Friday 5 July Rome

It is Friday morning in Rome and already the temperature is already nudging the mid 30’s. It has been a marvellous month which began in Kerala in mid-June and finishing here at the Holy City of Rome.

The first stop on my way to the city of the Apostles was Cochin, in Kerala. Bishop Joseph Kariyil is the bishop of the Diocese of Cochin and the bishop of Frs Alex, Jomon and Gasper. Bishop Joseph and the Diocese of Cochin have generously offered to assist us with these good priests. On behalf of all of the Diocese, I thanked him and his senior priests for this generous gift. It was good to meet up with their families and especially the families of Alex, Jomon and Gasper.

With Fr Alex’s family.  

                                   Fr Jomon's family

With Fr Gasper's mother

Cochin is an ancient city. From New Testament times, Jewish traders from Jerusalem followed the trading routes and settled in this part of India and following them were the first Christian apostles. Cochin was the second Diocese erected in India in 1557. The first being Goa erected in 1553 and has had a strong Portuguese influence.  The explorer Vasco de Gama was buried there but his body was later removed to Belem, Lisbon.

 After graciously being hosted by Bishop Joseph, the trip continued to Rome and so began, a week’s retreat in the hills behind Rome at Ariccia. It was a respite from the heat and humidity of Rome. Our retreat director was Ian Cribb sj who led us through some of the Ignatian exercises of discernment. The day started in silence and continued until the late afternoon and then after the evening meal. The retreat provided us all with a chance to stop and reflect and discern…a truly blessed time for us all and prepared us for a marvellous encounter with Francis, the Holy Father, successor of Peter.

Then began the Ad Limina with a two and a half hour session with Pope Francis. It was a profound experience whereby we were able to bring our questions directly to him. Earlier that morning, we celebrated mass at the Tomb of St Peter, below the main altar of St Peter’s Basilica. Pope Francis warmly embraced the Australian Bishops and thanked us for our ministry and asked us to bring greetings to all in our Dioceses.

And then, it was a visit to the various dicasteries (departments of the Vatican administration): Promotion of New Evangelisation, Protection of Minors, Congregation for Bishops, Congregation for Clergy , Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, Congregation for Interreligious Dialogue, Laity and Family Life, Catholic Education, Consecrated Life and Secretary of State.

In between these meetings, we made a pilgrimage to the Four Major Basilica’s of Rome and celebrated mass in St Peter’s, St Mary Major, St Paul’s Outside the Walls and St John Lateran. Each has its own significance. St Mary Major is a favourite of Pope Francis and he often visits this Church because of his great devotion to Mary, the Mother of God. St Paul’s Outside the Walls is where Bishop Rush celebrated his first mass after priestly ordination and was assisted by Guilford Young (Longreach and later Archbishop of Hobart) and it is where St Paul was martyred for the faith and his body is now entombed below the main altar. Finally, St John Lateran is the church of the Bishop of Rome (Pope Francis).

 For the Ad Limina visit, we stayed at Domus Australia which was set up by the Sydney Archdiocese for Australian Pilgrims to Rome. The Domus is near the Termini Station. Our transport each day to the Vatican was provided by the L’opera della Chiesa (The work of the Church) and normally took a good 30 minutes through the traffic. We were transported in mini buses and our drivers were priests of the society who normally minister in parishes and retreat work and they offer the transport as a support to the bishops on Ad Limina.

The Ad Limina week ended with mass at St Peter’s for the feast of Sts Peter and Paul with the Holy Father. A fitting conclusion to what was a remarkable week of meetings with the Holy Father and concluding with the Holy Father.

It was great to catch up with Fr Andrew Chase who recently defended his Doctorate in Theology from the Gregorian University. His parents, Chris and Maryanne, were in town and spent a few days with him. He soon returns to Rockhampton. Our congratulations go to him on his achieving his Doctorate after 6 years of study here in Rome.

Fr Andrew Hogan and his parents Bob and Sharon and Aunt Gemma and together with Fr Matthew Moloney and Joy and her mother Joy were all in town this week and it was good to celebrate mass with them last Monday morning in St Peter’s. (bishop 3) Afterwards, we enjoyed a Roman coffee and then it was on to explore the ancient church of St Clemente.

