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SUMMER 2015 - CATHOLIC VIEWPOINT - 1

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VOL 24 - NO. 4SUMMER 2015

DIOCESE OF ARMIDALE

His name is...

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2 - SUMMER 2015 - CATHOLIC VIEWPOINT

The Bishop Speaks

Wasting Time with

FamiliesMost people are aware that a Synod of Bishops was held in Rome in October. It was the fourteenth Ordinary Synod and the third so far on the theme of the family. Three Australian Bishops participated: Cardinal Pell; Archbishop Coleridge; and Bishop Hurly. Not surprisingly, the synod has not broken with essential Catholic tradition in either doctrine or practice. What the synod has demonstrated, however, is a growing awareness that families are not just on the receiving end of the Church’s mission but play an essential role in it. It also demonstrated the great desire of the Church to meet individuals and families in the real day-to-day circumstances of their life and to accompany them as the instrument of Jesus’ mercy. Pope Francis has received the Synod’s recommendations and now we await his response which, if he follows the custom, will be given in a written document called a “Post-Synodal Apostolic Exhortation”. Not so many people would be aware that in September another important family event took

place in the Church. It was the eighth World Meeting of Families held in Philadelphia U.S.A. While most Catholics know about World Youth Days which involve thousands and often millions of young people coming together to celebrate their Catholic Faith, not so many are aware of this other initiative of Pope Saint John Paul II to strengthen the sacred bonds of the family.

The 2015 World Meeting of Families had 18,000 registered participants and the final Mass celebrated by Pope Francis was attended by nearly one million people. The three Australian Bishops attending the World Meeting of Families were Archbishop Fisher, Archbishop Hickey, and myself travelling with a group of 44 Australians (21 adults and 23 children).

“Waste time with families” was the fatherly advice Pope Francis gave on the final day of the World Meeting of Families. For many years “wasting time with God” has been my own approach to God and time with him in prayer so I was delighted to hear


Most Reverend Michael Kennedy

Bishop of Armidale

the Holy Father say we must approach families and the time we spend with them in the same way.When in the presence of those we love we are happy just to be with them; we don’t have to be doing anything in particular, we simply ‘hang out’ and spend time with each other. From this “quantity time” as opposed to “quality time” there emerges a deepening of relationships, mutual understanding and appreciation, and growth in love. It also provides the opportunity to accompany and support each other through difficulties. We know from experience that simply “being there” for somebody is often all that’s needed. “Wasting time with families” is good advice for everybody.For me one of the highlights of the Australian pilgrimage to the World Meeting of Families was being with and wasting time with the nine couples and families who made up the Australian delegation. It was wonderful to see how the parents and children quickly became friends and supported each other in faith and love. I certainly benefited greatly from being with them and hopefully they benefited from my presence too.As well as hearing Pope Francis’ inspirational messages the World Meeting of Families provided the participants the opportunity to hear many world-renowned speakers: cardinals, bishops, married couples and single people. A theme which emerged in a number of the talks was “love”, no surprise given that the theme of the week was “Love is our Mission”. We were encouraged to grow in the knowledge that we are loved unconditionally by God the Father, no matter what our circumstances. Only when we are open to the Father’s love for us can we sufficiently love those around us beginning with our own family members. As one speaker put it: “If God’s going to teach you to love he’s going to put you with some unlovely people”! No person is “unlovable” we all have our “unlovely” moments! It’s in our families that we receive love and learn to love especially in those “unlovely moments”.One comment made early in the week that resonated with me throughout the whole conference and remains with me still now was that “every family is broken”. Sure, some may be more broken than others but every family has its trials, divisions, sufferings, and need for mutual forgiveness. Being broken and wounded does not stop my family from being a family and does not stop my family from fulfilling its God-given mission in the Church and in the world which is to love: “Love is our mission”.So the message I bring home with me from the World

Meeting of Families is that wasting time with our own families and wasting time with those families who may be more wounded or broken than our own is the only way we will learn to love and fulfil our mission as families.


A great retreat

Those attending the annual clergy retreat came back saying it was one of the best ever. Fr Michael Stoney SJ was the retreat master and provided a well balanced programme.

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Christian leaders are no strangers to social media. On any given day, even Pope Francis will use his Twitter platform to offer a prayer of peace or healing to the world.

But does posting a prayer on social media distance us from the actual act of praying? In a recent HuffPost Live segment, host Zerlina Maxwell posed just that question.

Maxwell’s guests included Donald Cyprian, developer of a new religious app; Tim O’Malley, director of the Notre Dame Center for Liturgy; Heidi Campbell, a communications professor at Texas A&M University; and Dr. Pauline Hope Cheong, an associate professor of communications at Arizona State University. Each weighed in on how technology is changing the way we pray -- and why this might not be a bad thing.

“Social media allows people to find their spiritual tribe online,” Campbell said.

Roughly 1 in 5 Americans shares their religious faith online in an average week, according to a 2014 study by the Pew Research Center. Forty-six percent of Americans say they have seen someone else share “something about their religious faith” online -- which may allow social media users to more easily connect with others who share their spiritual beliefs.

Among social media users, millennials are much more likely to engage in almost every platform than any other age demographic, according to Pew. The HuffPost Live guests discussed the ways they hope millennials will engage with social media as an outlet for religious expression, especially

if they don’t connect as well with traditional worship practices.

Watch the full HuffPost Live conversation about how social media is shaping prayer at huffingtonpost.com

Praying online

Clergy AppointmentsBishop Kennedy has announced the following clergy appointment to take effect from 1st January, 2016:

Father John Macdonald as Parish Priest, Saint Patrick’s Parish West Tamworth

Father Ross O’Brien goes into retirement from West Tamworth.

Technology Is Forever Changing How We Pray - Social media provides another outlet for religious expression, experts say.


Recently Fr Silvano Marisa and Fr Henryk visited the Diocese of Armidale with a focus of three fundamental issues:

Spirituality - The question of Our Lady to the two children: Maximin and Melanie was … “Do you say your prayer well my children? …” a constant reminder of how we should check our spiritual life, the source of inner strength .

Community Life - “No Man is an Island”, hence, we are made to look after each other’s welfare, especially as a religious congregation, regardless of the distance from each other.

Obedience - The Blessed Mother at La Salette repeated twice, to the children and to us all, a command: “Well my Children, you will make this known to all my people” … a message of love through the charism of reconciliation to all who needs conversion, starting with us. An obedience to Christ through the message of the Blessed Virgin Mary at La Salette.

Fr Vic Ignacio met the priests at Armidale airport and made a visit to Bishop Michael Kennedy in his newly built office in Armidale. There was a cordial and happy encounter because of their ability to speak Italian freely, since Bishop Kennedy is fluent in this language too. Before heading to Quirindi Fr. Vic took the visitors to see The University of New England and some kangaroos.

With only two and a half days the priests were kept busy visiting numerous parishes, St Brigid’s—Quirindi, St Xavier’s—Narrabri, St Mary’s—Bingara, St Joseph’s—Warialda, St John’s—Barraba and St Edward’s—Tamworth. The story of La Salette was shared and retold

over and over spreading the story through our Diocese reinforcing their missionary role in our society. Many meals, experiences and prayers were also shared with new friends.

