Catholic Outlook Magazine | Lent & Easter | 2024 Issue
You also want an ePaper? Increase the reach of your titles
YUMPU automatically turns print PDFs into web optimized ePapers that Google loves.
FREE<br />
M A G A Z I N E<br />
DIOCESE OF PARRAMATTA NEWS AND VIEWS<br />
Seminarians prepare to ‘go out into the deep’ | How our communities celebrate <strong>Easter</strong> | Bishop Vincent’s <strong>Easter</strong><br />
message | Finding strength when we fall | Resurrection transforms all of God’s creation | Holy Week Mass times<br />
<strong>Easter</strong> | Autumn <strong>2024</strong>
Imprimatur and Publisher:<br />
Bishop Vincent Long OFM Conv<br />
Bishop of Parramatta<br />
(02) 8838 3400<br />
PO Box 3066,<br />
North Parramatta, NSW, 1750<br />
bishop@parracatholic.org<br />
www.catholicoutlook.org<br />
Editor & Vicar for Communication:<br />
Br Mark O’Connor FMS<br />
(02) 8838 3400<br />
PO Box 3066,<br />
North Parramatta, NSW, 1750<br />
comms@parracatholic.org<br />
Head of Communications and<br />
Engagement:<br />
Anita Sulentic<br />
Communications Consultant:<br />
Antony Lawes<br />
Senior Communications Officer:<br />
Mary Brazell<br />
Communications Assistant:<br />
Jacob Gormley<br />
Cover artwork<br />
(L-R) Angela Rosero, Vanessa Mathew, Chadia Moussa<br />
Kaminski and Lester Villanueva at Our Lady of the<br />
Rosary Parish, Kellyville, with the <strong>2024</strong> Paschal candle.<br />
Image: Diocese of Parramatta<br />
Design:<br />
Martin Zitricky<br />
Nihil Obstat:<br />
Fr Wim Hoekstra<br />
Accounts:<br />
Alfie Ramirez<br />
(02) 8838 3437<br />
alfie.ramirez@parracatholic.org<br />
Printing:<br />
IVE Group Australia Pty Ltd<br />
An indigenous artwork at <strong>Catholic</strong> Care’s Aboriginal Services in Emerton. Image: Diocese of Parramatta<br />
All material in this publication is copyright and<br />
may not be reproduced without permission<br />
of the publisher. 8,500 copies are printed<br />
and distributed to 47 parishes, schools, after<br />
school care centres and early learning centres<br />
in Western Sydney and the Blue Mountains.<br />
<strong>Catholic</strong> <strong>Outlook</strong> is a member of the<br />
Australasian <strong>Catholic</strong> Press Association.<br />
© Diocese of Parramatta <strong>2024</strong><br />
The Diocese of Parramatta reaffirms the<br />
wise axiom attributed to Saint Augustine of<br />
Hippo, “In essentials, unity; in non-essentials,<br />
freedom; in all things, charity.” In this spirit,<br />
<strong>Catholic</strong> <strong>Outlook</strong> publishes a variety of<br />
<strong>Catholic</strong> viewpoints. They are not necessarily<br />
the official views of the Diocese of Parramatta.<br />
Acknowledgement<br />
of Country<br />
Here in the Diocese of Parramatta, we gather on Country on<br />
which members and Elders of the Darug and Gundungurra<br />
communities and their forebears have been custodians for<br />
many centuries and on which Aboriginal people have performed<br />
age-old ceremonies of celebration, initiation and renewal. We<br />
acknowledge their living culture and their unique role in the life<br />
of the region.
A message from the Editor<br />
Dear friends,<br />
As we approach <strong>Easter</strong> <strong>2024</strong>, we <strong>Catholic</strong>s are all<br />
invited to practise silence, deepen our interior<br />
lives and pray for a Gospel change of heart.<br />
In this issue of <strong>Catholic</strong> <strong>Outlook</strong>, we provide wonderful<br />
reflective reading to assist you to do just that from Sr<br />
Antonia Curtis OSB (page 42), Dr Laurie Woods (page<br />
44) and Sr Patty Andrew OSU (page 48).<br />
Most of us certainly need these kinds of spiritual<br />
resources – because we Australian <strong>Catholic</strong>s live in<br />
a society where social media, 'shock jocks' and even<br />
some of our political leaders actively promote noise,<br />
chaos and division.<br />
Far too often, ordinary people are easily manipulated<br />
by conspiracy theories and phony conflicts – where<br />
'opponents' have to be identified and then punished.<br />
Everything can quickly become a 'culture war' issue<br />
and victory means winning over others, especially<br />
those scapegoated on the margins of our society.<br />
For "Hospitality is the virtue which<br />
allows us to break through the<br />
narrowness of our own fears and to<br />
open our houses to the stranger, with<br />
the intuition that salvation comes to us<br />
in the form of a tired traveller.”<br />
We are indeed blessed in the Diocese of Parramatta<br />
to have so many 'wounded healers' who live Gospel<br />
hospitality in our midst – as this <strong>Easter</strong> | Autumn<br />
issue of <strong>Catholic</strong> <strong>Outlook</strong> richly illustrates, with our<br />
Cuppa with a Deacon (page 50) and parish profile<br />
(page 52).<br />
As we each stand at the foot of the Cross this <strong>Easter</strong>,<br />
may we surrender our hearts and our wounds to our<br />
Crucified Lord, for “by His wounds we are healed”.<br />
Br Mark O’Connor FMS<br />
Editor of <strong>Catholic</strong> <strong>Outlook</strong> & Vicar for Communications.<br />
As American poet and essayist Christian Wiman<br />
observes: “One grows so tired, in public life, of the<br />
certitudes and platitudes, the megaphone mouths<br />
and stadium praise, influencers and effluencers and<br />
the whole tsunami of slop that comes pouring into<br />
our lives like toxic sludge".<br />
<strong>Easter</strong> is a season of faith (pages 22-25) when we<br />
resist this slide to negativity – and instead become<br />
reconcilers who nurture Christ's healing graciousness<br />
and communion. So easily we forget that all human<br />
beings are our sisters and brothers, loved and<br />
cherished by Christ for eternity. We <strong>Catholic</strong>s are not<br />
'crusaders', and fighting 'enemies' is emphatically not<br />
the way of our Crucified Lord.<br />
That is why, as Prague pastor and theologian<br />
Monsignor Tomáš Halík insists, “we are incapable of<br />
believing in a God without wounds, a Church without<br />
wounds…Can a faith that bears no stigmata, a faith<br />
that cautiously avoids the Golgotha of our time, help<br />
to heal a wounded world?” (page 14)<br />
The priest theologian Henri Nouwen likewise wrote<br />
that we become 'wounded healers', above all, when<br />
we practice hospitality. That is the only cure for the<br />
toxicity of our times – inside and outside the Church.<br />
Crucifixion (1939) by Georges Rouault,<br />
oil on canvas (1871-1958). Private Collection.<br />
01
Excellence in<br />
education<br />
Our 80 great local <strong>Catholic</strong> schools are enrolling now.<br />
Learn more parra.catholic.edu.au
PAGE 12<br />
On the<br />
PAGE 16<br />
Inside<br />
<strong>Easter</strong> | Autumn <strong>2024</strong><br />
12 “The essence of Christian hope”: Bishop<br />
Vincent’s <strong>Easter</strong> Message<br />
16 A new <strong>Catholic</strong> describes what it will mean to<br />
join the faith<br />
34 Seminarians prepare to 'go out into the deep'<br />
42 What it means to repent and stand naked<br />
before God<br />
52 We visit St Margaret Mary’s Parish in<br />
Merrylands<br />
PAGE 34<br />
PAGE 42<br />
Want more inspiration and news that is<br />
totally free? Subscribe to <strong>Catholic</strong> <strong>Outlook</strong><br />
online – catholicoutlook.org.<br />
Diocese of Parramatta<br />
@parracatholic<br />
PAGE 52<br />
03
<strong>Outlook</strong> Looks<br />
Tomáš Halík on searching for God<br />
in a secular age<br />
If you missed seeing the Czech theologian when he was<br />
in Australia in February, you can still catch up on what<br />
he had to say. Halík is known for being a leading voice<br />
against Soviet communism in the 1980s and was<br />
co-responsible for the revival of the Czech <strong>Catholic</strong><br />
Church after the fall of communism. He held a series<br />
of talks in Parramatta and Melbourne on the topic of<br />
searching for God in a secular age.<br />
Turn to pages 14-15 for more from Monsignor Halík’s visit.<br />
(L-R) Monsignor Tomáš Halík, Bishop Vincent Long OFM Conv, Bishop of<br />
Parramatta, and moderator Fr Frank Brennan SJ during a public lecture at<br />
St Patrick’s Cathedral Hall, Parramatta, in February <strong>2024</strong>. Image: Diocese<br />
of Parramatta.<br />
Mass times over Holy Week<br />
Is your <strong>Easter</strong> calendar filling up fast? Are you unsure<br />
what times the Masses are on at your local Parish church<br />
during Holy Week?<br />
Turn to pages 58-61 for a full list of parish Mass and Liturgy<br />
times across the Diocese.<br />
Parish Priest Fr Christopher Shorrock OFM Conv (right) with<br />
parishioners of Our Lady of the Rosary Parish, Kellyville, with the<br />
<strong>2024</strong> Paschal candle. Image: Diocese of Parramatta<br />
Lunar New Year celebrations<br />
On 10 February, members of our faith communities of East<br />
and Southeast Asian heritage rang in the Year of the Dragon in<br />
the celebrations of Lunar New Year. Also known as the Spring<br />
Festival, the New Year celebrations are a time spent with family,<br />
eating lots of food and sharing well-wishes for the coming year.<br />
Go to <strong>Catholic</strong> <strong>Outlook</strong> online – catholicoutlook.org – for<br />
stories about the event.<br />
04<br />
Lion dancers during the Lunar New Year celebrations of the Chinese<br />
<strong>Catholic</strong> Chaplaincy of St Monica's Parish, North Parramatta.<br />
Image: Diocese of Parramatta.
<strong>Outlook</strong> Looks<br />
World Day of the Sick Mass<br />
More than 200 people came together at St Patrick's<br />
Church in Blacktown on 10 February to commemorate<br />
World Day of the Sick, with a special Mass. Bishop<br />
Vincent Long led the service, which included the<br />
traditional Anointing of the Sick. This meaningful<br />
ceremony was preceded by a thought-provoking<br />
discussion led by Deacon Dr Michael Tan, exploring Pope<br />
Francis' message for this year's observance.<br />
Fr Paul Marshall anoints the forehead of a participant during the<br />
Diocesan World Day of the Sick Mass at St Patrick’s Church, Blacktown.<br />
Image: Diocese of Parramatta<br />
Go to <strong>Catholic</strong> <strong>Outlook</strong> online – catholicoutlook.org – for<br />
more about the event.<br />
How seminarians prepare<br />
for priestly life<br />
For seminarians studying at the Holy Spirit Seminary in Harris<br />
Park, learning to become a priest involves much more than being<br />
well versed in the teachings of the Bible. As well as studying<br />
theology, each is also learning to follow Jesus’ exhortation to “go<br />
out into the deep” (Luke 5:4) and experience a world outside the<br />
Diocese – an important part of their formation, in which they are<br />
immersed in other countries, and cultures.<br />
Turn to pages 34-35 for how you can support seminarians<br />
prepare for priestly life.<br />
Seminarians of the Diocese's Holy Spirit Seminary. Image: Diocese of Parramatta<br />
Caritas launches Project<br />
Compassion appeal<br />
Caritas Australia has announced the launch of Project<br />
Compassion <strong>2024</strong>, its annual <strong>Lent</strong>en fundraising and<br />
awareness appeal. For six weeks, schools, parishes,<br />
organisations and individuals are encouraged to<br />
donate, as well as walk, swim, cycle or run as part of<br />
Caritas Ks, host their own events such as raffles or trivia<br />
nights, or give something up for <strong>Lent</strong>. All in the name of<br />
compassion in action.<br />
Project Compassion hero Leaia at her home on the island of Upolu<br />
in Samoa. Image: Laura Womersley/Caritas Australia.<br />
To donate to the appeal, look out for the Project<br />
Compassion donation boxes, visit the Caritas website,<br />
or call 1800 024 413.<br />
05
Together,<br />
we can make a<br />
difference now,<br />
and For All Future<br />
Generations.