 A final wrap-up of the Ad Limina was a visit to some of the congregations and included the Propagation of the Faith. It was meeting of old friends and Monsignor Ted Nowak omi conducted the tour of meetings with the various people who power the missionary church, assisting many of our near neighbours with projects of evangelisation in PNG, Solomon Islands and the countries that make up the Pacific. I also met up with Monsignor Oliver of the Council for the Protection of Minors. It was good to be in his presence and exchange what is happening with Safeguarding across the Catholic World. He clearly affirmed that safeguarding is the Holy Fathers wish for the whole church.

 And now it is time to say goodbye to the Eternal City until the next Ad Limina and I have remembered you all here during my visit to the city of the Apostles.

Indigenous Education Coordinator for Catholic Education, Bradley Jarro said receiving a personalised message from the Pope was a true blessing that students would cherish and a delightful surprise outcome from Bishop Michael’s visit to the Leadership gathering.

Twenty-five Year 12 students and over 40 Year 11 students from Catholic schools across the Diocese participated in the Leadership camps with sessions on culture, leadership, identity, mental health first aid, academic progress, transitions and traditional games, dance and recreational activities.

Mr Jarro said the camps provided an opportunity for Year 11 and 12 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students to come together, form positive connections and realise they are part of a much larger group of indigenous youth in our Catholic schools.

“In most of our schools these students make up such a small part of the whole school population, so to give them time together is very worthwhile to grow their cultural identity and to appreciate the diversity of students who identify as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander,” Mr Jarro said.

“A unique greeting from Pope Francis undoubtedly emphasises our positive messages and adds an extra dimension to promoting to our students not only a sense of belonging to a cultural community, but to a Catholic community as well,” Mr Jarro said.

Camp presenters included Bishop Michael, representatives from the University of Queensland and Queensland Health, community Elders, and members of Catholic Education’s Indigenous Education Support Team.

 “The camps allow us to have our students in the upper year levels together in one spot where we can provide a consistent message and programs specific to their needs as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students in our Catholic Colleges,” Mr Jarro said.

Students from Colleges across the Diocese pictured after the Saturday Night Mass with Fr Bryan Hanifin VG. (front row left) and Leesa Jeffcoat Director, Catholic Education (front row right).

A renewed awakening to the Spirit’s presence was just one of the enthusiastic responses from students attending this year’s Catholic Education Youth Pilgrimage in the Diocese of Rockhampton held recently at The Cathedral College in Rockhampton.

“My time here has encouraged me further to listen and accept every encounter throughout my life so that the spirit is always present in what I do,” said Jonathon, a Year 12 student from The Cathedral College.

This year, 100 students from Colleges throughout the diocese travelled to Rockhampton to spend a weekend away discovering, developing and discerning how the Spirit speaks to all.

Guest presenter Brisbane-based Christian singer/songwriter, youth worker and teacher, Stephanie Unger impressed pilgrims with her energy and passion creating a weekend unlike any other according to attendees.

“It was a fantastic time where we could take a step back and reflect on our lives,” said Hannah, Year 12 Chanel College student.

Catholic Education Director, Leesa Jeffcoat, extended her gratitude to Steph for sharing her talents and experience and to Brisbane Catholic Education for allowing Steph time away from her usual commitments to facilitate at the Pilgrimage.

Miss Jeffcoat also thanked Claire Stitt (The Cathedral College), Joy Philippi (Catholic Diocese of Rockhampton), Neil McDonald and Vicki Heggie (Catholic Education Office) who were once again the organising team for the pilgrimage.

“The exuberance and joy of all was truly uplifting and there was a real sense of the Spirit among us. The team created a unique and valuable faith experience for our young people that will undoubtedly have a long-lasting effect on their spirituality,” Miss Jeffcoat said.

The positive sentiments were echoed by many of the attendees including Year 12 Shalom College student from Bundaberg, Josef.

“Every year, this pilgrimage is incredible in its ability to bring people together and grow faith in God, ourselves and the community,” Josef said.

“It makes me sad to know this was my last pilgrimage - I am forever grateful for and will endlessly recommend these events for all students, no matter where you are in your faith journey.”

Further feedback included the following remarks:

“They did an amazing job teaching us about the Spirit.

“It wasn’t what I expected, but it was one of the best opportunities I have ever received.

“The weekend was very rewarding, and I’ve made lifelong friends.

