year!

Will you be coming back to our Diocese?I have every intention of coming back to the Diocese. Let me go and find out what Hobart has in store for me and assess the situation at the end of next year.

Farewell for now – Fr Suresh’s new adventure

Logo WYD 2016 ExplainedThree elements are combined in the logo: the place, the main protagonists, and the theme of WYD. The logo of the 2016 World Youth Day Krakow, illustrates the passage from Matthew 5:7: “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy”, the theme of WYD 2016.

The image is composed of an outline of Poland with a Cross, symbol of Christ who is the soul of WYD. The yellow circle marks the position of Krakow in Poland and is a symbol of youth. The flame of Divine Mercy emerges from the Cross, and its colours recall the image “Jesus, I trust in you”. The colours are the official colours of Krakow.

What are some standout experiences you have had in the Armidale Diocese?I have many pleasant and positive experiences of the Diocese. We have a Bishop who is young, kind, humble and hardworking. All the priests and religious have been very edifying and supportive. The people have all been very welcoming, encouraging and warm, especially at St Nicholas Parish, where I have been the assistant priest. I would like to compare this experience to the rocket that launches a shuttle to its journey to space. My time in the Diocese will help me tremendously in my new appointment.

Will Australia defeat India in the upcoming test series?I think Australia can defeat India in the upcoming series because of the home ground advantage. But, I do hope that Australia would have the “Pakistan Syndrome” sometime during the series, then India could end up winning or drawing the series!!

Lastly, will you be supporting Australia and India?That’s a tough question. Well, they will be playing four test matches. I’ll support Australia for two and India for the other two! Not a bad compromise!

Thank you Fr Suresh, we wish you safe travels, an enjoyable & fruitful ministry in Hobart. We look forward to seeing you in 2016.

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An Iraqi Christian woman described this week how she defied ISIS terrorists who put a sword to her throat and told her to either convert to Islam or lose her head.

Khiria Al-Kas Isaacis one of a rising number of Christian refugees to escape over the border to Kurdish-controlled territory with tales of how they narrowly escaped with their lives after they refused to convert to Islam.

Khiria said she and husband awoke to find that Qaraqosh had been over-run by ISIS fighters. She was told repeatedly by the militants, “who spoke different languages”, from the first day that if she did not convert to Islam she would be decapitated. When she refused, she and 46 women, who had also rejected such demands, were separated from their families and whipped and beaten over a 10-day period in an attempt to make them abandon their Christian faith.

Khiria said: “I answered [the terrorists] immediately, I was born Christian and if that leads me to death, I prefer to die a Christian.” Quoting from the Gospel of St Matthew (10:33), she said: “Jesus said: ‘Whoever denies me before men, I will also deny him before my Father who is in heaven’.”

On the 10th day all of the women were assembled together again and a terrorist “put the sword on my neck in front of all the ladies and said to me: ‘Convert or you will be killed.’” Khiria answered: “I am happy to be a martyr.”

At that point the terrorists relented, and robbed her of all

Convert to Islam or die

possessions, including money she had saved for a kidney operation, and drove close to Kurdish territory where she was released on September 4 along with her husband and two other women.

Edited extract of article from The Catholic Herald, London UK

18 - SUMMER 2014 - CATHOLIC VIEWPOINTDelegates at the International Eucharistic Congress in the Clementine Hall of the Apostolic Palace. Bishop Michael Kennedy is the front row 4th to the right of Pope Francis


Around and AboutPraying the Holy Rosary in Wee Waa

At St. Joseph’s School the children spent time in October regularly praying the Rosary in class and learning about the mysteries of the Rosary. School celebrated the end of October by praying a living Rosary. During this prayer the children became the rosary beads and prayed the sorrowful mysteries on a large helium filled balloon. We dedicated our prayer to the members of our community who were suffering due to illness. After the prayer, the Rosary was symbolically launched into the air. All who were involved found the experience very moving.

Come dressed up as God?The Armidale group of Catechists has been delivering the Catholic Faith to schools for many years. They are a truly dedicated group, coordinated by Margaret Latham & Margaret Barrett. Catechists describe their experiences as wonderful and delightful. Recently during book week one catechist was stopped by a small child during Book Week and asked “why did you not come dressed up as God?” Children see their catechists walking through the school and run happily shouting scripture! It truly is a privilege to share the treasure of our Catholic Faith with the children each week.