<strong>Outlook</strong> Looks<br />
LIFTED Leaders drive change<br />
<strong>Catholic</strong> Youth Parramatta’s LIFTED series, a program<br />
fostering connection and leadership among young<br />
people, officially kicked off on 29 February at West HQ,<br />
in Western Sydney. Bringing together young people from<br />
diverse backgrounds within the Diocese of Parramatta,<br />
this annual event provides a space for them to connect<br />
and drive positive change in their communities.<br />
Young people are seen during the 2023 LIFTED Launch at West HQ, Rooty Hill. Image: Diocese of Parramatta.<br />
Beyond the Synod:<br />
Towards a Diocesan Plan<br />
In 2023, the Diocese of Parramatta<br />
embarked on a historic journey with<br />
our first Diocesan Synod, leading to the<br />
affirmation of 24 resolutions that set<br />
our path forward. We are now entering<br />
an exciting phase: the development of<br />
the Diocesan Plan for a Synodal Church.<br />
The practice of synodality will continue<br />
throughout the process with Think Tank<br />
Sessions with local leaders. The Plan will<br />
officially launch on 10 August <strong>2024</strong>. Join<br />
us in the next phase of our journey, as<br />
we discern a new path forward for our<br />
local Church in Western Sydney and the<br />
Blue Mountains.<br />
Learn more at parracatholic.org/synod<br />
ADVERTISE WITH US<br />
Reach families throughout Western Sydney and the Blue Mountains.<br />
<strong>Catholic</strong> <strong>Outlook</strong> is the official magazine of the Diocese of Parramatta.<br />
Contact Jacob Gormley on<br />
0498 003 738 to place your ad.<br />
07
WHAT'S ON<br />
in the Diocese?<br />
Pope’s Prayer Intentions<br />
19 MARCH<br />
The Solemnity of St Joseph, Spouse of the Blessed<br />
Virgin Mary<br />
24 MARCH<br />
Palm Sunday<br />
25 MARCH<br />
Office of Tenebrae<br />
St Patrick’s Cathedral, Parramatta at 7.30pm<br />
27 MARCH<br />
Diocesan Chrism Mass<br />
St Patrick’s Cathedral, Parramatta, at 7pm<br />
28 MARCH<br />
Holy Thursday<br />
29 MARCH<br />
Good Friday<br />
31 MARCH<br />
<strong>Easter</strong> Sunday<br />
6 APRIL<br />
CYP At the Well Gathering for young women<br />
Bishop Bede Heather Centre, Blacktown at 9.30am<br />
eleanor.bonwick@parracatholic.org<br />
8 APRIL<br />
Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord<br />
STARTING 9 APRIL<br />
Confraternity of Christian Doctrine<br />
Training for new SRE Catechists<br />
St Madeleine Sophie Barat Parish, Kenthurst<br />
ccd.training@parracatholic.org<br />
12 APRIL<br />
<strong>Catholic</strong> Schools Term 1 concludes<br />
16 APRIL<br />
Feast of St Bernadette<br />
STARTING 16 APRIL<br />
MET FaithLIFE Theology Course<br />
Bishop Bede Heather Centre, Blacktown, at 6.30pm<br />
met@parracatholic.org<br />
21 APRIL<br />
World Day of Prayer for Vocations and Good<br />
Shepherd Sunday<br />
28 APRIL<br />
CYP LIFTED Sports Day<br />
eleanor.bonwick@parracatholic.org<br />
29 APRIL<br />
<strong>Catholic</strong> Schools Term 2 commences<br />
2 MAY<br />
CYP Duc in Altum Happy Hour<br />
Networking gathering for those in youth ministry<br />
eleanor.bonwick@parracatholic.org<br />
STARTING 3 MAY<br />
Confraternity of Christian Doctrine<br />
Level 3 Training (Part 1)<br />
A Study of John’s Gospel with Dr Laurie Woods<br />
ccd.training@parracatholic.org<br />
15 MAY<br />
Diocesan Pentecost Scripture Reflection Evening<br />
Bishop Bede Heather Centre, Blacktown, at 6.30pm<br />
met@parracatholic.org<br />
17 AND 19 MAY, 14 AND 16 JUNE<br />
Pre-marriage preparation course<br />
https://parracatholic.org/celebrate/marriage/<br />
marriage-preparation/<br />
STARTING 7 JUNE<br />
Confraternity of Christian Doctrine<br />
Level 3 Training (Part 2)<br />
Journey of Faith with Merilyn Hancock<br />
ccd.training@parracatholic.org<br />
Find an event near you by visiting<br />
parracatholic.org/connect/events<br />
08
Pope’s Prayer Intentions<br />
Each month, Pope Francis asks us to pray as a global community for his<br />
great concerns for humanity and for the mission of the Church.<br />
MARCH <strong>2024</strong> | For the new martyrs<br />
We pray that those who risk their lives for the Gospel in various parts of the world<br />
inflame the Church with their courage and missionary enthusiasm.<br />
APRIL <strong>2024</strong> | For the role of women<br />
We pray that the dignity and immense value of women be recognised in every culture,<br />
and for the end of discrimination that they experience in different parts of the world.<br />
MAY <strong>2024</strong> | For the formation of religious and seminarians<br />
We pray that religious women and men, and seminarians, grow in their own vocations<br />
through their human, pastoral, spiritual and community formation, leading them to be<br />
credible witnesses to the Gospel.<br />
Two women are seen embracing during the 2023<br />
Diocesan World Day of Migrants and Refugees<br />
Celebration. Image: Diocese of Parramatta.<br />
09
10<br />
Image: Diocese of Parramatta
Prayer for the<br />
2025 Jubilee<br />
Father in heaven,<br />
may the faith you have given us<br />
in your son, Jesus Christ, our brother,<br />
and the flame of charity enkindled<br />
in our hearts by the Holy Spirit,<br />
reawaken in us the blessed hope<br />
for the coming of your Kingdom.<br />
May your grace transform us<br />
into tireless cultivators of the seeds of the Gospel.<br />
May those seeds transform from within both humanity<br />
and the whole cosmos in the sure expectation<br />
of a new heaven and a new earth,<br />
when, with the powers of Evil vanquished,<br />
your glory will shine eternally.<br />
May the grace of the Jubilee<br />
reawaken in us, Pilgrims of Hope,<br />
a yearning for the treasures of heaven.<br />
May that same grace spread<br />
the joy and peace of our Redeemer<br />
throughout the earth.<br />
To you our God, eternally blessed,<br />
be glory and praise for ever.<br />
Amen<br />
11
Bishop Vincent’s<br />
<strong>Easter</strong> Message<br />
Dear sisters and brothers,<br />
Once again, we are entering the most sacred,<br />
grace-filled and transformative time in the<br />
Church’s liturgy. The long and sombre Holy Week<br />
ceremonies that culminates in the celebration of<br />
<strong>Easter</strong> is a powerful re-enactment of the suffering,<br />
death and resurrection of Jesus. Everything we<br />
believe and hold dear is grounded in this paschal<br />
mystery.<br />
<strong>Easter</strong> gives us the meaning, strength and power<br />
to transform the world in which we live. <strong>Easter</strong><br />
provides us with the horizons of hope within<br />
which we strive for the full realisation of the reign<br />
of God.<br />
At the heart of the <strong>Easter</strong> message is the<br />
summons to a new future against the background<br />
of entrenched hopelessness. As with Mary and<br />
the disciples, who were emboldened to move<br />
from the shadows of crucifixion into the light of<br />
the resurrection, the Church today must be a<br />
pioneer leading humanity to new dawn of greater<br />
justice, equality and fraternity.<br />
We cannot be an inward-looking institution but a<br />
missionary and prophetic community of disciples.<br />
The God who raised Jesus from the dead leads us<br />
beyond our limited horizons to a new future of<br />
life to the full. This life to the full is not static or a<br />
closed system but ever expanding and evolving.<br />
In fact, the essence of Christian hope is contained<br />
in the abundant life that Jesus brought about<br />
through His death and resurrection. The whole<br />
point of the Risen Christ is our human capacity<br />
to become a new type of person who can do new<br />
things for a new heaven and a new earth.<br />
Hence, we must release ourselves from religious<br />
individualism and confront the general religious<br />
experience, which is cosmic and evolutionary, and<br />
involve ourselves in the divine mandate of the<br />
flourishing of the whole of life. Without bringing<br />
these understandings into a new religious story<br />
that animates our lives and focuses our energies<br />
in a new direction, we will have diminished our<br />
mission.<br />
<strong>Easter</strong> is not merely about our own salvation<br />
and the afterlife bliss. <strong>Easter</strong> is God conquering<br />
the forces of evil and darkness. <strong>Easter</strong> is God<br />
reconciling the estranged creation. We are called<br />
to partner with God in bringing the victory of the<br />
cosmic Christ to fulfilment. <strong>Easter</strong>, therefore,<br />
obliges us to work for both personal and cosmic<br />
transformation.<br />
“Cosmic transformation” means working for<br />
the community of life of which we are a part. It<br />
means working for the whole of creation that God<br />
created, sustains and destines for flourishing.<br />
It means that we become a place where the poor<br />
and the forgotten can be brought into a new<br />
unity; a Church that advocates life at all costs and<br />
promotes peaceful life in a war-torn and violent<br />
world; a Church that models justice in an age of<br />
greed, consumerism and power; a Church centred<br />
on the risen Christ, empowering a consciousness<br />
of the whole.<br />
In the words of Pope Francis, let’s pray in <strong>Easter</strong><br />
<strong>2024</strong> that the risen Jesus of Nazareth:<br />
“May open us to the newness that transforms, to<br />
the beautiful surprises of God. May he help us to<br />
feel his presence as the one who is alive and at<br />
work in our midst. And may he teach us each day,<br />
dear brothers and sisters, not to look among the<br />
dead for the Living One.”<br />
Alleluia! Christ is Risen! <br />
Bishop Vincent Long OFM Conv<br />
Bishop of Parramatta<br />
12
CHRIST<br />
IS RISEN!<br />
The 2023 Palm Sunday celebrations at Corpus Christi<br />
Parish, Cranebrook . Image: Diocese of Parramatta<br />
13
Monsignor Tomáš Halík in conversation with Jesuit priest<br />
Fr Frank Brennan at St Patrick’s Cathedral Hall, Parramatta.<br />
Image: Diocese of Parramatta<br />
‘UNDERGROUND’<br />
PRIEST<br />
visits Down Under<br />
Czech theologian, philosopher and “underground<br />
priest” Tomáš Halík visited Australia in February<br />
as a guest of the Diocese of Parramatta, for a<br />
series of public lectures and talks on the topic<br />
“Help my unbelief: searching for God in a<br />
secular age”.<br />
A renowned public intellectual, Monsignor Halík<br />
converted to <strong>Catholic</strong>ism as an adult and was<br />
secretly ordained a priest in 1978 during the<br />
communist rule of then-Czechoslovakia. He is<br />
known for being a leading voice against Soviet<br />
communism in the 1980s and was co-responsible<br />
for the revival of the Czech <strong>Catholic</strong> Church after<br />
the fall of communism. In the years since, he<br />
established an ‘academic parish’ in Prague and<br />
baptised more than 3000 adults into the faith.<br />
He has lectured widely around the world and<br />
written many books, the most recent of which is<br />
The Afternoon of Christianity: the courage to change.<br />
In 2014, he was awarded the prestigious<br />
Templeton Prize, which is presented to someone<br />
who harnesses “the power of the sciences to<br />
explore the deepest questions of the universe<br />
and humankind’s place and purpose within it”.<br />
Monsignor Halík spoke to hundreds of people<br />
at St Patrick’s Cathedral Hall, Parramatta, on<br />
Monday, 12 February, as part of the Bishop Vincent<br />
Presents series of public lectures, at which he<br />
spoke about the need for dialogue with those on<br />
the margins, the “seekers” and so-called nonbelievers,<br />
and need for the Church to broaden<br />
the concept of Christianity. The conversation was<br />
moderated by leading academic and priest, Fr<br />
Frank Brennan SJ AO.<br />
Go to YouTube to watch<br />
the full conversation<br />
14
Some of Tomáš Halík's<br />
writings to meditate on<br />
in the lead-up to <strong>Easter</strong>:<br />
"We must not run away from the world’s<br />
wounds nor turn our backs on them; we<br />
must see them at least, touch them and<br />
let them involve us. If I remain indifferent to them,<br />
uninvolved, unwounded—how can I declare my faith<br />
and love for God, whom I have not seen? Because at<br />
that moment I really do not see Him! I have no right<br />
to proclaim belief in God unless I take my neighbour’s<br />
pain seriously. A faith that would close its eyes to<br />
people’s suffering is simply an illusion."<br />
"We should seek and find the Galilee of<br />
today, and seek the transformed, living<br />
Christ coming to us in different ways.<br />
The Christian existence is an adventure to discover<br />
Jesus in his anonymity and in new forms amongst the<br />
non-believers, among the foreigners, the other. It is<br />
our task to recognise Him in the wounds of Christ in<br />
our world, otherwise, we have no right to say, like St<br />
Thomas, ‘my Lord and my God’."<br />
"I have visited and meditated in places<br />
