autumn 2012 viewpoin diocese of armidalearmidale.catholic.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/...2 -...

Autumn 2012 - CAtholiC Viewpoint - 1Vol 21 - No. 1AutumN 2012

Diocese of ArmiDAle

member of the AustrAlAsiAN cAtholic press AssociAtioN - issN 1446-0041 - circulAtioN 6,200

the Roff family report from Canada

School Captains hopes for 2012

Floods damage moree schools

Boggabri Kindy kids get new storybooks

Welcome Bishop Kennedy

Centenary of Ss Mary & Joseph’s

Cathedral

217days to go!

The Diocese welcomes Bishop Michael Robert Kennedy as Tenth Bishop of Armidale. Bishop Kennedy was ordained and installed on Thursday 9 February in

a wonderful ceremony at the Cathedral of Saints Mary and Joseph, Armidale.

Clergy and laity alike travelled from all over the Diocese, Australia and the world to be present. Story and photos pages 6-11.

Photo by Lou Farina

CatholiciewpoinV

Archbishop Giuseppe Lazzarotto, Apostolic Nuncio greeting Bishop-Elect Michael Kennedy before his Ordination.

2 - Autumn 2012 - CAtholiC Viewpoint

Catholic Viewpoint Winter Issue out June 2012. Deadline: Friday, 25 May 2012

Holy Father’s Prayer Intentions

epiSCopAl DiARy

mARCh 201224 Presentation of Papal Medal, St Nicholas’ Tamworth25 Confirmation,StPatrick’sWestTamworth28-29 VianneyCollege20thAnniversary,Wagga Wagga30 Graduation Ceremony, UNE Armidale30 Debutante Ball, Gunnedah

ApRil 20121 Palm Sunday, 10am (Cathedral) Legion of Mary Curia Meeting3 Chrism Mass (of the Oils), 11am (Cathedral)5 Holy Thursday, Lord’s Supper 6pm (Cathedral)6 Good Friday, Solemn Passion 3pm (Cathedral)7 Easter Saturday, Vigil 6pm (Cathedral)8 Easter Sunday, 10am (Cathedral)18 Centacare Board28-29 Confirmation,Gunnedah

mAy 2012 1 Catholic Schools Awards, Armidale3-10 Australian Catholic Bishops’ Conference12-13 Confirmation,Inverell19 Narrabri, Visitation 20 WeeWaa,Visitation21 Council of Priests & Consultors Meeting22-24 Clergy Assembly25 CCD Commission26 Bishop’s Commission for Catholic Schools27 Pentecost Sunday

June 2012 1 Debutante Ball, St Nicholas’ Tamworth2 Confirmation,Boggabri3 Legion of Mary Curia Meeting7 BishopsofNSW&ACT9 Bishop’s Commission for Catholic Schools10 Corpus Christi, 10am (Cathedral)

marchGeneral Intention: That the whole world may recognize the contri-bution of women to the development of society.

Missionary Intention: That the Holy Spirit may grant perseverance to those who suffer discrimination, persecution, or death for the name of Christ, particularly in Asia.

AprilGeneral Intention: That many young people may hear the call of Christ and follow him in the priesthood and religious life.

Missionary Intention: That the risen Christ may be a sign of certain hope for the men and women of the African continent.

mayGeneral Intention: That initiatives which defend and uphold the role of the family may be promoted within society.

Missionary Intention: That Mary, Queen of the World and Star of Evangelization, may accompany all missionaries in proclaiming her Son Jesus.

Catholic Schools John MulaOffice 67727388

ADIGArmidale 67728311Tamworth 67659256

MissionsOffice LindaHanrahan 67713517

StAlbert’sCollege GeoffJohnston 67736000

Vicar General Mgr Wayne Peters 67784070

Financial JenniferHarmanAdministrator 67728311

Centacare Fergus FitzsimonsNENW 67621783

CCDOffice RickieWithers 67727388

OH&SOffice BruceHarman 0404009612

Catholic Viewpoint Gabrielle Kelly [email protected]

Bishop MostReverend MichaelRobertKennedy 67724971

Armidale Diocese Directory

Autumn 2012 - CAtholiC Viewpoint - 3

In today’s secular world, the importance of Lent can sometimes become overshadowed by everyday life; people

are busy with work, family and commitments – our fast-paced lives can lead us to forget to prepare our hearts for Easter.

The Catechism describes this yearly solemn period as when the ‘Church unites herself to the mystery of Jesus in the desert’ (540).

The 40 days that Jesus spent in the desert are crucial; Jesus was tempted by Satan, yet defeated temptation – and did so for us. While Adam failed to be strong enough to withstand temptation, Jesus was successful. Jesus had the victory through His obedience. Jesus gave us the perfect example of how to live, and the Lenten season gives us the opportunity to be reminded of this.

Lent is a penitential period; as the Catechism describes, ‘these times are particularly appropriate for spiritual exercises, penitential liturgies, pilgrimages as signs of penance, voluntary self-denial such as fasting and almsgiving, and fraternal sharing (charitable and missionary works)’ (1438).

In carrying out the above penitential acts, we are able to remind ourselves of the victory of Jesus, and prepare ourselves for

Easter, where we are reminded of Jesus’ sacrifice on the Cross, and how He saved us through his death and resurrection.

Of these penitential acts, most of us would associate Lent with a time of fasting. Fasting is a form of interior penance, a ‘radical reorientation of our whole life’ where we ‘turn away from evil, with repugnance toward the evil actions we have committed’ (1431). Through interior penance, we are expressing our deep desire to change our hearts and lives, and we hope in the mercy and grace of God to convert our hearts.

It is fitting, then, that we are soon to embark on a ‘Year of Grace’ in the Church in Australia, whereby we seek to start afresh from Christ. Through this time of spiritual and prayerful renewal, we are seeking that God would send us an outpouring of the Holy Spirit, to renew hearts and minds, and renew His church. This time of discernment will be a time to celebrate the presence of God in our lives, in our communities and in our world, and to become more deeply connected to this source of life.

The Year of Grace doesn’t start until Pentecost, however this time of Lent will enable us to begin prepare our hearts and minds.

Reflecting on Lent before the Year of Grace

4 - Autumn 2012 - CAtholiC Viewpoint AdIeu

The editorial committee of this publication has asked that I write a final Message ‘from the Bishop’. I am happy to

oblige.

The Australian Concise Oxford Dictionary tells me that the French word, Adieu, means Goodbye. However, a philologist would add more meaning to the term, viz. that the French word for God is Dieu. So that adieu somehow includes from God; which is precisely what I wish to say to you all: God bless in the years ahead.

Personally I am going into retirement to Tamworth, where the Nazareth Sisters have accommodation for retired clergy. This accommodation includes meals and other services. There exists an agreement with the Sisters and the Priests Retirement

Foundation which takes care of the nitty gritty of retirement of clergy. The PRF holds an annual church collection in September.

Also on this occasion I express my thanks and appreciation to all who, since 1999 when I arrived in the diocese, have been supportive of the bishop’s ministry. Likewise thank you for all the good wishes which I received upon my going into retirement. I have told Bishop Michael Kennedy that he has a faithful and loyal catholic community in Armidale diocese.