St Nicholas School Spring FairSt Nicholas School Community celebrated the annual Spring Fair. Under the direction of PT&F President, Mrs Jule George, the fair was a tremendous success. There was something for all including cakes, plants, clothing, furniture, and a pop-up Art Gallery featuring the works of some of our local artists from their private collections. Popular amongst the children was face painting, the mud run and the fairy floss stall. Staff and parents united forces to make the Spring Fair bigger and better than ever - a wonderful community event but also helping to raise considerable funds for the school.


Around and About

Crazy Sock Day at MungindiStudents at St Joseph’s School Mungindi had Crazy Sock Day to support Socktober for Catholic Mission. There were some wonderful socks decorated and judges found it very hard to choose the Craziest Socks per grade. The winners were: Meg Trindall – Kindy, Kolby Seymour – Year 1, Shayla Meppem – Year 2, Dallas Francisco – Year 3, Oliver Sykes – Year 4, Jade Francisco – Year 5 and Niamh Hall – Year 6. The day raised $80 for Catholic Missions which was a great effort by our little school. Thank you to the parents and students for all your efforts.

Cuppa for MissionsSts Mary and Joseph Cathedral Parish Armidale celebrated World Mission with morning tea following Mass hosted by Catholic Women. World Mission Day is celebrated every year in every country wherever there are Catholics committed to building a better world for all of God’s people, a world where everyone has all they need to live a dignified and fulfilling life. It is the day on which we reflect on the urgency to proclaim the Gospel in our times. Catholic Mission around the world has the responsibility of promoting a dignified and fruitful celebration of World Mission Day.

Lapathon at Gunnedah St Xavier’s School Gunnedah held a lapathon to raise funds for Catholic Missions. Many communities around the world are in desperate need of food, water, health and education facilities and the students of St Xavier’s wanted to help them. The children walked around Kitchener Oval, for an hour and their number of laps were recorded. The students were asked to obtain sponsorship for their walking. Over $4000.00 was raised! This money will be sent directly to Catholic Missions to help young children living in poverty in Jamaica.


School Opening in Kalikiliki, ZambiaIn 2007 McCarthy Catholic College started an important tradition: the walkathon for Catholic Missions. Since then it has become the largest fundraiser in Australia for Catholic Missions. As such, McCarthy has been given the privilege of directing funds raised to specific projects that are close to the school’s heart. Currently McCarthy is responsible for the construction of a school in Malawi, a Home for Children in India and a school in Kalikiliki in Zambia. The school in Zambia was our first project and we have a special rapport with the community in Kalikiliki. A highlight in 2014 has been Andrew Burke, a member of staff, attending the opening of the school in Kalikiliki.

Book Week at WalchaIt has been a very busy Second Semester at St Pat’s Walcha. One of the highlights of term 3 was our Book Week Celebrations. We had a very successful Book Fair, a Grandparents Day and Book Week Parade with some fantastic book characters.

Pictured are Phoebe & Lachlan being interviewed by Archie about their characters.

Barraba Brain OlympiansOur excited team of 8 students from St Joseph’s Primary School, Barraba headed to Narrabri for the Brain Olympia Finals. Following problem solving activities the public speaking topic ‘Images of Australia’ was next. It was great to see the different ways to interprete the topic, from travelling around the country and back into the past, to the last moments of Ned Kelly and a very Australian shopping list! The drama saw some favourite fairy tales given new life. St Joseph’s were winners of the small school competition.

Matteil Bourke, Tara Watkins, Josh McDouall, Polly Watkins, William Makim, William Blomfield, Lily Etheridge and Jessica Gallagher.

Around and About


Around and About

Crazyness at NarrabriAll children and teachers participated enthusiastically in our ‘Crazy Hair/Clothes and Socks Day. The day started with a fun “Crazy Fashion Parade”. Everyone enjoyed themselves but were aware of the purpose of the day: to raise money for those less fortunate than themselves.

