of Greece to preach God’s

message. It then expressed itself in

Syriac and spread to India and

beyond. It expressed itself in Coptic

and spread to Egypt and throughout

Africa. It adopted Roman customs

and Latin language into its rituals. It

employed Greek philosophy to

explain its beliefs. It used the

Roman legal system to organise its

hierarchical structure. The Church is

Catholic because it can take

whatever is good in disparate

cultures and embrace it as its own.

The Catholic Church is not limited

to one interpretation of what it

means to be a disciple. When

people, moved by the Holy Spirit,

decide to live the gospel in a unique

way, they don’t have to start a new

Church. The Catholic Church has

room for a Benedict of Nursia, a

Francis of Assisi, a Mary MacKillop

from Sydney, Radin from Samaoa,

Isaac from Eastern Heights; Mary

from Rosewood; Lachlan from North

Ipswich; Margaret from Leichhardt;

Hamish from Ipswich; Mia from

Brassall to name a few. There are

many ways to live the gospel within

the Church. That’s what makes it

Catholic and this is the potential of a

faith community like the Ipswich

Catholic Community!

But what happens when our

Catholic Church embraces people

we don’t like or don’t agree with?

When this big, all-embracing

Catholic Church welcomes people

who don’t think like I do, and when I

have to worship with people

different from me, I sometimes

wonder if it would be better to

TALKABOUT August Issue 2017 News of Ipswich Catholic Community

Gold Coin

Donation

Inside this issue: Parish Dinner 2 - 3

The Little Windows 4 - 5

Hive Trivia Night 6 - 7

Confirmation 9

Parish Picnic 11

SMYG Reunion 15

CWL News 18

Colleges musical 22

I am not sure what to write as I

was just asked to write “something”

– so I thought the ‘something’ might

be a bit of a reflection on

something I and maybe you, take

for granted – being Catholic!

When I think Catholic, I think big.

The Catholic Church is a big

Church: big numbers (over one

billion members) spread all over

the globe and big buildings -

cathedrals and basilicas - and

magnificent worship places like we

have here in the Ipswich Catholic

Community!

But before we get carried away

with too much of this external

bigness, it might be good to

remember that the Church was

Catholic already at the first

Pentecost, before there were any

big cathedrals, schools, hospitals,

or a billion members. The Church

was Catholic even when the

disciples could all gather in one

house. Catholic implies big or

universal - not just on the outside

but big on the inside.

Catholic is a mark of the inner

nature of the Church. The Church

is Catholic because it is all-

embracing. The Catholic Church is

the sacrament, the outward sign of

a God who is Catholic, a God who

is all-embracing and wants to share

the one eternal banquet with

people of every race, language,

and way of life. The Church is

Catholic because, like God, it is not

limited to one country or culture. In

ancient times it was able to move

from its Aramaic/Palestinian origins

and adopt the language and culture

Being Catholic

From Fr. Stephen’s Desk belong to a little Church where

everyone is more alike.

Being Catholic isn’t always

comfortable. It stretches me to

think new, bigger thoughts. Our

Church is not the place for

narrow minds or one-issue

religion. And this has been a

problem from day one. Jesus

himself was too Catholic for

some of his contemporaries. He

dined with the wrong people,

cured the wrong people, and

made friends with the wrong

people. His Catholicity was a

scandal because his embrace

was so inclusive that he shed

his blood for all. Being Catholic

is not only a mark of pride; it is

a challenge. Catholic is not only

something that the church is. It

is something the Church

continually strives to become.

If you have any ideas about

our Community and how we

can become even more

‘inclusive’, I’d love to chat with

you …

May you and I do all we can

to help build and nurture the

Ipswich Catholic Community.

Stephen ofm

2

On Friday 11th August, the annual Ipswich Catholic Community Parish

Dinner was held at Brothers Leagues Club, Raceview.

Members of the congregations of St Mary’s, Our Lady of the Miraculous

Medal, St Brigid’s, St Joseph’s, and Immaculate Heart of Mary

churches attended, and it was great to see such a wide cross-section of

the Ipswich Catholic Community.

On display in the function room were photographs depicting St Mary’s

church in the early years of the Parish, including photos taken inside and outside the church at the 1953

wedding of Denis and Norma Flannery (whose daughter Bev was in attendance with her husband Peter

Johnston).

Leon Hutton once again undertook the

role of Master of Ceremonies in his usual

entertaining manner, setting the tone for

the evening with some light-hearted

commentary and engaging in some

friendly banter with members of the

audience, which included former Parish

Priest Father Peter Dillon.

Following Grace, led by Fr Stephen

Bliss, the efficient Brothers staff served

an alternate drop of meat/fish as the

main meal.

After dinner, Leon introduced the

special guest for the evening, His

Honour Judge Alexander Horneman-

Wren SC, giving a brief outline of His

Honour’s educational background at

Capricornia Institute of Advanced

Education (now Central Queensland

University) and QUT, and his current

roles in the Queensland Judicial

system which include Judge of the

District Court.