Fr Vic Ignacio’s reflection on the visit: “It was a privilege to be with the Superior General and his councillor, our brothers in the community, who inspires and guides the members, like us.”

Pastoral Visit of Fr. Silvano Marisa MS, the Superior General of the Missionaries of La Salette and Fr. Henryk, the council member of the generalate.

La Salette Pastoral Visit

Meeting with St Brigid’s Parish Pastoral Council and Finance CommitteeBack: Luke Gunning, Sister Therese Conroy RSJ, Pat Perkins, John Clery, Ken Aitken, John WebsterFront: Wendy Barnett, Father Vic Ignacio MS, Rev Superior General Silvano Marisa MS, Mick Scrace and Tony O’Donnell

Fathers Silvano & Henryk with Bishop Kennedy & Fr Vic Ignacio


Beautiful Australian families

Joining the line – good kids – proud Mums & Dads

All nations represented

T he Families of the World...the Future’


Love is our mission

“The family provides endless, no, RELENTLESS, opportunities to love.” Prof Helen Alvare

“The marriage of man & woman is the climax of creation” Dr Scott Hahn

The world gathers on the streets of PhiladelphiaGod made you for a purpose. You can’t find your purpose by looking within! Pastor Rick Warren

T he Families of the World...the Future’


St Joseph’s Parish Gunnedah celebrated Mercy Day in Our Lady of Perpetual Succour Chapel, with a special Mass con-celebrated by Parish Priest Fr John McHugh and visiting priest, Fr Pat Hurley, who has had a long association with the Sisters of Mercy in the parish of Malabar.

Sr Christine Belling, Sr Regina McInerney, Sr Gabrielle Foley and Sr Maria, were honoured by parishioners with a beautiful morning tea prepared by the Mercy Associates. Fr John spoke warmly about the ongoing work of the Sisters in the parish as they continue to uphold the teachings of their foundress Catherine McAuley.

Led by Sr Mary Ignatius O’Brien, the Sisters of Mercy established a convent and two schools in Gunnedah in 1879.

They opened the town’s first high school, the first nursing home, the first business college and the first hostel for the aged.

Today the Sisters of Mercy are in more than 40 countries, working in a multitude of ministries with an ever growing group of Associates, volunteers and partners in ministry all continuing in the spirit of Catherine McAuley.

Mercy Day

Fr Pat Hurley (Malabar), Sr Regina McInerney, Fr John McHugh, Sr Christine Belling and Sr Gabrielle Foley with Sr Maria (Seated).

This plaque outside Our Lady of Perpetual Succour Chapel in Gunnedah bears the names of all Sisters of Mercy who have served in Gunnedah

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Pilgrimage to Mary MacKillop Place for the Year of Consecrated Life

To mark the Year of Consecrated Life, St. Andrew’s parishioners of Wee Waa decided to make a pilgrimage to Mary MacKillop Place in North Sydney to focus and reflect on the charism of the Sisters of St. Joseph and particularly of their founder. Fourteen Wee Waa parishioners, including Sr. Geraldine Leahy, the Sister of St. Joseph currently serving the parish as Pastoral Associate, made the journey to Sydney and spent the following day immersed in the spirit of St. Mary MacKillop and her Sisters. The day began with Mass in the Chapel that houses St. Mary’s Tomb, celebrated by Fr. Paul Aguilar, former Parish Priest of Wee Waa, and continued with a tour of the museum where the group explored the story of Mary’s life and work. This was followed by time for deep personal reflection which was really appreciated by the members of the group as they were able to reflect on their own problems, inspired by Mary’s trust in God even while she was experiencing great difficulties in her life.

Members of the group deepened their experience of the ministry of the Josephite Sisters when they joined Sr. Geraldine’s sister, Sr. Mary Leahy, at the Sydney celebration of World Maritime Day. Sr. Mary provides support to seafarers as chaplain at the Port of Botany, and the Wee Waa group was deeply impressed by the respect and appreciation shown her by the people she serves. One of St. Mary MacKillop’s most quoted sayings is

“Never see a need without doing something about it” and it is obvious that Sr. Mary Leahy’s work is filling a desperate need. The experience of sharing several days together in such inspiring surroundings, participating in the daily Mass in the beautiful Chapel and enjoying the wonderful hospitality of the Sisters of St. Joseph brought the members of the pilgrimage closer together, and they are hoping to share their insights with other parishioners.

One of the highlights of the trip was meeting again with Sr. Marion Gambin who was Principal of St. Joseph’s School in the early eighties. Many memories were shared and connections made with other Sisters who have served the parish in the past, helping to fulfil the purpose of the pilgrimage in honouring the contribution made to the parish by St. Mary MacKillop’s Sisters of St. Joseph.

Sister Iris FittlerSister Iris Fittler was presented with the Bishop Kennedy Medal during Mass by Fr Paul Anthony.

Sister Iris was born in Mackay, Queensland but as a child moved to Armidale where she attended St Mary’s Primary School and St Ursula’s College. While working in Toowoomba she came in contact with the Sisters of St Joseph and in 1954 she entered the order and was professed in 1957. Sister Iris taught throughout Western Queensland but regards her time in Quilpie as her most memorable appointment. She encountered Min Min Lights, Bull Dust and vast distances whilst she served the people of the far west. Sister Iris now lives in retirement in Tamworth. Sister is grateful for her sixty years as a Sister of St Joseph. She says that living a consecrated life is only possible when you allow the Lord to be your guide.

Pilgrimage to Mary MacKillop Place for the Year of Consecrated Life

Back: Rosemary Maxwell, Monique Soutter, Wendy Pons, Dora Oudenryn, Dallas Hyatt, Mervyn Ciesiolka.Middle: Roger and Susan Rigor, Suzanne Santa Maria, Sr. Geraldine Leahy, Sr. Trish Ryan, Anne Ciesiolka, Jenny Hatton. Front: Fr. Paul Aguilar, Sr. Neisha Allport , Therese Price, Anna Baird, Michael and Debbie Ciesiolka.


“Googling Along”

Moree Sound Trails

EducationExcitesThis year the Catholic Schools Office began its roll out of the Google platform in schools across the diocese using the expertise of ‘Using Better Technology’ Google expert, Mike Reading. This innovative professional development program took the form of a three week program involving four Google trainers touring the diocese to provide onsite training to teachers in our schools; a series of five intensive Level 1 Educator ‘Google Bootcamps’; specialised pedagogical training in the use of Google Apps to deliver the K-10 Geography syllabus and targeted training to support the CSO and school administration staff in the use of the Google Suite.

In response to the enthusiastic uptake of Google, the Catholic Schools Office will continue to provide onsite Google training to teachers to

Google Educator Level 1 Boot Camp #1

support professional learning in at least two more cycles next year and are excited to be able to offer a ‘Google Educator Level 2 Talent Camp’ to the many teachers who qualified as Level 1 Google Educators this year.

Soundtrail Launch in Moree @ the Aboriginal Section of the Cemetry...commemorating the Aboriginal Diggers.