Clergy meet in TamworthThe recent clergy assembly held at St Edwards Parish South Tamworth had a packed 2 day programme. Francis Sullivan from the Truth Justice & Healing Council spoke on the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Abuse. Founder of Men Alive, Robert Falzon, outlined the important role of men in parish communities. From Wagga Wagga Diocese came Andrew Kennedy and David Connell to speak of the Serra Club which has a special focus on praying for vocations and supporting seminarians. A highlight of the assembly was the dinner on Wednesday evening sponsored by ADIG to celebrate its 40th anniversary. Photo: Francis Sullivan with Monsignor Ted Wilkes, Bishop Kennedy and Fr John McHugh

Support at AlbiesA unique feature of St Albert’s College is the personal support given to students. Part of that support comes from the Resident Support Team. Resident Advisors (RA’s) take a personal interest in students as they adjust to University and College life. The RA also develops a community spirit among the members of their floor. Pastoral Assistant role (PA) is a stepping stone to becoming a Floor Residential Advisor. They assist the RA in ensuring floor welfare and harmony. Academic Advisors (AA’s) are appointed by the College to offer academic assistance in their chosen fields. Photo: Penny baker (right) and Resident advisor Jacqui Gamack from the 2014 RST

Autumn Issue Deadline

20 February 2015


St. Andrew’s Parish, Wee Waa celebrated the visit of Bishop Michael Kennedy during the weekend of the 7th, 8th and 9th November. On Friday evening, four young people from Burren Junction Public School were confirmed at St. Joseph’s Church, Burren Junction.

During the Saturday evening Mass celebrating the Feast of the Dedication of the Lateran Basilica, Bishop Michael blessed the new Presider’s Chair and noted the fittingness of this event on the day which celebrates the dedication of the church housing the Papal Chair. Parishioner Vic Hamilton constructed the chair.

Three parishioners, Mrs. Mavis Welsh, Mrs. Naomi McMahon and Mrs. Thelma Phelps, whose faith witness provides ongoing inspiration for their fellow parishioners, were honoured with Papal Blessings – for the blessing of a long life.

The Bishop Michael Kennedy Medal was presented to both Mrs. Dora Oudenryn and Mr. Frank Devoy. Dora and Frank have given many years of service to the local community and parish.

The Papal Medal – Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice - was awarded to Mrs. Anne Ciesiolka for service to the Church. The family moved to Wee Waa in 1971, and have been involved in various roles serving the Wee Waa community. Anne began working as a catechist in 1973 and has filled this role in all the public schools in the parish, both primary and secondary, to the present time, which is a period of around forty years. She also

served on the Armidale Diocesan Bishop’s CCD Commission for fifteen years, the Bishop’s Commission for Catholic Schools for eight years, and its subsidiary Schools Committee for 14 years. Her involvement in Wee Waa parish life includes past service to St. Joseph’s P&F as secretary and treasurer, membership of the Liturgy Committee, co-ordinating music ministry and membership of the Parish Council, for six years as secretary.

On Sunday morning 22 young people from St. Joseph’s School and Wee Waa Public School were confirmed at St. Andrew’s Church, with the candidates taking prominent roles in the liturgy. Following the Mass morning tea was served and the Confirmation cake was cut.

Bishop Michael Kennedy visits Wee Waa.

Award recipients with Fr. Paul Anthony Aguilar and Bishop Kennedy after the Saturday evening Mass at Wee Waa.

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Chanting the RosaryJoaquin Navarro-Valls, St Pope John Paul II press secretary, tells the story of the first time they prayed the rosary together. When they reached the first Our Father, and Navarro started reciting it, the Pope raised a hand to quiet him, and explained apologetically that he liked to chant the Lord’s Prayer. Would that be okay? (Navarro, of course, consented.)

Navarro began by praying each Hail Mary at the normal pace he was accustomed to. But gradually, he fell into a much slower pace, following the lead of the pope, who almost relished each syllable. A prayer he normally prayed in 20 minutes took twice as long when he prayed it with John Paul II.

Monks Swimming!Having just entered my 75th year, I am now what is considered to be an “old man”. And if wisdom comes with age, then I was out when it was delivered! But I have learned a bit along the way, starting, I suppose, when I made a pilgrimage to Lourdes at the age of 12. For the previous five years I had suffered from a heart ailment and rheumatic pain; so life seemed to center all around me. Lourdes was a miracle; being there allowed me to see all the suffering and pain of others and (in most cases) their quiet grace and acceptance. Their lives taught me about suffering and also to recognise that vulnerability was a gift, albeit unwelcome, but a gift that brought with it clarity of mind and an openess to God.