of present and past suffering—slums in<br />
South America, Asia, and Africa, sites of<br />
former communist and Nazi concentration camps,<br />
and “Ground Zero” in Manhattan. I learned what<br />
Dostoyevsky says in The Brothers Karamazov: “Bow<br />
down, on all four sides of the world, deeply to the<br />
great human suffering.” <br />
Image: Supplied<br />
15
RCIA candidate Cyrus Haddadi-Zuniga. Image: Diocese of Parramatta.<br />
BY ANTONY LAWES<br />
16
<strong>Easter</strong> is the most significant time in the<br />
<strong>Catholic</strong> calendar, but for those about to join<br />
the faith, it has extra meaning.<br />
Cyrus Haddadi-Zuniga, 26, is about to become<br />
a <strong>Catholic</strong> by completing the Rite of Christian<br />
Initiation for Adults program (RCIA) through his<br />
local parish. This program gives participants a<br />
comprehensive understanding of the <strong>Catholic</strong><br />
faith and culminates in them receiving the<br />
sacrament of Baptism at the <strong>Easter</strong> Vigil.<br />
Cyrus says his parents – his mother is <strong>Catholic</strong><br />
and father was raised in the Muslim faith –<br />
wanted him to explore his own path to faith<br />
without pushing any one belief. “Letting God<br />
guide me, really,” he says. Joining the program has<br />
“fast-tracked my understanding of my faith and<br />
has cemented where I want to lead my life moving<br />
forward”, he says.<br />
He credits his RCIA coordinator Annette Tan, and<br />
Br Bernard Fonkalsrud OFM Conv, both from his<br />
Parish, with making this path to <strong>Catholic</strong>ism so<br />
“enlightening” and “joyful”.<br />
We asked Cyrus to tell us about his road to<br />
becoming a <strong>Catholic</strong> this <strong>Easter</strong>.<br />
What made you decide to become <strong>Catholic</strong>?<br />
How has the RCIA course helped to solidify<br />
your decision?<br />
I have always maintained faith in a higher power<br />
throughout my life and seen things occur through<br />
my belief. My mother has always talked about<br />
how significant God is in our lives, and to always<br />
remember that things happen as He wills it. As I’ve<br />
grown older and certain elements of my life are<br />
becoming more imperative to me, taking the RCIA<br />
route really opened my eyes and connected that<br />
desire I have to navigate my life with a particular<br />
religious compass that I stand by and resonate<br />
with in the truest, loving way that I feel called<br />
towards. I’ve been enjoying the learning process<br />
about the Bible and the overall Church, as well<br />
as getting closer to Jesus and gaining knowledge<br />
about who He is and the lessons He’s taught and<br />
is currently teaching us.<br />
am looking forward to, and it feels right as I know<br />
it’ll only bring me that much closer to God and<br />
strengthen the faith I already have with Jesus.<br />
What parish will you belong to?<br />
I want to be part Our Lady of the Rosary Parish,<br />
Kellyville, as I’ve formed fellowship with some<br />
of the people who belong to that parish. It’s the<br />
very parish that got me started on this amazing<br />
journey of <strong>Catholic</strong>ism, so it only makes sense to<br />
choose that parish.<br />
Have you been attending Mass at the parish<br />
for a while?<br />
I haven’t been attending Mass at this Parish for<br />
too long, roughly over a year or so. Mass within<br />
this Parish is so tranquil, and has a warmth that<br />
invites those who are attending it to be present<br />
and listen to what is being conveyed. Our priests<br />
and friars are such welcoming people, and they<br />
are always open to have a chat to enlighten us<br />
and answer any questions we have.<br />
Is there anything in particular that you are<br />
looking forward to in this special Holy Week?<br />
I personally feel as though being blessed and<br />
having my Baptism take place is the biggest one<br />
I’m looking forward to. Taking that next step<br />
and embracing the <strong>Catholic</strong> faith in all its glory<br />
with such a spiritually connecting ritual is such a<br />
blessing to be a part of, and gives me plenty of joy<br />
and excitement leading up to that period.<br />
What will it mean to be able to finally call<br />
yourself <strong>Catholic</strong>?<br />
I don’t believe it’ll change much other than solidify<br />
what I’ve already known - that God has always<br />
been there. We just needed solitude to really<br />
hear what He is saying. Above all, being able to<br />
call myself <strong>Catholic</strong> will lay a foundation in which<br />
my current family, and the family that is to come,<br />
is grounded and paved so it’ll be easy to find<br />
love and peace that lies within the presence and<br />
acknowledgement of our God almighty. <br />
How are you feeling about your decision now,<br />
with <strong>Easter</strong> Vigil only a few weeks away?<br />
Thinking about it makes me somewhat nervous<br />
of what to expect. But at the same time there’s an<br />
air of peace and joy knowing that I’ll be received<br />
by Jesus through the endowment of the Holy<br />
Spirit. It’s a beautiful experience that I sincerely<br />
17
BY SR MARY LOUISE WALSH ISSM<br />
explained<br />
Here is a list of the liturgical events across the week and what happens at each one.<br />
Check pages 58-61 for your local parish’s Holy Week Mass and Liturgy times.<br />
Palm Sunday<br />
Tenebrae<br />
Chrism Mass<br />
On Palm Sunday, palms are<br />
blessed and our churches are<br />
often decorated with palms.<br />
This commemorates the<br />
entrance of Jesus into Jerusalem<br />
when palms were laid down by<br />
the people as He entered the<br />
town, before His arrest on Holy<br />
Thursday.<br />
Tenebrae is a reflection liturgy<br />
with scripture, Psalm chanting<br />
and motets. During the<br />
liturgy, there is a progressive<br />
extinguishing of candles and<br />
darkening of the church. For<br />
a brief time towards the end<br />
of the service, the church is in<br />
darkness, only to be startled<br />
by a loud noise symbolising<br />
the earthquake at the death<br />
of Jesus. Afterwards, the single<br />
candle representing Christ is<br />
returned to the church and<br />
restored to its place. All are<br />
welcome to attend on Monday<br />
25 March at St Patrick's<br />
Cathedral at 7.30pm.<br />
All the priests of the Diocese<br />
gather to celebrate this<br />
Mass, where they renew<br />
their priestly vows. During<br />
the Mass, the oils used for<br />
sacramental rituals throughout<br />
the Diocese are blessed and<br />
consecrated. These oils are then<br />
individually presented to parish<br />
representatives at the end of<br />
the Mass. All are welcome to<br />
attend the Chrism Mass on<br />
Wednesday 27 March at St<br />
Patrick’s Cathedral, Parramatta,<br />
from 7.30pm.<br />
Holy Thursday<br />
The Holy Thursday Mass, which we also refer to as the Mass of<br />
the Lord’s Supper, focuses on the institution of the Eucharist.<br />
Following the homily, the priest may wash the feet of twelve people<br />
to symbolise how Christ led through service. Following the Mass,<br />
the Blessed Sacrament will usually be taken from the tabernacle to<br />
another place for adoration and then reservation.<br />
18
Images: Diocese of Parramatta<br />
GOOD FRIDAY <strong>Easter</strong> Vigil <strong>Easter</strong> Sunday<br />
On the morning of Good<br />
Friday, we pray the 14 Stations<br />
of the Cross, spiritually<br />
accompanying Jesus on his<br />
journey to Golgotha. At 3pm on<br />
Good Friday, the Celebration<br />
of the Passion of Christ takes<br />
place. Following this liturgy,<br />
the crosses around the church<br />
that were covered are now<br />
uncovered.<br />
If you are interested in joining the<br />
Annual Good Friday Night Walk, an<br />
overnight pilgrimage from Blacktown<br />
to Parramatta with young people of the<br />
Diocese, you need to register in advance<br />
at parracatholic.org/events/cyp-goodfriday-night-walk/<br />
The <strong>Easter</strong> Vigil takes place<br />
after sunset on Holy Saturday,<br />
and usually begins outside the<br />
church around a small fire. Here<br />
the Paschal candle is lit, and<br />
everyone processes following<br />
the candle into the dark church.<br />
Baptismal candles for the next<br />
12 months are lit from the flame<br />
of the Paschal candle. It is at the<br />
<strong>Easter</strong> Vigil that catechumens<br />
joining the <strong>Catholic</strong> faith are<br />
baptised and welcomed into the<br />
community.<br />
On <strong>Easter</strong> Sunday, we celebrate<br />
Christ’s resurrection from<br />
the dead and the new life He<br />
gives us. The next 50 days<br />
through to Pentecost Sunday<br />
are celebrated in joy as ‘one<br />
great Sunday’ and are known as<br />
<strong>Easter</strong> Time, or <strong>Easter</strong> Tide.<br />
Sr Mary Louise Walsh ISSM is the Liturgy Educator | Worship in the Mission Enhancement Team of the<br />
Diocese of Parramatta.<br />
19
FINDING STRENGTH<br />
when we fall<br />
BY JOHNATHAN SOOSAIPILLAI<br />
As we journey through <strong>Lent</strong>, reflecting on<br />
Christ’s journey to the Cross, we asked<br />
Johnathan, a youth leader from St John XXIII<br />
Parish, Glenwood-Stanhope Gardens, to reflect<br />
on the Station of the Cross that resonates<br />
most with him.<br />
The Ninth Station – Jesus falls for the third<br />
time.<br />
Jesus’ journey to Golgotha was a tiresome and<br />
gruesome one. Having been brutally whipped<br />
before having the weight of the Cross placed<br />
upon Him, Jesus would have been in a state of<br />
agony beyond our comprehension. The Ninth<br />
Station of the Cross encompasses this, having<br />
fallen for the third time, I am reminded of the<br />
weight of the burden that Jesus bore for us.<br />
In trying to comprehend the trials that Jesus<br />
suffered, I remind myself of the importance of<br />
Jesus’ humanity in taking up the Cross. He willingly<br />
accepted the plan of His Father, giving up His<br />
divinity to walk amongst us. Jesus encompassed<br />
perfection in the human form, with His body, soul<br />
and mind aligned with God’s will for His life. He<br />
endured what no human had and will again.<br />
Within my life, I will never have to face a pain or<br />
task as grave as Jesus’ sacrifice for us. Yet, we all<br />
face our own struggles and hardships, and it’s<br />
within these moments that I like to remember the<br />
example that Jesus set for me. In falling for the<br />
third time, most of us would consider giving up<br />
and remaining on the ground. However, Jesus got<br />
back up, He persevered and continued along the<br />
hardest path of all because He knew He had to<br />
fulfil God’s will for His life.<br />
20
A depiction of the ninth station of the Stations of the Cross at the Sanctuary of Lourdes, France. Image: Mary Brazell/Diocese of Parramatta.<br />
A Bible verse that I like to remind myself of<br />
when I am struggling is John 13:7, in which Jesus says,<br />
“you do not realise now what I am doing, but later you<br />
will understand."<br />
There have been periods in my recent life where I<br />
have struggled to comprehend my purpose in life.<br />
I have struggled to hear what God is calling me<br />
to achieve with the life He has gifted me. I have<br />
fallen much more than three times on the path<br />
to fulfilling God’s will for me, and there have been<br />
times where I would have preferred to stay down.<br />
However, it was in those times that I turned to<br />
God and was reminded to face my struggles with<br />
a steadfast faith, knowing that God would not give<br />
me more than I could handle.<br />
In falling, but most importantly, getting back up<br />
for the third time, Jesus embodied what you and I<br />
must do within our own lives. Jesus reminds us to<br />
find strength and grace in God, trusting His plan<br />
for us in the midst of our own trials.<br />
We all have our own hills to climb, and the path<br />
may not always be easy, but like Jesus, we should<br />
be reminded to be resilient and place our trust<br />
in the Lord, as it is through Him that we will find<br />
salvation. <br />
A Bible verse that I like to remind myself of when<br />
I am struggling is John 13:7, in which Jesus says,<br />
“you do not realise now what I am doing, but<br />
later you will understand.” This verse reminds<br />
me to continue to be patient in my circumstance,<br />
diligent to His word and to keep God at the<br />
centre, regardless of what lies before me.<br />
21
HOW WE CELEBRATE EASTER IN...<br />
The Syro-Malabar Community<br />
BY FR MATHEW AREEPLACKAL<br />
The Syro-Malabar Church is one of the 23<br />
autonomous Oriental/<strong>Easter</strong>n <strong>Catholic</strong> Churches<br />
based in Kerala, India and in full communion<br />
with the Apostolic See of Rome. It is the second<br />
largest Oriental <strong>Catholic</strong> Church and is known<br />
for its deep-rooted spirituality, and traces its<br />