Sandy (as he is known outside the

courts), in his opening comments,

said he had been invited by Father

Peter Dillon to be the guest

speaker at the Parish Dinner,

before Father had been

posted to Southport, and he

presented a short slide show

of Father Peter ‘struggling’ to

adapt to his new environment

on the Gold Coast.

The topic of Sandy’s talk

was ‘Crimes of our Times’,

which he had sub-titled ‘Sex,

Drugs and Mobile Phones’.

Parish Dinner

Rob Hooper

3

He spoke eloquently on the subject of how the technological

advances of recent years had created a new capacity for people to

offend, and the crimes coming before his court were changing

significantly because of this.

He said many young people commit offences using their mobile

phones without even knowing it, including crimes relating to child

exploitation material, which includes not only what most of us

recognise as child pornography, but also depicting a child under the

age of 16 in any offensive or demeaning context. He used the

example of someone using their mobile phone to take video of a 15

year-old passed out or under the influence of alcohol and posting it on

Facebook, then storing it on their phone. Sandy pointed out that that

person had just committed a trifecta of criminal offences (making,

distributing and being knowingly in possession of child exploitation material) with a cumulative maximum

prison sentence of between 27 and 54 years.

Sandy also told us that the majority of cases coming before his court today were drug-related, with

almost all break-and-enters and illegal use of a motor vehicle cases involving drugs in some way. He also

noted that in many cases the mobile phones of drug offenders contained evidence of their dealings in text

messages which were able to be used against them.

He touched on the subject of violence becoming normalised via technology, with children being able to

access extremely violent movies and computer games, and also on the wider social problems resulting

from violence and abuse, and drug use. His final comments were on the subject of people using mobile

phones while driving, and the fatal consequences which have arisen from distractions relating to their use,

and he stressed the importance of putting

mobile phones out of reach when driving.

Sandy lightened the tone of this fairly

heavy subject at strategic intervals by

injecting some well-received humour,

generally at Father Peter’s expense.

Father Stephen thanked Sandy for a very

articulate and sensitive presentation. The

evening concluded with dessert and the

traditional Catholic activity of drawing the

raffles.

Finally, Leon thanked all concerned for

their involvement, particularly the donors of

the raffle prizes and John and Sue Mitchell

and the office staff who organised the event.

It was a measure of the success of the

evening that a great many people stayed

talking long after the formal festivities were

concluded.

(Photos on this page reproduced from his Facebook

page, with kind permission of Jim Madden M.P.)

4

Have you ever had a good look at the tiny windows immediately above St Mary’s stained glass windows? They alternate rings of 3 half-circles (trefoils) and four half-circles (quatrefoils) They are all made of stained glass even when the large windows below them are simple plain cathedral glass. Because they are high and small, they are very difficult to see, especially at night. I believe that the stained glass artist Martin Moroney, who was hired to put suitable windows into the present church when it was being built 1900-1904, used his fees as follows. 1. He used remnants of the windows from Fr McGinty’s old church in the windows in the loft above the sacristies – where we cannot see them. 2. He created the three-part window above the high altar – so far away

that it is hard to see. 3. He created the fine cathedral glass patterned window

above the choir loft. 4. He created the Assumption window partly hidden in

the bell tower. And finally 5, he created those tiny trefoils and

quatrefoils above every ground level window in the church, 14 inside and 2 in what is now the foyer.

Later on of course, as people donated money for stained glass windows inside the church, usually as a memorial to deceased parents, different artists took the opportunity to put in their own trefoils or quatrefoils above their new creations and they got rid of Moroney’s originals. Some artists left the original trefoils/quatrefoils alone.

Since none of the small windows are signed how do we know which ones were Moroney’s original 1904 work?

It turns out that Martin Moroney made it easy to recognize his style. We must start with the two windows that are still cathedral glass, and for which no-one has donated

the money needed for a proper stained glass window. Those two are the one behind the confessional and one in the foyer in the shop. We can add three that are above the windows

THE LITTLE WINDOWS: QUATREFOILS AND TREFOILS

John Kane

5

imported from Germany. We know that they were chosen from a catalogue which did not include the top little trefoil or quatrefoil. These are the wonderful windows by the Munich firm of Mayer/Zettler: The Good Shepherd above Fr Horan’s grave, and the Holy Family and the Annunciation between organ and confessional.

The style of these windows that I have listed is identical, and is seen in some others. Perhaps the most striking aspect is that the central circle with a Christian symbol is painted in subdued colouring perhaps to avoid clashing with, or distracting from, the window below. This might be especially since Moroney would not know what the painting below would be.

The three half moons of the trefoils are divided neatly into 3 pieces of glass. The four half moons of the quatrefoils are divided into two. The half-moons are not coloured with full colour but with thin wiggly lines. It must have taken considerable time to do this neatly on all the windows. The inner circle is surrounded by several concentric circles and a ring of relatively large dots; each pair of large dots is separated by two tiny dots.