“A spiritually and emotionally fulfilling experience.

Piles of blankets, doonas, sheets and lots of warm winter clothes made their way to Woorabinda with Parish Pastoral Assistant Sr Cecilia Prest MFIC following an emergency charity drive conducted by Catholic Schools and Colleges in the Rockhampton Region during the final two weeks of Term 2.

Donations poured into the Catholic Education Office and had to be stored in corridors and other parts of the office until collected and transported to the members of the Woorabinda community who were doing it tough this winter.

Catholic Education Director Leesa Jeffcoat said the response to her email request to schools and staff in the Catholic Education Office asking for support for Sr Cecilia and her ministry at Woorabinda was simply amazing.

“When Sr Cecilia arrived to collect the donations, she was overwhelmed by the response,” Miss Jeffcoat said.

“We had over 50 large garbage bags full of winter bedding, clothing, footwear and supplies which was just a remarkable response in such a short period. It surpassed any previous appeal we’ve held,” Miss Jeffcoat said.

“It’s been a pretty cold winter in Woorabinda and some members of the community are in desperate need of some winter supplies. It’s very pleasing to be able to assist Sr Cecilia in the extraordinary pastoral work she does in the community in helping to make a difference in the lives of those in need,” Miss Jeffcoat said.

It was a wonderful celebration of sport and community as Bundaberg’s Shalom College hosted 48 rugby league and 64 netball teams from throughout the state for the iconic 40^th annual Queensland Independent Secondary Schools Confraternity and 20^th annual QISSN Carnivals last week.

Bundaberg’s Christian Brothers College, which closed in 1983, along with the city’s then girls’ Catholic high school, Loyola College, to pave the way for the co-educational Shalom College, inaugurated the Confraternity event in 1980 with six teams competing and it has grown to become one of the premier schoolboy rugby league carnivals in Australia, producing many Australian and Queensland State of Origin representatives, as well as countless NRL players.

Welcome to Country given by Byron Broome.

Shalom also created the QISSN carnival in 2000 with 16 teams participating but it has also grown exponentially, also producing a number of Test and numerous National Netball League players.

While the competitions were based at two different venues within the city, all players and team staff, plus family members of many, were among the congregation of over 2,000 which packed the Bundaberg Multiplex for the combined Opening Ceremony Mass on the Sunday night. Our Parish Priest Fr Peter Tonti led a spiritually uplifting service which included a Welcome to Country, Liturgical Dance, and blessing of a rugby league jersey and netball skirt from all teams.

On the field and the court, all games were also played with great spirit in the finest tradition of the carnivals and at the end of four days of fierce league competition, with a rest day on the Wednesday, Ignatius Park Townsville claimed the blue riband Confraternity Shield, with the other divisional winners being St Patrick’s Mackay, Clairvaux MacKillop Brisbane, Shalom, Holy Spirit College Mackay and the Combined St Mary’s Maryborough/St Patrick’s Gympie side. The friendly rivalry was just as intense in the netball which was played over five days, with Somerset College Mudgeeraba claiming their maiden QISSN Shield, and the other divisional silverware won by Marymount Burleigh Waters, Canterbury College Waterford, Chanel Gladstone, Ryan Townsville, St Michael’s Merrimac, St John Fisher Bracken Ridge and St James Spring Hill.

Congratulations to Shalom Principal Mr Dan McMahon and the organising committees on staging two more outstanding carnivals.

80^th Anniversary of St. Joseph’s Church and School, Biloela.

 An invitation from Parish Priest, Fr. Thadayoose Lazar resulted in a wonderful gathering of Parishioners on Sunday 23^rd June to celebrate the 80^th Anniversary of the Biloela St. Joseph’s Church and School.

Members of St. Joseph’s Parish said they cherished the support and long-term friendships they have formed with each other. Selwyn Bath, a Parish member who was married at the Church in 1969 said it was important to long standing members of the Church to celebrate 80 years.  He remembers celebrating the Parish’s 50^th Anniversary in 1989.

Parish member Tom Evetts said the Church had really been an integral part of his family’s life.  Tom arrived in Biloela from Mackay with his wife Desley and two children in 1958, subsequently becoming involved in the upkeep of the grounds.  Tom, who also volunteers at the St. Vincent de Paul Centre of Charity, will be celebrating with his wife their 60^th wedding anniversary next month with many of their friends from the Church.  “I think it’s the friendship and fellowship that has been great.  It’s good for the community to come together to celebrate events like this.”

