Catholic Observer April 2011 issue

Volume 46, No 1 April 2011 $2.00

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CATHOLIC OBSERVER - APRIL EDITION - PAGE 2

The death of Jesus hit his disciples hard. They had lost someone they loved. And the hopes they’d

placed in him seemed dead too. Many could not have expressed clearly just what those hopes were, but they believed that somehow Jesus was leading them to a better life than the one they had.

Then came the news that he had risen from the dead. At first, the reports seemed too good to be true, but as more and more disciples met him they all began to understand. The better life that Jesus had promised was his own: a life stronger than death.

The risen Lord began to share his life with you and me in Baptism. As we remember our Baptism, let us say yes again to this gift. If we do, we discover that it is not a gift we can keep to ourselves. To become a Christian is to become a witness to others of the love and life of Christ within us.

As I send these Easter greetings to every parish and Eucharistic community in the Diocese of Bathurst, I ask you to renew your willingness to share the good news with your neighbours: and to be ready to explore practical ways to do it.

Christ is risen! Forgiveness and new life can be found in him! Alleluia!

+Michael McKennaBishop of Bathurst

Easter 2011A Message from

Bishop Michael McKenna

Our Front Cover

“Christ is Risen” ~ is courtesy of the Artist ~ Besty Porter (http://www.

betsyporter.com) and Photographer ~ Richard Anderson


Congratulates Observer on its first publication as a magazine

Quality Catholic Education for Kindergarten to Year 6

Ph: (02) 6882 4790

The 2011 school year began in Orange with Mass attended by the Staff of all the Catholic Schools in Orange the day before the students returned to school.

Teachers begin 2011 together in prayer

St. Mary’s Primary School Dubbo

“Christ is My Light”

Welcome to the first edition of The Catholic Observer in its new format - a quarterly

magazine!

To keep our widespread Diocese in contact in an up-to-date manner, we’ll be developing our website - www.bathurst.catholic.org.au - to bring you news from the Diocese

and beyond as it happens. To do this, we need your help - please send us your news as it comes to hand.

Then, four times a year, the printed Observer will feature highlights of the last quarter, along with features and other articles of interest.

The Observer will now also

incorporate the quarterly newsletter of the Catholic Education Office in Bathurst.

We look forward to hearing from you and welcome your feedback at all times.

Fiona LewisEditor

Welcome


As they say in horse racing circles at the beginning of a race….. “And they’re off!”.

Bishop Michael McKenna recently approved an implementation strategy for the introduction of the new translation of the Sacramentary texts of the Roman Missal. The Roman Missal - in Latin the Missale Romanum - is the big red book the priest uses at Mass. You may be more familiar with the smaller versions of the Roman Missal used by the congregation for Sunday and weekday Masses.

So, in February, the implementation of the new translation of the Roman Missal in the Diocese commenced with four regional music workshops.

BackgroundIn 2000, Pope John Paul II approved the Latin text of the third edition of the Roman Missal. A new edition of the Roman Missal was needed so that it included prayers for newly canonised saints and various other texts that had been approved for use, but were not

contained in the Missal. The process of translation has been ongoing since that time.

The translation process has followed new guidelines for translating liturgical texts which has resulted in changes to some of the words the priest and the congregation say at Mass.

Diocesan Implementation Strategy

Beginning with the Feast of Pentecost - 12th June 2011 - the changed texts for the Ordinary of the Mass can be said or sung by the congregation. The Ordinary of the Mass includes the Kyrie, Gloria, Creed, Sanctus, Memorial Acclamation and Agnus Dei.

Laminated ‘pew cards’ will be available from Pentecost, so the congregation will be able to learn the new words and participate in the Mass. Churches with digital projectors will be able to make use of that technology to achieve the same result.

The remaining Sacramentary texts of the Missal, including the parts prayed by the priest, will be introduced when the Missal is published in Advent 2011. From the 1st Sunday of Advent, the new translation will be exclusively used. From Pentecost to Advent, parishes can introduce the new translation progressively, or at once, depending on their situation.

An example of one of the changes to the Mass texts is when the priest prays: ‘The Lord be with you’; presently we say ‘And also with you’. In the new translation, we will say “And with your Spirit” which is a literal translation of the Latin ‘et cum spiritu tuo’ - which might be familiar to people who remember the Mass in Latin.

Introduction of new translation off to a great start

by David Nelson Chairman - Diocesan Liturgy Commission

The Diocesan Liturgy Commission at its first meeting for 2011 Chris Eviston, Sr Christina Morrissey, David Nelson, Sr Ann Morrison, Angelo Belmonte, Kylie McNamara and Fr Pat O’Regan (Fr Tim Cahill is absent from the photo)


Fantastic Opportunity!The new translation gives the Diocese a fantastic opportunity to offer catechesis and formation on the Eucharist. When the first English translation of the Roman Missal was introduced in the early 1970s, there was not a lot of preparation and catechesis for people. In 2011, the Church has an opportunity and responsibility to provide catechesis to people through a variety of mediums.

Every Parish in the Diocese will be hosting a seminar on the new translation. These seminars are being conducted by Sr Ann Morrison RSJ and members of the

Diocesan Liturgy Commission. Fr Elio Capra will also be presenting regional seminars on the Eucharist in Bathurst, Orange and Dubbo in May and June.