Where Moroney’s trefoils and quatrefoils have been replaced the new version is much more brightly coloured. In some the pattern of half-moons surrounding a distinct circle has been discarded. However, most have made the central feature a simple Christian symbol like the Moroney windows.

Martin Moroney’s little windows are as follows (L means left side looking at the altar; R means right side looking at the altar).

Moroney R2, R3, R4, R5, R7, Foyer (shop) L5, L6, L7 Other artists: R,1 R6, Foyer (Baptism window), L1, L2, L3, L4

Detail for window images: Left 7: St Paul and sword. Trefoil Martin Moroney 1904 Left 6: Immaculate Heart of Mary. Quatrefoil Martin Moroney 1904 Left 5: Whips and stand. Trefoil Martin Moroney 1904 Right 2: Lamb holding flag (to right) Quatrefoil Martin Moroney 1904 Left 4: Lamb holding flag (to left) Quatrefoil RS Exton (Brisbane firm) 1925+ Left 1: Sacred Heart Trefoil O. Maguire 1929 (for Exton) Right 6: Chi Rho (=CH...) Quatrefoil RS Exton 1939 Right 1: 7-petalled flowers Trefoil unknown.

Words from St Clare:

We become what we love and who we love shapes what we become. If we love things, we become a thing. If we love nothing, we become nothing.

6

A wealthy household in Jerusalem would be distinguished from other houses by the size and décor. A good deal of space was given to the storage of food stuffs, but for the wealthy, separate quarters were set aside for the purpose. Often these had locks, where valuable commodities were kept. Fine serving and eating utensils were a part of every wealthy household. Such houses had few or no windows facing the street. The life of the residents went on in an enclosed courtyard, beneath which was a water cistern essential in city rainless for eight months of the year.

A Little Daily Life at the Time of Jesus

Once more, it was the big Trivia Night on Friday, 26th May and the parishioners were eagerly ready to enter into the lists of combat on the field of Trivia. This year, the event was held in the McAuley Centre, St Mary's College. Those attending were invited to come dressed as something beginning with 'H'. Most put their thinking caps on and tried to do so. As a result, there were hippies, hats, Hawaiians, hula dancers, housewives and scores of other 'H' enthusiasts to be seen. Plates and BBQ food was on sale to feed the trivia hounds. Charles Costello again presided over the evening as Quiz Master, usual aplomb still intact. Teams were listed on that impressive piece of technology - the whiteboard.

However, first Fr Stephen opened the event with a prayer. Charles then gave a full explanation of how the planned proceedings for

the evening would work, explaining the scoring (including the bonus points) and makeup of the rounds. Especial care was taken to reiterate that 'the right to deduct points if mobile phones were seen to be in use". Our Quiz Master was pronounced infallible.

Hive members made themselves useful, with the job of collecting the answer sheets.

Round One was the 'easy' questions round. Round Two was of iconic pictures from around the world. The well-

travelled and/or armchair traveller had the advantage, with much forehead wrinkling over the various scenes.

A Hands on Heads interlude got people moving. Round 3 incited arguments as to the relevant decades for the correct

THE HIVE TRIVIA NIGHT Michelle Wood

7

location of each event named. Round 4, the colours of what. Round 5 taxed the brains with

identifying famous actors and movies.

The Raffles were drawn and the kind donors of these items were thanked.

The final round was a "Who am I?" with the Quiz Master giving a list of clues, maximum points going to those who guessed the mystery identity with the least clues.

Finally the scores were totalled, however, there was much tension as the Tie Breaker was called into action.

Then the winning table was announced and there was ' much rejoicing' at the Hippie table, with the Housewives table nosing into second spot (the bumper basket of assorted Tim Tam packets was shared amongst us all, though it was hard to pick!).

A fun night that helped raise funds for The Hive to attend youth conferences later in the year.

Words from St Clare:

Let the noises of the fleeting world and its shadow not confound you; let the empty spectres of the deceiving world not drive you mad.

8

Listening Sessions were announced in the 9th July newsletters:

What’s happening in our Parishes ...

We want to hear from you ..........

What is going well in our Community?

How can we do better?

What is my dream for the Ipswich Catholic Community?

What do we need to do to ‘build’

the Ipswich Catholic Community?

All parishioners were invited to

come and give their opinions and

talk about the parishes, the church.

A range of dates was on offer in

each of the Mass centres, with Fr

Stephen and the Ministry team in

attendance.

The 17th July, 7.00 pm session

was attended well by a range of

motivated and interested

parishioners. It opened with a

prayer from Fr Stephen. He then

explained that this evening was only

about putting ideas forward, no decisions would be made. He reiterated that his role would be to listen and

he had only come with a blank page. This would be an 'improvement' agenda, not a critical agenda. Good

communication builds good community. One aim would be to build towards re-establishing the Parish

Council, which has been in abeyance for several years, during the period as the four parishes had been in

the process of combining to form the Ipswich Catholic Community.