origins to St Thomas the Apostle, who arrived in<br />
Kodungallur, Kerala, India, in 52AD.<br />
Preparing for <strong>Easter</strong> starts with “the Great <strong>Lent</strong>”,<br />
or Valiaya Nomb, a 50-day period. It begins on<br />
Sunday at midnight, and the service of Ash on a<br />
Monday. Ash Monday and Good Friday are the<br />
days of obligatory fasting and abstinence.<br />
Food plays a vital role in the Syro-Malabar<br />
community, serving as a tool for passing down<br />
faith and traditions. On the 41st day of <strong>Lent</strong>,<br />
families prepare "Kozhukotta," a sweet rice<br />
dumpling symbolising the fragrant nard used to<br />
anoint Jesus before his passion. Maundy Thursday<br />
night sees the preparation of the "Passover Meal,"<br />
unleavened bread and a special drink, echoing<br />
the Israelites' escape from Egypt and Jesus'<br />
Last Supper with his disciples. These culinary<br />
traditions weave a tangible connection between<br />
past and present, faith and community.<br />
For the Syro-Malabar faithful, <strong>Easter</strong> is not just<br />
a single day of celebration. Palm Sunday marks<br />
the beginning of a week dedicated to liturgical<br />
observance. Families abstain from meat,<br />
participate in church services, and engage in<br />
spiritual reflection. The tender coconut leaves<br />
received on Palm Sunday are a symbol of victory,<br />
while Good Friday is marked by prayer, fasting,<br />
and Stations of the Cross, allowing them to share<br />
in Christ's suffering.<br />
A deeply moving custom practiced for centuries is<br />
the singing of "Puthen Paana," a ritual mourning<br />
song. Sung after the Passover meal and Good<br />
Friday services, it expresses the sorrow and<br />
anguish of Mother Mary through the eyes of<br />
the community, adding a profound emotional<br />
dimension to the commemoration.<br />
The culmination of this spiritual journey arrives<br />
with the <strong>Easter</strong> Vigil. The candle procession,<br />
symbolic knocking open of the church door,<br />
and joyous shouts of "Hallelujah" announce the<br />
resurrection. The exchange of greetings, "The<br />
Messiah is risen!" and "Indeed the Messiah is<br />
risen!" fills the air with a tangible sense of triumph<br />
and hope.<br />
The Syro-Malabar <strong>Easter</strong> traditions are more than<br />
just cultural practices; they are a living testament<br />
to faith and a powerful way of connecting with<br />
the past. By immersing ourselves in the customs,<br />
we gain a deeper understanding of the universal<br />
message of <strong>Easter</strong>: a message of hope, renewal,<br />
and the enduring power of faith.<br />
The Syro-Malabar community in the Diocese of<br />
Parramatta has grown with waves of migration,<br />
bringing rich traditions and vibrant faith to our<br />
new home. Established in 2009, the St Alphonsa<br />
Mission has become a thriving hub for the<br />
community, offering regular Masses, catechism<br />
classes, and community gatherings.<br />
Our unique <strong>Easter</strong> traditions serve as a reminder<br />
of the universality of our faith and the power of<br />
sharing cultural expressions within the broader<br />
Church community. <br />
Fr Mathew Areeplackal is the Chaplain to the<br />
Syro-Malabar Community in the Diocese of Parramatta.<br />
22
Good Shepherd Appeal<br />
Members of the Syro-Malabar community. Images: Supplied<br />
Support our seminarians to<br />
“go out into the deep.”<br />
Good Shepherd Appeal<br />
Support our seminarians to<br />
“go out into the deep.”<br />
Help them cast their nets wide<br />
to nurture faith and hope.<br />
Your <strong>Lent</strong>en gift will support our future<br />
priests to meet the spiritual and pastoral<br />
needs of our community.<br />
Help them cast their nets wide<br />
to nurture faith and hope.<br />
Your <strong>Lent</strong>en gift will support our future<br />
priests to meet the spiritual and pastoral<br />
needs of our community.<br />
Make your<br />
Donation<br />
Make your<br />
Donation<br />
yourcatholicfoundation.org.au/appeal-shepherd<br />
yourcatholicfoundation.org.au/appeal-shepherd
HOW WE CELEBRATE EASTER IN...<br />
The Nigerian <strong>Catholic</strong><br />
Community<br />
BY DR CHUKA OHAM AND STELLA NWOSU<br />
<strong>Easter</strong> Vigil opens the <strong>Easter</strong> celebration for us, and for most <strong>Catholic</strong>s. It begins with the service<br />
of light, the Exsultet, the numerous readings from old and new testaments, the great Alleluia, the<br />
Gloria with the ringing of the church bells again, the liturgy of the Eucharist, and the exclamations<br />
and exchanges of Paschal greetings, and gifts. All these are ways the Church announces that the<br />
tomb of Jesus is now empty, and that a new chapter has begun in the life of the Church.<br />
Nigerian <strong>Catholic</strong> communities at home and abroad rejoice at the celebration of <strong>Easter</strong> because<br />
they believe that Christ’s victory over sin, death, and the powers of darkness, has given us new<br />
life and destroyed our old self.<br />
Our <strong>Easter</strong> traditions<br />
Members of the Nigerian <strong>Catholic</strong> Community.<br />
Images: Supplied<br />
24
Days before <strong>Easter</strong> we go to the local markets to<br />
purchase food for the celebration. We buy new<br />
clothes for our children to be worn on <strong>Easter</strong> Day.<br />
Adults are also adorned in their best outfits for<br />
the <strong>Easter</strong> celebration.<br />
The celebration on <strong>Easter</strong> Day traditionally begins<br />
with attending Mass. You’ll normally see families<br />
together going to church and sitting together<br />
in church, after which pleasantries and <strong>Easter</strong><br />
wishes are exchanged.<br />
During this period, we would normally visit<br />
extended families to celebrate the Risen Lord<br />
with them. In celebrating <strong>Easter</strong> with family<br />
and friends, we also would engage in multiple<br />
activities including a display of masquerades and<br />
feasting.<br />
<strong>Easter</strong> season is also a wonderful opportunity<br />
for our people to gather and raise funds for<br />
certain community projects. It is also a good time<br />
for family meetings to solve problems, and to<br />
commemorate recent funerals.<br />
cassava, with melon soup, vegetable soup, and okra<br />
soup; pepper soup with goat meat or chicken meat;<br />
jollof rice with assorted meat; and plantain porridge<br />
with dry fish.<br />
The most important part of <strong>Easter</strong><br />
Good Friday, an essential part of <strong>Easter</strong>, is a<br />
day of sober reflection and thanksgiving for the<br />
community as we join the global <strong>Catholic</strong> family in<br />
commemorating the passion, crucifixion, and death<br />
of our Lord Jesus Christ. We appreciate that on this<br />
sorrowful yet joyful day, we are reconciled to the<br />
love of God the Almighty Father.<br />
The Exsultet is another important part of <strong>Easter</strong><br />
when the light in the Church is extinguished and the<br />
<strong>Easter</strong> proclamation, which announces the victory<br />
of the Risen Lord, is sung. The people hold their lit<br />
candles, singing and dancing, especially when the<br />
traditional Igbo-Abu-Oma-Exsultet is used. <br />
Dr Chuka Oham is the Chairman of the Chaplaincy<br />
Council and Stella Nwosu is the Liturgy Coordinator of the<br />
Diocese's Nigerian <strong>Catholic</strong> Community.<br />
Why these traditions are special<br />
These traditions remind us that we are one<br />
people of the community and it's a time that<br />
brings everyone home to commune as a people.<br />
Families come together to profess their faith in<br />
the one God, and Risen Lord Jesus Christ. Families<br />
also through their celebrations acknowledge<br />
the redemption/salvation of humankind. Family<br />
reunions also give the opportunity to reconnect<br />
spiritually and socially. Such reunions strengthen<br />
family bonds, and it is often a way to mend<br />
broken relationships and restore peace.<br />
Our <strong>Easter</strong> delicacies<br />
Some of our special <strong>Easter</strong> food includes rice and<br />
stew, with assorted meats including beef, chicken,<br />
turkey and fish. There is also pounded yam or<br />
How we say :<br />
Happy <strong>Easter</strong>!<br />
We would normally hug each other<br />
and recount "ha-a-appy-y-y Eastee-er".<br />
In our ‘WaZoBia’ languages<br />
of Nigeria we may say: “Baraka<br />
da <strong>Easter</strong>” in Hausa, or “Eku odun<br />
Ajinde” in Yoruba, and “Anuri Mbilite<br />
na-onwu Christi” in Igbo.<br />
25
Twins highlight the importance<br />
of school choice<br />
Ameila and Isabella are excited to start their learning at St Margaret Mary’s<br />
Primary, Merrylands. Image: CSPD/Supplied<br />
BY CATHOLIC SCHOOLS<br />
PARRAMATTA DIOCESE<br />
"We have had two<br />
and three sets of<br />
twins, but five is<br />
extraordinary."<br />
It’s a time of new beginnings, from our littlest<br />
learners starting Kindergarten to those embarking<br />
on their high school journey, and all their parents.<br />
New classrooms, new routines, new friends, new<br />
shoes!<br />
At Good Shepherd Primary Plumpton, there was<br />
triple the excitement as they welcomed three sets<br />
of twins to their Kindy cohort. Zyron and Zekias,<br />
Barkon and Yohanan along with Jasveen and<br />
Kudrut instantly connected with their fellow twin<br />
friends on the first day of school.<br />
Sending one child off to school is a big moment<br />
for any parent, let alone two! For the parents<br />
of the twins at Good Shepherd, their choice of<br />
school was a decision rooted in trust and a shared<br />
commitment to values-based education.<br />
"Good Shepherd offers good values, respect,<br />
welcoming... all the sort of things I already teach<br />
at home but to have that reinforced at school is<br />
wonderful," said Zekias and Zyron’s mum Natalie.<br />
26
"While there's been some tears through these<br />
first few weeks, one of the big wins is picking<br />
them up every afternoon and they've always got<br />
huge smiles on their faces.”<br />
For Barkon and Yohanan’s dad, Mesfin, the focus<br />
is on the learning.<br />
"Education is very important, and I think sending<br />
the twins to Good Shepherd is worth it,” said<br />
Mesfin. “They have very good teachers and also<br />
learn lessons about the Bible."<br />
Caroline Chisholm College, Glenmore Park welcomed five sets of twins<br />
this year. Image: CSPD/Supplied<br />
"As soon as they wake up in the morning, they<br />
want to go straight to school," he said. "They love<br />
their uniforms, they're making friends, and they<br />
love each other so they're very happy at Good<br />
Shepherd."<br />
If three sets of twins is unique, five sets is<br />
incredibly rare as was the case for Caroline<br />
Chisholm College Glenmore Park this year!<br />
Principal Tania Cairns welcomed each pair of<br />
sisters into the Year 7 cohort excited about the<br />
opportunities their secondary schooling will bring<br />
to them individually and together.<br />
For new Principal Grace Carlo-Stella, ensuring<br />
all students and their parents feel confident and<br />
supported by the school is a top priority.<br />
“I always look after kids at school as if they’re my<br />
own,” said Grace, who is a mum herself. “Trust that<br />
teachers and staff know what we’re doing, that we<br />
have the best interest of the kids at heart.” <br />
“We have had two and three sets of twins but<br />
five is extraordinary,” said Tania. “It’s very, very<br />
special, especially in an all-girls school. Last year<br />
we had identical twin captains, and they were<br />
great role models, so I’m excited about what the<br />
future holds for these girls.”<br />
At St Margaret Mary’s Primary Merrylands, it’s a<br />
busy time for mum Marina Raad. Not only are her<br />
twins Amelia and Isabella starting Kindy, they also<br />
have a new three-week-old baby brother.<br />
“It's a new chapter for the girls and for us as a<br />
family as well,” said Marina.<br />
Good Shepherd Primary Plumpton excitedly welcomed its new cohort<br />
of Kindergarten kids for <strong>2024</strong>, including three sets of twins.<br />
Image: CSPD/Supplied
Red<br />
Mass<br />
highlights<br />
importance<br />
of justice<br />
The annual Red Mass traditionally marks the<br />
beginning of the legal year, and judges, barristers,<br />
politicians, and clergy, many in wigs and colourful<br />
robes, filled Parramatta's St Patrick's Cathedral on<br />
5 February for this year's event.<br />
This centuries-old tradition, dating back to 1245 in<br />
Paris, was first celebrated in Sydney in 1931 and<br />
found a unique home in Parramatta in 2019 as<br />
the only non-metropolitan diocese in Australia to<br />
celebrate the Mass.<br />
At this year’s Red Mass Bishop Vincent Long OFM<br />
Conv, Bishop of Parramatta, emphasised the<br />