All the details of these seminars can be accessed on the Diocesan website - www.bathurst.catholic.org.au - and click on the ‘New Translation’ button. The Australian Catholic Bishops have also set-up a website at www.romanmissalaustralia.org.au which has bulletin inserts and other resources.

The Liturgy Commission has also conducted regional music workshops to introduce new Mass settings. Over

100 people involved in parish music ministry from around the Diocese came together at Gilgandra, Mudgee, Canowindra and Bathurst to learn new music.

Like a horse race, some people will be like the sprinters and take off with speed and gusto in this implementation period. Others, more suited to the longer distances, will be more like the ‘stayers’ and take a little longer to get to the finish line. Whether we are ‘stayers’ or ‘sprinters’, we are all on the same course, heading for the same finishing line, with the Spirit as our guide-rail.

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One Spirit in Christ

The new translation of the Roman Missal is being

implemented in Australia in 2011.

A seminar is being held in each Parish of the Diocese to

inform, teach and discuss the words that will change from

The Feast of Pentecost ~ 12th June 2011 and

The First Sunday of Advent ~ 27th November 2011

Molong ~ 19th May, Jubilee Room

Lithgow ~ 26th May, Fatima Hall

Wellington ~ 7th June, St Patrick’s ChurchOberon ~ 8th June, St Ignatius’ ChurchOrange ~ 9th June,

Kenna Hall

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CATHOLIC OBSERVER SUMMER EDITION - PAGE CATHOLIC OBSERVER - APRIL EDITION - PAGE 6

It was a wonderful celebration of Mass recently, when the School Community of St. Joseph’s

Gilgandra joined with their Y6 leaders as they received their leaders’ badges.

The School was very grateful to ex-Joey’s student - and Gilgandra’s Young Citizen of the Year - Emma McCutcheon, who gave a wonderful address regarding what’s needed to be a successful leader.

Congratulations to the Y6 class; everyone is looking forward to working with them as they lead the Community through 2011.

Congratulations Gilgandra Leaders

School Captains: Ken Johnson and Anastasia Newstead; Vice Captains: Tom Brisbane and Caitlynn King; Minister for the Environment: Tom Alchin; Minister for Communications: Eleisha Murray; Minister for Health: Nunka Pearce; Minister for Catering: Roshaan Proctor.

Student Leaders: Mollie Banks, Sean Calabretta, Sally Campbell, Clayton Chapman, Laiten Diggs, Litsa Divis, Miranda Flannery, Megan Freeth, Blake Frost, Courtney Gale, Luke Gale, Laura Gilmour, Tyrone Hackett, Emma Hutchison, Katie Kildey, Jack McKenzie, Jack Murray, Kaitlin O’Meagher, Michael Roach, Breanna Rogers, Laura Sandford, Adam Shuttleworth, Karin Smit, Abbey Stewart, and Paige Wilson.


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Kicking Goals at KelsoThe 2011 AFL season is just around

the corner and Holy Family Primary School in Kelso is involved

in development of the game at the local level. Development Officer, Peter Yandle, is visiting the school on a weekly basis to conduct AFL skills clinics for both boys and girls in Years 3-6.

The school is well set up for AFL with new posts and an AFL field in full use for sport and play times. In

2009 the school was successful in an application for AFL community funding to provide and install the new equipment. This was done in co-operation with the Bathurst Bushrangers AFL Club.

In recent years, Holy Family teams have been very successful at the various levels of the state wide Paul Kelly Cup, a competition involving schools from government and non-government schools. Last year, the

Holy Family girls’ team won their way through to the State finals held at the new Greater Western Sydney Franchise fields at Blacktown.

“AFL is another way to engage students in physical activity and sport, hopefully encouraging an active and healthy lifestyle.” said School Principal, Mr Kevin Arrow.

Holy Family looks forward to more student involvement in AFL during 2011.

Development Officer Peter Yandle with Holy Family Y3 students.


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St Patrick’s School in Lithgow kicked off the new year with the whole school gathered

together to celebrate their Opening Mass.

The Staff was commissioned and

the Y6 leaders and School Captains presented with their badges.

Mass was attended by many parents and parishioners and the opportunity was taken to welcome new Parish Priest, Father

Owen Gibbons.

Afterwards, there was a special morning tea in the library for the Captains and their parents and everyone agreed it was an excellent way to begin the year!

School Captains - Murray Stewart and Emily Richards

St Patrick’s School after the Opening Mass

St Pat’s Lithgow off to a great start


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The new booklet Children Praying the Rosary, pub-lished by the Catholic charity Aid to the Church in Need (ACN), encourages children to learn more about the lives of Jesus and Mary. It is beautifully illustrated by the Spanish nun, Minen Sorne, with images taken from the highly successful ACN Child’s Bible. Each Mystery of the Rosary is accompanied by a short Gospel pas-sage, a meditation and a short prayer couched in easy and accessible language for children. This booklet is a precious addition to the Child’s Bible and the Little Cat-echism already published by ACN. It would also make a beautiful gift for First Holy Communion.

This beautiful little booklet is now available for a donation of $3.00. Also available are the Eucharistic Rosary beads, dsigned by the Vatican rosary makers

featuring the hands of the priest during the Consecration with the reverse side depicting the Merciful Jesus of Sr Faustina. the crucifix shows the crucified Christ on the grapevine. To obtain the Child’s Rosary booklet and Eucharistic Rosary we ask for a donation of $18.00 (includes postage). All proceeds will go towards the work of ACN for the poor and persecuted Church worldwide.