Bernadette and Maree were kept extremely busy taking notes of the proceedings.

First, was to discuss what is good in the parishes, what

is done well, what is worth praising and celebrating. The

youth working through the HIVE, the big celebrations, the

parish office were among a range of issues that were

listed.

Then, the discussions moved on to talk about what

could be done better. Better communication between the

schools and the congregations of the parishes was

brought up, as was more communal celebrations involving

the four parishes. Many other issues were suggested and

discussed amongst the attendees.

These ideas led to the issue of how does the church

connect with those who attend or those who no longer

attend. This important concern that has been a topic under continued consideration for many years by us

all. After all, this is what is a community, why we want to come together as a community.

All the sessions were reported as well attended when the results of the process were printed in the 13th

August newsletter (they are also available on the ICC website, where feedback can be given).

The process of review is ongoing and the implementation of ideas and developments will continue in the

coming months.

Listening Sessions Michelle Wood

9

After several weeks of catechesis, 103 children and youth from

around the parishes and schools were confirmed during 2 liturgies

on Thursday, 17 August by Bishop Ken Howell. The church was

almost full at both liturgies with families, friends and the candidates.

The revised sacramental programme guidelines from the

Archdiocese of Brisbane, involving the Sacrament of Confirmation,

states that children of the age of 8 or above can be confirmed. One

sacrament is to be celebrated each year instead of the 3 in one year. The parents and the Parishes are to

work together in the faith formation of their children.

The candidates and their parents were invited to 3 sessions on Thursday afternoons or evenings at St

Mary’s Church, working through the components of the course. Session One involved The Good Shepherd

parable and its meaning in their lives; the symbols of Baptism – the meaning of the water, the anointing

with oils, the white garment and the candle, and a ritual of Light called the Rite of Illumination. The parents

and the candidates worked through the practical workbook provided at home and during the sessions. On

the first weekend, the candidates were presented with a Mass Book during Mass in each of the parishes.

Session Two recalled the scriptures when the apostles received the gifts of the Spirit, what are these gifts,

how we use the gifts today and what we believe as Christians – The Creed. On the following weekend, a

copy of The Creed was presented during Mass in each of the Parishes. During Session Three, Symbols of

Confirmation were discussed - Oil of Chrism, the laying of Hands and the renewal of Baptismal promises

(which were said by their parents on their behalf when they were baptised as infants or themselves as older

children). Then, the next weekend, the blessing and presentation of medals was conducted at each Mass

Centre.

The Bishop was assisted by Fr Stephen, Fr Nicholas and Fr John. Also helping, were the members of

the Sacramental Team including Bernadette McAndrew, Maree Coyne, Donna Hooper, Karen Brennen,

Rosalia Risati, Denny Skoczylas and Robyn Harm. There was much excitement and eagerness, as the

ceremony moved through the various stages of the Confirmation - the Liturgy of the Word and the prayers

involved children from the congregation, the renewal of their baptismal promises, laying on of hands and

the anointing with chrism oil. The music and singing were joyful, with songs chosen to support the liturgy.

Bishop Ken talked about confirming their faith in God and Jesus and using the Gifts of the Spirit willingly

through their faith journey. After the anointing with chrism oil, they each received a candle lit from the

Paschal Candle. The congregation applauded the newly-confirmed who shone with the Spirit before being

blessed and recessing out with the Bishop. Photos were then taken on the steps of the church.

After the liturgy, the newly-confirmed, their families and friends, enjoyed supper in St Mary’s Hall, as well

as sharing the Confirmation Cake that had

been cut by the Bishop. Confirmation

certificates were given out at the end of the

supper. Thank you to everyone who took

part in the Confirmation. It was a wonderful

celebration.

Ipswich Catholic Community

Confirmation 2017

10

Dear Parishioners, It is with a profound sense of loss and very deep sadness

that Clyde and I were compelled to make the decision to leave our beautiful life at Ipswich after almost 50 years.

After spending 7 days at Wesley Hospital, it was a family decision as well as ours, that we should go to live at Canossa at Oxley. After Clyde’s hospital care at Canossa Hospital, he is moving into the Canossa Aged Care Home in his own room. To be close to him I have purchased a Unit here and have moved in. Five of our eight children live in and around Brisbane.

I realised I could no longer manage without the care and protection of our family. My Unit is 5 minutes’ walk away from Clyde’s room. The beautiful chapel is 5 minutes’ walk also.

So many wonderful people have played a magnificent role in our care at our beloved Ipswich, especially our most beloved St Mary’s Parish where we raised our 8 children since 1968. You all have our everlasting gratitude and thanksgiving to God for the gift of each one of you. Our hearts will never leave Ipswich especially 6 Martin St. We shall never forget the very blest life we lived there. Perhaps it was providential that we had no opportunity to say “Good-bye” to you all. For me the prospect was unbearable. You will always be in my heart and prayers as I pray every day at Mass at Canossa and continue to praise God for the blessed gift that was our lives in Ipswich and the unforgettable memories.