importance of upholding justice and the rule of<br />
law in challenging times, urging Christian wisdom<br />
and integrity.<br />
President of the Parramatta and District Law<br />
Society Rebecca Hegarty, and Susan Carter MLC,<br />
stressed the Red Mass's unifying role despite<br />
diverse political views. Dr Hugh McDermott,<br />
Parliamentary Secretary to the NSW Attorney<br />
General, highlighted that the gathering “brings<br />
together those who believe in social justice”.<br />
The event served as a call to action for legal<br />
professionals to work towards a better future,<br />
while reminding everyone of their shared pursuit<br />
of justice. <br />
BY JACOB GORMLEY<br />
Images: Diocese of Parramatta.<br />
28
Celebrating<br />
St Josephine<br />
Bakhita’s legacy<br />
On Sunday 11 February, Bishop Vincent Long OFM<br />
Conv, Bishop of Parramatta, celebrated Mass for<br />
the Sudanese community and their supporters<br />
at St Patrick’s Church, Mary, Queen of the Family<br />
Parish, Blacktown, in honour of St Josephine<br />
Bakhita, the patron saint of victims of modern<br />
slavery and human trafficking whose feast day is<br />
on 8 February.<br />
Children animated the Mass with dances during<br />
the procession, offertory, and recessional hymn,<br />
along with a choir joyfully adding to worship<br />
through song.<br />
During his homily, Bishop Vincent said that St<br />
Josephine Bakhita “is proof that God can use the<br />
most unlikely people to do extraordinary things”.<br />
“Her legacy that transformation is possible<br />
through suffering is written into the history of the<br />
nation and the resilience of the people of South<br />
Sudan,” he added.<br />
Akok Deng Aleu, the Chairperson of the Sudanese<br />
Australian <strong>Catholic</strong> Community, said it is through<br />
St Bakhita that Sudan is still united, and it is this<br />
unity that makes the community grow together<br />
with others.<br />
After the Diocesan Memorial Mass, the<br />
community offered a tasting session of traditional<br />
food as part of welcoming all and celebrating St<br />
Josephine Bakhita. <br />
Well<br />
Well<br />
rounded,<br />
grounded<br />
in in mission.<br />
Images: Diocese of Parramatta.<br />
acu.edu.au/mission<br />
acu.edu.au/mission
Strengthening bonds<br />
between school<br />
and parish<br />
BY CATHOLIC SCHOOLS PARRAMATTA<br />
DIOCESE MISSION TEAM<br />
Holy Spirit Primary School<br />
St Clair has a close connection<br />
with the Parish Priests of Holy<br />
Spirit Parish, St Clair-Erskine<br />
Park, which spans many years<br />
and highlights the personal<br />
and professional rewards of<br />
partnerships between the<br />
school and Parish.<br />
Fr Jepser Bermudez OSA and<br />
Fr Dave Austin OSA were<br />
appointed as Parish Priests<br />
at Holy Spirit at the beginning<br />
of 2023. Both priests had a<br />
previous connection with the<br />
community, with Fr Jepser<br />
serving as a deacon and Fr Dave<br />
previously serving as the Parish<br />
Priest. This year, they have been<br />
joined by Fr Joseph Aresseril<br />
Jacob, who goes by Fr Saju.<br />
Principal of Holy Spirit Primary<br />
Frances Garzaniti described the<br />
relationship between school<br />
and Parish as a strong one,<br />
enhanced by opportunities to<br />
collaborate in a meaningful way.<br />
“Holy Spirit has been blessed<br />
to have had a wonderful<br />
relationship with the Parish<br />
Priests for many years. In recent<br />
times, the school has made a<br />
concerted effort to build on<br />
that relationship as it strives<br />
to strengthen our community<br />
spirit,” she said.<br />
One such example is welcoming<br />
Fr Jepser to the community.<br />
With Holy Spirit being his first<br />
parish, the school community<br />
made sure to spend time<br />
getting to know him.<br />
Fr Jepser Bermudez OSA with students at Holy Spirit Primary School,<br />
St Clair. Image: CSPD/Supplied<br />
30
When the Augustinians<br />
assumed leadership of the<br />
Parish in 1995, they built on<br />
the strong foundations of their<br />
predecessors and fostered a<br />
close, collaborative relationship<br />
with the schools.<br />
(L-R) Fr Dave Austin OSA, Fr Jepser Bermudez OSA and Fr Saju OSA from Holy Spirit Parish,<br />
St Clair-Erskine Park. Image: CSPD/Supplied<br />
Each grade was assigned to investigate a different<br />
area of his life and invited to share what they had<br />
learned with a special presentation and ‘Welcome<br />
Wall’.<br />
The Parish Priests of Holy Spirit have also played<br />
an integral role in staff formation, which is<br />
focused on the theme Sacrificial Love. As part of<br />
this, Fr Jepser and Fr Dave recently shared their<br />
insight into the Augustinian order with school<br />
staff and explored how it connected to the<br />
idea of using their gifts to serve. This included<br />
participating and planning a variety of activities<br />
throughout the staff formation day in partnership<br />
with members of the CSPD Mission Team.<br />
When asked about the significance of the<br />
connection between the school and the parish, Fr<br />
Dave and Fr Jepser said that the close relationship<br />
goes back many years, in fact to the Parish’s<br />
pioneering days when it was established in 1985,<br />
and the cooperation with the founding pastor and<br />
his successors, the Sisters of Mercy, and the local<br />
community.<br />
As a religious congregation,<br />
the Augustinians brought<br />
their charism of community<br />
life and a variety of ministry<br />
experiences to the Parish. Many<br />
had a background in teaching<br />
and school leadership and felt<br />
‘at home’ in the school setting.<br />
This educational experience<br />
was enhanced by collaborative<br />
opportunities to work with the<br />
school in their commitment<br />
to providing quality <strong>Catholic</strong><br />
Education for their community.<br />
Both priests agree that at Holy Spirit Primary,<br />
there is a strong personal and professional<br />
relationship where school and parish work<br />
together to provide positive experiences of liturgy<br />
for the students and families, support for staff<br />
and in-service opportunities. The priests are<br />
always welcome at school assemblies and in the<br />
staff room.<br />
While they acknowledge that there is more scope<br />
to engage with the broad spectrum of families<br />
in schools, they say valuable opportunities to<br />
encounter parents in a variety of settings - such<br />
as parish and school liturgies, assemblies,<br />
graduation ceremonies, sacramental programs,<br />
and other pastoral contacts - are important in<br />
strengthening the partnership and collaboration<br />
of the Holy Spirit school and parish community. <br />
Holy Spirit Primary opened in 1986, followed by<br />
Emmaus <strong>Catholic</strong> College, Kemps Creek (1988),<br />
and Trinity Primary School Kemps Creek (1993),<br />
each led by the Sisters of Mercy.<br />
Sections of a ‘Welcome Wall’ designed and researched by Holy Spirit<br />
students to welcome Fr Jepser Bermudez OSA. Image: CSPD/Supplied<br />
31
BY PROFESSOR JOANNA HOWE<br />
In November 2023, the first National <strong>Catholic</strong><br />
Medical Association Conference was held in<br />
the Diocese at St Joseph’s Conference Centre<br />
in Baulkham Hills and brought together<br />
medical professionals and religious from<br />
across Australia to explore issues of life<br />
and truth emerging in modern healthcare.<br />
Professor Joanna Howe delivered the keynote<br />
speech on “The pro-life cause now and into the<br />
future”. Here is an excerpt.<br />
For the first time in Australia’s history, we now<br />
have wall-to-wall abortion up to birth and on<br />
demand, which makes Australia’s abortion laws<br />
the most extreme in the world.<br />
In 2021, South Australia and the Northern<br />
Territory became the last two jurisdictions to<br />
adopt abortion up to birth, a legislative trend<br />
which began in Victoria in 2008.<br />
The abortion industry argues that late-term<br />
abortion is rare and only happens because a baby<br />
is going to die anyway. However, the evidence<br />
does not support these two propositions. For<br />
example, in Victoria between 2009 and 2020 there<br />
have been 4186 babies who have lost their life<br />
to late-term abortion. These gestationally viable<br />
babies are unique, unrepeatable human beings<br />
whose lives are arbitrarily and violently ended<br />
through late-term abortion.<br />
Proponents also maintain that late-term abortion<br />
only accounts for 1-2% of abortions. But for me,<br />
this doesn’t speak to the scarcity of late-term<br />
abortion but the frequency of abortion overall in<br />
Australia today.<br />
There are now over 80,000 abortions every year in<br />
Australia. Over a 10-year period, this is close to a<br />
million lives lost to abortion.<br />
It is also a myth that late-term abortion only<br />
happens when a baby is going to die anyway.<br />
In Victoria between 2009 and 2020 there were<br />
1891 gestationally viable babies who had their<br />
lives ended through late-term abortion who had<br />
nothing wrong with them. In these cases both<br />
the mother and baby were physically healthy,<br />
and the abortion was recorded as being for a<br />
‘psychosocial reason’.<br />
A ‘psychosocial reason’ is an extremely broad<br />
category that encompasses everything from<br />
mental health to housing and work stress,<br />
social disruption, bereavement and relationship<br />
difficulties.<br />
In fact, it is difficult to think of a reason for<br />
abortion which does not, in some way, come<br />
under the broad umbrella of ‘psychosocial<br />
reason’.<br />
In the first six months of abortion up to birth in<br />
South Australia between July and December 2022,<br />
there were eight gestationally viable and healthy<br />
babies killed through a late-term abortion in a<br />
non-emergency situation. These were elective<br />
abortions that should never have been allowed.<br />
These eight babies could have been induced alive<br />
and given medical care.<br />
32
Image: Unsplash<br />
Given that an abortion after 22 weeks and six<br />
days requires a mother to deliver her stillborn<br />
child vaginally, there is a clear opportunity here<br />
to require that child to be induced alive rather<br />
than dead. Such an approach respects the human<br />
rights of both mother and child.<br />
The other thing abortion proponents love to say<br />
is that abortion up to birth is a misleading term<br />
and never happens in practice. But again the data<br />
exposes the opposite. For example, in Victoria<br />
in 2011 a healthy baby who was in the womb of<br />
a physically healthy mother had her life ended<br />
through abortion at 37 weeks.<br />
but to inspire a new generation to rise up and fight<br />
for the human rights and safety of our children.<br />
Ultimately the tide will only turn against abortion up<br />
to birth in Australia when we change people’s hearts<br />
and minds, and we elect politicians who stand up for<br />
the human rights of babies in the womb. <br />
Dr Joanna Howe is a Professor of Law and former Rhodes<br />
Scholar. She is an expert in and has consulted widely on<br />
migration and workplace law to the Australian government<br />
and private industry and has authored three books. Follow<br />
her on Facebook and Instagram @drjoannahowe, and to<br />
receive her weekly newsletter, sign up at<br />
www.drjoannahowe.com/join<br />
37 weeks is full term. Over a quarter of babies are<br />
born between 37 and 38 weeks. My own son was<br />
born at 37 weeks' gestation. This is not an issue<br />
on which we can afford to stay silent.<br />
For me, abortion is the human rights challenge<br />
facing our generation. There is no other human<br />
rights abuse in our world today which involves the<br />
violent and arbitrary destruction of human life on<br />
this scale.<br />
It was in 2021 when my home state of South<br />
Australia introduced abortion up to birth that I<br />
felt a stirring to speak up. Although I was afraid of<br />
the implications for my career, my mortgage and<br />
the safety of my family, I knew I could no longer<br />
be silent. Since then, I have launched social media<br />
accounts and a website to educate Australians<br />
and advocate for abortion law reform. My goal is<br />
not to bulldoze people on the issue of abortion
Seminarians of the Holy Spirit Seminary, Harris Park, (back row L-R) Luke Huynh, Jose Valentine Lim, Jeffrey Hood and Macky Amores;<br />
and (front row L-R) Jason Irawan, Paul Tran and Menard Gaspi. Image: Diocese of Parramatta<br />
PREPARING SEMINARIANS TO<br />
AND NURTURE FAITH<br />
BY ANTONY LAWES<br />
BY ANTONY LAWES<br />
For Menard Gaspi and Macky Amores, who are<br />
both studying at the Holy Spirit Seminary in Harris<br />
Park, learning to become a <strong>Catholic</strong> priest involves<br />
so much more than being well versed in the<br />
teachings of the Bible.<br />
As well as studying theology, each is also learning<br />