Most Reverend Luc Matthys

Bishop Emeritus of Armidale

Bishop Michael Kennedy and Bishop Luc Matthys at the Reception after the Episcopal Ordination in February


From the time of my appointment on the 7th December 2011 through to my Episcopal ordination and instalment

as the tenth bishop of Armidale on the 9th February 2012, and continuing into my first weeks as bishop, I have been touched by the support of many good people.

I have received many assurances of prayer and support and offers of assistance from my brother bishops and priests, my family and relatives, and friends old and new, for which I am extremely grateful.

I am particularly grateful for the warm welcome extended to me by the priests and lay faithful of the Armidale Diocese, and for the personal testimonial presented to me on the day of my Episcopal Ordination. As I begin the task of chief shepherd of the church of Armidale, it heartens me to know that I am not alone.

I extend a sincere thank you to Bishop Luc Matthys for undertaking his role as chief shepherd of the diocese with such care, diligence and faithfulness, in a spirit of loving self-sacrifice. I thank him too for the kind fatherly way in which he has introduced me to the tasks and responsibilities of Episcopal office.

I wish also the extend a personal thank you to all the individuals and groups who contributed to the planning, organising and smooth-running of the Ordination Mass and reception, and related activities. Many guests to Armidale for the event praised me for the fine hospitality and care they received and for the beauty and elegance of the events. None of this praise belongs to me; it belongs to you, so thank you for your time and effort.

In this edition of “Catholic Viewpoint,” page eight, you will find the text of my Ordination Address given at the conclusion of the Ordination Mass. I encourage you to read it, since I did not speak my words only for those present in the Cathedral that day, but had all the people of the diocese in my heart as I spoke them.

May God bless you all.

Yours in Christ the Lord,

Most Reverend Michael Kennedy

Bishop of Armidale

From the Bishop

6 - Autumn 2012 - CAtholiC Viewpoint OrdINATION

The ordination of Bishop Michael Robert Kennedy the 10th Bishop of Armidale on 9 February 2012 was a wonderful

diocesan celebration which involved every parish and school in the diocese.

Each parish sent 2 lay representatives who were given the opportunity to greet the Bishop as part of the ceremony.

Each school was able to send their school captains, along with their principal or a teacher to accompany them. The captains looked fantastic as they processed up the Cathedral to meet the Bishop.

Others attending included the Papal awardees and their spouses, representatives of diocesan agencies and their

committees, parishioners from the Cathedral parish and over 50 parishioners from the Wagga Wagga diocese (particularly parishes were Bishop Kennedy had been stationed), around 150 family and friends of Bishop Kennedy, members of religious communities from the diocese, civic and ministers of other denominations from Armidale, Cathedral singers, ushers and marshals, O’Connor Catholic College musicians and up to 100 parishioners from parishes of the diocese.

Joining these people were 2 Cardinals, 5 Archbishops, 19 Bishops and 106 priests and seminarians.

In total there were 132 clergy, 30 religious, and over 600 lay people joining together to celebrate the ordination.

A Diocesan celebration

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Bishop Michael Kennedy with his mother, Fidelma, at the Episcopal Ordination in February (Photo by Dominic Byrne)

Bishop Kennedy thanks Colin Ahoy from the Anaiwan Tribe who gave the Welcome to Country before the Ordination Mass (Photo by Dominic Byrne)


The packed Cathedral on Ordination day

Bishop Elect Kennedy prostrated during the Litany of the Saints.

OrdINATION

(photos by Lou Farina)



Priests hold the Book of the Gospels over Bishop-Elect Kennedy while Bishop Matthys prays the Prayer of Consecration.

Delivered in Saints mary and Joseph Cathedral, 9th February 2012

“My soul glorifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior.” With these words of the Blessed Virgin Mary, I give all praise and thanksgiving to God today.

May God be praised for his gift to me of family life founded on the sacramental marriage of my mother and father. May the Church continue to safeguard and promote the right of every person to begin their life in this way.

May God be praised for calling mw to be a ‘fisher of men’, participating in the ministerial priesthood of Jesus Christ. It has been a true joy to be a member of the Wagga Wagga presbyterate, and to exercise this priesthood in the service of the baptized faithful throughout the Wagga Wagga diocese. May God continue to bless the bishop, the clergy, and the lay faithful of my home diocese.

May God be praised for calling me now to the Armidale Diocese, and for laying upon me, through the consecrating hands of bishop Matthys, Cardinal Pell, and bishop Hanna, the sweet yoke of being your shepherd. Please pray that I exercise the bishops’ triple office of teaching, sanctifying, and governing you in imitation of Christ the Good Shepherd who lay down his life for his sheep.

May God be praised for granting his Church the pastoral leadership of Pope Benedict XVI. It is my privilege to be a member of the College of Bishops, responsible for the People of God with and under the successor of Peter and Vicar of Christ on Earth. May the Lord preserve him, grant him strength, and make him blessed upon the earth.

For my Episcopal motto I have chosen Jesus’ final mandate to the Apostles recorded in the Gospel of Matthew: “Euntes Docete”; “Go out and teach”. This resonates in me as a successor of the Apostles in present day Australia, a great nation struggling to remain faithful to its Christian identity. Not only must we go out to all the world and proclaim the Gospel; in our time we must proclaim it anew to our own baptized faithful: whole and entire, without alteration, distortion, or omission, explaining the

mystery of Christ and his Church so that the Divine Logos, The Word of God, bears fruit in new life. You simply cannot love who you do not know, and you cannot live what you do not understand. Catechesis in all stages of life must be a priority in the Church’s pastoral life.

The Directory for the Pastoral Ministry of Bishops states that “the Bishop should consider his responsibility for Divine worship to be his pre-eminent role”. (142)...“he should devote himself constantly to fostering the life of grace in his flock through the celebration of the sacraments”. (143) We are a sacramental Church: We receive ‘life to the full’, that is, we participate in the Divine life of Christ, by our fruitful celebration and reception of the sacraments. Each one of us, beginning with me, must reach out to our fellow Catholics who are no longer fully engaged in the sacramental life of the Church and invite them home. This is particularly so for the Eucharist which is the “source and summit of the whole Christian life”. For our part, we bishops and priests must give great care and attention to the worthy celebration of Sunday Mass since the preservation and nourishment of the faith of so many people depends upon their participation in this weekly Eucharist. (148) I invite everybody in the Diocese to join me in praying daily for vocations, especially to the priesthood, so that we are never deprived of the sacraments of the Church.

As I begin today the task of chief shepherd of the Church of Armidale, I am heartened in the knowledge that I am not alone. I have my brother priests, who, as cooperators with the bishop, also bear with him the co-responsibility of teaching, sanctifying, and governing, and I know I can rely on the support and prayers of you, the faithful. Please pray that I do what is right and preach what is true. Please pray that the care of the shepherd never be lacking for his flock.

I have fond childhood memories of gathering for the family rosary every evening; of living and growing under the protective mantel of Mary, the Mother of God. As I renew today my own personal consecration to our Lady, let us also entrust the life and growth of the Church of Armidale, and especially those affected by floods in the parishes of Moree, Wee Waa, Walget, and Narrabri, to our Diocesan Patron, Our Lady of the Rosary.

Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us.