Biloela resident, Ellie Verschaeren, who worked in the Parish Office for 10 years and was Secretary from 1999 to 2008, said she arrived in town in 1964 and has been a member of the Parish for 55 years.  “I was married here, had three children who were all educated at St. Joseph’s Primary School and our daughter was married here, so I have had a long association with the Parish. It is very important to celebrate these milestones in our small community.”

Parish Pastoral Council Secretary, Lynne Gleeson said that when we come together for these occasions it brings joy to people’s hearts. It uplifts everyone during these hard times, like the drought and shops closing down in the town. It gives hope for the future and allows us to support each other.  It’s just about talking to each other about all these issues – it helps.

After Mass, parishioners enjoyed ‘brunch’ after William Lees sang a blessing song.  MC Kev Banks introduced the school choir, then a piano performance including a duet with a young singer.  Then all the children sang Humpty Dumpty backwards which created a laugh from the audience.  A group of musicians playing the violin, piano accordion, mouth organ and a ‘drum’ set the tone for a thoroughly enjoyable morning. The loud clapping and shouts for the judging of the best dressed lady, gent, boy and girl decided the winners.

Les Lehmann and Joan Corfield cut the two-tiered celebratory cake made by Debbie Reid.

The hall was beautifully decorated with balloons, a banner and Australian flowering gum branches on the tables.  Everyone brought a plate to share.

Retired farmer, Carol Leighton shared memories of her family’s involvement with the Church and School and in particular her mother Joan Muller who played the piano for the School Ball held each year.  Roy Horchner also shared his memories of past events and people involved in the Parish.

Parish Pastoral Chair John Ramsey closed the morning’s proceedings with a joke after thanking everyone for their contribution.

In the latter part of June, Our Lady’s school community at Longreach assembled in their beautiful Bush Chapel for a very special event. Their numbers were swelled by the presence of family and Godparents. They came to participate in a service where Fr. Terry who was relieving in Longreach, baptised eight of the students aged between Prep and Year 6, together with a preschool sibling.   

Baptism is always a special occasion for families, a day for extended family, friends and neighbours to come together, to reflect and celebrate. Early in July, Fr. Raj travelled from Emerald to a property out of Alpha for Kolt’s special day. In the little outdoor chapel prepared for this special event, adults and children – some from hundreds of kilometres away, participated in the ceremony. Fr. Raj shared with us the fact that he comes from a farming family in India and so feels a sense of identity with those on the land. About six weeks before this, Fr. Jayanthi had driven from Blackall to a property some 65 kilometres south-east of Alpha for John’s baptism. This was another occasion to remember. At such times when I am present at a baptism - or a burial which is another such sacred time - somewhere in these rural and remote places of our “wide brown land” I recall someone speaking of sanctifying the land. I am also reminded of Jesus’ words, “I came to bring fire to the earth and how I wish it were already kindled” (Luke, 12:49). I think of these events as lighting a spot fire, so to speak!

Fr Raj was joined by many parishioners for Mass on Tuesday 9^th July to celebrate his Birthday. Following Mass 22 people gathered with Fr Raj at the Le Porte Rosse to enjoy a lovely lunch and to celebrate. Kevin Bickhoff said a few words and presented Fr Raj with a Birthday card and everybody sang Happy Birthday to him. Sophie Carew from Anakie sang the St Brigid’s School Happy Birthday to Fr Raj which everyone enjoyed.  

Diocesan C.W.L.A Conference

On Saturday June 15^th the Bundaberg CWL members hosted the 61^st Annual Diocesan Conference at Shalom College in the Loyola Centre.

The conference commenced with a mass celebrated by Fr John Daly and concelebrated by Fr Peter Tonti. The theme for the conference was “Come as You Are”. Morning tea was served after mass giving everyone a chance to meet and greet.

Fr John, our guest speaker, spoke on the conference theme which he linked to the CWL ideals and work. Fr John challenged us to consider this carefully and to share this with others. This talk was well received. Reports from the World Union of Catholic Women’s Organisations liaison officer and from the Social Justice Co-ordinator were tabled.