to follow Jesus’ exhortation to “go out into<br />
the deep” (Luke 5:4) and experience a world<br />
outside the Diocese – an important part of their<br />
formation, in which they are immersed in other<br />
countries, and cultures.<br />
This is helping prepare our seminarians for<br />
priestly life where ministering to a congregation<br />
means being aware of each parishioner’s<br />
individual faith journey and knowing how best to<br />
meet their needs so they can continue to grow in<br />
their relationship with God.<br />
For Menard, this was brought into focus during<br />
a two-month immersion in Central Australia in<br />
2023. Organised by the Holy Spirit Seminary and<br />
The Divine Word Missionaries in Alice Springs,<br />
the trip exposed Menard to Australia’s outback<br />
geography, culture, hospital ministry, and pastoral<br />
care for the many Indigenous communitiesin the<br />
region.<br />
34
Menard said the experience was “so much more<br />
than I’d expected or hoped for”.<br />
“I believe the best preparation for<br />
anything in life is to go in with an open<br />
mind and an open heart.”<br />
Menard Gaspi<br />
“Be willing to get involved, listen to the people and<br />
respect their space and their stories.”<br />
He said this trip broadened his horizons and<br />
showed him how his own preconceptions and<br />
biases could affect the way that he did ministry.<br />
“Going to the Northern Territory, getting involved<br />
with the people, and actually getting to know<br />
them and their background, their art, and their<br />
culture, helped me to get in touch with each<br />
person.<br />
“People will always have different ways of growing<br />
and different needs, and a priest should be open<br />
to that.<br />
“I believe that the more you know your flock, the<br />
better you can help them cultivate their faith and<br />
create a Christian life that can flourish.”<br />
Menard and Macky were also fortunate to attend<br />
World Youth Day in Lisbon in 2023, where they<br />
got to meet young people from all over the world.<br />
Menard said this coming together of so many<br />
peoples of faith from so many different countries<br />
had a profound effect on him.<br />
“As a young person with faith you can sometimes<br />
feel alone or in a minority. But going to World<br />
Youth Day was very encouraging to witness<br />
millions of people from all over the world sharing<br />
the same faith.”<br />
He said it reminded him of the diversity of<br />
cultures in Australia, and how a priest needed to<br />
recognise this diversity, but that “bringing<br />
Diocese of Parramatta seminarians Menard Gaspi (right), and Macky Amores<br />
during the World Youth Day pilgrimage in 2023. Image: Diocese of Parramatta.<br />
everyone together under the umbrella of our faith<br />
and humanity goes beyond culture”.<br />
Macky’s experience of World Youth Day was<br />
similarly energising for his faith.<br />
He found that everyone there was eager to be<br />
involved in the experience. And during the many<br />
long walks, he found himself talking to others.<br />
“We had a common goal to be with Christ and<br />
experience His presence in the company of one<br />
another.<br />
“As someone with a shy personality, I found<br />
myself talking to strangers and having positive<br />
experiences. Now I’m more comfortable<br />
approaching people in my Parish placement at St<br />
Mary of the Cross MacKillop Parish, Upper Blue<br />
Mountains.<br />
“This newfound confidence is a great change for<br />
me and has given me the ability to take the first<br />
step in approaching others." <br />
Support our seminarians<br />
to “go out into the deep”<br />
To make your donation please call (02) 8838 3482, or visit:<br />
yourcatholicfoundation.org.au/appeal-shepherd<br />
35
BY ANTONY LAWES<br />
CAUTION: This story contains references to suicide and<br />
grief.<br />
As we prepare ourselves for Holy Week, there are some in our<br />
community who understand better than most the suffering that<br />
Jesus endured, but also how out of darkness and tragedy can<br />
come some form of personal resurrection.<br />
Tony and Barbara* are one such couple.<br />
Members of the Diocese for more than 40 years, their youngest<br />
son died by suicide 15 years ago. Since then they have been<br />
on a long spiritual journey back from the deep despair and<br />
abandonment they felt at the time of his death, to a point now<br />
where they feel more than ever supported by, and involved in,<br />
their <strong>Catholic</strong> faith.<br />
Nevertheless they say this journey is ongoing: nothing can<br />
make up for the loss they have suffered; and they are still<br />
pushing the Church for better spiritual support for loved ones<br />
affected by suicide.<br />
This is part of their mission to make sure that in the future<br />
other families in the same situation don’t suffer as they did.<br />
They have also set up a bursary that funds a PhD student in the<br />
field of schizophrenia research, which their son suffered from.<br />
Tony says this journey has made him more able to question<br />
God and be angry at God, but also be a more compassionate<br />
person, and someone ultimately strengthened by his faith.<br />
36
“My son’s death has brought me back to being an involved<br />
<strong>Catholic</strong>,” he says. “I now feel more comfortable in myself, and a<br />
lot of my religious beliefs are stronger now.”<br />
He says he was never good at praying - “my prayers are my<br />
thoughts” - and in the early years he attended support groups<br />
run by Wesley Mission and The Salvation Army, and private<br />
counselling through his employer, all of which he says were<br />
“excellent” and “very comforting”. The missing piece was the<br />
spiritual healing he felt he needed, but which he says the <strong>Catholic</strong><br />
Church was unable to provide in a coordinated way.<br />
“I wanted to be able to talk about this in a spiritual context,”<br />
he says. “The Church was not good at dealing with this. Sure, if<br />
your husband dies there’s grief counselling for that, but not for<br />
anything else.”<br />
Now after years of struggle he feels able to question his faith just<br />
as Jesus did on the Cross when He cried out: “My God, my God,<br />
why have you forsaken me”.<br />
“Jesus was walking with us<br />
on our journey every step of<br />
the way, and still is.”<br />
“If He can say that, I can say it to Him,” Tony<br />
says.<br />
For Barbara, grief “slowly settled in” around<br />
her until finally, she says, she felt she had<br />
to make a choice: “Walk away from faith or<br />
persist.” But the longer she persisted, the<br />
more she realised it was not a choice.<br />
“Through the deep despair, darkness, hopelessness, consuming<br />
grief and searching – slowly, slowly we came to understand that<br />
in fact we were not going through this by ourselves,” she says.<br />
“Jesus was walking with us on our journey every step of the way,<br />
and still is.” <br />
*Names have been changed.<br />
If this article has raised issues for you,<br />
you can contact <strong>Catholic</strong> Care on (02) 8843 2500,<br />
Lifeline Australia on 13 11 14, or Beyond Blue at<br />
www.beyondblue.org.au<br />
37
Image: Noah Buscher<br />
BY DR SEBASTIAN SALASKE-LENTERN<br />
38
Every year at <strong>Easter</strong>, I can only marvel at the<br />
great gift of Jesus’ resurrection and how our<br />
Risen Lord is able to transform our lives in His<br />
gentle and loving way. Until a few years ago, I<br />
only saw this mystery at work in the lives of us<br />
humans. However, I have come to learn that<br />
the resurrection transforms not just the fate<br />
of humanity, but of God’s entire creation.<br />
According to the Gospel of John, God’s eternal<br />
Word, God’s Son, becomes incarnate in Jesus of<br />
Nazareth to save the entire world (John 3:16-17),<br />
including but by no means limited to humankind.<br />
This is the same Son through whom all created<br />
things come into being (John 1:1-4) in the power<br />
of the Holy Spirit.<br />
In his books Jesus and the Cosmos (JC) and Ecology<br />
at the Heart of Faith (EHF), the late Australian<br />
theologian Monsignor Denis Edwards builds on<br />
the theology of the great Karl Rahner when he<br />
explains that in the incarnation, the “dynamic<br />
creative power of divine being is radically united”<br />
not only with the specific human being Jesus of<br />
Nazareth, but through Him “with all of creation”<br />
(JC p. 131).<br />
In his death, Jesus hands the entire created<br />
world into the mystery God. And finally in the<br />
resurrection, “God adopts creaturely reality as<br />
God’s own reality”, which Rahner interprets as the<br />
embryonic onset of the divinisation of the entire<br />
cosmos (EHF p. 87). Jesus becomes “in his very<br />
humanity, what he had always been in his [divine]<br />
dignity, the innermost centre of creation” (JC p.<br />
131).<br />
This means, as Pope Francis explains, that “the<br />
creatures of this world no longer appear to us<br />
under merely natural guise because the risen<br />
One is mysteriously holding them to himself and<br />
directing them towards fullness as their end”<br />
(Laudato Si’ no. 100).<br />
Such a view of the resurrection, according to<br />
which our Risen Lord is present to us in even<br />
the tiniest part of the world around us, which<br />
He gently transforms from within, can give us<br />
motivation and hope for one of the greatest tasks<br />
humanity has ever faced: healing the damage we<br />
have done to our planet and learning to live in<br />
harmony with God’s creation.<br />
While this task can seem overwhelming, we can<br />
trust that it will lead us into a deeper communion<br />
not only with God’s creation but with Jesus Christ<br />
himself. And we can trust that our “effort to build<br />
a world of justice and ecological integrity” cannot<br />
be in vain, as it “will be taken up and transformed<br />
in Christ” (EHF p. 91). <br />
Find out how you can get involved in the care<br />
for God’s creation in your local community<br />
or the wider Diocese of Parramatta at<br />
parracatholic.org/laudatosi<br />
Dr Sebastian Salaske-<strong>Lent</strong>ern is the Peace, Justice and<br />
Ecology Coordinator for the Diocese of Parramatta and a<br />
member of the Mission Enhancement Team (MET).<br />
“At the end, we will find ourselves face to<br />
face with the infinite beauty of God (cf. 1 Cor<br />
13:12), and be able to read with admiration<br />
and happiness the mystery of the universe,<br />
which with us will share in unending plenitude.<br />
Even now we are journeying towards<br />
the sabbath of eternity, the new Jerusalem,<br />
towards our common home in heaven. Jesus<br />
says: “I make all things new” (Rev 21:5).<br />
Eternal life will be a shared experience of<br />
awe, in which each creature, resplendently<br />
transfigured, will take its rightful place and<br />
have something to give those poor men and<br />
women who will have been liberated once<br />
and for all.”<br />
Pope Francis – Laudato Si’ , no. 243.<br />
Image: Riccardo De Luca, Shutterstock<br />
39
Image: Shutterstock<br />
40
Looking Deeper<br />
Albert Schweitzer<br />
41
REPENTANCE<br />
leads to the silence of surrender<br />
BY SR ANTONIA CURTIS OSB<br />
The Father’s forgiveness, by Daniel Bonnell<br />
<strong>Lent</strong> has been a part of my life for years, yet it has never taken me<br />
to the depths I am experiencing this year. It is not that I have been<br />
lax in participating in the Sacrament of Reconciliation; in the past…<br />
quite the opposite. I avail myself of every opportunity to confess<br />
and then experience the inpouring of the grace of His love, which<br />
gifts me with such peace and joy.<br />
However, this year things are profoundly different. There is a depth<br />
and clarity, of both insight and feeling, around my own sinfulness.<br />
Sins of the past, already confessed have shown themselves in a new<br />
light… which makes me much more aware of the hidden depths of<br />
the selfishness and self-centredness of those actions or words.<br />
42
It is not simply the action itself that has been<br />
sinful, but also the hidden motives, attitudes,<br />
feelings that drives it. SEEING this gives me joy,<br />
even as I cringe in shame. I am so grateful for the<br />
gift of insight and repentance that God is pouring<br />
into my heart.<br />
This experience has made me ponder a little.<br />
What is repentance I have been asking myself?<br />
And does it differ from confession? I can see<br />
that it is very possible to confess the outer<br />
manifestation of the sin, and to be very sincere in<br />
my declaration of sorrow and need of forgiveness.<br />
However, I have learnt that repentance requires a<br />
depth of heart response as well. It’s hard going!<br />
“Repentance happens<br />
gradually over long<br />
years of wrestlings that<br />
are a descent for us,<br />
like peeling back layers<br />
of an onion. This is selfknowing<br />