Bishop Michael Kennedy’s Address


Autumn 2012 - CAtholiC Viewpoint - 9OrdINATION

Bishop Michael Kennedy with his family following the Ordination

Ordination Mass

Photo by Dominic Byrne



Bishop Michael Kennedy was born in Wagga Wagga in 1968, the youngest of the nine children of John Kennedy and his

wife Fidelma (nee Madden.)

His schooling took place in San Isidore and Wagga Wagga. After teaching at Xavier Catholic High School at Albury, he entered the Wagga Wagga Seminary in 1992 and continued his priestly academic studies in Rome, where he obtained a Licentiate in Sacred Theology, and a Diploma of Mariology.

Ordained in 1999, the Bishop served in the Griffith parish, at St Francis Residential College within Charles Sturt University, in the Albury parish and, since 2007, as parish priest of Leeton. He has also lectured at the Wagga Wagga Seminary since 2000, been the diocesan Director of Vocations and a member of the diocesan Council of Priests since 2003. He was, until his appointment to Armidale, a diocesan Consultor and Vicar Forane.

The Bishop’s appointment was announced on 7 December 2011 and he was ordained as a bishop and installed as 10th Bishop of Armidale on 9 February 2012.

The arms parlant and motto which Bishop Kennedy has adopted say, heraldically, Michael Kennedy, Fisher of Men. They may be described as follows:

On a silver field, a red cross botonne (emblem of St Michael which also appeared in a slightly different form in the arms of the Diocese of Armidale from 1904 until 1932) with two black helmets (from the arms of the Bishop’s Kennedy sept) and a blue chief with a gold fret (suggesting a fisherman’s net for his role as fisher of men.) The motto translates as the exhortation “Go forth

and teach” further reflecting his role as fisher of men.

The Bishop’s personal arms will most generally be used as arms of office impaled with the 1948 arms of the Diocese of Armidale. The diocesan arms are blazoned as Per fess, gules a pascal lamb regardant proper standing on a book argent bound or with seven seals pendant or; and azure, the monogram MR below an orle of twelve mullets or. The diocesan shield of arms is divided into halves. The upper half is red with a pascal lamb in its natural colours looking behind standing on a silver book with gold binding and seven pendant gold seals. The lower half is blue with the monogram for Maria Regina beneath a circlet of gold stars.

The arms were designed by Fr. Guy Selvester and Mr. Richard d’Apice and illustrated by Fr. Selvester and Mr. Sandy Turnbull.

Coat of Arms of Bishop Michael Robert Kennedy DD 10th Bishop of Armidale

most Rev michael Kennedyordained tenth Bishop of

Armidale9 February 2011

O God, eternal shepherd, who, governing your flock with watchful care,

have chosen to set your servant and priest Michael over your Church of Armidale,

grant that he may carry out worthily the office of Bishop, and, under your governance in all things,

direct by word and example the people entrusted to his care.

We ask this through Christ our Lord.

“Go forth and teach” (Mt 28:19)

Bishop Kennedy greets O’Connor Catholic College school leaders Ally Hawthorne and Boyd Ison

(photo by Dominic Byrne)

Autumn 2012 - CAtholiC Viewpoint - 11OrdINATION

Fr Paul McCabe (Moree) Welcomes Bishop Kennedy on Behalf of Armidale Clergy

Bishop Michael, on behalf of the priests of the diocese, I bid you warm welcome, and thank you for accepting this

appointment.

Back in the 1860s after Pius IX had approved the establishment of the Armidale diocese, they had much difficulty finding someone who would take us on. The first two episcopal nominees refused to come. An Irishman declined, saying the diocese was not big enough; then an Englishman refused because it was too big, and would require the bishop to be a good horseman, and he’d never ridden a horse in his life. It took seven years, 1862-1869, before they found someone who, presumably, could handle a horse well enough for the job. So we welcome you sincerely, Bishop Michael, and, whether you can ride a horse or not, we are grateful that you’ve been willing to offer your own specific gifts in service of our diocese as its tenth bishop.

You are welcome on many other counts as well, not the least being that you lower our average age considerably, for, at 43, you are the third youngest among us.

We should not, of course, be too surprised that one so young is our bishop, for six of the ten bishops of Armidale have been ordained in their forties. The youngest, John Coleman, became a bishop on his 42nd birthday. You, Bishop Michael, come in 2nd at 43. Timothy O’Mahony and Edward Doody were both 44, and Torreggiani and Freeman also in their forties.

So Bishop Michael, with such precedents, and following the advice of Paul to Timothy, no-one will underrate you because you are young.

St Ignatius, successor to Peter as bishop of Antioch, told the Ephesians that just as a Christian can have no life apart from Christ, so a presbyterate can have no life apart from its bishop. It is in this great Catholic Tradition that we priests welcome you, Bishop Michael, to Armidale.

Ignatius also said that when priests are attuned to their bishop as strings to a harp, a symphony of praise is sung to the glory of God. Our prayer and our commitment is for such an harmonious unity between you, our bishop, and us, your presbyterate.

You are indeed most welcome, Bishop Michael, as our brother and our bishop.


Fr Paul McCabe delivers this welcome to Bishop Michael

Kennedy at the Reception following the Episcopal Ordination on 9

February 2012.


Bishop - Elect Kennedy and one of the Masters of Ceremony, Fr Roel Llave, in the Cathedral forecourt prior to the ordination.

12 - Autumn 2012 - CAtholiC Viewpoint NeWSfOrWOmeN

50 years of Priestly Service of Bishop Kevin Manning:Though they were a world away, both Bishop Emeritus Luc Matthys and his predecessor Bishop Kevin Manning were ordained only a few months apart. On 8th February, at a celebration held at Parramatta, hundreds of people were present to extend their good wishes and prayers for Bishop Manning’s fifty years of faithful service to the Church. Bishop Manning is presently Apostolic-Administrator for Wilcannia-Forbes, a complete change from the lifestyle of Parramatta Diocese, but one he would take in his stride having come from the small town of Coolah. We all have our special memories of Bishop Manning and wish him every blessing on this auspicious occasion.

Same Sex MarriageIt is expected that by the middle of the year Parliament will be voting on the Green’s Private Member’s Bill to introduce same sex marriage. We urge readers to take an interest in this matter as it affects our whole family structure. It is important to dispel the myth that supporting marriage as the exclusive union of one man and one woman for life makes someone homophobic. Our views are not based on malice or fear. They are based on a serious consideration of the meaning and value of marriage in Australian society. Federal parliamentarians are seeking your views and it is important to tell your MP and Senators that equality for homosexual couples doesn’t mean we have to redefine marriage.

At the moment the State protects marriage between one man and one woman to protect the rights of children to know and be raised by their biological mother and father, and to know their brothers, sisters, aunts, uncles, cousins, grandparents and ancestors. The push to redefine marriage poses a serious threat to religious freedom, especially for faith-based schools, childcare centres, adoption agencies and more. These organisations are already facing huge pressure to endorse same sex marriage, and many voters with religious affiliations are beginning to ask how they can better protect their freedom of speech and freedom of religion. The argument is not that

same sex couples would not love and care for a child, but that the rights of the most vulnerable members of our society, our children, are being put at risk if it becomes legally acceptable that the same sex couples/families are the norm. There is plenty of information on the internet, please take the time to research these sights and then ACT.