The Catholic Schools Office and the Moree community launched the CSO sponsored Soundtrails from the Aboriginal Section of the Moree Cemetery as part of the All Souls Day Mass traditionally held at the Moree Cemetery.

The first Soundtrails immerses the participant in the history of the 1965 Freedom Ride that journeyed through the townships of Moree and Walgett. The participant is carried on the sounds of the voices from 1965 on location at the Moree Artesian Pools and the Walgett RSL Club. The Soundtrails gives the participant a unique blend of the perspectives of 1965 to the significant changes in 2015. An individual mind journey.

The second Soundtrail is on location at the Moree Aboriginal Cemetery which has a large number of Aboriginal Diggers interned there. This Soundtrail takes the participant on an emotional and challenging journey with the voices of family members, community people and historians.

Both Soundtrails are a contemporary technological resource focused on significant historical events in the Armidale Diocese. This resource was developed to actively engage our students in our Armidale Diocesan schools both on Soundtrail location and within schools. It is a resource that is ground breaking and innovative walking the soundtrails

that will excite and inspire our students to engage and learn about our local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander history.

This resource creates learning experiences underpinning the Bishops Catholic Values and Principles document and our call to develop appropriate support material.

The Soundtrails app works on iPhones, iOS and Android devices. Users may listen to stories off location either through their mobile device (in manual mode) or via the Soundtrails website www.soundtrails.com.au.


EducationExcitesSt Mary’s have had six student teachers from Nauru visiting the school recently. The visiting student teachers are undertaking a practicum teaching experience as part of a program run by the University of New England. They have been working with small groups of children and teaching whole class lessons. Leadership leaders from Nauru have also visited the schools and been very impressed with the quality of instruction provided by the teachers at St Mary’s and the delightful reception given by the students.

St Mary’s Year 6 students are currently studying electricity as part of Science. On Tuesday they worked on different sources of electricity, in particular the energy generated from wind turbines. Using the kits supplied by STELR and the CSO, students investigated the best blades for generating electricity. Students worked scientifically to formulate questions, make predictions, collect data and draw conclusions. They also had fun as they explored the inquiry process in Science, experimenting with new and different equipment.

Nauru Student Teachers

Future of Energy?

Faith with the ‘Little Ones’Monnie Ducrow and Kath Hunt were honoured with a Papal Blessing from Pope Francis for their outstanding service as catechists in State Schools at Gunnedah. Between them, the ladies have shared their faith with the “little ones” for decades and they are much loved by their pupils and parishioners. The presentation was made by Parish Priest Fr John McHugh at Friday evening Mass.


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The ADIG advantageADIG is always proud of our work within the Diocese. This year, the Armidale Diocesan Investment Group was able to present distributions to each of the parishes throughout our Diocese totalling $520,000.These distributions were in addition to the almost $900,000 already given to the Diocese and the Priest’s Retirement fund. These distributions are used in a variety of ways by different parishes.Some examples of how the distributions are being used are;• St Joseph’s in Gunnedah will be using their funds for work needed to the

church and grounds.• St Edward’s in South Tamworth will be making improvements to the church

including a new roof.• Monsignor Wilkes is hoping to upgrade St Joseph’s in Uralla in the near

future as well.None of these developments would have been possible if not for the people and businesses who trust ADIG to manage their funds.Every dollar that you can deposit in any account you have with ADIG, helps us to make these remarkable contributions to the parishes throughout our Diocese which maintains our parishes’ infrastructures.You can help towards the work that ADIG does in the community by simply opening an account with us at either one of our branches in Armidale or Tamworth or at one of our agencies in Glen Innes, Gunnedah, Inverell, Narrabri, Moree or Tenterfield.You may not realise, but every account at the ADIG has absolutely no fees or charges. While other institutions may charge you for transactions, establishment

or even charge ongoing fees just for having accounts, ADIG has no charges for any of our accounts. Also, if you have a question about your account, you will get friendly, personalised service every time you call or drop in to a branch.

Fr O’Brien, St Patrick’s West Tamworth


Is Anti-Catholicism the New Racism?

Religious freedom is just as important as political freedom, declared George Brandis, Australia’s attorney general, in a speech given on November 5.

Brandis was speaking at Australia’s Human Rights Commission’s Religious Freedom Roundtable, held in Sydney.

Turning to the current situation in Australia, Brandis commented that sometimes there is an inconsistent attitude towards religious tolerance.

“Members of Christian faiths – in particular the Catholic faith – are routinely the subject of mockery and insult by prominent writers and commentators, provoking Mr Dyson Heydon’s observation, in his Acton Lecture last year, that ‘anti-Catholicism in Australia now might be called the racism of the intellectuals’ – or perhaps he should have said, the pseudo-intellectuals,” Brandis observed.

He also referred to what he termed the “incessant,

Respecting Rights and Freedoms: Australia’s Attorney General Speaks Out

smearing ridicule” of the former Prime Minister, Tony Abbott, on account of his religious faith, describing it as “bigotry at its most shameful.”

Brandis said that the Roundtable had as its task the identification of some of the challenges to religious tolerance, and to develop strategies and understandings to help foment tolerance and mutual respect.

(article taken from www.zenit.com)

Tasmania’s anti-discrimination commissioner is in the process of examining a complaint over the pamphlet’s contents lodged by Hobart transgender rights advocate and federal Greens candidate for Franklin, Martine Delaney

Hobart Archbishop Julian Porteous linked a favourable result in the case to the church’s ability to continue to take part in public debate in Australia.

“My role as a bishop and (our role) as a church … is not just to make statements but to explain the reasons why the church teaches what it teaches; we do that as a service to our own Catholic people but we also want to offer it as a general service to society,” he said.

“I am hoping through this whole process that this will be understood and that we will continue to be able to do this … in a respectful way.

“It’s always been part of our life as a democracy that there is robust debate on important issues and I certainly stand within that tradition in Australia of allowing free debate to take place.”

Sydney’s Archbishop Anthony Fisher said it was “truly alarming’’ that any Australian would face proceedings before a tribunal for stating traditional Christian beliefs.

“Catholics, like the overwhelming majority of Australians, support freedoms of religion and speech,’’

Archbishop Fisher said. “Just as no one should be ridiculed or demeaned in the marriage debate, so too no one should be dragged before tribunals merely for stating one side of that debate.”

He said fair-minded readers of the bishops’ booklet “Don’t Mess With Marriage” would see that it was carefully worded and compassionate, and not designed to provoke or hurt.

Can the Church be part of public debate?


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Migrants and refugees live among us. We see them everywhere. They are not tourists – they live among us. They help keep the local economy going; some of them worship with us in church; some of them are very much involved in our parishes.

Migrants are parishioners who were not born in Australia. They could either be naturalised Australians or they could already be permanent residents awaiting naturalisation or they could still be citizens of their country of origin but have chosen to live among us. Many migrants are holders of Skilled-Worker Visas. Some have succeeded in reuniting with their families.

Refugees are those who have come from war-torn countries and have been given refuge in Australia because they fear for their lives if they return to their homeland. Many have been living in Refugee Camps for years, often separated from their families.