that gradually<br />
takes us deeper and<br />
deeper in the heart.<br />
We go down into the<br />
heart’s secret recesses and hidden crevices, like<br />
going even further into a labyrinth of caverns. We<br />
are not shown the deeper evil in us initially, but<br />
only as repentance grows do we come, steadily, to<br />
the starkest truth about the falsity our heart is in<br />
thrall to, and even worshipped as an idol. Only in<br />
the deeper journey do we face the harm we have<br />
done to others, and to our self,” - Jamie Moran,<br />
The Wound of Existence.<br />
Where has all of this taken me? To silence. Not<br />
really the silence where there is absence of words<br />
so much as a silence which comes as I sink into<br />
God’s ‘rest’… the silence of peace, the silence<br />
of surrender.<br />
The motto I took at the time of my being clothed<br />
in the monastic habit, and which was written on<br />
my vow paper five years later, is “Deep is calling<br />
on Deep” (Psalm 41:8). How little I knew at that<br />
time just how far this commitment would take<br />
me. What I have experienced is God (grace)<br />
calling out an invitation to me to say ‘yes’ to the<br />
unknown. And myself wavering. It’s very scary to<br />
feel such a sense of fragility and of powerlessness<br />
when we hear that call. It takes courage to be<br />
prepared to say ‘yes’.<br />
The question we all need to ask<br />
ourselves this <strong>Lent</strong> is: Am I prepared<br />
to take the plunge into deep<br />
waters where the hidden attitudes<br />
and prejudices that energise my<br />
sinfulness, come from?<br />
I can see as I look back that there were times of<br />
denial and times of willingness for me. Denial led<br />
to stalemate and a false sense of security, and if<br />
I am honest, perhaps smugness at times. Selfrighteousness<br />
is a powerful tool for denying the<br />
truth of who we really are… to ourselves and<br />
to others.<br />
So I guess the question we all need to ask<br />
ourselves this <strong>Lent</strong> is: Am I prepared to take<br />
the plunge into deep waters where the hidden<br />
attitudes and prejudices that energise my<br />
sinfulness, come from? Am I prepared to turn<br />
around and stand naked before God… and indeed<br />
myself? Do I have the courage to allow him to<br />
“wash me more and<br />
more from my guilt<br />
and cleanse me from<br />
my sins?” (Psalm 50:1).<br />
Nakedness is the issue<br />
isn’t it? Adam and Eve<br />
hid from God because<br />
they were naked.<br />
Physical nakedness is<br />
scary enough but to<br />
bare one’s soul, even to ourselves let alone God<br />
and another human being, is terrifying. What I<br />
have seen and come to know that in truth there<br />
is no need to hide our nakedness before him or<br />
from others. He will always receive us with open<br />
arms. And we have to be prepared, when we<br />
speak to another human being that acceptance<br />
may not be forthcoming; to be prepared that<br />
perhaps I might meet rejection. The very fact of<br />
admitting one’s culpability brings great peace.<br />
After all, didn’t Jesus tell us that truth will set us<br />
free?<br />
Gratitude fills and spills over from my heart<br />
because I have experienced Him cleansing me<br />
from my sin and anointing me with the purest<br />
oil and so:<br />
"My cup runneth over."<br />
(Psalm 22:5) <br />
Sr Antonia Curtis OSB is a member of the Order of St<br />
Benedict (OSB), currently residing at the Benedictine<br />
Abbey in Jamberoo, NSW. This reflection was originally<br />
published on the Jamberoo Abbey website on 18 March<br />
2020. Republished with permission.<br />
43
Image: Shutterstock<br />
CARRYING OUR<br />
Matthew, Mark and Luke tell us that when<br />
Jesus was led out to be crucified, the soldiers<br />
of the governor compelled Simon, a passer-by,<br />
to carry the wooden crossbeam on which Jesus<br />
was to be hung. The evangelists drew on the<br />
notion of carrying the cross as a metaphor for<br />
paying the price of being a disciple of Jesus. In<br />
its original context, Jesus is asking us to deny<br />
ourselves and face the cost of following Him.<br />
But there is another practical consideration<br />
involved in carrying our cross. There are times<br />
when we are hammered by undeserved suffering<br />
and we pray for release – or even some respite<br />
– and it never comes. What then? We may well<br />
have made the mistake of expecting that God<br />
would ‘do it my way’. We might surrender to total<br />
disenchantment and loss of faith, or we might<br />
find a new kind of hope in acceptance.<br />
The book of Job wrestles with the ‘why’ of human<br />
suffering and concludes that suffering just is – we<br />
have no answers. But we can make a response<br />
in the face of suffering. Mere endurance is not<br />
a helpful response, but suffering can make us<br />
realise our vulnerability and our prayer can be<br />
not so much for deliverance as for acceptance; for<br />
the serenity to carry that cross with a measure of<br />
calm and peace.<br />
If I am a disciple of Christ, I need to put myself<br />
into perspective. As a follower of Jesus, how do I<br />
deny myself? What is He asking? We are familiar<br />
with the idea of self-mortification through putting<br />
up with difficulties and sickness or by fasting or<br />
giving up something for <strong>Lent</strong>. These are all good,<br />
but they are not what Jesus had in mind.<br />
Denying myself is not about undervaluing myself<br />
as an unworthy sinner. It is about priorities. It<br />
means I accept myself and realise that I have to<br />
put Jesus and His values first in my life. Self and<br />
selfish concerns have to take a back seat. With<br />
this realisation, I resolve to live a wholehearted<br />
life following Christ’s values as I strive to become<br />
the quality human being I am called to be. This<br />
is what Jesus meant when he said, “I came that<br />
they might have life, and have it to the full” (John<br />
10:10).<br />
So many of the crosses we bear are self-imposed<br />
because of our misplaced priorities and values.<br />
The fullness of life that is important to Jesus<br />
eliminates self-imposed crosses by using common<br />
sense strategies, such as cultivating gratitude,<br />
truly naming and using our gifts and blessings,<br />
avoiding making comparisons, letting go of what<br />
other people think, and allowing other people to<br />
be who they are.<br />
44
“They compelled<br />
a passer-by…<br />
to carry his cross”<br />
Mark 15:21<br />
CROSSBY DR LAURIE WOODS<br />
We can aim for growth to maturity by practising a<br />
habit of looking for the good in others. When we<br />
see Christ in the people we meet, we are always<br />
ready to reach out in simple ways – a smile, a<br />
cheery ‘hello’, a helping hand, being company to<br />
walk with others. While we are carrying our cross,<br />
we can gain perspective by seeing that what we<br />
are going through is part of our journey. We can<br />
strive to get outside<br />
of self and reach out<br />
to others. Living like<br />
this, we become one<br />
with Christ. Notice<br />
how Jesus drew<br />
crowds, not only<br />
through the charisma<br />
of His person and His down-to-earth wisdom but<br />
noticeably by the way He valued people so that<br />
they felt connected to Him.<br />
Consider this question, ‘Was Jesus fulfilled; was<br />
he happy doing what he was doing?’ We can<br />
confidently say, ‘yes’ because he had spent 40<br />
days in retreat carefully working out the cost of<br />
answering the call to be prophet and teacher.<br />
His complete trust in the God He called Father<br />
and His focus on important priorities enabled<br />
Him to set out wholeheartedly on this journey<br />
knowing He would face strong criticism and<br />
It means I accept myself and realise<br />
that I have to put Jesus and His<br />
values first in my life. Self and selfish<br />
concerns have to take a back seat.<br />
life-threatening opposition. And even when He<br />
knew at the end that death was only hours away,<br />
how did He cope with that stress and dread? He<br />
reached out to others; He washed the feet of His<br />
friends as a sign of His relationship with them.<br />
This was how He poured out the love that defined<br />
His connection with these precious human beings.<br />
His way of carrying His<br />
cross was not to give in<br />
to self-pity, but simply to<br />
carry on accepting what<br />
is, with a constructive<br />
outlook and profound<br />
confidence in the eternal<br />
Presence. He could even<br />
beg forgiveness for His tormentors realising that<br />
they were not really aware of what they were<br />
doing. This kind of attitude can only come from<br />
those who have grown to a level of personal and<br />
spiritual maturity that enables them to carry their<br />
cross with wholeness and generosity.<br />
It's not about endurance. It’s about being positive<br />
in living out the values and priorities of Christ. <br />
Dr Laurie Woods is a retired senior lecturer in Biblical<br />
Studies from the Australian <strong>Catholic</strong> University and<br />
currently conducts teacher in-service sessions and parish<br />
reflection days. He lives in the Diocese of Parramatta and<br />
is a member of Our Lady of the Nativity Parish, Lawson.<br />
45
BY BR MARK O’CONNOR FMS<br />
Let me keep my<br />
distance, always,<br />
from those<br />
who think they have<br />
the answers.<br />
Let me keep<br />
company always<br />
with those who say<br />
‘Look!’ and laugh in<br />
astonishment,<br />
and bow their heads.<br />
Mary Oliver, from ‘Mysteries,<br />
Yes’ in Evidence: Poems.<br />
In the Gospel of Mark, the Resurrection takes<br />
place in silence!<br />
Mark's Gospel ends in an extraordinarily enigmatic<br />
fashion. It states that after discovering Jesus' tomb<br />
to be open and empty and hearing the angelic<br />
message about the resurrection and a coming<br />
rendezvous with the risen Jesus in Galilee, the three<br />
women fled in astonishment: "and said nothing to<br />
anyone for they were afraid". (Mark 16:8)<br />
Image: Shutterstock<br />
46
In Matthew's account there is an earthquake,<br />
a flash of lightning as a mighty angel descends<br />
and the heavy stone is rolled back with force, the<br />
crash of armour as the frightened guards fall to<br />
the ground.<br />
But in Mark, there is none of this. Instead, there<br />
is silence. There is almost something modest<br />
and ordinary about it. There was a quiet, with a<br />
stillness that only love and fear can create.<br />
It is very understandable that many in the early<br />
Church had difficulty with this ‘silence’ of Mark.<br />
The ending was too sharp and abrupt. How could<br />
the Resurrection, which had begun in fear, not<br />
end in joy? How could it end in silence and even<br />
fear?<br />
Maybe, we too, can agree with their puzzlement.<br />
But perhaps Mark is suggesting that resurrection<br />
faith must always include an aspect of<br />
questioning. For the <strong>Easter</strong> mystery is so dazzling;<br />
it is beyond our rational comprehension and<br />
liberating beyond even our wildest dreams!<br />
Mark's key message then is clear and full of hope.<br />
The appearances of the risen Christ also take<br />
place through us. The story of the Risen Jesus is<br />
incomplete until it is completed in us. For as St<br />
Teresa of Ávila prayed: "Christ has no body now<br />
on earth but yours.”<br />
As we ‘break bread’ for the life of<br />
others, we encounter the Risen Jesus<br />
in the amazing explosive victory of the<br />
God of Life that we call Resurrection.<br />
Even in the silence of our lives and especially in<br />
difficult lonely times, Jesus of Nazareth is still with<br />
us.<br />
"He rose in silence." <br />
Br Mark O’Connor FMS is the Vicar for Communications in<br />
the Diocese of Parramatta and the Editor of <strong>Catholic</strong> <strong>Outlook</strong>.<br />
Indeed, Dominican Herbert McCabe was fond of<br />
saying that: God is not the answer. Rather, God is<br />
the question!<br />
For our God is above all, a mystery. The word<br />
“God” is actually a label for something we do not<br />
know. A mystery is not a problem. A problem<br />
is a puzzle to which techniques can be applied,<br />
intuition brought to bear, and a solution found.<br />
Science tackles problems. It’s great at it. But a<br />
mystery is not amenable to that strategy. And our<br />
faith life is littered with mystery.<br />
So, listen again to the mysterious words of the<br />
young martyr at the entrance to the empty tomb<br />
in the Marcan narrative: “He is going ahead of you<br />
into Galilee”.<br />
The angel is effectively telling us: “You will find<br />
Him when you refuse to allow His death to be<br />
final; when you make His work live, He will live<br />
with you. You will find Him when you go on to<br />
whatever is your Galilee.”<br />
And yes, <strong>2024</strong> is our ‘Galilee’ now, as we cope with<br />
a world convulsed with fear.