Valmai Hunt

CWL Diocesan Communication Officer

Autumn 2012 - CAtholiC Viewpoint - 13AdIG

ADIG Continues Strong Growth and PerformanceADIG has demonstrated another year of strong performance despite continuing global financial challenges which have impacted the Australian share market and some investment classes.

This is because ADIG’s conservative investment policy means whilst we are not immune to global influences, we are not impacted severely. This was shown after the 2009 global financial crisis where ADIG was able to quickly bounce back in 2010 as we had not invested in any asset class which defaulted. This has been shown again over the last twelve months. ADIG limits investments in volatile investment classes, and also maintains reserves for the inevitable bumps in the road.

ADIG Deposits have increased again in the year ended 31st January 2012, with further deposits from existing depositors, and new depositors joining the ADIG family. With sturdy returns from our investments, ADIG has again made significant distributions to the Diocese, the parishes and the Priest Retirement Foundation at an equivalent level as the previous three years.

These distributions are very important for two reasons. First, the ADIG distribution is the largest single funding source for

the Diocese. Also, the distribution to the parishes has grown to become a significant income stream for them, and with the support of our community and further deposit growth ADIG plans to increase this further.

As roughly half the deposits with ADIG are from parishes, schools, the Diocese and other church organisations, ADIG plays an important role in safely and securely managing the savings and investments of the church organisations in our diocese.

Over half of our deposits come from you – the people in our community. These are a very important contribution from you to the ability of ADIG to provide distributions and financial stability in our Diocese.

Our commitment to you, our depositors is to continue to provide you with outstanding personal service, suitable accounts and services, along with market rates of interests and no fees.

Our commitment to the Diocese is to carefully manage the diocesan and parish investments, to provide flexible loan funding and fee-free operating accounts, and to make distributions to the Diocese and parishes from operating surpluses, whilst maintaining reserves to provide long-term financial stability.

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ADiG Deposit Growth 2003 - 2012

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ADiG Distributions 2003 - 2012

Priests Retirement Foundation

Worldyouthday

Parishes

Diocese

ADiG Distributions (funds given to the church by ADiG 2003 – 2012)

ADiG Deposit Growth 2003 - 2012

14 - Autumn 2012 - CAtholiC Viewpoint CSO UPDATE

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Name: Noel Hurley, Schools Consultant

Work history: Noel has had extensive experience as an educational leader with a background in Primary and Secondary education, and both Catholic schools and international schools. Noel joins the Armidale Diocese after teaching at St Francis of Assisi Regional School in Paddington NSW after returning from Vietnam where he was Principal at the American International School, Ho Chi Min City for a year.

Favorite book: I have two granddaughters and my favourite books are the ones that I read to them – I enjoy the reaction and interaction created by reading to them

Favourite Holiday Destination: I have been lucky enough to have worked and lived in Japan, Singapore and Vietnam for a total of 12 years.

Despite going to some very exotic places there is no doubt that the best times were had when my family all managed to get together around a dinner table, regardless of where that was.

What are your hopes and aims for 2012? That I will do my job well, that I contribute to the quality of the schools within the Diocese and that my wife, Leonie, and I settle in well to Armidale.

Introducing the new CSO Staff MembersName: Anne Sullivan, Assistant Director: Learning Services

Work history: Anne is an experienced educator, having worked in Catholic education in the Diocese of Sydney for nearly 30 years as well as four years in the Diocese of Wollongong. Anne joins the Armidale Diocese after working with the Executive Director of Catholic Schools, Sydney, in the senior role of Professional Officer, Policy and Planning.

Favourite movie of 2011: “The Help”. The issues raised in the movie are a strong reminder for all of us to strive for a society that is free of any form of discrimination and prejudice.

How do you find the scene change with moving to Armidale? Growing up in the Coonabarabran district I feel like I have in a sense come home to the country. I am particularly enjoying the country sense of humour, which is quite different from our city cousins.

How do you spend your free time? I really hope that in my free time I will be able to take up golf, I played a lot in my younger days and I hear the Armidale Golf course is very pretty.

What are your hopes and aims for 2012? Professionally in 2012 I aim to get to know our Catholic Schools communities so that I can fully support their needs and aspirations for the young people in our care.


St philomena’s School

AROUND & ABOUT

moree Fights the Floods

We lifted and sandbagged, but the worst flood in Moree in 35 years did beat us! Having experienced a November flood as well, St Philomena’s school was informed early on a Thursday morning that a bigger flood was predicted.

The flood has caused extensive damage to grounds and fields, as well as many school buildings and their contents. A lot of books were saved as they were immediately lifted. All persons working to flood-proof the school were issued with an evacuation order at midday that day.

The assessors have been and further immediate recovery action of the buildings has been taking place. Work areas affected are operating in alternative rooms, however the school is currently without a canteen.

St Philomena’s new BER multi-purpose hall was built above the initial ground level plan, a wise decision that was its saving grace.

St Joseph’s mungindi welcome new Kinders and Staff

Prayer for Starting School: I’m starting school, God. I’m a bit nervous about it, but I’m excited too. It’ll be good making new friends. And I know that you’ll be there for me, wherever I am. Thankyou. Amen

Mungindi has been isolated for quite a while due to all the rain, so it has been difficult for some children to get to school. We do hope it dries up a bit to allow them come to school and join their friends in learning and play.

(front row) olivia trotter, nash woodbridge, Janae Grey-ling, priscilla mcphee, ella lacy & Shayla meppem, (back row) Sam Boughton, toby neilson, Sebastian Sykes, henry Seigmeier & matthew payne.

new leaders and Kindergarten pupils

BOGGABRI’S Sacred Heart School has welcomed four new pupils in Kindergarten this year. The excited youngsters were presented with new library bags and a story book by the local Rotary Club. Here three of these new pupils, Genevieve Maunder, Sienna Woods and Eden Cappellin, are pictured.

Special Visit from Children’s Authors

Children at St Mary’s, Armidale, were privileged to hear 3 giants in Australian childrens’ literature in February. Sophie Masson, Nette Hilton and illustrator Stephen Axelsen took the children for sessions on how they find inspiration, tips for great writing, the process of getting a book published and choosing a book cover.

Nette Hilton even brought in her typewriter – an ancient contraption without spellcheck or a delete button (can you imagine!) that she used to type up her first award-winning story, The Web. Nette also taught the children how to begin stories with an action sentence and had fun teaching the students some new swear words like “Leaping Lizards” and “Holy Toledo!”

Stephen Axelsen has been an illustrator for nearly 40 years. While he spoke to the children he drew a character using card and soft pastels. The children were amazed at his talent and helped him name the character “Bad Barry the Bushranger”. Listening to these three authors/illustrators was an exciting opportunity and a wonderful way to start the year.

16 - Autumn 2012 - CAtholiC Viewpoint AROUND & ABOUT

top hSC Scorers honoured

St Mary’s College, Gunnedah, honoured its top-scoring 2011 HSC students at a special assembly where they were presented with The Edith Cowan medallion for academic excellence.

(from left) parish priest Fr Ron perrett, Crystal Breneger, Adam Kesby, Robert martin, peta hathway, Katherine welsh and St mary’s College principal, tony moran. photo: namoi Valley independent.