We were pleased to welcome our state President, Mrs Veronica Box, to the conference. She spoke about her appearance at the Euthanasia enquiry. There was a suggestion that we should all complete Advance Health Directives, so that our wishes are known.

The new Diocesan CWL Executive - Jan Webb (President), Doris McSherry(secretary) and Pat Elgey (Treasurer), was elected. A project for the coming year is, “How can we make it known that there is support available to those women who have had an abortion?”.

Next year the state CWL Conference will be held in Mackay in September.

NET Ministries

Our young NET ministers enjoyed a mid-year break after their first five months in the parish. They do a magnificent job of encouraging the youth and young children of the parish to think and talk about God, Jesus, the Holy Spirit, and their faith.  Each week they are out and about amongst the children of St Joseph’s and St Mary’s primary schools and Shalom College. On weekends they meet with young adults and teens for Youth Group activities. 

Recently they were spotted at the Wednesday morning Blanket Buddies group receiving a gifted crocheted blanket. This group has been meeting each Wednesday for 8 years, crocheting away while catching up with each other and solving the problems of the world. Their

 blankets, beanies and scarves are sent to many in need across the nation. Their latest dispatchments were sent to the Salvation Army in Hobart, the Bundaberg Meals on Wheels organisation to be given to the housebound as needed and to a Soup Kitchen in Coffs Harbour that distributes warmth to the homeless.

Faith Formation

Each month Fr John Daly has offered his time and knowledge to assist us in forming our faith and understanding of Catholic traditions and practices in a session entitled “Why Do We Do What We Do?”  This month he leads us in our understanding of the Holy Spirit – what we know about the Holy Spirit and how the Holy Spirit affects our lives and Church. Other topics have been relevant to the Church year or to the liturgy e.g. Mary, the Creed, Lent, Easter, baptism.

Fr Peter Tonti meanwhile has been presenting a monthly session on the Scriptures, taking the participants through the history of the Bible and its various publications, the geographical and cultural contexts of the writers and writings, from the Old Testament to the New.

We are blessed to have our priests offer such sessions.  Both sessions are well attended and allow time for participants to ask questions and discuss answers that arise.

New Catholic Kindergarten to open in 2020

St Joseph's Catholic Primary School Principal Kaye Beston and

Director Catholic Education,  Leesa Jeffcoat with Augustus Marsellos, Khyra Padayao, Elise Collins and Gabriel McPhee.

Bundaberg’s first Catholic kindergarten will open in January 2020 adjacent to St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School, Bundaberg.

“I am delighted to be able to share this exciting news with the St Joseph’s and wider Bundaberg community following consultation with the School Board, and with the support of Catholic Bishop of Rockhampton, Most Rev Michael McCarthy DD and the Bundaberg Catholic Parish,” Miss Jeffcoat said.

Construction of St Joseph’s Catholic Kindergarten will commence on the site in Woondooma St in coming weeks and will continue during the remainder of the 2019 school year ready for opening next year.

 “Catholic Education in Bundaberg commenced over 140 years at St Joseph’s and it’s very pleasing that we are able to continue to grow our services in this area to offer a quality educational choice for Bundaberg families from early learning through to Year 12,” Miss Jeffcoat said.

The new Catholic kindergarten will offer the endorsed Queensland Kindergarten Learning Guideline providing opportunities for children to engage, through a play-based approach, learning across the   intellectual, language, emotional, physical, social and spiritual dimensions.

 “In addition, our new kindergarten will implement the Framework for Early Years Spiritual Development in the Catholic Tradition developed by Catholic Education which provides an early year's program that nurtures each child's innate spirituality and relationship with God,” Miss Jeffcoat said.

 Miss Jeffcoat extended thanks to St Joseph’s Principal Kaye Beston for her active support and enthusiasm for development of the kindergarten to further serve St Joseph’s families. 

 “We are very excited and looking forward to welcoming our first cohort of children to the kindergarten in January 2020,” Miss Jeffcoat said.

 Further information about enrolment at St Joseph’s Catholic Kindergarten is available on the Rockhampton Catholic Education website or by contacting Catholic Education Early Learning and Care on 49948095.

St Joseph’s Hosts Ecumenical Pentecost Service

Lauren Menzies (St Paul’s Uniting Church), Sara-Jane Cooke (Salvation Army) and Bronwyn Grannall (St Paul’s Uniting Church) relax after the Pentecost service.