Father Joe Adriano, Parish Priest of St Nicholas in Tamworth, is himself a migrant. Father Joe lead St Nicholas Parish in acknowledging the presence of migrants and refugees in our community with a Mass on Sunday, 30th August 2015, followed by a feast of culture served in the grounds of St Nicholas Church. A wonderful

Migrants and Refugees are part of our Catholic Family

Feb 2016 Issue Deadline1st February 2016

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day to celebrate the cultural diversity in our parish and community. A time to stop and think about those seeking refuge in another country. Those who are driven from their homelands and family. A time for compassion, acceptance and community.


At home, Dad often used to speak of his distress at the situation of aboriginal people in Moree in the 1950s and early 1960s: their not being able to go into certain shops and the swimming pool, and of course, the living conditions that many children were putting up with, humpies on the riverbank and makeshift accommodation, meaning that little children were simply not prepared to go to the schools in Moree unless they had some good preschool preparation. Dad was not so much a revolutionary. He knew the system stank, but instead, he opted for welfare, and to change things by lobbying for something to be started like the Pius X mission.

I went with Dad down to Eastwood where he spoke with the Provincial, Sr Louise, of the daughters of Charity, telling them of the situation of Moree aboriginal people. He left them to think about it, and whether it would be part of their mission or their calling to come to somewhere like Moree and do this kind of work.

I’ll never forget looking at the setup of the preschool (with Sr Brendan, Sr Judith and Sr Agnes) with little animal motifs that each child would be able to identify with. Each child was to have their own little sink where they could wash themselves or be washed, and to have somewhere to put their paint materials and bits and

pieces that they could use to have fun, to enjoy preschool education, and to feel good about themselves.

I give God thanks that he guides us human beings in the course of our history to discover one another and to find the truth about ourselves, only discoverable through a lot of adversity and suffering, but with an ending that hopefully is advancement, solidarity, kindness, self-determination, and then discovering God who comes to us in so many ways including the culture in which we were born and raised.

Fr John Curran

50th anniversary celebrations of St Pius X preschool, ‘Kiah’, Moree


Cathedral Precinct works nears Completion


A copy of the booklet is available from the Catholic Chancery Office,

PO Box 93 Armidale 2350


Around and AboutSam’s First Holy CommunionSam Ball attends Burren Junction State School and although twenty-four of his fellow students – almost half the school’s enrolment - attend Catholic Scripture classes, he is the only Catholic student in his age group. Fr. Tuan Tran, Wee Waa Parish Administrator, involved the children present in a very joyful celebration of the Eucharist. Sam’s siblings, cousins and family friends celebrated afterwards with lunch at the Junction City Hotel where Fr. Tuan helped Sam cut his First Communion cake. Meg and Alice McCormick, Max, Lucy and Sam Ball, Fr. Tuan Tran,

Edward Carolan, Tom Ball, Jack Lennon, Polly and Sam Carolan, Sarah Lennon, and Annabelle Carolan

Crazy SocksAll of the students at St Xavier’s Primary School Gunnedah have been very generous in their donations during this year’s Catholic Mission Month. We have held lolly guessing competitions plus many of our children decided to donate all of their canteen money.

The students were encouraged to wear a pair of Crazy socks to school. Donations were collected on the day for Catholic Mission. We raised $860.00 to help the children of Madagasar.

Merciful like the FatherThe Annual Diocesan Conference of Catholic Women’s League was held in Gunnedah. Delegates came from Armidale, Gunnedah, Guyra, Quirindi, Tamworth and Warialda. Mrs Deidre Andren, the current Diocesan president, said executive members both past and present had worked hard to live their lives as Catholic women “to act justly, to love tenderly and to walk humbly with our God”. At a dinner to celebrate 40 years of Catholic Women’s League in Gunnedah Parish, Sr Helen Baguley rsm was the guest speaker and spoke on the conference theme, ‘Merciful like the Father’.

Year 1 students

Jan Jordan, Sue Adams, Elaine Smyth, Kathy Murphy, Vashti Porter, Dara Kirlaan, Anne Jones


Around and About

Shirts for our brothers’ backsMcCarthy Catholic College clothing pool staff packaged up nine boxes of unused MCC jackets and sport skirts and with the help of ex-teacher Mr Gerry Chan, sent them to Lelet Plateau, the New Ireland Province of Papua New Guinea. Mr Chan arranged the gift with his cousin Sir Julius Chan and with the generous help of Mr Phil Hunt of Grace Bros Removals the package was sent. The Youth Chairman, Engelberth Lutham said the jackets are much needed in the cold New Guinea Highlands.

New Crucifix Sacred Heart Parish Inverell invoked God’s graces and blessings at the unveiling of the new crucifix, a new fixture in the church that gives meaning to our faith, the sign of our salvation. The salvific act of Christ, the redeemer of the world. The “Crucifix” was made from an ironbark wood, a life-size masterpiece carved by a Filipino sculptor visiting Australia.Fr. Roel J. Llave blessed and unveiled the crucifix in the presence of the whole congregation with Mass and a parish picnic as part of the celebrations. To God be glory and praise!

Celebrating Consecrated LifeOn the Feast of the Diocesan Patron. Our Lady of the Rosary, the O’Connor Catholic College community gathered for a special Mass to honour consecrated life. Bishop Michael Kennedy and Father Francis Afu were the celebrants. An inspiring talk was given by Brother Paul Rogers on consecrated life. Brother Paul is a de la Salle Brother who grew up on a farm near Armidale and has subsequently worked in schools both in Australia and Singapore.

Happy recipients of needed jackets

The new crucifix at Sacred Heart Parish, Inverell

O’Connor students sing in honour of Consecrated Life


Around and AboutSt Nicholas Seniors 20th Anniversary Lunch and CelebrationsThe St Nicholas Seniors celebrated their 20th Anniversary with a lunch at Calala Inn, Tamworth. They were entertained by the ‘Mini Vinnies’ school children of St Nicholas’ who also gave them bookmarks which they had made specially for them. A relaxing day of fine food and wonderful company.

Police Remembrance DayFather John Willis and Father John Curran participated in and hosted the Oxley region Police Remembrance day this year on the feast of St Michael. The Werris Creek choir, many of whom are our parishioners, the “Signal Singers” came along and boosted the choral music prepared for the occasion. Courage and commitment were recurring themes throughout the service with Oxley Superintendent Clint Pheeney paying tribute to police in the region and across the state, noting the force’s “devotion to duty” and “selfless loyalty in serving our community.”

Canberra ExcursionYear 6 travelled to Canberra for their major excursion this term. They had many wonderful experiences! The children stayed at the Youth Hostel Australia (YHA) and visited, Parliament House, Questacon, Government House, The Australian War Memorial to name a few! They were very lucky to meet (and have photos with) Barnaby Joyce and former Prime Minister Tony Abbott as well as Sir Peter Cosgrove. A fantastic time was had by all and memories that will last a life time.

A special gift being presented

Yr 6 students, St Mary’s Armidale


Around and AboutRecently Retired Diocesan Director of Caritas Receives a Bishop Kennedy Medal.Brian Sullivan was presented with the Bishop Michael Kennedy Medal by Bishop Kennedy during a visit to the South Tamworth Parish.