Named in honour of Edith Dircksey Cowan (née Brown), MBE (1861–1932), an Australian politician, social campaigner and the first woman elected as a representative in an Australian parliament, the prestigious medallion is awarded to students who achieve an ATAR score over 90 or achieve marks in the Band 6 percentile (90 marks or over).

Peta Hathway was the Dux of St Mary’s College and the town’s top student with an ATAR score of 97.30.

She also achieved individual Band 6 scores in Studies of Religion, Advanced English, Mathematics, Modern History and PD/H/PE.

Other students to achieve ATAR scores over 90 were Sam Zelinski, Taylor Maher and Katherine Welsh.

Katherine achieved Band 6 scores in Agriculture and Ancient History, with Taylor Maher scoring 90-plus in Ancient History and Business Studies.

Other students to achieve the HSC honours list were Crystal Breneger (General Maths), Robert Martin (Mathematics) and Adam Kesby (Information Technology).

A Family link Restored

The end of 2011 saw the establishment of a new courtyard garden at the front entrance of St Joseph’s School, Barraba. It is now a special place used by classes for prayer and small group work and by students, parents and staff for a relaxing chat.

The central feature of the new courtyard garden is a statue of St Joseph, newly restored after years of weathering. The statue had stood for many years in a rose garden at the front of St Joseph’s School and was erected in memory of Edwin and Alice Spencer, grandparents of current Year 2/3 teacher Mrs Ruth Anderson. The statue was relocated due to BER project works.

Our thanks to the parents and friends who saw the new garden established: Lee Howson for carefully restoring the statue, Mandy Koopman and Mel Isaacs for working tirelessly preparing, designing and establishing the garden assisted by their children Rachel Koopman and Simone, Kate and Mitchell Isaacs, the Fletcher family for donating road base, the Bowman family for donating mulch, Karen Bishton for organising seats, Peter York for creating a new plinth for the statue and to the P&F who shared the costs with the school.

induction mass Celebrated

The Induction Mass is one of our, at Holy Trinity Inverell, most important celebrations of the school year. It is fitting that we celebrate it at the Sacred Heart Church because the parish is at the heart of what we represent as a Catholic school. The Mass is the first opportunity to come together to express their desire, in prayer, that the year ahead may be one of harmony and growth, and to pray for their student leaders.

Being elected to student leadership roles is an honour but also it can be a difficult task. For those who are elected to assume the positions of leadership their effectiveness is measured by the quality of their servanthood. As Jesus has been our servant, so too, our leaders are called to serve.

Autumn 2012 - CAtholiC Viewpoint - 17AROUND AND ABOUT

Farewell mrs makepeace!

In February, St Edward’s of South Tamworth farewelled Mrs Joy Makepeace, the Primary Campus Secretary. A special liturgy was held in the St Edward’s Hall to honour the service and many valuable contributions Mrs Makepeace has made for the school and parish communities over her twenty years in the job.

It was also fitting to acknowledge the work of Mr Bill Makepeace in his role at the school as he kept the communication channels open between the infants and primary campuses. The students presented special gifts displaying the numerous jobs undertaken by Mrs Makepeace in her role as school secretary.

The highlight of the liturgy was a special rendition of a poem titled, “My Nan,” which was written and recited by Joy’s grandson, Will a Year 6 student at St Edward’s. Mrs Makepeace was then presented with a bunch of flowers and a tree, “The tree of Joy,” which was then planted in our school prayer garden. Thank you Mrs Makepeace, from all of us at St Edward’s, your dedication to our school as thoroughly enhanced our school community.

three generations of the makepeace family gather at Joy’s farewell; (back row) Bill, Joy, mark, (front row)

ethan and will.

memorial Garden in Gunnedah to honour beloved marg

At the completion of the St Mary’s and St Xavier’s opening school Mass in Gunnedah, a ceremony was held to bless the new garden area created in the memory of Mrs Margaret Bryant. Marg was sadly farewelled by the school communities and the St Joseph’s parish last October. Marg was a teacher at St Xavier’s for many years and touched the hearts and minds of many students and their families.

Fathers Curran and Perrett blessed the area focusing on the beautiful plaque that has been placed in a bed of white agapanthus. Marg’s granddaughters Abbey, Emma, Claudia and Miah (St Xavier’s School Captain) were present at the Blessing as well as Marg’s son Matt and his wife Cheryl.

The attractive garden area consists of a paving design, curved seating, crepe myrtle and London plane trees. St Xavier’s students are able to use the garden for quiet reflection and time with friends.

marg’s granddaughters - emma Jerrett, Abby Jerrett, Claudia Bryant and miah Bryant

increasing numbers for Kindergarten

St Joseph’s, Quirindi, commences the 2012 school year on the back of a very successful 2011. Student numbers are up an amazing 25% from the same time last year. Through hard work and dedication from staff and parental support we see no reason why 2012 can not be even more successful!

We would like to officially welcome all the new families to St Joseph’s and a special mention to our wonderful kindergarten students. The eagerness, excitement and zest to learn from these 11 new faces certainly forecasts a bright future.

We would also like to welcome Miss Emily Ryan to the St Joseph’s school family. Emily is teaching the Year 5/6 class this year and is a very welcome addition to our staff. We trust that Emily finds St Joseph’s to be a very special and rewarding place!

Kinder 2012 students (back row) max mcmahon, Jacob Seymour, Riley Fleming, Steve Forsyth, Daniel hose,

(front row) Fraser patterson, enikka Such, Clare Canham, hannah Bennett, mason Keeys, (absent) taylah Brown

18 - Autumn 2012 - CAtholiC Viewpoint AROUND AND ABOUT

happy 80th to warialda parishioner!

Pat Densley, a parishioner of St Patrick’s, celebrated her 80th birthday recently at the Warialda Golf and Bowling Club. Ninety people from across NSW,QLD and Victoria and even as far as New Zealand travelled to help celebrate her special day. Much fun was had by all family and friends, many of whom hadn’t seen each other for a long period of time. Congratulations Pat! Here we see Pat with nine of her 14 grandchildren.

125 years of St Joseph’s School, uralla

In December, the community of St Joseph’s, Uralla, celebrated 125 years of the parish school. The celebration weekend also marked the Parish Centenary, and the 150 year anniversary of Catholic worship in Uralla.

Present students, staff, parents and friends were joined by parishioners, ex-staff and students for the anniversary dinner, which was held following Mass. Uralla Parishioner Richard Ryan spoke briefly about the milestones, and gave a special thankyou and welcome to the large group of Sisters of St Joseph who were able to attend the celebrations. Special mention was made of sisters Eleanor & Marcia Dawson, who grew up in Uralla and attended St Joseph’s School. Both went on to become Sisters of St Joseph.

Sisters of St Joseph pictured with monsignor wayne peters pp are (back l-R) yvonne mcGettigan, Antoi-

nette Baldwin, Anne Gibson, Connie Cummings, Fidelis mcAnespie and (front row l-R) eleanor Dawson, marcia

Dawson, mary Quinlan (provincial leader), Anita Vagg and Jean Dunkin.