St Joseph’s, North Mackay, hosted a Mackay Churches Together Pentecost service on June 9. Representatives from the various Christian churches attended the ecumenical service, taking part in readings and prayer petitions. Holy Spirit College choir (Mackay) and the St Paul’s Uniting Church choir performed hymns during the service. Parishioners and ministers of the various churches gathered afterwards in the parish centre for a light supper.

Retired minister John Williams (Uniting Church) at the supper after the Pentecost service at St Joseph’s.

Habana Harvest Mass

The annual Habana Harvest Mass was celebrated on June 9 at the old Habana Church grounds and was followed by afternoon tea and a shared smoko. During the mass, a traditional blessing is made of the sugarcane crop harvest which starts in June and extends to the latter months of the year.

Corpus Christi Procession.

Fr James Ezeocha venerates the monstrance holding the eucharistic host at the first station of the Corpus Christi procession in North Mackay.

Parishioners and priests from St Joseph’s and St Patrick’s parishes took part in a Corpus Christi procession from St Joseph’s church in North Mackay to St Patrick’s church in the city centre on Sunday, June 23. Adoration was held at St Joseph’s church from 2pm with the procession leaving the church about an hour later. Hymns and the Luminous mysteries of the rosary were sung/recited along the way, with stops for Gospel readings and reflection. The procession crossed the Pioneer River (Forgan Bridge) before gathering at St Patrick’s church for Benediction.

While Fr Matthew Moloney has been away on holidays overseas, we have been blessed to have Fr Terry Loth and Fr Mathias Ogwoma celebrate Mass and minister to our parish.

Thank to them both for their presence here with us.

Sacraments of Initiation

RCIA and the preparation of children to receive the sacraments of initiation are a gift to the catechumens, candidates, families, RCIA and sacramental teams and the whole of the parish.

The sacraments are a gift, given freely by God, no strings attached.

In Matthew 28:19-20 (NRSVCE) we are clearly instructed to, ^“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you.  And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

While this may seem like a rather daunting task, we are reminded of this commissioning every week as we are dismissed from Mass, “Go in peace, glorifying the Lord by your life.” (Daily Mass Book 2019, p72).  In ‘glorifying the Lord by our life” we are modelling and therefore teaching. We are also reminded that Jesus is with us always as we are strengthened through Eucharist – proclamation of the Word of God, thanksgiving to God, consecration of the bread and wine, participation in Holy Communion (CCC 1408).

Part of this preparation and teaching is ‘prayer’. The Catechism of the Catholic Church (2559) defines Christian Prayer as ‘the raising of one’s mind and heart to God’. While there is a wide range of literature on the subject, what the catechumens and candidates and parents see will have a huge influence on their formation in the Catholic faith.

The RCIA has a range of time that is possibly a bit more flexible than what the sacrament preparation program experiences. So, how can we as ‘dynamic Catholics’ make the most of the time that we have with those enquiring and preparing to receive the sacraments of initiation?

The families preparing children to receive the sacraments of initiation will come from a wide variety of contexts regarding Catholic knowledge and commitment to what is perceived as ‘practicing’ the Catholic faith, namely experiencing Mass on a weekly basis. Through the workshops, workbooks, activities and modelling we are trying to ignite a ‘Eucharistic hunger’ that will lead parents and children to the table.

Fr Richard Leonard (2013) in his book Why Bother Praying states that, “When we pray we are asking our holy, loving, and unchanging God to change us, and thereby change the world” (p28).  With this in mind, we pray that the Holy Spirit will guide us to find subtle and welcoming ways to reach those entrusted to us in their learning journey in the Catholic faith.

Some ideas to encourage and foster prayer through RCIA and sacramental preparation:

1. Have a designated prayer space at all sessions, reflecting the liturgical season of the church. Invite and encourage participants to create a prayer space in their home for the duration of sacramental preparation. Have them send in photos that can be inserted into a PPT which can be subtly showing as they gather for the next session; nothing needs to be said, the PPT will say it all.  (There may be a person in the parish who would be able to do this task.)

2. Most sessions would begin with a prayer (vocal prayer experience) - Blessed First Communion and Blessed First Reconciliation by Dynamic Catholic have good prayers to begin the Communion and Penance sessions. Consider finishing the session with a prayer and possibly using a chime or rainstick to ‘set the scene’ and ‘return to ordinary time’.