After Lourdes my health and life changed and I enjoyed a richness of experience I little expected. But vulnerability was always my companion. My hero was St Francis of Assisi – where vulnerability and humility met; and he certainly knew suffering.

As my life progressed, I received rich joys and blessings -- my family, a wife, children, love, a fulfilling career. Then suddenly at age 41, I had to undergo risky vascular surgery and major changes occurred. Since then my life has revolved

around visits to an increasing array of specialists and a volume of medications. I have become dependant for so much upon the pharmaceutical industry.

Combine ill health with the normal ravages of age and you get a grumpy old man. This grumpiness stems from frustration when simple tasks can no longer be done. For a time, tying my shoelaces was a difficult task and I would wonder, “what else can I do while I’m down here”? Now my wife has to put my shoes on my feet and tie the laces.

I can no longer walk more than 25m without stopping for breath and pain relief. For me, inability brings with it an unwarranted sense of shame and inevitable irritability. Small things irk. I may be in the body of an “old man”, but my mind is as alert as when I was 20 and I resent being addressed as “Old Man”!

Earlier this year we went on a cruise and I was blest to be able to attend Mass each day. The priest on board was from New Jersey and at the end of each Mass he would always say the Hail Mary:

“Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with you. Blessed are you a monks swimming…”

My hackles rose. Each day this prayer was repeated my ire grew until I could contain it no longer -- I had to tell him. My pettiness was revealed and his habit of a lifetime was not to be changed. All I could do was to pray for him and thank him for revealing this grumpy old man’s churlishness.

My life will never be complete in this world, but it is rich beyond belief. Teilhard de Chardin wrote of the signs of old age touching both body and mind, of those painful dark moments:

“Grant that I may understand that it is You, provided only my faith is strong enough, who are parting the fibres of my being in order to penetrate to the very marrow of my substance and bear me away within myself.”

So I do my best to age ‘gracefully’ and try to make my daily prayer sound something like this:

‘Lord save me from myself, self-love, self-pity, self-will, as all take me away from You.’


OUR baby son Albert has recently come home from hospital after an extended recovery from pneumonia and open-heart surgery.

He has recovered well, if slowly, but he still requires a breathing mask fitted when he sleeps and we are still feeding him through a nasal gastric tube. Since his feeds are every four hours, I have found myself kneeling beside his cot while he sleeps, watching his feed gradually drip through down the tube for about half an hour.

My knees and back are not what they used to be, particularly at the 2am feed, and so I often catch myself on one knee before his cot, as if genuflecting to his tiny sleeping body. When I first noticed I had slipped regularly in this posture, my tired mind wondered if it was inappropriate, perhaps mildly sacrilegious, to be genuflecting to my sleeping son. After all, we normally genuflect before the sacred body and blood of Jesus Christ.

Our act of reverence simultaneously declares our belief that Christ is truly present in body, blood, soul and divinity, and places us at the feet of our Lord as he suffers for us, gives himself for us on the cross. Mary and John shared one of the greatest honours known to us, that of standing at the foot of the cross and hearing his last words.

Joseph of Arimathea was privileged to bind Christ’s body and place it in the tomb. Thomas and others were blessed to touch and see his risen body, and to believe. Christ has loved us all beyond any measure, and these few were given a privileged opportunity to express their love to him in small practical ways.

Before Christ went to the cross, he taught his disciples that showing practical love for the least of his brethren was, in fact, showing love to Christ himself. When a man asks Jesus who he was required to love, Jesus replied with the story of the Good Samaritan. At the risk of over-simplifying the parable, Jesus was asked “who do I have to love?” and he answered “who needs you to love them?”

Mother Teresa (Therese of the Cross) and St John Paul II both took up this theme in their lifetimes, declaring that they saw the wounded Christ in the broken and needy bodies of fellow human beings.

Mother Teresa did not tend the dying bodies of the poor because she was attempting to be Christ to them, but because she saw Christ in them, and counted herself privileged to have the chance to tend Christ’s wounds through theirs.

All this passed through my mind as I knelt before my son’s cot, holding his feeding tube and listening to the soft whirring sound of his breathing machine. I watched his tiny lips twitch slightly at some baby dream, and remembered seeing them bloodless and grey as the doctors desperately tried to revive him a few months ago. I watched his tiny chest rise and fall, and I remembered that he bears a scar vertically down his chest from his open-heart surgery. I watched him kick briefly against his blanket and remembered that each of his limbs, and so many other parts of his body had been pierced by needles and tubes.