Brian began his work for Caritas as assistant to the then Diocesan Director, John Fittler, in 2001. He was appointed Diocesan Director by Bishop Matthys in 2002. In his thirteen years as Diocesan Director he visited every parish and every school in the Diocese on many occasions to promote the work of Caritas and to thank the parishes and schools for their contributions to Project Compassion and Special Appeals.

Brian recalls that there were many highlights in his time as Diocesan Director, but two stand out, his visit to Bangladesh in 2003 and the response to the Tsunami Appeal in 2004. In Bangladesh he saw many programs funded by Project Compassion which were changing the lives of thousands of very poor people. Caritas’ tsunami relief appeal received amazing support with the people in the Diocese of Armidale contributing $200,000 in January, 2005.

Our Catholic FamilySeven candidates were received into full communion with the Catholic Church at GunnedahIt was a joyous occasion as family and friends together with the Parish Community gathered to celebrate this wonderful event. Each candidate had a unique story to tell about their journey of

faith that led them to the Catholic Church. Their preparation began in April and they, along with their sponsors, faithfully gathered each week with Sisters Gabrielle Foley RSM, Christine Belling RSM and Fr John McHugh to ‘consciously and freely seek the living God and enter that way of conversion as the Holy Spirit opens their hearts’. Welcome to our Catholic Family.

Sr Gabrielle Foley, Sr Christine Belling, Sarah Clift, Brenda Head, Oliver Neader, Laura Pearson, Caroline Clift, Amanda Swain, Suzanne Hunt and Fr John McHugh.


People are dying as we speakReligious leaders of South Sudan have turned to the Catholic charity Aid to the Church in Need with a dramatic appeal for help. Catholic, Protestant and Islamic leaders claimed in their appeal that the people of the Mundri region who had fled heavy fighting were now forced to live in devastating conditions. Thousands of human lives were under threat. "As we speak people are already dying, and in particular children and elderly people. During the past two months more than 80 000 people had been forced to live in the bush and the jungle in the area. Children and women are those most affected. They will be exposed to a variety of epidemics and to starvation if they don't get help soon," the religious leaders explained after a visit to the crisis zone. They called for an immediate cessation of all military operations in the Mundri region so that the internal refugees could receive humanitarian supplies.

Fr David Kulandai Samy of the Community of the Missionaries of Mary Immaculate (MMI), is working in the region affected. "Our parish people who have moved into bushes are facing untold misery; particularly children suffer without food, water and medical assistance. Community people's standing crops have been destroyed

AID TO THE CHURCH IN NEED...a Catholic charity dependent on the Holy See, providing pastoral relief to needy and oppressed Churches

Catholic Viewpoint

and their assets were looted, including cattle," said the priest.

Aid to the Church in Need has been helping the Church in Sudan and South Sudan for many decades. In addition to its pastoral work, the charity also provides emergency aid to assist the local Church in its work with refugees and others people affected by war.

By Oliver Maksan


McCarthy Catholic College in Tamworth has once again held a very successful walk-a-thon in support of Catholic Mission, raising $21,500 to assist orphans and abandoned children being cared for by missionaries in Bangalore, India. The walk-a-thon, an annual event on McCarthy’s calendar since 2007, saw students and staff of the college being sponsored to complete a 14km course. The college also runs various fund-raising activities leading up to the walk-a-thon, which this year included selling silicon wrist bands, a three-point shooting competition, various guessing competitions and a burst-a-bubble contest. Fr Jose Adriano attended the walkathon and led the school in prayer before setting out and walking the first leg with the students and staff.

Diocesan Director for Catholic Mission in the Armidale Diocese, Jacqueline Toakley, explained that McCarthy’s contribution is nationally significant.

“We are very fortunate in the Armidale Diocese that all our schools fundraise for Catholic Mission and are terrific supporters of our anti-poverty campaign, “Socktober”,

every year, but McCarthy’s efforts are unique. Their walkathon is now so successful that they are able to finance entire projects themselves. Last year McCarthy paid for the fit out of a new school in Kalikiliki, Zambia, and this year they have funded the accommodation, nutrition, healthcare and education of 185 children living in homes run by the Congregation of Missionaries of St Frances de Sales and Daughters of St. Francis de Sales in Bangalore, India. It is an amazing contribution that will create a safer life for those children and have a profound effect on future generations”.

“The generosity of the McCarthy school community is not easily matched. In 2014 the College was the Number 1 school in Australia for contributions to the work of Catholic Mission and, based on this year’s walk-a-thon result, I expect they will be again” Mrs Toakley said. “I congratulate everyone at McCarthy College, and I hope they are proud of what they achieved. I am sure that the children in Bangalore will remember the school in their prayers”.

McCarthy Walk a Mile or two for others!


Catholics around us Eliza Kerklaan

Where are you from?

I grew up in Quirindi in a Catholic family. Daughter of John and Dara Kerklaan, with my 3 older sisters and little brother. Attended St Joseph Quirindi, McCarthy Catholic College Tamworth and the Australian Catholic University Brisbane studying a Bachelor of Social Science Counselling. I have been working as a Catholic Youth Ministry Coordinator at Surfers Paradise Catholic Parish and at schools on the Gold Coast for over four years. I finished up on the Gold Coast in October last year, handing over the reins to one of my youth leaders to continue growing the youth group (Veniré Youth), youth band, and events that I established in my time as Coordinator. I then headed over to America for a few months, before returning to my home town of Quirindi. Since being home I have been working as a nanny and became a Catechist and it has been enlightening to teach the students about God, about our faith and about our Church, planting little mustard seeds in the young people of Quirindi High School.

What does the Emmanuel School of Mission - Rome (ESM-Rome) offer?

ESM-Rome is a nine month programme offering missionary, spiritual and doctrinal formation, situated in Rome the heart of the Catholic Church. Students of ESM-Rome attain a Certificate of Pastoral Ministry from the Pontifical Lateran University in Rome. The aim of the ESM-Rome is that each student, by way of community-life, study, mission and spiritual guidance, develops in their personal relationship with God, grows in authentic freedom and responsibility and is fashioned into a

proficient and insightful missionary. The school is for students all over the world, this year we are 19 students from 11 different countries!

Why did you want to go to the Emmanuel School of Mission?

I first heard about ESM-Rome in 2010 when I was in Rome for the Canonisation of Saint Mary Mackillop. It is something I have thought about doing often though only this year felt a strong call to do it. It is due to a deep desire to learn more, so the academic life of the school really drew me in. I also wanted to deepen my relationship with God and increase my prayer life, and what place better to do this but in the heart of Rome with Pope Francis as your neighbour.

What is it like? Is it what you expected?