3. Are the participants experiencing different types of prayer? Is it possible to incorporate a short ‘meditation’ or moments of ‘silent’ prayer? Prayer Strategies (2014) by Beth Nolen is a good resource that offers ideas on prayer in the Christian Tradition (Available through the St Joseph’s Cathedral Gift and Bookstore).

4. Consider gifting parents (or incorporate into the registration fee) the book from the Catholic Enquiry Centre, Australia called Discovering Prayer – a 30 day journey of encountering God, and love. A gesture of hospitality towards parents as they journey with their children.

Matthew Kelly in his book Dynamic Catholic (2012) states that ‘Prayerlessness is one of the great torments of modern times” and that, “When we are spiritually healthy, nothing bothers us” (p70).

Children and parents in our diocese may be familiar with “Making Jesus Real (MJR)” developed by Peter Mitchell, with four levels of resources designed for prep-yr 2; yrs 3-4; yrs. 5-6 and the newest resources for yrs. 7-8.  References to MJR could enhance the connection between parish and school. Members of sacramental teams working in Catholic schools are familiar these resources (available from Garrett Publishing).

Sunday August 11th.

Saint Vincent de Paul Diocesan Festival meeting in Emerald.

Check with local conference president for details.

As we move into the Listening and Discernment stage of our preparation for the Plenary Council 2020, the Bishops Commission for the Plenary Council is seeking people who are willing to be leaders and partners in the process of discernment.  Opportunities are available to apply to be the Chair, or to be a member, of one of six Discernment and Writing Groups. For more information, visit the Office for Employment Relations website www.employmentrelations.catholic.org.au  or contact Ms Olivia Lee on (02) 9919 7822 or olivia.lee@catholic.org.au.    Applications close on 22 July 2019.

Applications open for Council Discernment Groups

On the 1^st of July, the Plenary Council opened applications for the Discernment and Writing Groups that will play a critical role in helping the Catholic Church move forward in considering the Council’s six National Themes for Discernment.

At Pentecost, the Plenary Council announced that after almost 17,500 submissions reflecting the views of more than 222,000 people were assessed, reflected upon and prayed about, the National Themes for Discernment had emerged.

The themes invited people to consider how God is calling the People of God to be a Christ-centred Church in Australia that is: Missionary and Evangelising; Inclusive, Participatory and Synodal; Prayerful and Eucharistic; Humble, Healing and Merciful; A Joyful, Hope-Filled and Servant Community; Open to conversion, Renewal and Reform.

Six groups will now be formed – one each to focus on those National Themes for Discernment – to review the responses made during the Plenary Council’s opening Listening and Dialogue stage, including people’s questions and stories.

The groups will also consider their relevant theme in light of Church teaching, of Church tradition, of Scripture and drawing from contemporary best practice within and outside the Church.

Each Discernment and Writing Group will be composed of people — lay, religious, priests, and bishops — gifted with faith, knowledge, skills and attributes suited to the role.

Plenary Council president Archbishop Timothy Costelloe SDB said there are many talented, faithful people across the country who will be able to make a valuable contribution to the next phase of the process.

He said while the Discernment and Writing Groups will have a particular and important role in the coming months, the broader Catholic community will again be called to take part in the national process.

“There will be opportunities for groups of people in parishes, schools, Catholic ministries, homes and other settings to also pray together, to reflect and seek to discern how we, the people of God in Australia, are being called to be a Christ-centred Church in those many critical areas,” Archbishop Costelloe said.

Those applying for the positions should be “visionary and open-hearted, faith-filled people who are committed to the faith, life and ministries of the Catholic Church in Australia and the mission of God”, the advertisements state.

The groups’ tasks will include writing thematic working papers, which will contribute to the creation of the final agenda for the first Plenary Council session in October 2020.

Applicants will be required to provide details about their own affiliation with the Catholic Church and one of their referees must be someone who holds a leadership role within the Church. People with proven experience in communal discernment and shared decision-making are desirable.

Applications for the places on the discernment and writing groups close on Monday, July 22, with interviews to be held soon after. More information is available on the Office for Employment Relations website www.employmentrelations.catholic.org.au and the Plenary Council website www.plenarycouncil.catholic.org.au .