I have been privileged to serve many people in small ways in my life so far, but I have not yet encountered anyone so battered and weary, so desperately in need of constant and exhausting care. In short, I have never had the privilege of being this close to a “little one” who brings me to the wounds of Christ.

In serving Albert’s needs, our family has been given a rare privilege to tend Christ’s wounds – to love Christ in small ways, for his inestimable love for us. It seems appropriate to be kneeling by his cot, as I perform this small, tedious yet privileged act of love.

By Peter Holmes

Peter Holmes is an Australian theologian who spoke at the May 2014 Armidale Clergy Assembly. This reflection was originally printed in the Catholic Leader.

At my son’s cot


Whatpresentswill your

loved onesdiscover under

the tree this Christmas? Will they find the treasures

of the local department store orthe riches of heaven? Gifts

that money can purchase or whatthe heart can give? Here’s an idea. Resistbecoming embroiled in the frenzied pace

of the shopping centre this year. Use that time well. Time to sit with a child, to hold a spouse,

to be with our God. Time to think up your ownunique approach to gift-giving. Perhapsgifts that spend your time and presence

instead of your money. Gifts that reduce tensionand create an atmosphere of peace. Gifts that take a

little extra thought for the uniqueness of the receiver; thatshow you are prepared to put yourself out – even

change a well-worn habit! Gifts that show youcare: about the world, the environment. Gifts that

arise from a heart of love and which plant a seed of faithno matter how tiny or fragile. Gifts that belong to a scene of a tiny

child lying in a manger. Gifts that clothe a poorly-clad shepherd boy orchallenge the wisdom of kings. Gifts that bring light to the darkness and point

the way to Godamong us. What gift

will you place under thetree this Christmas?

A Parent Perspective

Congratulations and well done to the editorial staff who publish the Viewpoint four times a year. What a great job they do! I look forward with the change of seasons to each new edition. Thank you for the opportunity I have to share the thoughts of a parent and parish member and I wish you all a joyous Christmas. Once again, in a world that has been a sad and frightening place for many our family has had another happy year. Once again at my favourite time of the year I will at home with Gary and our three girls. And that is what I love about Christmas, a time to be together wrapped in the love our families give to each other, a time to count our many blessings and a time to look forward with hope to what the New Year will bring. Catherine Ible


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Making time for each other


We have come to the end of another year. Thank you for your support over the past twelve months. Your advertising, photos and articles have been wonderful. I take this opportunity to wish you all a safe and holy Christmas and a great New Year.

Cheers Julie

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Christmas in a Ghanaian village comes with many things. Most Ghanaians especially city and urban dwellers prefer travelling to the country, what is termed in Ghana ‘home village’ to celebrate Christmas. Christmas in the cities and urban centres is also wonderful but in the villages it is more of a community celebration.

Let me put another added reason for this movement of a lot of people to the country during Christmas this way; In Ghana, if someone should ask this question of you, “Where are you from?” And let’s say you answer, “Sydney.” The questioner may probably say “no, I don’t mean where you live but where you come from.” In other words, your home village. The idea is this; you live and work in the city but you come from the village community. And once from that village community always will be part of that village because that is the domicile of extended family or the clan. Most Ghanaians stay connected to their home villages no matter where they move to work or live, in or outside of the country.

So city and urban dwellers who could not make it to the village in the course of the year, Christmas is the time to go ‘home’ to reconnect with their communities.

Although Christmas has always been a religious celebration but it is not only the church but even the community in general starts preparing way back in November. During this time one hears beautiful Christmas music on the streets, on radio, and everywhere, Christmas in the air!! We really feel that we were preparing for, a big celebration, the birth of the baby Jesus.

During this time there is also brisk business for sellers, especially sellers of children’s clothes. When I was growing up, which is still the case, the best gift a parent could give her or his child was new and colourful clothes and perhaps new pairs of footwear to wear to church on Christmas Sunday and New Year Sunday.