It is amazing! I know that is what everyone would say but it truly is. Our days are jammed packed, starting at 7am finishing at 10pm. A kind of normal day, which are rare is breakfast, praise, mass, class, lunch, little break, class, adoration, dinner, community time. But as I said we don’t have these normal days often - we also do compassion services each week (going out onto the streets of Rome to spend time with the homeless, giving them a coffee and biscuit), street evangelisation weekly, prayer group, assist in running the mass twice a week at the Centro San Lorenzo (the chapel given to youth of the world by Saint John Paul II and it also holds the World Youth Day cross). This is only about half of what we do each week, plus can’t forget our services the cleaning, prepare liturgy and much more. It is amazing and exhausting in a

Eliza with her classmates at ESM-Rome


good way, but it is wonderful how much strength and joy you receive through prayer and the brothers and sisters you are journeying with each day. It is what I expected and more! More on the more side in the fact at how full on it is. There have been many blessing already that I didn’t expect: - starting off with a week in Assisi, being able to see the dome of St Peter’s Basilica outside the window every day, the Cardinals, Bishops, and Priest that we have met and who have taught us, and finally the amazing churches that surround us in abundance and the many saints that are here and that have walked these streets are inspiring.

Has this experience changed your faith?

I wouldn’t say my faith has changed but really it has been strengthen. Through our studies and learning more about our Catholic faith, it has really deepen my prayer and celebration of Mass. There is truly a reason behind everything we do at Mass and practice in our Catholic faith and through understanding and learning about the reason and rich history, I have been able to enter deeper into prayer and grow closer to God.

What is it about being Catholic that you treasure the most?

I treasure our rich history of our faith, of our Catholic Church and the many saints throughout. There is so much power in testimonies, through being a witness of faith and we can see this again and again from the Saints. Bishop Robert Barron reminds us of our rich history and strength of our Catholic Church by sharing with us the thoughts of Francis Cardinal George when he asked him about what he was thinking about when Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger was named Pope Benedict XVI in 2005, due to his look of deep musing as he stood on the balcony of St Peter’s he said: “I was gazing toward the Circus Maximus, toward the Palatine Hill where the Roman emperors once resided and reigned and looked down upon the persecution of

Christians, and I thought, ‘Where are their successors? Where is the successor of Caesar Augustus? Where is the successor of Marcus Aurelius? And finally, who cares? But if you want to see the successor of Peter, he is right next to me, smiling and waving at the crowds.” Our God is amazing and through Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross and the gift of the Holy Spirit they are very presence and working in our world.

What advice would you like to pass on to others?

Study! Learn about our Church, our faith. If you don’t know why we do something or what a passage in the bible is talking about, find out! It will draw you deeper into prayer and to God. Read the bible more, it is something that I have been doing a lot more since being here and I don’t understand why I never use to take it to adoration with me or pick in up more while praying or just to read - it is the word of God and we can really hear God talking to us through it! So read more and watch videos, if you don’t know where to start with reading the life of a saint, or one of my favourite authors is Scott Hahn, or watch Catholicism by Bishop Robert Barron. I really believe now more than ever that the more we know and understand about our Catholic faith the more it draws us closer to God, to his Son and set the Holy Spirit ablaze in us.

ESM students relaxing in front of St Peters

Students meet with Cardinal Stanislaw Rylko, President of the Pontifical Council for the Laity.


Twelve excited high-schoolers from St Francis Xavier Parish Moree gathered together to board a bus taking them to the Ignite Catholic Youth Conference at Rothwell. Along with the young people, Father Joseph Armah and two mothers were going back for the second time while another mother was keen to try it out for the first time. In the months and weeks leading up to the conference Fr Paul McCabe, Fr Joseph Armah and the parishioners from St Francis Xavier Parish pulled together to raise $1,740 to pay for transport and help with accommodation at St Joseph’s College Nudgee. As well as financial support, there was a lot of people praying especially the parishioners living at Fairview Retirement Home who have shown a great interest in the young people’s involvement.

Bernadette ( Yr 10): or those of you who aren’t familiar with the event, the Ignite Youth Conference is a four-day conference that is run to strengthen or “ignite” a closer relationship between young people and God. With around 1500 people present this year, majority being aged between 15 and 24, the gathering is an incredible celebration of faith proclaimed through rallies, adoration, masses, workshops and group activities. The conference

is an amazing way to connect with God and develop the values of being a Catholic in a comfortable and non-forceful environment where you are surrounded by positivity and devotion. I would recommend Ignite to any young person, adult, family or any person of faith.

Back: Nora Carrigan, Lila Fisher, Joshua Walker, Tim Humphries-Tattam and Sean Bryant. Middle: Father Joseph Armah, Ruby Eugenio, Bernadette Quirk, Ashley Walker, Charlotte Meppem, Nick Fisher, Katie O’Donoghue and Harriet O’Neill. Front: Denise Eugenio and Mick Hosena

Moree Youth at Ignite Conference

In the last week of August, the combined Catholic Schools of St Mary’s Armidale, St Joseph’s Uralla, St Mary of the Angels Guyra, St Joseph’s Glen Innes and O’Connor Catholic College, joined forces to present JUMPSTART.

In four sell out performances at the UNE Arts Theatre, audiences were entertained by a huge variety of dance, drama and music from over 250 students ranging from Kindergarten to Year 12. The performers were also supported by an amazing

backstage, sound and lighting crew made up entirely of O’Connor students who underwent a two day advanced technical workshop.

Numerous teachers and adult helpers ensured that the children were well rehearsed in the weeks leading up to the JUMPSTART performances.

Congratulations to everyone involved on such a successful showcase of the performing arts, which are clearly valued and promoted in our Catholic schools.

Jumpstart


To mark the opening of the Extraordinary Jubilee Year of Mercy in Armidale Diocese, a special holy door of mercy will be opened by Bishop Michael Kennedy at Ss Mary & Joseph Cathedral on Sunday 13 December. The door will be open for pilgrims to pass through as a prayer for personal conversion and action.

The Extraordinary Jubilee Year of Mercy begins on 8th December 2015—the 50th anniversary of the closing of the Second Vatican Council—and concludes on 20th November 2016. Pope Francis will open the door of St Peter’s Basilica to officially welcome the Jubilee Year. He has said that the door will become “a Door of Mercy through which anyone who enters will experience the love of God who consoles, pardons, and instils hope.”

The Jubilee Year’s theme is: “Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.” A jubilee year is a special year called by the church to receive blessing and pardon from God and remission of sins. The tradition started about 700 years ago and 26 jubilees have been celebrated since. Of those, only three have been “extraordinary” (including this Year of Mercy). The official proclamation (bull of indiction) of the Extraordinary Jubilee Year of Mercy is entitled Misericordiae Vultus (“The Face of Mercy”) and explains how in Jesus Christ, in his words and actions, the mercy of God has been revealed.

Pope Francis’ invitation to the Year of Mercy is a call to renew and deepen our understanding and actions of mercy.

Be Merciful

Pope Francis said he goes to confession every two weeks, knowing that God never tires of forgiving those who repent, but also knowing that having a priest say “I absolve you” reinforces belief in God’s mercy.

Using the literal Italian translation of a Spanish saying, “It’s better to turn red once than yellow a thousand times,” Pope Francis said he knows some people are embarrassed to confess their sins to a priest, but it is the best path to spiritual healing and health.

“Everyone say to himself: ‘When was the last time I went to confession?’ And if it has been a long time, don’t lose another day! Go, the priest will be good. And Jesus, (will be) there, and Jesus is better than the priests - Jesus receives you. He will receive you with so much love! Be courageous, and go to confession.”