St. Columba’s School in Yeoval welcomed new students and families and welcomed back the

‘old’ ones recently. New teachers, Miss Eloise Warrington and Mrs Kate Brown were also welcomed into the community.

The School prays a spirit of goodwill and generosity will prevail throughout the year, when school and home come together to bring success to a new phase of development for the children. No doubt 2011 will be filled with many exciting activities and everyone is looking forward to a happy and successful year together.

Big Yeoval Welcome

The School’s opening Mass was a great opportunity for all parents to meet.


Michael & Pauline Lyons Proprietors

Providing Sensitive and Professional Care at Times When it is Most Needed

Servicing BATHURST - OBERON - BLAYNEY - PORTLAND - LITHGOW & SURROUNDING DISTRICTS

Phone: 6331 4265 24 Hours

88 Bentinck Street, Bathurst 2795

Assumption School West Bathurst

New School Captains and Sports Captains

Year 5 and 6 students worked on their Religion unit ‘God is the Potter – We are the Clay’ at Sacred Heart this term

Sacred Heart School Coolah ~ 2011

Assumption’s School Captains for 2011 are Dominic McCrossin, Kamania Reid (centre); Vice Captains are Nicholas Marwood and Emily Schembri


Students and Staff of James Sheahan Catholic High school in Orange took the opportunity of the School’s Opening Mass for 2011 to welcome their new Pastor, Fr Paul Devitt and new Principal, Mr Mark Pauschmann.

Serving the Diocese of Bathurst.

Ph: 1800 451 760www.bathurst.catholic.org.au/cdf

[email protected]: The Catholic Development Fund Diocese of Bathurst (CDF) is not subject to the provisions of the Corporation Act 2001 nor has it been examined or approved by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission. Deposits with CDF are guaranteed by CDPF Limited, a company established by the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference for this purpose. We welcome your investment with the CDF rather than with a profit oriented commercial organisation as a conscious commitment by you to support the Charitable, Religious and Educational works of the Catholic Church. CDF, nor the Trustees of the Roman Catholic Church for the Diocese of Bathurst are prudentially supervised by the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority; contributions to CDF do not obtain the benefit of the depositor protection provisions of the Banking Act 1959; CDF is designed for investors who wish to promote the charitable purposes of CDF

Sheahan’s welcome to Orange

As we sing the Easter praises may the joy, peace and love

of this holy season be with you and your families


The Behaviour Support Team works as part of the ‘Learning and Teaching Team’ led by Dr. Michael

Flood. It consists of three members working closely with the Education Officer - Curriculum Special Learning Needs and contracted allied health professionals. Together we make a small but effective, multi-disciplinary team. The support teachers are the team’s link with schools and we are always grateful for their commitment and wonderful work.

The team consists of Dr. Michael Flood (head of the Behaviour Support Team); Vicki Hagney - Education Officer - Wellbeing and Behaviour Support and Julie Hollitt - Consulting Developmental Educational Psychologist.

The role is to support students, families, classroom teachers and executive staff across schools as they investigate, plan, implement and manage concerning behaviours. The

approach is positive, whole of school and team. While there are many factors contributing to behaviours of concern, it’s important to not overlook the learning environment, the demands on students not coping with work and those overwhelmed by study.

The team is committed to the up-skilling of teachers, in order to help them manage a variety of student behaviours. They recognise the skills and knowledge teachers have, acknowledge the important role of teaching and offer support where necessary. It is always a privilege to see the committed staff working tirelessly with students and making a difference to their school life and futures.

On a recent visit, the team enjoyed the hospitality of the staff, students and parents of St. Lawrence’s School in Coonabarabran. A special thanks to Principal Mr. Terry Mc Goldrick and

Mrs Natasha Milford - Support Teacher and Assistant Principal - for organising the three days.

The visit consisted of parent meetings, classroom observations, classroom teacher meetings, psychometric testing and professional development meetings for staff. Staff members were introduced to the work of Dr. Geoff Colvin Ph.D. - internationally recognised Australian educational consultant and author in the field of behaviour, from Oregon. The staff looked at his work around the ‘Cycle of Acting out Behaviour’ to better understand the stages, how this impacts on behaviour, optimum times to break the cycle and intervene and ideas to start teachers thinking about strategies they may use with students.

The team always enjoys its visit to ‘Coona’ and the hospitality of the entire community.

Vicki Hagney

Behaviour Support Team in action

The staff of St Lawrence’s and members of the Behaviour Support Team Back: Dawn Weatherall, Megan Redden, Natasha Milford, Julie Hollitt, Vicki Hagney, and Jayne Chappell.

Front: Jeremy Auld, Bec Pickette, Margo Mackay, Margy McKinnon, Delwyn Mitevski (Principal Terry McGoldrick took the photo)


Improving our SchoolsIn the first week of March, 20

Principals and Assistant Principals gathered in Orange to workshop

the Catholic Education Office’s School Improvement Framework. This Framework has been three years in development and has been trialled in several Diocesan schools. It provides schools with a toolkit to self-review and prioritise actions for school improvement.