All of us, both regular churchgoers and at-least-once-in-a-year churchgoers, look forward to the Christmas Eve Service. Every part of the church is colourfully decorated. Bright red and green and yellow African cloths hang from the ceiling. I remember as a child every December we build this little African hut in the front part of the church to tell the story of Christmas that is the Christmas crib. I was always fascinated by these carved figures in the crib. They seemed so real. The

Going home for Christmas Fr Joseph Armah

Christmas Liturgy begins at about nine p.m. Part of the liturgy is sometime dramatized especially the gospel. The priest reads the Gospel of Luke…. “She gave birth to her first born son….” The priest stops. In a small procession with candles a girl dressed like Mary reverently carries the carved figure of the infant Jesus and places him in the manger. A wave of singing, clapping and drumming reverberates through the church. All the people sing and dance to welcome the Child just as we do when a baby is born in the village. After the singing and dancing the priest finishes reading the gospel and the liturgy continues.

After the service there would be a joyous procession through the streets with a lot of traditional Christmas songs. Everyone would be a happy mood. Then on Christmas Day we all go back to church for the Christmas mass. After the Christmas mass, family members (extended family, the clan) meet to share special meals. It is during such occasion that problems, grievances and disputes among members are resolved, reciprocal giving and receiving of forgiveness offered and plans made for the future. Meanwhile throughout the celebration up to the New Year, everyone is greeted with the special greetings, “AFISHYAPA” the Akan word meaning “Happy New Year”. This word “AFISHYAPA” is like the Hebrew word Shalom which means more than just the English translation peace. It means more than just ‘good year’ which is the right translation in English.


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Sign of Peace

The Congregation of Divine Worship and the Sacraments recently released a letter regarding the Sign of Peace during Mass.

Over the past few years there has been a revisiting of the sign of peace within Mass. At the 2005 Synod of Bishops on the Eucharist there was concern mainly with inappropriate practices during the sign of peace which detracted attention away from the Eucharistic altar.

Some of these practices included: singing, prolonged exchanges, people starting conversations, the priest leaving the sanctuary, people moving from their seats, and signs of peace with an undue sense of informality.

The sign of peace is the Peace of Christ - in the Roman tradition the exchange of peace is placed before the Holy Communion precisely because it is the Peace of Christ.

Christ whom we encounter in the Word bestows his peace upon the community as He prepares us to encounter Him in Holy Communion. The words of Christ that we offer one another at Mass are “The peace of the Lord be with you always”, and not “Let us be at peace with one another”. We offer the exchange of peace with smiles of joy, not with tears of regret.

Edited from an article by Fr Stanley Orji


Ever wondered what your child is watching on their computer, tablet or smart phone. As a parent you should be concerned. Did you know that the estimates are that up to 40% of all traffic on the internet is pornography. With the advent of faster broadband connections up to 65% of all streamed (video) internet data is pornography.

Location of family computerOne of the best ways to prevent children from viewing inappropriate sites intentionally is to situate the computer used to access the internet in a common room where there are always other people present and the screen is able to be easily viewed by all. Of course this doesn’t prevent accidental pornographic hits but at least if that does occur then a mature discussion between a parent and the affected child can take place and the morality of what has been viewed can be addressed.

Parental controlsThe central location option is of course not possible on more portable devices. In Microsoft Windows operating systems previous to 7, web site restrictions and site access reports were contained in the ‘Parental Controls’ module accessed via internet tools.

Family Safety Filter From Microsoft Windows 7 onwards you can still restrict the sites your kids can visit and see reports of their online activity via ‘Windows Live Family Safety’ module. With Family Safety, you can set up web filtering and activity monitoring. The Family Safety Filter monitors your child’s computer activity and filters the content they can see on the web. It needs to be installed and set up on each computer your children use.

Once you’ve installed the Family Safety Filter, you can use the Family safety website to do the following, and more:

• Get detailed activity reports. See what websites each of your kids visited (or tried to visit), what programs they used, and how much time they spent on the computer.

• See what websites your kids visited, or tried to visit.• Choose your children’s web filtering level. When

you first set up the Family Safety Filter, your child’s web filtering level is automatically set to basic. You

can change it to strict or custom, and block or allow specific webpages or websites.

• Instead of a website with inappropriate content, your child will see this webpage where they can ask permission to see the website.