Papal Medal Awarded to Tenterfield Parishioner

Recently, Mrs Moira Phelan of St. Mary’s Parish was presented, by Bishop Luc, with the papal medal Benemerenti – translated as “well-deserved”.

Moira, who turned 90 last June, was somewhat stunned at the honour. This good lady has served the Church in Tenterfield – parish priests and fellow parishioners – by beginning, in 1975, as full-time sacristan, a pivotal position in the parish. She worked hard, as sacristan, for 25 years, until the year 2000. As well, she had catechised in the local High School, helped train altar servers, was a long-time member of the Cenacle Prayer group and the Sacred Heart Sodality, and much more besides.

In a letter of appreciation, Moira suggested that the Parish had received the award through her, and we , the parishioners of St. Mary’s, are very proud of a woman who unselfconsciously loves the Church and continues to serve the Lord as one of our loved Matriarchs. We are proud of you, Moira, and we all ask God’s favour for you as you set sail into your 90s.

Fr Barry Leech, PPmrs. moira phelan and Bishop luc matthys with mr. Brian Curry

Autumn 2012 - CAtholiC Viewpoint - 19AROUND AND ABOUT

Fr paul Anthony Aguilar installed in wee waa

In January, Fr Paul Anthony was installed as the Parish Priest of Wee Waa. He is pictured here after the installation with Bishop Matthys, other diocesan priests and parishioners of St Andrew’s.

Fergus Fitzsimons, Centacare NENW Chief Executive Officer hosted the official opening of the Tamworth

Centacare NENW office in March. This opening was an event which celebrated the relocation of the Tamworth office to the historic V Guy Kable Building at 201 Marius Street.

Situated in Bridge Street for the previous decade, Centacare has grown substantially and required a new building that could house all services in one central, convenient location.

Attended by over 60 people including political representatives, religious leaders, social welfare and aboriginal agency representatives, organisational representatives, community members and staff, the official opening was conducted by Mr Tony Windsor the Federal Member for New England with the blessing performed by the new Bishop of the Armidale Diocese, Michael Kennedy.

Fergus Fitzsimons said “the expansion of Centacare NENW and the services we provide, in addition to the increased number of clients accessing our services meant that this relocation was necessary. This move means that all Centacare services - psychological and counselling services, the problem gambling program, financial counselling, employee assistance program, mental health and mental illness education; not to mention

family dispute resolution (mediation) and parenting education through the Family Relationship Centre which Centacare is the lead agency for, can be provided in the one office complex.”

In addition to the official opening Fiona Hiles from Quality Management Services (QMS) attended and presented Fergus Fitzsimons with a certificate of accreditation recognising Centacare as a quality organisation.

“Being awarded accreditation is a fantastic achievement and this puts Centacare NENW in a strong and positive position for the future” adds Fergus Fitzsimons.

For more information on Centacare NENW and the services available contact the Tamworth office on 67629200.

DISCOVERY YOUTH CAMP 2012

For a week full of music, sports, workshops & ministry. This year we welcome special guest KC Emmanuel and the U-Turn Team of Sydney.

From 9-13 April at the Lake Keepit Sport & Rec Centre near Tamworth and Gunnedah. Available to those in Years 7-12 as well as Young Adults.

For more information, please contact Bob & Maureen Locke on (02) 6778 4012 or Michael and Elizabeth O’Brien on (02) 6772 4852.

Centacare NENW moves to meet client needs


The last few weeks before we left Armi-dale were incredibly hectic. Preparing our teaching programs and desks tidy; trying to get the six of us packed with only one suitcase each; taking down the Christmas tree (early for once) and get-ting the house in order for my exchange partner and her family … the list was endless and the sleep very limited!

Fortunately we had arranged a four day stop over in Waikiki on the way across which was a very welcome break. We could easily have stayed another week lazing in the sun, but I needed to get to Calgary and have a few days to settle in before starting work on January 9.

I am teaching PE, Health, Sports and So-cial Studies to grade 7, 8 and 9 students at St Elizabeth Seton School in North West Calgary. Amy (14), Luke (10) and Lily (8) are attending the same school as me whilst Cal (16) attends Notre Dame senior high school. My school has ap-proximately 400 students ranging from kindergarten to grade 9.

The students are very polite, and they have made me feel very welcome and are interested in all things Australian; Aus-tralia Day was totally embraced by all staff and students. I cooked 200 laming-tons, and made 10 loaves of fairy bread and vegemite sandwiches and invited all

staff and students to my home room at lunch time. The Deputy played the na-tional anthem over the intercom in the morning and I handed out flags, stickers and tattoos. There were cries of Aussie Aussie Aussie throughout the hallways (led by Canadian teenagers), and the stu-dents enjoyed Australian trivia quizzes and games of two up (heads and tails).

Apparently the Calgarian weather has been very kind to us, although we have found it pretty chilly. The week of minus 40 with a wind chill factor and snow has since warmed up to plus 5, but was back to minus 10 pretty quickly. The students still go outside for PE unless it goes be-low minus 18, so I have had some pretty interesting lessons teaching touch foot-ball in the snow. The Canadian students have enjoyed teaching me the skills of street hockey which I hope to bring back to the students at O’Connor. Space is tight at my school as the surrounding neighbourhoods are growing rapidly, and I was quite amazed to team teach a bas-ketball lesson to 60 students in a single gym where each one had their own bas-ketball. They were so well behaved and skilful, it was a sight to behold!

We have discovered the joys of winter sports and now have our own ice skates and snowboard and ski gear - courtesy

of borrowing from colleagues or buy-ing cheaply second hand. Luke and Lily have picked up the skills so quickly and go zooming past the rest of us which is quite embarrassing at times. There is a ski centre in Calgary itself, but we love to get out of town into the mountains where the ski runs are long and wide.

There is a strong exchange teachers club run by Canadians who have exchanged to Australia in the past, and they regu-larly arrange gatherings. Coming up is a long weekend in the mountains where we will be dog sledding, ice skating and snow shoeing. Damian is hoping to get casual teaching in our area, however there is a lot of paperwork to complete and he is quite enjoying the rarity of not working for a change and being able to do the school runs.

teacher exchange to Canada

Damian and Jenny Roff and their four children left Australia in late December for Jenny to take up a teacher exchange posi-tion in Calgary for 2012. Jenny has exchanged with Jacki Porcu who will spend the year teaching Religious Education and

PDHPE at O’Connor Catholic College in Armidale. Damian is on long service leave from his position as REC at O’Connor.

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A senior bishop in Syria has described how the country is “locked in a murderous

stalemate” and has told how his people say farewell to one another after Sunday Mass uncertain if they will meet again.

Archbishop Samir Nassar of Damascus emphasised that the Syrian people were being “subjected to enormous pressures” with economic disaster and conflict spread to almost every town.

In a statement to Catholic charity Aid to the Church in Need, Archbishop Nassar wrote that people were desperate to leave the country but could not obtain visas after the closure of embassies in Damascus. He also reported how young people in particular felt abandoned to their fate by the outside world, which they felt was not doing enough to help them.

The archbishop, a Maronite-rite Catholic prelate, stated: “Syria appears to be locked in a situation of murderous stalemate.

“This inescapable situation is stoking the fears of the faithful who say goodbye to each other at the end of each Mass, so uncertain are they of what the future might hold.”