The workshops were facilitated by Mr Ian Gamble, a former Chief Inspector

of Schools in Scotland. Ian has been working with several Dioceses throughout Australia on quality teaching and school improvement. During the workshops, participants applied the Framework to their school situation and engaged in evaluation of a component of the Framework.

The participants found that with the Framework, they had a common language for understanding quality Catholic schooling. It develops a

reflective culture within schools, a clearer focus for school action and builds capacity and leadership.

Workshops are also planned for August for schools that have not yet undergone the training. Further support for schools will be provided through a two-day Leadership for School Improvement course, to be held mid-year.

Chris Derwin, Gene Smith, Sue Dickson

Bathurst CEO


Great results for Diocese’s HSC studentsIn 2010, 71,300 students sat for the

Higher School Certificate in NSW. Nearly 350 of these students came from

the four Catholic secondary schools in the Bathurst Diocese: La Salle Academy Lithgow, MacKillop College Bathurst, James Sheahan Orange and St John’s College Dubbo. Courses were offered in 50 subjects and included extension courses in English, Mathematics and History. In addition to the written examinations, students had to produce major works in Music, Drama, Design and Technology, Visual Arts, Dance, Textiles and Industrial Technology and sit for oral examinations in French and Japanese. Vocational Education courses included Metals and Engineering, Hospitality, Entertainment, Primary Industries and Retail and Construction.

Schools performed very well, with many excellent individual and whole school results. In 57% of the courses studied for the HSC in the Diocese, students achieved a mean above the NSW State average. Many students received entry offers from universities, with one school having over 75% of the cohort receiving offers.

There were 121 Band 6 results awarded to students in the four high schools. Band 6 is the highest achievement and was awarded in many courses across the curriculum. Two Premiers’ Awards were presented to students who had achieved Band 6 in all of their subjects - Maddy Greer and Josef English from St John’s College in Dubbo. Maddy also placed first in the State in Philosophy, one of the Distinction Courses offered in the HSC. In addition, her Visual Arts major work was accepted into Artexpress for both the Armory Exhibition at Homebush Bay and the Regional Touring Exhibition at the Western Plains Cultural Centre.

The recent Bathurst Diocesan Awards Ceremony in Orange recognised the outstanding results achieved by the students. Miss Gillian Cannon, a former student of St Raphael’s Cowra and MacKillop College, was the guest speaker. Gillian’s message was of how working hard and making the most of every opportunity provided, allowed her to achieve her dream of working in radio news.

The following students received Diocesan awards on the night:

The CDF Scholarship for Highest Diocesan ATAR: Madeline Greer 99.95 Studies of Religion I Highest Diocesan Mark 2010: Jocelyn McGarity 48/50 Studies of Religion II Highest Diocesan Mark 2010: Shannon Fadaee 92/100.

The CDF Scholarship for School Certificate Academic Excellence: Emily Clinton, Year 10 MacKillop College Bathurst; Alexandra Ireland, Year 10 MacKillop College Bathurst; Glenn Cardinio, Year 10 James Sheahan Catholic High School Orange.

Certificates were also presented to those students who achieved Honour Listings in their chosen courses of study for the Higher School Certificate;

James Sheahan: Daniel Bruton, Emily D’Aquino, Danielle Douglass, Adam Dutton, Eamonn Dwyer, Shannon Fadaee, Joshua Fitzgerald, Bridget Healey, Sarah Jones, Megan McFarland, Katherine Moses, Oliver Quick, Timothy Sergeant, Caitlin West and Sarah Whiley.

La Salle Academy: Regina Featherstone, Sophie-May Kerr, Sean King and Logan Mourtos.

MacKillop College: Bridget Allen, Emily Brady, Avril Bryant, Stephanie Coady, Kate Cook, Vinuri Dissanayake, Candice Duddek, Racquel El-Helou, Stephanie Floyd, Jasmin Gray, Amelia King, Therese Lamont, Grace McAulley, Katherine McFawn, Jocelyn McGarity, Bethany McGrath, Emma Miller and Clancy Pye.

St John’s College: Josef English, Madeline Greer, Alexander Atileh, Alexander Bruce, Alice Clark, Brodie Burke, Caitlin Carnell, Thomas Carruthers, Bianca Caton, Jacob Dries, Mitchell Gersbach, Alexandria Grabianski, Leazelle Graham, Genevieve Hutty, Hayley Manning, Amy McAneney, Thomas McCormack, Abbey McManus, Dominic Medel, Kel Miller, Lydia Pedrana, Edward Pierzchalski, Mitchell Purton, Katharine Rootes, Keira Ryan, Duncan Standish, Corey Sutton, Bronwyn Vaughan and Mark Williams. Stuart MacKenzie and Kate Thorne from Year 10 were recognised for their Year 10 History.

Congratulations to the HSC class of 2010 and best wishes in your future careers.


In February, approximately 30 people who began teaching in the Diocese this year attended

induction days in Bathurst and Dubbo.

The days provided opportunities for these teachers to meet, learn about the organisation of our system of schools and to engage in discussion about Catholic Education and other general educational issues.

The teachers were welcomed by Mr Peter Hill, Executive Director of

Schools, who spoke of the mission of our schools and the role of the teacher in Catholic Education.