With much love from Mary and Clyde Towler

A Letter from Mary and Clyde Towler

The Parish Dinner featured a wonderful set of pictures taken at the 1953 wedding

of Norma Dempsey and Denis Flannery at St. Mary’s Church, on the 17th October, courtesy of their daughter Bev Johnston. They were taken by the 'Telegraph' Newspaper. It was regarded as the Ipswich Wedding of the Year. Monsignor Timothy Molony officiated. The original front entrance can be seen, as well as the altar rails and many other features of the church from that time.

From 1953 ...

11

LEICHHARDT & NORTH IPSWICH NEWS

Maree Coyne

It was another glorious day of fun at

the Leichhardt and North Ipswich

Parish Picnic held on Sunday, 30th

July at the Immaculate Heart School

grounds. It was a beautiful sunny,

Winter’s day. Lots of fun and games

for adults and children alike.

Great food.

Great company.

And lots of community spirit.

The lucky winners of highly

competitive, athletic contests this

year were:

Thong throwing - Tony Ross

Broom throwing - Jennifer

Frampton

Paper plane throwing (senior) -

Veronica Albury

Paper plane throwing (junior) -

Morgan Frampton.

A big Thank You to all those who

contributed and all those who

attended. Come back next year!

Parish Picnic

12

OUT AND ABOUT

13

AROUND

AND ...

14

AROUND THE PARISH

15

The first reunion of St Mary’s

Youth Group (SMYG) was held

at Brothers Leagues Club on the 15th July. It is hard to believe it has been approximately 40 years since

we were involved in SMYG. Father Paul Rooney was the founding member for many of us in the Youth

Group and it was great to see him once again.

52 original SMYG members joined us on the night. Including partners approximately 70 attended,

with people coming from Tasmania, Canberra, Toowoomba, Bundaberg, Childers, the Gold Coast and the

North Coast.

Peter Craig was the very competent MC. Speeches by Fr Paul Rooney and Committee Member Tricia

Lennon and the cutting of a celebration cake were the only formal parts of the evening as there were lots

and lots of catching up to be done till the wee hours of the morning (at least midnight!)

A slideshow of old photos and a super8 movie helped those of us with fading memories remember

some of those incredible times we all shared in the ‘70s. It only took a moment to recognise the faces of

our friends of old.

On the night Tricia Lennon displayed all the activities held by SMYG from 1974 to 1978 – lots of trips

to the beach, the mountains, horse riding, skating, Debutante balls, the meetings at the old St Mary’s Hut

which has now been demolished and of course the odd party or two, ensured we were kept busy and out

of mischief.

Many people, including the Committee, suggested the event should happen again and therefore we are

aiming to catch up on a more casual basis in the early part of 2019.

This reunion was organised by the following SMYG Committee Members: Tricia Lennon (Ainslie), Doris

Galea, Paula Rodgers (Killeen), Wendy

Dauber, Peter Craig and Anne Smith

(Hasted) who had a great time co-ordinating

the reunion over the last six months.

Reunion of St Mary’s Youth Group (SMYG)

Linda Galligan & Tricia Lennon

16

Maureen Kerwick recommends, This is Gail: Life

With And After Chris O'Brien by Juliette O'Brien.

This is the inspiring story of Gail O'Brien wife of

surgeon Chris O'Brien (written by her daughter).

Since his death in 2009, she then

also lost her son Adam, to

epilepsy shortly after. This is the

story of her journey through deep

grief and how she has kept her

husband's legacy, as well as

finding her own, while holding her

family together.

Christene Hall, at the moment, is

enjoying The Yellow House by

Patricia Falvey. An historical

novel set in pre-independence

20th Century Ireland. Telling the

story of Eileen O'Neill and her

family in this tumultuous period of

Irish history.

As well as

Westerns, Jack

Pommer enjoys

books with action.

He always finds

that authors, Dick

Francis, Wilbur

Smith and Clive

Cussler, write

'good reads'.

Val Pommer prodigious lover of

crime and mystery, can

recommend further authors too:

Ruth Rendell writing the

Inspector Wexford series,

Caroline Graham writing the

Chief Inspector Barnaby books

which

became

the hit

crime TV series Midsommer

Murders and Alan Hunter,

writer of the Inspector

George Gently novels which

also have been produced for

television.

Susan Langworthy highly recommends The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer & Annie Barrows. The bestseller, currently being made as a film, is charming with a light humorous touch, yet tells a serious, moving, poignant story of Guernsey during the World War II occupation.