The only people God will not forgive are those who do not want God’s forgiveness, just like only those who stand in the shade are not warmed on a sunny day, Pope Francis said.

Confession & mercy


Australia’s leading regional retirement living provider, the Oak Tree Group, further expand across the New England with Tamworth, Gunnedah and Armidale. The Oak Tree Group specialise in creating regional communities with a particular emphasis on smaller villages. They have developed a strong reputation in the retirement sector with 31 villages so far under their banner.

This is why Kate Pigram having been born and grown up in Armidale herself, was delighted to join Oak Tree as the Area Manager for New England, and managing the Oak Tree Armidale village. Kate has always had a close association with the Cathedral Parish and both Catholic Schools. She was married in Saints Mary and Joseph Cathedral in 1993 and since then has celebrated many special occasions there including the Baptisms and Sacraments of their 6 children, the Ordinations of several Priests and current Bishop Michael Kennedy, for which their children were Altar Servers, and the funeral Mass for her father, John.

“I have been working with the Oak Tree Group since August this year and have found it to be a very inspiring company to be associated with. The atmosphere among the whole management group is definitely one that is motivating, with everyone working as a team to deliver a quality product to our growing Oak Tree family.”

Retirement Family Expands and Welcomes Kate Pigram

The Oak Tree Group prides itself as being the only retirement operator providing quality and attainable options in regional towns along the eastern seaboard. Their commitment to keeping aging seniors in the towns they raised their families and have deep community connection with is what motivates and drives the organisation for continual opportunities and improvement.

To learn more about Kates involvement and understand the wider benefits of making a move for your future, we welcome you to join us for our grand open day 12th – 13th December.


Viewpoint is an A4 size, full colour, bi-monthly publication • each edition being published seasonally • A wide distribution throughout the Diocese • free of charge • available in every parish and school in the diocese • linked to the Diocesan website• All advertisements will be full colour • (note: front and back covers not available)• 10% discount if you advertise for a full year – four issues.

To know more: talk to Naomi 02 6772 4971 or

email: [email protected]

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Fr John Carey, 40 years an ADIG Board Member!

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Fr Scot writes MY IMMACULATE HEART WILL TRIUMPH

Fra Angelico, The Annunciation

Reflecting on the significance of the events of Fatima 1917 in view of the hundredth anniversary in 2017, we can perhaps focus on the words that speak to our deepest anxieties in this time of history, and provide us with greatest hope.

The Mother of God, after describing what lay ahead, said that “in the end, my Immaculate Heart will triumph.” This can be understood in two ways: referring to her intercession, and referring to the transformation of hearts. Let us start with the second.

In his encyclical Laudato si’, Pope Francis wrote that we need to treat not just the symptoms of our present difficulties but also the cause of them. The human heart corrupted by the technocratic paradigm has brought about an understanding of human life and activity that has gone awry, to our own detriment and the world’s. On the 13th of October 2013, he consecrated the world to Our Lady of Fatima, saying: “The statue of Our Lady, which has come from Fatima, helps us to sense her presence in our midst. Mary always brings us to Jesus…nothing is impossible for God’s mercy! Even the most tangled knots are loosened by His grace. And Mary, whose ‘yes’ opened the door for God to undo the knot of the ancient disobedience, is the Mother who patiently and lovingly brings us to God, so that He can untangle the knots of our

soul by His Fatherly mercy.” The transformation of the human heart by God’s grace is the only cure for the moral diseases whose symptoms include mistreating creation, because we mistreat ourselves and others. As our mother in the order of grace she cooperates with Christ in a wholly singular way in the work of restoring supernatural life to our souls (Second Vatican Council, Lumen Gentium 61). But, for this to happen, our hearts must learn that same attitude of her immaculate heart which opens to the Word of God: be it done to me according to your word. We can take great encouragement from the fact that Sr Lucia, when asked in an interview about the solemn and universal consecration carried out by John Paul II on 25th March 1984, responded that it had been carried out as requested by Our Lady.

Regarding the intercession of the Mother of God, we are reminded of the biblical foundations of her regality, which is liturgically celebrated on August 22nd. In ancient Israel, the queen was not wife of the king, but mother. The two most well-known examples in the Hebrew scriptures are Bathsheba and Esther. The Queen-mother possessed, at the king’s pleasure, a power of intercession practically unequalled, to the extent that it could sway the destiny of entire peoples, as in the case of Esther, or the monarchy of Israel, as in the case of Bathsheba. Since Christ is the King of kings and Lord of lords, his mother is thereby exalted above us all (Lumen gentium 66). Her intercession in our favour with the Lord of history must be very great indeed. Let us then say: Queen of peace, pray for us.


A gift can transform lives, particularly when passed on in the spirit of kindness, compassion and solidarity. Caritas is the Latin word for love and compassion and this spirit of generosity is never so important than at Christmas, as we celebrate the birth of Jesus and rejoice in the hope this brings.

By choosing a Caritas Global Gift this year, you are helping to spread the message that together, as one global family, we are making the world a better place.

Caritas Australia, the Catholic Church’s international aid and development agency, works in partnership with local communities in over 30 countries throughout the Middle East, Africa, Asia, Latin America, the Pacific and Australia.

This year there are seven Caritas Australia Global Gifts which encompass the range of Caritas Australia’s community development programs including; water, food, agriculture, healthcare, education and emergency assistance. You can also make a gift to whole community. The Global Gifts start from $10 to $1,500 or more - the choice is yours.

“Your generosity in buying a Global Gift will help bring lasting change for some of the poorest people in the world,” said Caritas Australia Senior Direct Marketing Coordinator, Eamon Sharkey.

“Money raised through Global Gifts this Christmas will also help vulnerable children have better access to education; improve health and hygiene and enable vulnerable men and women to develop sustainable income streams. Thanks to the gift of emergency assistance you can also help more communities to receive help during a crisis.”

“We are one global family and one gift at a time, Caritas Australia and our supporters are helping to alleviate poverty, enabling people to create healthier, happier futures for themselves, their children and communities.”

In Timor Leste, Caritas and local partners are bringing the joy of sustainable agriculture and new livelihoods to vulnerable communities like Flabiana’s.

Flabiana and her family were forced to flee their village in Timor Leste due to conflict and unrest. When they returned their village was destroyed, food was in short supply and the future looked bleak.

Embrace the Spirit of Giving this Christmas

Today through ‘Integrated Rural Community Development’ training courses coordinated by Caritas Australia, Flabiana and her community have gained the skills and knowledge they need to produce sustainable crops. They also no longer live in fear of hunger, and are working on a new enterprise to sell locally produced food.

“Whether you decide to buy one Global Gift or many, I would like to thank you for your generosity on behalf of Caritas Australia, our global partners, and the communities whose lives you are touching. We are all so grateful that you have chosen to turn compassion into action.”

You can purchase a Global Gift at www.caritas.org.au/globalgifts or by calling 1800 024 413.


Kids KapersCopy onto plain white paper, colour with crayon and wipe with baby oil to create your own stained glass window.