Peter reinforced that the contribution of all staff in schools is greatly valued and that those who have started this year have joined a system characterised by collegiality, professionalism and enthusiasm.

The teachers joined in a number of group discussions focussing on various aspects of the mission of Catholic schools, system expectations and

their professionalism.

A session on the structure and organisation of the Catholic Education Office was presented and the New Scheme Teachers in the group were provided with information about the NSW Institute of Teachers.

The day was deemed informative by our new teachers who also said they felt warmly welcomed to the Diocese.

Chris Derwin

Warm welcome for new teachers

The School Certificate tests were held in November and nearly 600 students in eight

schools across the Diocese sat for these. Students from the four high schools and the four K-10 schools - St Matthew’s Mudgee, St Mary’s Wellington, St Raphael’s Cowra and St Joseph’s Oberon - again achieved excellent results. These tests review skills in English, Mathematics, Science, History and Geography. In addition to these tests, the students must study Religion, a variety of courses in Mathematics and Human Society and its Environment (HSIE),

a Language other than English, Personal Development, Health and Physical Education, Creative Arts and Technology and Applied Studies for the School Certificate. The study of Information and Communication Technology is embedded in all Key Learning Areas.

In 58 % of the courses schools had a mean above the NSW State mean with three of the schools having all their subjects above State mean. This demonstrates the excellent results achieved by all the students and their teachers.

In the School Certificate, three students - Glen Cardinio from James Sheahan, Emily Clinton and Alexandra Ireland from MacKillop - received a Band 6, the highest band, in all of their subjects. Two students from St John’s College - Stuart MacKenzie and Kate Thorne - received a perfect score in their History examination.

Congratulations to the students, their families and their teachers on these excellent results.

Gene Smith

2010 School Certificate Excellence


The $52 million BER Program in the Bathurst Diocese will move into the completion and acquittal

phase during this year according to Brian Morrissey who manages capital works at the Catholic Education Office.

“We have 65% of the building components completed at the moment. This will increase to 79% at the end of March and 87% at the end of April”, Mr Morrissey said. “There are some projects that will finish a little later owing to them being re-phrased by the Federal Government and some due to inclement weather and site problems”.

St Mary’s in Orange had been rephrased but went to contract in early April for completion in late November. The other rephrased project at St Matthew’s in Mudgee has commenced and the BER element of the $7.5 million major school redesign will completed in late November. St Mary’s will have a new multi-purpose hall, major refurbishment and extension of its administration and staff facilities. St Matthew’s will also have a new multi-purpose hall, as well as a new resource/library centre in the overall construction program.

“We’ve had some geo-technical problems at the Cathedral School site in Bathurst, where a new and uniquely designed multi-purpose hall will be constructed. There has been a need to consolidate the ground. However, once the slab is poured, there will be significant progress”, Mr Morrissey said.

Mr Morrissey said St. Joseph’s in Orange has also had unique issues, with the need to develop a Master Plan to guide the vision for the BER work and future capital works for the amalgamation of Sacred Heart and St Joseph’s. The BER program at St Joseph’s is, however, now underway involving the construction of new general and specialist learning areas.

Mr Morrissey said the massive program was on budget and would considerably ease the pressures on future capital works in Diocesan primary schools and on the Diocesan Schools Capital Works Fund.

BER Program in full swing


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• Half price alterations on clothes bought at Marietta’s

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• Nursing home styles a speciality

• Wheelchair sized fitting room

• Lovely range of maternity wear

The Parish of St. Mary and St. Joseph in Orange has had a busy time of late.

Firstly there was a farewell to much loved Parish Priest, Fr Carl Mackander on 15th January 2011. For the regular Vigil Mass at St. Mary’s, a lot of groups involved in ministries within the Parish participated in preparing the Liturgy and setting the altar. Afterwards, the congregation moved to the Church grounds where a barbeque was held.

Then in February the Parish was treated to a concert with renowned musician Peter Kearney. About 70 people were able to attend St. Joseph’s for the show, which was enjoyed immensely by everyone present.

Welcome and a show for Orange Parish

Ruth O’Malley, Peter Karney, Fr Paul Devitt PP and Ruth Lee after Peter’s concert

Rosie Frecklington and Trish Amuller with Fr Carl

Parishioners enjoy Fr Carl’s farewell BBQ


KelsoCongratulates Observer on its new format

Ph: (02) 6331 3279Catholic Education - Quality Education

by Father James Cutcliffe

Parish Priest of Dubbo

“God said, ‘Remember to rest’. This is not a lifestyle suggestion, but a commandment…we need Sabbath...it honors the wisdom of dormancy. We’ve all lived too long where we can be reached” (Fr. Ron Rolheiser). In other words - honour your humanity.

I vividly remember the conversation when Bishop McKenna asked me if I was interested in a Sabbatical

course. I had been the Parish Priest of the Cathedral for some 13 years and I wasted no time in gratefully accepting his invitation.

Australia is a long way from the rest of the world and I carefully considered the Sabbatical options. Rather than choosing the Vatican II Institute at Menlo Park in the United States - it seemed to choose me, with its philosophy and approach. Some 10 months later I found myself 12,000 miles from home where a whole new experience awaited me.

What a blessing in my life it has been as I celebrate 25 years of priesthood. It is almost impossible to describe this profound experience in this brief overview.