Marie Volkman was very impressed

with The Testament by John

Grisham. A rollercoaster ride of a

book, that keeps the pages turning,

Cath Wood is currently reading,

Old London Bridge: The Story

of the Longest Inhabited Bridge

in Europe by Patricia Pierce. A

fascinating book all about the

ancient bridge of the nursery

rhyme 'London Bridge is Falling

Down'. The medieval structure

was commissioned by Henry II

and took 33 years to build. For six centuries it was

the only London crossing of The Thames. The

Bridge Trust established to maintain it, still exists

and funds the maintenance of all the bridges of

London, as well as numerous charities.

Alex Massasseur has been

reading: The Kingdom

Within, by John A. Sanford.

Showing how Jesus' teachings

relate to our inner depths, this

book guides us toward a more

conscious and creative life.

The Kingdom Within explores

the significance of Jesus'

teachings for our interior life -- that inner reality that

Jesus called "the kingdom of God." It is Sanford's

conviction that contemporary Christianity has

overlooked this inner dimension of Jesus' teachings

and so has lost touch with the human soul.

What’s being read around the parish ...

17

1. To be, or not to be: that is the question: Hamlet, 3:1

2. Good night, good night! Parting is such sweet sorrow. Romeo and Juliet, 2:2

3. Be not afraid of greatness. Some are born great, some achieve greatness, and some have greatness thrust upon 'em. Twelfth Night, 2:5

4. Life's but a walking shadow; a poor player, That struts and frets his hour upon the stage, And then is heard no more: it is a tale Told by an idiot, full of sound and fury, Signifying nothing. Macbeth, 5:5

5. There are more things in heaven and earth, Horatio, than are dreamt of in your philosophy. Hamlet, 1:5

6. All the world's a stage, And all the men and women merely players As You Like It, 2:7

7. All that glisters is not gold. The Merchant of Venice, 2:7

8. Cowards die many times before their deaths; The valiant never taste of death but once. Julius Caesar, 2:2

9. The evil that men do lives after them; The good is oft interred with their bones. Julius Caesar, 3:2

10. We are such stuff As dreams are made on, and our little life Is rounded with a sleep. The Tempest 4:1

The Top Ten Shakespeare Quotes

Have you heard about the 5000 poppies project?

The group from Canberra have undertaken the

ambitious project for knitters from around Australia to

create 60,000 red poppies. The plan is to carpet part

of the grounds at the Australian War Memorial (AWM)

to commemorate the centenary of the end of the First

World War in November 2018.

Each poppy knitted will represent an Australian life

lost in that war.

For details of this amazing project see the ABC

report:

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-08-20/war-

memorial-plans-to-unveil-display-of-handmade-

poppies/8824974

For information about how to be a part of the great

endeavour:

https://5000poppies.wordpress.com/

https://www.facebook.com/groups/5000Poppies/

Poppy Project

18

As members celebrate sixty-three years of

Catholic Women’s League in Ipswich,

thoughts turn to the women who, in 1954 under the guidance of

Monsignor Molony, gave generously of their time and talents to

open a branch of CDA (Catholic Daughters of Australia) which

changed to CWL (Catholic Women’s League) in the nineteen

seventies.

Living the motto “For the Honour and Glory of God” those

ladies worked tirelessly for the church and wider community

whilst always aiming to acquire a “home”. This they achieved

with the purchase of a house at 35 Waghorn Street, which became CWL House. It is worth noting that

Ipswich is probably the only branch in Queensland and possibly Australia, to own their meeting place. Full

credit to the founding members and those who have followed their example.

It is with pride that present members maintain the house and welcome everyone to activities such as

twice yearly Mass, the next being at 10.30 am on Thursday 14th September. Continuing a long tradition of

hospitality, refreshments will be served after Mass. Ladies, as you read this, perhaps you would like to

join CWL, if so contact president Pat Minz on 3812 2758, or come to the Mass. A warm welcome awaits.

In order to cover the upkeep of CWL House and make significant donations to many worthy causes,

various fundraising activities are undertaken including the annual Theatre Night each March at The

Incinerator Theatre, regular Bridge Days and a Fashion Parade in October. Ipswich branch is indebted to

the loyal supporters who ensure the success of these efforts and are very much appreciated.

Ladies make a diary note of the Parade of Spring/Summer Fashions by Saba’s on Grange, Saturday 7th

October 12.30 for 1 pm at CWL House. For the very reasonable entry of $10 you are assured of an

enjoyable afternoon of fashion, food, fun and friendship, a Multi-draw Raffle (tickets $1) and a huge range

of Lucky Door prizes and some surprises. Book early to avoid disappointment as this is always a sellout –

just ask anyone who is a regular supporter.

Phone Pat 3812 2758, Colleen 3288 6962 or Agnes 3281 4568 ASAP.

Now to reveal a well kept secret! Every fortnight on Wednesday, a happy group of Ladies and

Gentlemen gather at CWL House to play Auction Bridge, enjoy a tasty Afternoon Tea, form friendships

and have a great afternoon. If you would like to join in, contact our Bridge Convenor Clare Conway on

3281 5630, you can be assured she will be delighted to hear from you.

