Catholic Outlook September 2015

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2015 FATHER’S DAY APPEAL CARING FOR THOSE WHO CARED: Your support for retired and sick priests By Elizabeth McFarlane Your priest has been at some of your most memorable and meaningful family events. They were there when you married. They were there when your child was baptised. They were there when you lost loved ones. They were there every Sunday, watching your family grow, not just in number but also in faith. Priests often reflect on the honour that comes from being a witness to such significant moments. The Diocesan Administrator, Very Rev Peter Williams, reflected, “As priests it is a privilege for us to be able to share in the joyful moments of your lives and to be with you in times of heartache and sadness.” But what happens when a priest retires? What happens when a priest becomes sick? They have been a part of your family for so long and in their retirement and through their sickness and age, they can still remain a part of your family. Last year you gave more than $195,000 to support the retired priests and sick clergy of the Diocese through the Father’s Day Appeal. There are 27 Parramatta clergy who are currently retired – two bishops, 23 priests and two deacons. Your donation helps them cover healthcare costs and expenses associated with everyday living, supplementing the pension that some receive. “The appeal is a way of acknowledging the priests who have ministered throughout our Diocese over many years, but who are now in need of our assistance,” Fr Peter said. Parishioners continue to inspire Fr Mick O’Callaghan A priest for almost 40 years, Fr Mick O’Callaghan said he has been sustained in his faith by parishioners who continue to inspire him with their inherent goodness. “Parish ministry is the greatest joy of my life as it enables me to touch and be touched by people from all walks of life,” he said. “Every day is different and so, often, the best laid plans are thwarted by an unexpected visitor or event.” At the age of 73, Fr Mick is transitioning to retirement and is currently Administrator of Our Lady of the Way Parish at Emu Plains. Reflecting on his vocation journey, Fr Mick said his parents were great role models in ensuring that the Catholic faith played a significant part in family life. “There was always weekly Mass, the rosary (especially in May and October) and frequent visits by the parish priest for family meals,” he said. “In my early teens I considered priesthood and it was a persistent thought over many years. “When I was in high school, Sr Adrian RSM was a great influence in my life. She posed the idea of priesthood and encouraged an interest in the Carmelites as her brother was a member of that order. Sr Adrian remained a family friend until her death.” After leaving school he worked in banking and studied accountancy. While living in Melbourne he was active in the YCW and in the Victorian Catholic Lawn Tennis Association. “Despite having a great social life, I always felt drawn to the priesthood. In my 20s I made contact with the Carmelites and eventually joined them in 1971,” Fr Mick said. His first five years of priesthood were involved as Vocation Director and Youth Minister, which gave him great insights into the lives of young people. “I worked with a number of religious orders running retreats and discernment weekends for high school pupils and university students,” he said. In 1986, Fr Mick approached Bishop Bede Heather regarding the possibility of transferring from the Carmelites to being a priest of the newly formed Diocese of Parramatta. Fr Mick said that in his gentle manner, Bishop Bede guided him through a process of transfer and in 1987 accepted him as member of the diocesan priesthood and appointed him to Our Lady of Lourdes Parish at Seven Hills. “We are blessed to have many clergy aged over 65 still in active ministry. It is also true that in the near future, many of them will need our support.” The retired and sick clergy of our Diocese have served our community well and can continue to do so with your help. They are grateful for your support now and in the future. Last financial year, the Clergy Support Foundation spent about $500,000 caring for the needs of these retired priests. The Foundation also spent just over $90,000 in preparing for the future retirement of clergy, of whom about 10 may be seeking to retire over the next five years. There are units under construction for retired priests and seminarians, which will be located next to Holy Spirit Seminary in Fr Mick O’Callaghan and seminarian Joe Murphy inspect construction of the new units at Harris Park with site manager Josh Haymen. Photo: Alfred Boudib. Subsequently, Fr Mick has served in the parishes of Leura, Richmond, Baulkham Hills and now Emu Plains. Fr Mick said the scourge of clerical sexual abuse had caused huge changes in the Church and in a priest’s relationship with the people. “I find this very sad. I love children and have always had a good relationship with them,” he said. “In my early years of priestly ministry there was much more trust, openness and freedom to be yourself amongst the young people – and people in general.” As he approaches retirement Fr Mick said he tends to stay in his comfort zone rather than be challenged with new ideas. “This is frustrating as I have always considered myself a bit radical.” Harris Park. The retired priest building will consist of nine rooms with two bedrooms and two bathrooms, basement parking, a chapel and a common lounge area. The seminary accommodation will consist of 22 studio apartments, dining room, library, common lounge, outdoor entertaining area, extensive landscaping and parking. Construction is scheduled for completion in April 2016. Donations to the Father’s Day Appeal can be made through the envelopes available from your parish or online at: www.csfparra.org.au Donations of $2 or more are tax deductible. He hopes to have more time for reading, listening to classical music and attending the opera. Fr Mick’s favourite passages from Scripture are the parable of the ‘Prodigal Son’ and Jesus’ encounter with the ‘Woman at the Well’. “They show God’s allencompassing love in action. My favourite hymn is Here I Am Lord.” But priests never really retire, and Fr Mick will celebrate Mass whenever called on and hopes to stay in touch with many of the parishioners he has come to know over the years. Asked for advice to men contemplating priesthood, he said: “Give it a go. Nothing ventured – nothing gained!” theLMent.com Our retired Priests have always been a part of your FAMILY, in your celebrations, unions, happiness & sadness CATHOLIC DIOCESE OF PARRAMATTA CLERGY SUPPORT FOUNDATION In their retirement, they can still remain a part of your FAMILY CARING FOR THOSE WHO CARED Please support our sick and retired Priests through the Clergy Support Foundation. Donations are welcome at any time – amounts of $2 or more are tax deductible. If you are preparing or changing a Will you may consider bequeathing a donation to the Foundation. For more information please call (02) 9639 0598 or donate online at www.parra.catholic.org.au 10 CatholicOutlook | SEPTEMBER 2015 www.parra.catholic.org.au @parracatholic facebook.com/parracatholic
CARING FOR THOSE WHO CARED THE FATHER’S DAY APPEAL FOR RETIRED AND SICK PRIESTS SATURDAY 5 & SUNDAY 6 SEPTEMBER 2015 They have always been a part of your FAMILY, in your celebrations, unions, happiness & sadness In their retirement, they can still remain a part of your FAMILY Please give generously Donations to the Father’s Day Appeal will help to ensure that our ‘spiritual fathers’ are cared for in their retirement. We know that you are most grateful for the dedicated ministry of our priests and that you want to see them properly housed and looked after. So please give generously to the Father’s Day Appeal. How to support the Father’s Day Appeal for Retired and Sick Priests EITHER add the appeal envelope with the details of your contribution to the special Father’s Day collection. OR, if you are unable to make a contribution on Father’s Day, ask your parish office for an appeal envelope and post your donation to the Clergy Support Foundation, PO Box 702, Baulkham Hills BC, NSW, 1755. To make a donation online please visit www.csfparra.org.au BEQUESTS If you are preparing or changing a will you may consider bequeathing a donation to the Foundation. Ask your solicitor or executor to telephone the Clergy Support Foundation on (02) 9639 0598. theLMent.com CATHOLIC DIOCESE OF PARRAMATTA CatholicOutlook | SEPTEMBER 2015 11 www.parra.catholic.org.au @parracatholic facebook.com/parracatholic
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