The sabbatical is about human well-being. It’s not a holiday, not study leave, not a pilgrimage, but a process model of Sabbath rest, where we

bring our insights, experiences and yearnings of priesthood. The process is about engaging with God, having a genuine sense of “being away” (giving the people at home a sabbatical also!) and allowing each one in the course to look and see how they understand themselves.

To remain effective priests we must renew ourselves in body, heart, soul and mind

The Vatican II Institute is a three-month experience designed for priests who are active in ministry, in good health, psychologically adjusted, and interested in spending significant time reading, listening and discussing their theology, pastoral effectiveness and spiritual and personal growth. In other words, to remain effective priests we must renew ourselves in body, heart, soul and mind.

In a time where priesthood is facing pronounced transition in the Church, we went there, somewhat exhausted and yet with willing hearts; our time there was about becoming our best self. It was about personal transformation. In those months, we were affirmed and challenged; encouraged to pray, rest, study and read, exercise, socialise and enjoy solitude, and then go home from sabbatical transformed, renewed and psychologically and spiritually well; to go home different. Our people, our families, our friends, awaited our return as we took time to listen to the music, the heartbeat of our lives.

As the Director of the program welcomed us, he shared a few

insights into Menlo Park. I was amazed and excited by the initiatives already in place for the ongoing formation of priests there. Whether the initial formation of seminarians, or the mentoring of newly ordained priests, or those ordained five years or undertaking a sabbatical program like myself, it was a conversation that inspired hope and life…bringing into focus support for those living this life. A source of great encouragement. A professional model of support that was different - focused on spirituality,

The rest of his lifeFr James in his new home in Dubbo

“Gathered in Love”

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scripture, personal growth and well being, ethics and accountability, psychology, pastoral planning and the skills of the effective pastor, the celibate male and the human man living in a way that reflects the Gospel.

In such a sabbatical experience, we are reminded that our first vocation is to be human; to love; to give your gifts in service of others and to be in relationship with the mystery of God. It is about being human and understanding authentic compassion; it is about wholeness and integrity. To live a healthy life, you must be transparent, connected, honest, peaceful and self-aware. The priest is called to be mentally alert, spiritually vital and physically fresh.

The priest in the parish will need to find his voice, but at the same time, help others find their voice. His effectiveness is built on character. To become effective, you have to be credible. Therefore he must be open to continual renewal and interpretation.

You can’t serve with an empty wagon

In one lecture, while reflecting on the dignity of the human person, the presenter reminded us that a priest couldn’t serve the people with an empty wagon. We are all mystics. We are all aware of the spiritual and sometimes we need to just stop, rest and be awakened to the mysticism of God.

Upon my arrival at SFO International airport, the Director, Fr Jim, encountered a man jet lagged and yet excited (also quietly nervous of

the traffic which he believed was on the wrong side of the road!).

I was a different man leaving to holiday around America in December. I have returned home renewed and fully understanding that my spirituality is the inner mood that governs the tide of my relationship with God and others in my life.

We all left as different men. Why? Because with gratitude to God and the people we love in our lives, we have been given this sacred opportunity come home transformed. We have listened to our own heartbeat, so now we can come home to play the music that comes out of the people. What a blessing!

Fr James in America

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Building works are progressing well at St Matthews with the slab poured for the resource

centre, the pad footings for the secondary classroom block will be poured soon and the tilt up walls for the gymnasium will be lifted by cranes. Each wall panel weighs approximately 35 tonnes.

Students are enjoying their daily walk to the local park (Lawson Park) for lunch each day and it has been exciting to watch the daily progress of the building site.

Welcoming the new Y7 students to St. Matthew’s in Mudgee is always fun, even

though for most students it is just a change of playgrounds!

In February, teachers and students participated in a Retreat together. Designed to build teamwork and co-operation, the day consisted of a series of activities and games around the theme of “Belonging to a Community”.

The jigsaw puzzle that was completed enabled all students to recognise their particular gifts and individual value as a part of the wider St Matthew’s community. Father Greg Bellamy and the Y10 leaders were inspiring and the teachers say they are looking forward to great things from this wonderful group of students.

Settling in at St Matt’s

Building Update St Matthew’s

Year 10 leader Thomas Howe and Harrison Power (centre) assisting Year 7 students James Cramond and Rhianna Jackson with People Bingo.

4 Lewis St Mudgee 6372 1742 www.stmattsmudgee.nsw.edu.au

When you look at the people of your Parish…you know how many usually come to church and a fair bit about them, like how many are old, how many

are young, how many families and so on.

You might even have a good idea what types of jobs people have and what level of education some of them have achieved.

But are you aware how many of them….

◊ believe their faith has grown in the last 12 months?

◊ are committed to the parish vision?

◊ don’t really feel they belong to the parish community?

Would you like to know?....

◊ what the people value most highly about the parish?

◊ what areas they’d like to see the parish work on developing

◊ in the next 12 months?

◊ what leadership qualities your parish is strongest in?

When you consider the areas of parish life that make for growth and vitality - faith, worship & belonging, vision, leadership & innovation, service, faith sharing & inclusivity - in what areas is your parish strongest and where is it not so strong? How could you use all this information to effectively plan for the growth and revitalisation of your parish?

These things are at the heart of the 2011 National Church Life Survey, and once in five years you get the chance to be involved and to benefit from it.