If you have not already seen CWL at work, take the first step – you will not be disappointed. Sorry

gentlemen – membership is “Ladies Only” however we do have a few generous men standing by to help

with the heavy lifting – perhaps you would like to join them?

CWL News Pat Minz

Have you heard the old joke about the hell-fire

preacher?

He was a tall, impressive preacher, with graying hair.

From the pulpit, he was gesturing and pronouncing with

great intensity upon the wages of sin. Reaching the

climax of his sermon about the Day of Judgment, in ringing tones he

declares the fate of those who fail to meet the standards of the

Kingdom of God: ‘They will be thrown into the furnace of fire, where

there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth’.

At which point a little old lady in the front row puts up her hand and

says, “But Reverend, I have no teeth”.

To which the hell-fire preacher fixes her with his stern gaze and

replies with awful dignity, “Madam, teeth will be provided”.

19

Over the last 6-9 months our community

updated our website. In fact, we updated our

entire social web presence taking a step

forward by integrating ‘new media’ into our

ministry. Life moves fast, and how we

communicate with others seems to expand

every single day. Updating our online presence

allows us to connect with others regardless of

where they are. Gone are the days where the

only connection with one’s parish is a printed

newsletter handed to you as you enter the

church on a Sunday. We still offer that too by

the way!

When we approached the task, we certainly

didn’t think it was as large an effort as it ended

up being, however the effort was well spent.

One of our goals was ensuring we have relevant

material that is meaningful and easily accessible to our

community, and those interested in becoming part of it,

regardless of their preferred method of contact.

Recently in our Listening Sessions we received

some positive feedback about the website and

Facebook pages, and we are still looking at growing

these to ensure they always meet the needs of

everyone in our community. Our connection with the

Archdiocese of Brisbane is now also more visible and

accessible too; we have a wonderful sacraments section

which shares information made available by the

Archdiocese to help better inform everyone.

Designing the website, Facebook pages, and twitter

feed was a large part of the work, however the real work is

yet to come. The internet has literally millions of

webpages; there are also probably hundreds of thousands

of church websites. Our desire is to have everyone in our community connect to our online presence in

one form or another. We have a number of ways to keep everyone updated to what is happening around

our 4 parishes. Subscribe to our blog – http://www.ipswichcatholic.com/blog-2/

Subscribe to our newsletter – http://www.ipswichcatholic.com/resources/weekly-newsletter/

Like our Facebook page – https://www.facebook.com/ipswichcatholic

If you find any of the subscriptions difficult please send an email to ipswichcatholic@gmail.com and let

us know what you would like to do and we will help you connect with us.

New Ipswich Catholic Community Website

Benjamin Leschke

Words from St Clare:

Imitation is not a literal mimicking of

Christ, rather it means becoming the

image of the beloved, an image

disclosed through transformation. This

means we are to become vessels of

God's compassionate love for others.

20

Solution: See facing page

21

Spot the Difference Solutions:

1. Spectator missing on right

2. Extra plant lower right corner

3. Belt missing on man in water

4. Extra plant on edge of bank

5. Edge missing John’s neckline

6. John’s belt different colour

7. Jesus has belt

8. Extra fold on Jesus’ shoulder

9. Rock in river on left

10. Extra bushes on left riverbank

11. Hill on left bank missing

Pic

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2.M

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pilla

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m o

ld

win

do

w

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ism

3.O

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n p

ipes

4.M

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SOLUTIONS

1. ABIDE WITH ME

2. NOTHING BUT THE BLOOD

3. OH HAPPY DAY

4. STANDING ON THE PROMISES

5. GRACE GREATER THAN OUR SIN

6. SOLID ROCK

Solution: See below

22

The combined Colleges musical, held 13th - 15th July, was once more a hit — of course.

This year's show, 'Hairspray', was from the Broadway show, all about a teenage girl, with a love of

dancing when the '60's were just getting into full swing. Wide-eyed Tracy Turnblad gets onto the local TV

dance show, "The Corny Collins Show' with exciting consequences.

Jam packed full of the hits of the '60's, the talented cast from St

Mary's and St Edmund's Colleges did full justice to the score. The

students had rehearsed for more than three months before the

opening. This was the first time the combined musical had been

held in the Civic Centre. The college newsletter pronounced "It was

a triumph! Congratulations to our Producer Mr Simon Paxton, Co-

directors Mrs Narelle Thompson, Ms Nicole Jones and Ms Courtney

Crack and to all those staff, parents and student show made this a

superb event."

By all accounts, those attending were more than happy with the

result; full of praise for every facet of the show, from the lighting

effects and music, to the singing and dancing.

There was much comment on Facebook congratulating and

praising the production. 'Opening night of the musical was

sensational! Here are some more amazing pictures which highlight

the quality of the show. Those that attended last night, we hope you loved it!'