He stressed how the most vulnerable in Syria were suffering the most from the conflict which was “paralysing the country”.

The bishop wrote: “The little [people] are subjected to enormous pressures and sufferings that only grow with the passing of time and the hatred that divides and the poverty that is spreading.”

The problems of destruction and displacement caused by war were, he said, compounded by economic crisis most notably economic embargo, inflation, massive currency devaluation and huge unemployment.

Archbishop Nassar stated: “The young people in first-time employment, who have been the victim of mass lay-offs, take a very dim view of this diplomatic embargo which has only made their plight still worse.”

He added: “The [young people] think the world no longer wants anything to do with us and is closing the door on us.”

The archbishop stressed the problems for refugees from Iraq who include large numbers of Christians who escaped attacks on the Church and other minority groups.

Many Middle East commentators fear the Church in Syria may suffer the same fate as in Iraq, stating that if President Assad is overthrown, the Christians could fall victim to attacks from Islamists determined to fill the power vacuum.

Highlighting the people’s feeling of isolation,

the archbishop thanked ACN for its concern and prayers.

“As we enter the season of Lent, we do so in silence, our hands empty, our hearts constricted and our gaze fixed on the risen Christ, who will guide our steps on the path of forgiveness and peace.”

In an introductory message accompanying the statement, he told ACN projects coordinators that “morale is so low” in Syria before adding: “Thank you very much ACN for your commitment and your effort in comforting us during our suffering.

“The situation is changing every day. It is impossible to know what is going to happen. We are living from day to day.”

John Pontifex

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Autumn 2012 - CAtholiC Viewpoint - 23CAThedrAlCeNTeNAry

The Diocese of Armidale, will celebrate the centenary of the opening of its Cathedral Church of Saints Mary and Joseph during 2012. The celebrations will be presided over by the new Bishop of Armidale, Bishop Michael Kennedy. These events were originally scheduled to take place in September, but the new Bishop has commitments in Rome that coincide with the original dates. He has expressed a wish to be actively involved in the celebrations, so they have been re-scheduled.

The major celebrations will take place over the week-end of 19 – 22 October 2012. Events include a Garden Party, Celebration of Mass of Thanksgiving and a Gala Diocesan Dinner, to name a few.

Current and former parishioners, residents of the diocese, and members of the wider community of Armidale are invited to participate.

Further information is available from:

Monsignor Ted Wilkes,

Cathedral Administrator:

Phone 6772218 • email: [email protected]

or Mr Nick Hanson,

Chair of the Centenary Committee:

Phone -67729241 • email:[email protected]

Although we not able to attend the main WYD08 activities in Sydney we were looking forward to meeting pilgrims

from Belgium and Germany during the “Days in the Diocese”. Nick had been involved in conducting some of the fundraising activities and other WYD planning and knew how much work the youngsters on the local organising committee were doing to get everything in place.

But the pilgrims’ arrival was only days away, and we still had not heard whether we would have guests, let alone their country, gender or even names. It is fair to say that we were a touch disappointed when we were told that we would be hosting two priests from Belgium, Fr Bart Aben and Fr Kris van den Bossche!

We had hoped for a couple of youngsters, gender or nationality was immaterial.But what delightful and inspiring men they turned out to be!

Over the next four days we enjoyed each others company, shared stories about our families, explained the lyrics of ‘Waltzing Matilda’ ( thank goodness for Google!), shared good food and wine and gained a real appreciation of the love and commitment these men brought to their vocations. While they were no longer ‘youths’ they were ‘youthful’ (and anyway much younger than us!).

One of the highlights of their stay with us, was watching them sit around our kitchen table preparing the homily and the liturgy for the 10.00 am Mass that Mons Wilkes had invited them to celebrate on the Sunday. Frs Bart and Kris asked us to pull out Missals and turn to the readings for that Sunday.

Neither priest had said a whole Mass in English before. Whilst their conversational English was excellent, both saw it a real challenge to celebrate Mass in our Cathedral.

The Mass that Sunday was very special for us, our daughter Claire, as well as our other house guests, longtime Tasmanian friends Christine and Paul. We were very proud of our new Belgian friends. They were magnificent!! Mass in the Cathedral that Sunday will always have a special place in our memories.

Nick & Suzanne Hanson

World Youth Day 2008 – Armidale Days in the Diocese

Nick & Suzanne Hanson with two Belgian priests

Cathedral Centenary – Change of Date

YOU CAN MAKE A GIFT

For more information on making a bequest to the Diocese, parish or specific ministry, please contact:

Jennifer HarmanDiocesan Financial Administrator

PO Box 93, Armidale 2350 • Ph: 02 6772 8311

A gift that will lastA gift to be remembered

A gift that will make a difference

Will ad.indd 4 31/05/2011 8:43:40 AM

24 - Autumn 2012 - CAtholiC Viewpoint APAreNT’SPerSPeCTIVe

What a wonderful experience it was to be sitting in our beautiful cathedral for the Episcopal Ordination of

Bishop Kennedy. It was the first time I have attended such a special occasion and as well as the sacredness of the Ordination, I felt joyous as our Catholic faith community came together to lift the roof as we joined in singing the hymns and responses. As I listened to Bishop Kennedy acknowledge the Irish heritage of his family and proudly speak of the inclusion of a Celtic Cross in his Coat of Arms I started thinking about my own Irish family story.

Both my mother and my father were the grandchildren of Irish immigrants who left Ireland in the exodus after the Great Famine. My dad, a McNamara grew up in Kyogle and Mum, a McGuire, was raised in the parish of Our Lady of Mt Carmel, Waterloo in inner Sydney. These days the Catholic school of Our Lady of Mt Carmel is a beacon highlighting the work of Catholic education with our First Nation families; when my mother was a girl during the Depression Waterloo was known as Irish Town.

As a child my Irish heritage meant little to me beyond the holiday from school on St Patrick’s Day and the annual St Pat’s Day concert at the Sydney Town Hall – our school choir was often invited to join in the singing of Molly Malone and the Star of the County Down – however my love of history inevitably led me to a learn more and more about Ireland and the Irish.

After we were married Gary and I visited Ireland; we went to the ruins of the monastic community of Glendalough, we went to the wild west of Connaught and we visited the troubled City of Derry. I loved it all and felt that call of history but I was glad my family had come to the far away country, Australia.

Time moved on and Gary and I moved to Armidale, our daughters were born and as each one arrived at the Sacrament of Confirmation I put in a special request for an acknowledgement of my family by the choice of an Irish Saint as a Confirmation name. My girls like to make me happy and so we have Brighid, Adain and Ciaran as their Confirmation Saints.

My Irish family story means much more to me than this, more than the claddagh ring Gary gave me in celebration of our twentieth wedding anniversary, more than the great night out with the girls at the Riverdance show last St Patrick’s Day. My Irish family story reminds me that my family came to Australia in leaky boats as economic, political and religious refugees to find a better and safer place to raise their children and to be happy.

This is the part of our Irish family story that I urge my daughters to remember ; and to look at those who are on the same journey as my family was one hundred and fifty years ago with compassion and a wide open armed welcome to the land which gave my family shelter and prosperity.