More information is available at……www.2011ncls.org.au or from the Diocesan Co-ordinator, Father Mark McGuigan – [email protected]


National Church Life Survey

Neville, a small settlement located 16 kilometres south-west of Blayney, developed

in the 1850s and was proclaimed a village as ‘Macquarie’ in 1885. It later became known as Mount Macquarie, until the name Neville was adopted in 1888.

Neville began as a station of Carcoar in the late 1800s, but today falls within the area of Blayney parish. Although there is some confusion over the founding of the little weatherboard church, it was certainly blessed by Bishop Byrne in 1897.

Typical of many rural churches, it was closed during the 1970s and sold. This photo was provided courtesy of the Blayney Historical Society..

David Billington

Diocesan Archivist

Our lost ChurchesSt. Thomas’ Neville

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Phone to make an appointment in your local area or register your interest for a personal visit wherever you are!

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Centacare receives funding from the Catholic Diocese of Bathurst and the Department of Family & Community Services

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The inability to pay will not stop you from receiving these services.

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The very special apostolate of the Special Religious Education Teacher was marked around our

Diocese with Catechist Sunday on 27th February.

Very ordinary people, doing an extraordinary job would be a fitting description of the wonderful men and women in our parishes, who generously give time each week to this ministry; bringing the Good News to children in State Schools who may otherwise not have an opportunity to hear it. If you think you’d like to be a part of this important work, just speak with your Parish Priest and he’ll head you in the right direction.

Catechist Co-ordinator for the Diocese – Miss Helen Ryan – reports on the busy month Catechists had in February…….

Catechists celebrated around the Diocese

Violet Salti presenting her lesson at Cudgegong School

Margaret Wendenlin, Kay Fitzgerald, Noel Clarke and Pastor David

Saunders, share conversation and morning tea at the training day

Fran Hansen and Gloria Murray

It was pleasing to be with so many enthusiastic Special Religious Education Teachers and Assistants in Bathurst on 2nd February 2011.

30 people availed themselves of the training offered on the day which was organised by Mr Steve Howes. Four Presenters and grade groups talked about the updated ‘Connect’ program that is being used for the Scripture classes. Other topics included looking at the stages of faith, how to use the bible in SRE and what the schools expect of Special Religious Education Teachers and Assistants.

A well organised Training Day for Orange was held on Wednesday 16th February. This day was attended by 40 Special Religious Education Teachers and Assistants from Orange, Borenore and Molong.

The day was organised by Mrs Bernadette Collins, working with the Co-ordinators from each of the schools. Facilitators of the day were Mrs Margaret Wendenlin, Mrs Margot Davidson and Mrs Marion Derham.

Everyone left the day with confidence after connecting with many other SRE Teachers and Assistants who volunteer their time to share their love for Jesus with students in their community who attend Government Schools.

Helen Ryan


Diane Ryan and Tony Windsor recently retired from teaching SRE after many years of dedicated

service.

Diane was the Catechist and Tony her assistant. Together, the brother and sister made a great team, bringing the Good New of God’s love to the Infants children they taught at Bathurst Public School each Wednesday morning.

25 years ago, Tony’s wife Jean encouraged him to go along and help with her Scripture class. She told him he probably would enjoy it. From that moment on, Tony became Jean’s right hand man in the classroom, helping her for many years. Jean Windsor taught scripture for about 30 years! Then, in later years, he helped Diane with her SRE class.

Tony has always considered it a privilege to be able to share the Good News and to sow the seed that God is always there. He was always amazed at the children’s responses at question time - how they would remember what were

taught from week to week and how they delighted in hearing that they are all part of God’s creation and plan.

Diane began teaching Scripture about 20 years ago. Her sister-in-law Jean also encouraged her to become involved.

Diane said she looked forward to her Scripture lessons each week and always enjoyed the reaction she got from the children when she and Tony walked into the classroom.

Diane believes what you teach a child before the age of 10 never leaves them. She says “To be able to share your Faith with the children you teach, makes you appreciate the precious gift that you have been given”.

Diane and Tony’s class was quite special in that it was the only Catholic Scripture Class still being taught in Bathurst; all other SRE classes are now ecumenical.

Sincere thanks Diane and Tony, for the contribution you have made to the ministry of SRE and for a job well done!

Vicky Mair

Brian Richards teaches Scripture to Infant students at Orange Infant’s School. Michael Szczesny teaches Year 5/6 Students Scripture at Canobolas Public School and Bletchington Public School

Thanks and Farewell to Catechists

Jan Millgate and Maria Mate team-teach a group of 5/6 students at Calare Public School. Marion Derham teaches Students in the Lower Primary and Rosemarie Sciuto is a wonderful relief Teacher at Canobolas Public School

The Catholic Observer is published by The Catholic Diocese of Bathurst (Diocesan Publications) ~ PO Box 246, Bathurst, NSW, 2795

ph:(02) 6334 6400 ~ fax:(02) 6331 9453 ~ email: [email protected]

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All material in this magazine is copyright and may be reproduced only with the written permission of Editor.

The Catholic Observer is a member of the Australasian Catholic Press Association and the Australasian Religious Press Association.