'What a wonderful production!! The costumes, the choreography, the sets, the

band, the crew... and the cast!! St Eddies and St

Mary's - a wonderful collaboration of

outstanding student talent. Congratulations to

all involved!'

Photographs used with kind permission from

the St Edmund's facebook page:

https://www.facebook.com/SECIpswich

Combined Colleges musical Hairspray

23

The Archdiocesan website continues ‘Two Minute Homilies”

https://brisbanecatholic.org.au/multimedia/two-minute-

homilies/

Check out former St Mary’s curate, Fr Neville Yun

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m7JEBjkylRc

Two Minute Homilies Hit Parade

WHAT IS THIS? WHERE IS THIS?

Solutions: see p 25

THE ROMAN ARMY Enlistment in the

Roman army took

place between the

ages of eighteen and

twenty three, Among

the most important

requirements of the

recruit, what that they

had to be at least six

feet tall. Once

selected, a four month

training would begin. The soldier was

tattooed and given a seal bearing his

name which he would wear round his

neck for the duration of his service, at

least 25 years. A regular salary about

fifty dinars per year and expenses

defrayed. The soldiers were

forbidden to marry.

A Little Daily Life at the

Time of Jesus 1 2

3

4

Last note in the newsletter of the 4th June,

advised that:

Restoration of the historical St Brigid’s Church is

now well underway with the re-roofing of the

main roof completed and painting continuing.

The weather was not kind during the initial stages

of the project but the contractors have been

working hard to catch up. Bird spikes will be

installed on the gutters this week in an endeavour

to deter the pigeons from perching and creating a

huge mess on our newly restored building. The

scaffolding will be dismantled when the timber

arches are replaced on the front of the building,

hopefully within two weeks. Painting of the lower

sections of the building will be continuing for

several more weeks. Parishioners’ patience

during this lengthy process is much

appreciated and we look forward to the Church

being restored to its former glory.

Renovations - St Brigid’s

Pine Mountain community is still going strong.

Pine Mountain

(Photo reproduced from his Facebook page, with

kind permission of Jim Madden M.P.)

24

The Talkabout Team is grateful for the continued support of local firms and organizations who advertise in our magazine. Their donations help us to meet the expenses of photocopying, layout and printing. We urge our readers and parishioners to support these advertisers as your need arises. Our advertisers are ~ Blackall Street Butchers ~ West Moreton Accounting & Taxation ~ Greg Rowe Optometrist ~ Reed & Bottcher ~ Peter McMahon’s Swim Factory ~ J. Thomas & Son Pty. Ltd ~ First Forest Funerals

As the stranger enters a country store, he

spots a sign: "Danger! Beware of Dog!"

Inside, he sees a harmless old hound asleep

in the middle of the floor.

"Is that the dog we’re supposed to beware of?" he asks the owner.

"That’s him," comes the reply.

"He doesn’t look dangerous to me. Why would you post that sign?"

"Before I posted that sign, people kept tripping over him."

A burglar breaks into a house. He starts shining his light around looking for

valuables. Some nice things catch his eye, and as he reaches for them, he hears, “Jesus is

watching you.” Startled, the burglar looks for the speaker. Seeing no one, he keeps putting

things in his bag, again, he hears, “Jesus is watching you.” This time, he sees a parrot.

“Who are you?” the burglar asks.

“Moses,” the bird replied.

“Who the heck would name a bird Moses?” the man laughed.

“I dunno,” Moses answered, “I guess the same kind of people that would name a Rottweiler Jesus.”

One final word … or two ...

This is a very busy parish, with many events involving people and groups. We want to report all the full life

of St. Mary’s Parish and now Rosewood, North Ipswich and Leichhardt Parishes. However, we don’t

always know about these events. We need you to tell us what’s happening. Please do. Think about writing

an article. Or, if you don’t feel comfortable writing, give us a call through the Parish Office (3281 2133) talk

to us and we’ll write the article with you.

Team Talkabout: Robyn Harm, Alex Masszauer, Michelle Wood & Cath Wood

Fr Stephen recently accepted an invitation

to join the Shannon Clan for lunch,

and all had a thoroughly enjoyable time.

The priests of the Ipswich Catholic

Community are happy to join

parishioners for lunch or dinner

upon invitation.

The Talkabout Team publishes articles we can

report personally and articles kindly written for

Talkabout by parishioners. However, there are

many more events happening in the parishes which are, unfortunately, not reported

in these pages.

Here are just a few:

Immaculate Heart Catholic Primary School Celebrated 50 Years - 24th July

St Edmund’s Mothers/Ladies Mass - 28th July

St Joseph’s Fete - 6th August

40th Class Reunion Senior 1977 – St Marys/St Edmunds Combined - 8th July

What else is happening

in the Parishes ...

AND DON'T FORGET

OUR NEXT ACTION

PACKED EDITION

FEATURING THE

MEN’S BREAKFAST ,

ST BRIGID’S

RESORATION

UPDATE & MUCH,

MUCH MORE ...