Fr Barry Leech’s vision of celebrating 150 Years of Parish life in Tenterfield finally came to fruition. Julie Greentree spoke at the Thanksgiving Mass of Our Lady in October

In looking back, one does wonder what brought the settlers here to this remote area in a far distant land. Their ambition of course was to make a better life for themselves and their families. Most of our first white settlers were from England and Ireland, who were united in a common bond of goodwill, but they had to learn, and learn quickly, how to live in this alien land. We owe a debt of gratitude to the original inhabitants of Australia and Tenterfield.

We can sometimes forget, that in those early days a lot of what the settlers learnt, they learnt from the indigenous people as they were not living in towns, they were living on station properties, living in close proximity with our native people. The natural elements - flood, fire, drought etc have always had such a major impact on rural life and from the native people they learnt how best to manage them. Wondering why my family came here, I asked my grandmother, whose father was from Cornwall, why he came to Australia and she said so that the children didn’t have to go down the mines.

In studying other rural ancestors, who were agricultural

laborers and weavers, I found that the industrial revolution was taking place and that they had lived in the same small villages for generations and now had to move to big cities with their poverty and disease and so they came to Australia for a better way of life. So what was it that sustained them – I believe it was their Christian faith.

With our Protestant ancestors it was the bible and their prayer books. With our Catholic ancestors, mostly who were Irish, as they had been forbidden education, it was their oral stories and their prayer life, in particular their Rosary, that got them through many a dark hour. As they did not have access to the sacraments, originally it was devotion and strength from Our mother, the Blessed Virgin Mary, who was their solace and strength. As with all Mothers she is always there. One can imagine sitting praying the Rosary with the smell of the gum leaves from the campfire, or the open fire in the hut, with the smoke going up to God; then back in Ireland, their families doing the same thing, only it would be a peat/turf fire in a little stone cottage.

Families praying on other sides of the world for each other, hoping and praying that all was well. In studying our parish history, I was fascinated to find

St Mary’s Catholic Parish, Tenterfield

150 YEAR CELEBRATIONS

The old St Mary’s Church is described as a Gothic design church. At the back in the early days there was a choir loft where older members remembered singing and the stained glass is a D'Arcy memorial.


that Tenterfield, despite it’s removed location from Sydney, has always been fortunate in that it has not been overlooked by the hierarchy of the church – or as has been termed, the “Princes of the Church, the leaders of the church in the developing colony of Australia”.

Down through the 150 years we have been blessed with influences of many people from different lands – in the first half of the 150 years, it was the Celtic and Anglo Saxon people – then the migrants were from Italy, Germany, the Slavic nations and Asia. In recent years, the most significant gift to our church has been from the Filipino people.

The ancestral heritage of our priests of the Armidale Diocese in the early days was Irish and we were

devotedly served by educated, gifted and devout men. Our Australian born priests present here today, have Irish, English, NZ & Scottish heritage. We can see the significance of being part of the Universal Church founded by Christ, with men who have answered their vocational call and then have come from other countries to bring us the graces of the sacraments.

We see how blessed we have been in the past decade or so in the Diocese of Armidale, as present with us today are four priests from the Philippines, two from Africa and one from India. God has been good to us – let us pray that we are worthy of his benevolence as we go forward…

Julie Greentree’s unedited speech can be read on the facebook page:

‘Tenterfield Catholic Parish 150th Anniversary Celebrations’

Our Lady of Perpetual Succour Church, Tenterfield, which was dedicated in August 1940

Mick and Clare Carter, Sister Clare Keating, Joseph, Amy, Gemma and Master Thomas Carter

Mary Butler, Robyn Koch, Dot Moore and Geoff Sullivan enjoy the library display at St Joseph’s school during the 150 anniversary celebrations.


Register early bonusThe first ten parish pilgrims who register and pay their $500 deposit will be given a $1000 Diocesan contribution reducing the cost to approximately $5,000.Please note that the total pilgrimage cost is $6000.

WYD 2016KRAKOW POLAND18TH JULY 2016 TO 5TH AUGUST 2016

REGISTER NOWGo to https://wyd2016.com.au

For more information contact Lee Herden [email protected]

Come join meI am so excited about our 2016 World Youth Day Pilgrimage. During the special Year of Mercy proclaimed by Pope Francis, we will set out on pilgrimage to Krakow, the City of Mercy and home to the shrine of “Divine Mercy” in Poland. On our way we will follow in the footsteps of the great Polish Pope, Saint John Paul II, who emphasised mercy as one of the central themes of his papacy. Pope Francis says “Mercy is always greater than any sin, and no one can place limits on the love of God who is ever ready to forgive.” Come join me on this journey of mercy.

Bishop Michael Kennedy

Highlights of the Armidale Programme• Warsaw tour including the Warsaw

Ghetto and Jewish Uprising Museum• Jasna Gora Shrine and the Black

Madonna in Czestochowa• Aushwitz Concentration camp• Museum of Pope John Paul II• Divine Mercy Shrine Krakow• Pope Francis at WYD• The Pilgrimage walk• Final Mass with Pope Francis• Retreat post WYD in Vienna

Key Facts• The Armidale

Diocese is leading a pilgrimage to Krakow for WYD 2016

• The group will be at least 20 young people

• You must be over the age of 18

• Cost is approximately $6,000 including•return airfares from

Sydney •Accommodation•WYD registration•Most meals•Entry into sites


O’Connor Catholic College Mathematics teacher Stephen Chapman has been awarded a NSW Premier’s Teacher Scholarship at a reception held at Parliament House in Sydney. Stephen’s scholarship is one of 19 awarded to NSW teachers from over 300 applicants. The scholarship is called the First State Super Financial Literacy Scholarship and provides $15,000 to fund a five week study tour. He will travel to Rome, Zuirch, Paris, Amsterdam, London, Washington DC, Calgary, Sydney, Brisbane and Perth. This whirlwind itinerary will see Stephen visit many schools and organisations.

“I’ll be visiting 18 locations. Around half of them are schools and the others are organisations who are studying financial literacy or have programs to educate high school students about money matters”, Mr Chapman said. “During the trip I will have some days off to process and document the information I will be receiving, and when I return to Armidale I’m sure I’ll need some time to put it all together. These scholarships are an investment by the sponsor and State Government, so I will be disseminating my findings in numerous conferences and journals.”

Stephen applied for the scholarship back in April, and was thrilled to get the good news last week. “This is such an honour! I can’t wait to build connections throughout Australia and the world. Seeing how schools operate in those countries is a fringe benefit too.”

Stephen leaves Armidale on Easter Friday next year and returns five weeks later. “I’m sure I’ll come back with a wealth of knowledge that will help teach our high school students the best ways to have a secure financial future.”

State member for Northern Tablelands Adam Marshall

visited Stephen at O’Connor to personally congratulate him. “This exclusive scholarship program gives Mr Chapman an exceptional and exciting opportunity to further develop his professional skills in financial literacy and, on his return, share that knowledge and experience with his students and the wider teaching community,” Mr Marshall said. “These scholarships are about further developing the State’s best educators and I’d like to commend Mr Chapman on his selection; he was one of only 19 recipients in the state from 325 applications. It’s recognition of his expertise in this field and his care for his students.”

Chapman awarded Scholarship


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