Into the Wild at Manna Fest 2011This year at Manna Fest - being

on the first weekend in Lent - we entered “Into the Wild” and found

a new voice, our new song to go “Beyond” the wild places. 2011 makes the fifth Manna Fest. One thing that framed this year’s experience, was sharing stories from past Manna Fests - moving and profound tales of new beginnings, faith, friendship and journeys of coming to mature faith in Jesus Christ. Thank you so much Heidi, Mark, Lucy, Greg, Jess, Landon and Rebecca for sharing your hearts with us.This year, we had some incredible nationally renowned speakers to give us global perspectives on our Faith to help us to continually reach out and give beyond ourselves; and recognise each unique human life as a brother and sister. Donna Mulhearn, who practically jumped on a plane to Afghanistan after talking to us, broadened our vision further to active non-violence - heart breaking, moving and eye opening. Penny Elsley, gave a global voice to poverty and sustainability; and the crew from Together for Humanity who, through interfaith dialogue, helped address fear in diversity. We would have liked to have more time with each of our guests - most of the weekend ran late because everyone was so engaged.I believe Manna Fest this year - despite fewer numbers and disappointment in the trialing of a new timetable - challenged our young people to find and activate their voice like never before.

Gabrielle Sinclair

MacKillop College, PO Box 691, Bathurst NSW 2795P: (02) 6338 2200 E: [email protected]: www.mackillopcollege.com.au

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The new School Hall at All Hallows School in Gulgong was used for the

School’s first Assembly recently. Special guest was Monsignor John Frawley, former Parish Priest of Gulgong, who now resides in Bathurst. The School plans on acknowledging Mons Frawley’s great contribution to the Gulgong community by naming the hall the ‘Monsignor Frawley Hall’.

Hallows’ Hall to be named after former Pastor

Reece Little selecting ‘values’ for his class at the opening Mass

Loivia Slevin receives her School Captain Badge from Father Garry

School and House Captains - Tameka Blowes, Logan Ruming, Chelsea Davies, Jackson Endacott, Grace hensley, Olivia Slevin, Osha Ross, Luke Beckingham


In the series of Regional meetings Bishop Michael McKenna called around the Diocese last year, he addressed the shortage of priests. Bishop McKenna reminded people of the importance of a local Church producing vocations, and spoke of the practicalities saying…..“We will do our best to raise up priests from our Diocese family - and welcome others from afar”.

Over the past few months, Bishop McKenna has brought to our Diocese five men from Vietnam and one from the Philippines, with a view to them studying for the priesthood in Australia.

The Bishop believes this is the best way for us to go about things, as it gives the men several years to decide if they can make the commitment necessary to serve in a foreign country; and also allows time for them and parishioners to assimilate.

During a period of study and discernment, these men will be living in various parishes in the Diocese and are already becoming familiar faces. The Observer hopes, over the coming issues, to introduce you to them in their own words. We begin with Diep (Anthony) Quang Nguyen…..

I am Anthony - my baptismal name; my Vietnamese name is Diep.

I am 23 and from Vinh Diocese where the weather is very hot in the summer and cold in the winter - but the people are very friendly and hard working.

I grew up in a Catholic family regular in church attendance. My parents are farmers with some small rice farms, each less than an acre.

My father works for the catechism office in my parish. He is 55 years old, and still a gifted sportsman. He often taught me to pray with the Holy Spirit and with the Virgin Mary. My mother is 52 years old; she is kind-hearted and caring and works very hard to earn the money to support us. They always give the best for us.

My youngest brother is 21 and studying art in Hanoi. We have some things in common such as music, sport and art.

But he is better than I am. I like singing too much. My older brother and two sisters are married with children, and I have another sister also.

From an early age I wanted to become a priest and to serve the Lord and His Church. As a child I used to say “I shall become an apostle and preach the Bible!”.

I studied at the Seminary of Vinh Diocese from 2002 to 2004. I have good memories. Then I moved to Vinh city to complete my high school studies. Until then, I was always with my family but then I had a new life in the city - very different for me. I lived with my cousin in a house that a kind Catholic person gave us rent-free while I studied. I had a lot of friends there and we went to church every day.

When I graduated, I went to Hanoi to study Management and Economics at university. I went to Thai ha Church every night and sang in the choir. I also went to the Cathedral in Hanoi every Sunday for my choir. I was a leader of the Vinh Catholic students group.

In Vietnam, atheistic teaching is

embedded in the educational system and can make Catholics lose the faith - so a Catholic group who often get together for support is very necessary.

Due to financial difficulties, I had to stop my studies in 2009 - I felt sad with that decision. But thanks be to the Lord, I now know that He was leading me to go and keep learning things that He desires and that He is waiting for me.

I went to live in the office of my parish with my Godfather who assisted me in preparing for the seminary in Australia. Then, thanks to Bishop Paul-Marie and some kind people who paid my fees, I studied English in Saigon City.

I liked Saigon despite the fact that it is very crowded. The people there are friendly and kind-hearted. I had a life like a monk. I could play football every week. I was very happy as I felt that I was growing up in God.

I arrived in Australia in January 2011. I am living in the Bathurst Diocese where I would like to sacrifice my life to become a channel of Peace of the Lord. May God’s grace be sufficient for me to follow His way the whole of my life.

Introducing Diep Quang Nguyen…..


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Mannafest 2011

Catholic Observer April 2011 issue

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Transcript of Catholic Observer April 2011 issue