K9 filterA general free internet filter is K9 http://www1.k9webprotection.com/support/kb/K9124.html which will filter Internet content accessed through any version of any browser. When K9 is installed on a computer, it will apply the same filtering to all users on that computer, using any browser. The K9 app can also be downloaded and installed for free on iPad and iPhone and then used to filter the internet on these devices.

FirewallsThe next place to filter and is generally much better than web page filtering software is the firewall and web filter built into the device that connects you to the internet. Examples being, ADSL router, mobile broadband device, cable modem or for fibre optic cable, a premises connection device. Most of these devices have a firewall and filtering module built into them which you can configure to block inappropriate content. They are managed via a web interface which is accessed by using the devices IP address and the address in your web browser URL address bar.

GatewaysA better filter again is a dedicated gateway device which sits between your home network and the internet connected device such as a modem. This dedicated device acts as a router and gateway physically separating the two networks into safe internal (home) and untrusted external (internet). This method adds a very powerful and granular method of filtering every single network data packet that travels in and out of your home network. It is a little more complex than a simple browser or modem based system but adds real security.A free example of this type of solution is Untangle firewall https://www.untangle.com/

Remember: Montioring your child’s internet usage is not snooping – it is your job as a responsible parent.

What are your children doing? by John Moloney


Please support Project Compassion and help empower the world’s poorest

people.

www.caritas.org.au 1800 024 413

Eric and Ma, Fiji

Sarita, Nepal

Mariama, Niger

Cristian, Peru

Karen, Australia

Vinsen, Indonesia

CWLA updatesConferences

15 members of our Diocese travelled to Coffs Harbour to attend the State Conference of Catholic Women’s League. The theme of the Conference was ‘Peace and Justice’.

Our state president, Moyra Potts was at our diocesan conference, Mass and dinner. We are most grateful she was able to attend. Our guest speaker at the dinner was Father Suresh – assistant priest at East Tamworth. Fr. Suresh grew up in India, studied in Switzland, and has worked in South Africa before coming to Australia, he gave a very interesting talk on his life journey.

Branch news

Armidale Branch are hosting Hymn Fest in the Cathedral with organist Warwick Dunham playing the beautiful pipe organ. Hymn Fest is held annually - an hour of praise and spiritual music.

Armidale and Guyra branches will again come together for a Mass followed by Christmas Lunch.

Quirindi branch are again hosting a Men’s night with guest speakers with the branch providing the supper.

Tamworth and Gunnedah held early Christmas and end of year functions in November.

Elaine Smyth, Madeline Hayes, Moya & Harry Potts

Peggy Lawson, Vashti Porter, Kathy Murphy

Moree branch have had their fair share of illness this year and were unable to attend the conferences. We pray that they may soon feel A1 again. Deirdre Andren, Diocesan President


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Bookings & enquiries to

David & Carolyn DuffPh: (02) 6567 1252 Mobile: 0428 671 252

Email: [email protected]

So go on.. spoil yourself & your family.. isnt it about time

If you need time out to relax amongst nature then

Bemurrah Homesteadis the perfect place to unwind and put your feet up. 250 acres of total

solitude with a luxuriousfully equipped homestead and 2kms of your very own

river frontage.

The Macleay River is a great place to fi sh and swim. If you have a canoe bring it along or go for a

bushwalk. There’s something for everyone

Bemurrah is only 10 mins pastBellbrook

Isn’t it time you took a break?

At the end of September Bishop Michael Kennedy travelled to Rome to attend the Plenary meeting for the International Eucharistic Congress to be held in Cebu, Philippines in January 2016. Bishop Kennedy is the Australian Episcopal delegate.The theme of the Congress is “Christ in you, our hope of glory: (Colossians 1:27). Pope Francis in his address to the closing session of the Plenary said “The 51st Eucharistic Congress offers the opportunity to experience and comprehend the Eucharist as a transformative encounter with the Lord in his word and in his sacrifice of love, so that all my have life, and live in abundance.”It is expected that 15,000 people from around the world will attend the Congress.The plenary meeting in Rome provided Bishop Kennedy with his first meeting with Pope Francis. He greeted the Holy Father saying “Holy Father, I am from the Diocese of Armidale in Australia and I bring you the best wishes and prayers of the people in Australia, particularly from Armidale.”

Bishop Michael meets Pope Francis


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Summer 2014 - Catholic Diocese of Armidale

Documents

Transcript of Summer 2014 - Catholic Diocese of Armidale