Catherine Ible

Long Journey Home

Autumn 2012 - CAtholiC Viewpoint - 25CCdCONNeCTIONS

The start of the 2012 school year has also brought with it the recommencement of ‘Special Religious Education

(Scripture) lessons in State Schools.

State School Catechetics or SRE in the State Schools is coordinated across the Diocese through the Confraternity of Christian Doctrine – the CCD Office in Armidale, however the provision of the SRE lessons is only made possible through the efforts of parish volunteer ‘Special Religious Education Teachers and Assistants (Catechists). These committed, dedicated and faith filled parishioners give of their time, their energy and their faith to teach SRE classes in their local State Schools.

State School catechetics or SRE is a very important part of the Parish community’s lived expression of and witness to the faith. While the SRE teacher is primarily concerned with the teaching of the Catholic faith and opening the Scriptures with Catholic children attending State Schools, it is also an avenue of evangelisation and outreach for the Parish community. The SRE teacher gives witness to the State School community – staff, students and parents of their faith and the important place of religion in today’s secular society.

Last year 182 parish volunteers provided SRE lessons to 1 970 students across the Diocese. Many SRE teachers or catechists double up or triple up on their lessons so that all the classes as covered because due to lack of volunteers there are often not enough teachers for the classes.

It has been pleasing this year to welcome a number of new people to the SRE teams in different parishes, especially in Inverell where there have been 8 new people join the SRE team. This has made the burden much easier for those already involved as each catechist now only has to take one half hour class each week and has an assistant to help them.

If you can help your Parish SRE Team please contact your Parish Priest.

Rickie Withers, Diocesan CCD Coordinator/Consultant.

Special Religious Education in State Schools

Tammy McMahon, Secretary of the Mary, Mother of the Church Praesidium (Tamworth) speaks to the Viewpoint

regarding the Legion of Mary.

How long have you been involved with the Legion of Mary?

I have been involved since the year 2001.

What do you love about the Legion?

I love the way God works through the Legion. When you make yourself available to God through the Legion, He uses you to help others in a way that you would never expect. The Legion is the only group that works with, in and through Our Lady and that is a real privilege. You can be sure that if you are genuinely surrendering your work to Our Lady she will make sure that those you help will encounter the real living Jesus.

What kind of works does the Legion do and why?

The Legion can do any work that is requested by the parish priest. Some of these works include taking Holy Communion to the sick and house bound, making house visits to deliver mi-raculous medals, or to visit those who are house bound or those in need, distributing catholic materials to lapsed Catholics to keep them in touch with the Church, making rosary beads and teaching catechism.

What can people learn from Mary to apply to their busy, modern lives?

People can learn that no matter how busy we are, if we put her Son in the first place in our lives God will take care of us. She reminds us that nothing should be more important than our relationship with God. Mary helps us love her Son more perfectly than if we were to try and love Him without her help. When we genuinely ask Our Lady for help to love her Son she teaches us how to pray from the heart and how important it is to work for the Church and help in saving souls.

How important is the Rosary?

When Our Lady appeared in Fatima and Lourdes she asked for the people to pray the rosary to make reparation for sin. The rosary helps us to meditate on the life of Christ and the Graces that are obtained during the rosary help us to grow in holiness. If we are to become like Christ then we must meditate on His life and what better way to do it than through the Holy Rosary with Our Lady.

How is your Praesidium working to represent Mary?

On a weekly basis our group teaches catechism and takes Holy Communion to residents at a retirement village. We also make rosary beads for Father Gleeson, and make visits to the house bound as needed. Every year we deliver Easter and Christmas mass times to the motels in Tamworth. At times, we also visit house to house to distribute miraculous medals.

Inverell Catechists for 2012

Tammy McMahon on the Legion of Mary

26 - Autumn 2012 - CAtholiC Viewpoint TEEN TALK

Leaders of Diocesan Secondary Schools Discuss Their Hopes for 2012McCarthy Catholic College, Tamworth

Our aim for 2012 is to leave McCarthy having bettered the school, the community and ourselves. To take every opportunity presented, and to encourage others to do the same. We aim to work hard and enjoy the year, to strive for dreams and to make McCarthy Catholic College proud.(L-R)LachlanMaloneyandMelissaSweeney(ViceCaptains),EmilyMurrayandGeorgeRixon(Captains)

HolyTrinity,Inverell

Secondary Captains – Jake and Michaela: We aim to try and encour-age the students to be more involved with the community both in the school and around town. To have students from Kindergarten to Year

10 enjoying school and looking forward to attending each day. As part of this we also hope to tackle the issues of bullying and cyber safety

in continuing with last year’s group initiative to work on these issues. We aim to organise events where the school can come together, have

fun and feel part of the community. (L-R)JakeDalSanto,GeorgeLane,FrJoe,BonnieBremnerandMichaelaCasey-Ransom

O’Connor Catholic College, Armidale

The leadership team strived to find a theme that would relate to all students and also all aspects of school life. We have chosen the more adaptable theme of “ONE”, each week we will focus on a more specific theme that relates to school activities or events happening at the time. Our overall goals are to encour-age individualism in students through extra-curricular activities, for students to step outside their comfort zones in participation and to fully engage in school life.AllyHawthorneandBoydIson(CollegeCaptains)

St Philomena’s, Moree

We aim to help in all ways possible and consistently try our best. We hope that all students are proud of being a member of St Philomena’s school. We aim to lead with “Dignity and Courage” and to be respon-sible in the trust that has been given to us. By the end of the year we

hope that our fellow students have the COURAGE to approach us as leaders to voice any worries, concerns, opinions and ideas with respect

and dignity.

Stand up for the weak, not to the weak.(back,L-R)SecondaryPrefectBody–NathanBruno,ConnorLovett,Geena

Depczynski,CailtinPicker,(front,L-R)PrimaryPrefectBody–IsobelManchee,ChantelleCubis,PatrickMontgomery,FlynnBerry

St Mary’s College, Gunnedah

Our Captains, Molly Lorimer and Liam Higham, jointly feel that: We would like to help to ensure that everyone in Year 12 has a good experience this year so that they can look back happily on their school years. It would be good to see more interaction between the different Year levels in the school. We would all benefit by knowing each other better. Our motto for Year 12 is “Leave a Legacy within the School”.CollegeCaptainsLiamHighamandMollyLorimer


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KIdS’CAPerS

28 - Autumn 2012 - CAtholiC Viewpointww

Teacher?(Early Career or Experienced)School Officer?

DO YOU KNOW SOMEONE SHOWING GREAT-

Spirit of Catholic Education Awards 2012

Volunteer?

For more information please contact:The Office of the DirectorPhone 6772 7388 or email

[email protected]

Nominations Close Friday 30 March

The Spirit of Catholic Education Awards celebrates outstanding achievement and contribution to Catholic education by sta� and volunteers in the Diocese of Armidale. Show your appreciation of e�ort and

commitment by nominating someone you know for this inaugural Spirit of Catholic Education Awards. Nomination forms available from School o�ces, Parish o�ces

and The Catholic Schools O�ce website www.arm.catholic.edu.au

Leadership or has made a lifelong contribution?

ARE YOU AWARE OF -An Innovative Educational Program?

CALLING FOR NOMINATIONS

DO YOU KNOW A GREAT-

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