Jesus’ journey leads us to<br />
the ‘heart of light’<br />
BY SR PATTY ANDREW OSU<br />
The Resurrection, by Jen Norton<br />
At the end of the 19th Century the famous<br />
novel, “The Heart of Darkness” by Joseph<br />
Conrad was published. Its stark title captures<br />
in an extreme way human corruptibility, and<br />
the darkness such a desperate state contains.<br />
In complete contrast to this tragic human<br />
narrative, Jesus through His resurrection,<br />
transcends what appears to be an inevitable<br />
spiralling into darkness. The human journey<br />
made by Jesus through all the forces of darkness<br />
– betrayal, torture, suffering, and death – led<br />
Him to the “Heart of Light”, experienced in His<br />
Resurrection.<br />
This triumph of light over the forces of darkness<br />
and despair in the pit of human suffering, is as St<br />
Paul reminds us, the cornerstone of our Christian<br />
faith (1 Cor 15:14).<br />
In all our human searching, especially in and<br />
through our relationships, the motivating force<br />
which fuels our quest, is to get to the heart of<br />
things. There is a restlessness in the human heart<br />
which keeps us probing, seeking, searching. St<br />
Augustine in the 5th Century captured this deep<br />
longing in his words, “our hearts are made for you<br />
O Lord and they are restless until they find their<br />
rest in you”.<br />
48
This movement of the human heart is threefold –<br />
upwards, outwards, and inwards.<br />
While all the accounts of the Resurrection are<br />
described in physical places and time, they are<br />
essentially capturing profound experiences<br />
of the heart born from deep grief and loss.<br />
Furthermore, such experiences are not material<br />
things which one can cling to and hold tightly to<br />
oneself. Instead, in these Resurrection narratives,<br />
we witness in the disciples an overflow of the<br />
heart, with an impulse to share and gather more<br />
people into their experiences of hope. Even in<br />
their diversity of contexts, all the accounts of the<br />
Resurrection speak of hearts being surprised and<br />
awakened. When the Emmaus disciples recall<br />
their encounter with the Risen Jesus, they exclaim<br />
“Did not our hearts burn within as he walked<br />
with us on the road”. (Luke 24:32). Such “burning<br />
within” is a way of capturing and re-kindling the<br />
hope which transforms the despair experienced<br />
in darkness and loss.<br />
<strong>Easter</strong> and our world in <strong>2024</strong><br />
Throughout our Liturgical year and particularly in<br />
this season of <strong>Easter</strong>, we read and contemplate<br />
the accounts of the Resurrection of Jesus. So<br />
how does this pivotal event of our Christian faith<br />
which occurred historically over 2,000 years ago,<br />
continue to give meaning to each of our lives<br />
in this early part of the 21st Century? Almost<br />
daily we witness, “the extensions of Christ’s<br />
body” being crucified through torture, bombing,<br />
homelessness, and exploitation, in so many parts<br />
of our fragile world. There are many times when<br />
watching graphic television reporting from war<br />
zones we feel we are gazing into the “heart of<br />
darkness”.<br />
What is our Christian response to such global<br />
pain and darkness? In discerning this, it may<br />
help us to recall the words of the poet Gerard<br />
Manly Hopkins when, in one of his poems he<br />
uses the word, “easter” as a verb – a doing word!<br />
This alerts us to the twofold nature of <strong>Easter</strong>.<br />
In remembering and celebrating this pivotal<br />
historical event, we open ourselves to the rising<br />
of life from death, happening in the heart of our<br />
present day lived experiences.<br />
As with the first witnesses to the Resurrection<br />
of Jesus, we are invited to allow ourselves to<br />
be surprised by the touches of the Risen Jesus<br />
within our human experiences. It is good to<br />
remember that the first <strong>Easter</strong> was experienced<br />
in the ordinary events of one’s life; having a meal,<br />
walking along a beach, being in the garden, even<br />
in the workplace of fishing! Furthermore, it is<br />
obvious that the Risen Lord transcends human<br />
boundaries imposed by space and time.<br />
The <strong>Easter</strong> narrative is our human/divine story.<br />
We are called to live it every day as we radiate<br />
light flowing from the gift of grace in both the<br />
ordinary and extraordinary events of our lives.<br />
Such a way of being, enables the Resurrected<br />
Christ to “easter” in us. It is in the daily rhythm of<br />
our own “living and dying” that Christ rises.<br />
May we continue to commit ourselves to journey<br />
into the “heart of light”, keeping our focus on<br />
Jesus, the one who in taking flesh, makes his<br />
home with us; and who, “the darkness can never<br />
overpower” (John 1:5). <br />
Sr Patty Andrew osu is the Vicar for Consecrated Life in<br />
the Diocese of Parramatta.<br />
49
CUPPA WITH A DEACON<br />
Deacon Roderick (Rod) Pirotta<br />
Pastoral Director, Sacred Heart Parish, Mount Druitt South<br />
BY MARY BRAZELL<br />
Deacon Roderick (Rod) Pirotta has just<br />
celebrated his fifth anniversary of ordination<br />
to the permanent diaconate and shows no<br />
signs of slowing down.<br />
Growing up in Malta as the fourth of six children,<br />
Deacon Rod entered religious life with the Jesuits<br />
in his hometown of Naxxar at aged 21 with the<br />
intention of becoming a Jesuit brother, rather<br />
than a Jesuit priest.<br />
Leaving the Jesuits and his beloved homeland<br />
behind, Deacon Rod began his next vocational<br />
calling to nursing. He studied for four years in<br />
Dublin, Ireland, and lived and worked in England<br />
before arriving in Australia in 1991, where he<br />
specialised in mental health and dementia care<br />
for the elderly for 35 years.<br />
When his mother passed away in 2012, Deacon<br />
Rod had a “mid-life crisis” (at aged 50) where the<br />
spark of vocation returned, and it led him to the<br />
permanent diaconate.<br />
“As a religious brother, I felt that I was called<br />
to a vocation that was ‘behind the scenes’, not<br />
being ‘front of stage’, and as a deacon, I feel<br />
comfortable in this supportive role to the priest<br />
and community,” he said.<br />
“I feel that priests have a vocation of<br />
taking us to Heaven, but as a deacon, I<br />
have a role of bringing Heaven to Earth<br />
and experiencing Heaven on Earth in<br />
what we do, through our devotions and<br />
how we express our love for Christ.”<br />
In February 2019, alongside three other men,<br />
Deacon Rod was ordained to the diaconate at St<br />
Patrick’s Cathedral, Parramatta.<br />
‘Bringing Heaven to Earth’ in Mt<br />
Druitt South<br />
He has been Pastoral Director at Sacred Heart<br />
Parish, Mount Druitt South, for close to two-anda-half<br />
years.<br />
“I have brought all of my life’s skills, gifts and<br />
talents that God has given me into this role – 35<br />
years of nursing, 30 years of marriage, 20 years of<br />
supervision of nurses, many years of counselling<br />
and teaching, eight years of religious community<br />
life – and I use them every single day in how to<br />
run the parish,” he said.<br />
Deacon Rod is honest in his sharing of some of<br />
the challenges he faced of coming into the parish<br />
whose parish priest – the late Fr Carl Ashton – had<br />
just retired after 43 years in ministry.<br />
But as he settles in, he can see a shift in people’s<br />
perspectives and sees a new vibrancy emerging.<br />
“In a way, I feel that I am returning the parish to<br />
the people. One parish priest told me, ‘it’s not<br />
your parish, it’s their parish’.<br />
“Being pastoral director is an all-in-one role and<br />
I love all of it. I get great encouragement when<br />
people say, ‘you’re doing a great job, Deacon Rod.<br />
Keep going’.<br />
“I thank God for a core group of people in the<br />
parish that whatever you ask of them, they’ll go<br />
and do it, and those parishioners who contribute<br />
50
Deacon Roderick (Rod) Pirotta with his wife Kathryn Fitzgibbon at Sacred Heart Parish, Mt Druitt South. Image: Diocese of Parramatta.<br />
financially to the parish. I’m also grateful for the<br />
Samoan <strong>Catholic</strong> Community, the Legion of Mary,<br />
the Neocatechumenal Way, the Handmaids of the<br />
Lord and the Young Adult Faith Formation group<br />
who are a huge gift to the parish.<br />
“I like preparing liturgies and preparing the<br />
environment of the Church for the liturgies.<br />
I’ve introduced things like the singing of the<br />
Divine Mercy chaplet every month, and on Holy<br />
Saturday, I introduced the Liturgy of the Hours,<br />
which parishioners hadn’t experienced before.<br />
“We’ve established a beautiful relationship with<br />
the Sacred Heart primary school and now the<br />
students come every week for Mass or when they<br />
have a religion lesson, they come to the church to<br />
learn. The kids know us very well now.<br />
“We’ve also seen the resurgence of young families<br />
coming to Mass and asking for the sacraments<br />
for their children. The Church is getting fuller and<br />
fuller."<br />
Honouring his partner in ministry<br />
As much as Deacon Rod does in his ministry, he<br />
couldn’t have done it without the loving support<br />
of his wife, Kathryn Fitzgibbon. Together they<br />
celebrate their 30th wedding anniversary in<br />
November.<br />
“We share the decision-making, the experiences,<br />
the successes and the disappointments in the<br />
ministry, and she often spends a few hours a<br />
week helping me at the parish as well.”<br />
Contemplation in action<br />
When asked about where he felt called in his<br />
ministry in <strong>2024</strong>, Deacon Rod hoped that the<br />
parish continues to strive to be welcoming, not<br />
just in words, but in action.<br />
“As we approach <strong>Easter</strong>, we need to remember<br />
not to separate the Passion from the Resurrection<br />
of Christ because there’s no joy without that<br />
sacrifice.<br />
"If we don’t put our faith and devotions<br />
into our daily lives in loving our<br />
neighbour or serving our communities,<br />
we’re not bringing Heaven to Earth.<br />
“If the mark of my time at the parish is<br />
encouraging people to live contemplation in<br />
action, as the Jesuits describe, and people’s faith<br />
pushes them to go out and do something, then I’d<br />
be very happy.” <br />
“One of the beautiful joys of the ministry as<br />
a couple is the witness that we give to the<br />
parishioners,” he said.<br />
51
Assistant Priest Fr Jeremy Santoso OSPPE with members<br />
of the Pauline Junior youth group at St Margaret Mary’s<br />
Parish, Merrylands. Image: Supplied.<br />
PARISH PROFILE<br />
St Margaret Mary’s Parish, Merrylands<br />
- ‘all here to serve God’-<br />
BY MARY BRAZELL<br />
During the peak of the COVID lockdown, when we<br />
were only allowed to travel within our local area,<br />
Alexandra Azzi and her family started going to<br />
Mass at St Margaret Mary’s Parish, Merrylands,<br />
when services were held outside due to church<br />
buildings being closed.<br />
With the difficulties that many <strong>Catholic</strong>s faced<br />
during the lockdown, it was the community that<br />
kept Alexandra coming back.<br />
“I fell in love with the parish, the people and the<br />
priests that were here and we couldn’t leave,” she<br />
said.<br />
The passion and compassion of the parish and<br />
its parishioners is something that long-term<br />
parishioner Tony Bougoide is grateful for.<br />
“I appreciate this parish as being a multicultural<br />
parish that bridges all different nationalities and<br />
languages and cultures,” he said.<br />
“It’s a community that has common values,<br />
principles and spiritual values, above all.<br />
“We are all equal in the eyes of God,<br />
so we try and maintain that standard,<br />
and that’s what makes our community<br />
down to earth.<br />
“I’m practically retired, and I’m glad to be retiring<br />
in this environment, because I still feel that I am<br />
contributing in the most valuable way, because<br />
anything to do with serving Christ and enhancing<br />
our <strong>Catholic</strong> community is a joy.”<br />
Sacramental Coordinator and parishioner of 10<br />
years, Monique Kairouz, agrees.<br />
“Once you enter this parish, you don’t want to<br />
leave. You can’t pull yourself away from this<br />
community.<br />
“I grew up in the area and moved away from the<br />
parish when I got married. But when we moved<br />
back to the area, it was just natural that I came<br />
back here.<br />
“The way that the Pauline Fathers [Order of St<br />
Paul the First Hermit] conduct themselves, the<br />
way they celebrate Mass and the Sacraments, you<br />
just feel like you’re in heaven.”<br />
Pauline charism a ‘drawcard’<br />
The Pauline Fathers have been caretakers of<br />
the parish since 2012. Alongside their monastic<br />
charisms of obedience, poverty and chastity, they<br />
“thrive” in the sacramental life of the parish.<br />
“Celebrating Mass, preaching a homily that<br />
enforces Church teachings and being able to<br />
52
hear the confessions of parishioners are very<br />
important to us,” Assistant Priest Fr Jeremy<br />
Santoso OSPPE said.<br />
“What we do in the parish sacramentally is for the<br />
good of the faith and the good of the soul.”<br />
The emphasis on the sacraments is a true<br />
blessing for the parishioners.<br />
“In the parish, there are a lot more devotions,<br />
novenas and rosaries being prayed by different<br />
groups at different times,” Tony said.<br />
“Here, you feel an urge to meditate and pray,<br />
because they provide that atmosphere of prayer<br />
and a state of grace and peace.”<br />
A bright future with new pastors<br />
The parish’s current pastors – Parish Priest Fr<br />
Wojciech Sliwa OSPPE and Fr Jeremy – have<br />
served in the parish for just over one year and<br />
are already being lovingly embraced by the<br />
community.<br />
“Fr Wojciech is a true pastor – extremely<br />
approachable, very fun loving, nurturing, and<br />
accommodating and is comfortable in saying ‘no’<br />
when he needs to, like a father,” Monique said.<br />
“They are the perfect role models and a great<br />
example of leading us in the faith,” Alexandra<br />
said.<br />
“It’s been a great journey so far,” Fr Jeremy said.<br />
“This parish is one of the most vibrant and the<br />
most active in terms of practicing the faith, and<br />
it’s a great witness for us as the priests to see<br />
that people want to come here to receive the<br />
sacraments and a deeper nourishing of the faith.<br />
(L-R) Parishioners Monique Kairouz, Alexandra Azzi and Tony Bougoide with Assistant<br />
Priest Fr Jeremy Santoso OSPPE at St Margaret Mary’s Parish, Merrylands. Image:<br />
Mary Brazell/Diocese of Parramatta<br />
“I like the youth programs we have in the parish,<br />
and the more I interact with them, the more I see<br />
that this parish has a big future ahead of them.”<br />
Joy of the Risen Lord<br />
With Holy Week on the horizon, we asked the<br />
parish members how they feel they can live the<br />
joy of the Resurrection in their everyday lives.<br />
“When we meditate on the Passion of Jesus<br />
Christ, we are given a moment to know that we<br />
have been given a gift of forgiveness. The Body<br />
and Blood of Jesus Christ on the cross is a down<br />
payment to justify that each and every one of us<br />
is forgiven,” Fr Jeremy said.<br />
Tony said, “When you wake up in the<br />
morning, and you submit your life<br />
completely – your actions, reactions,<br />
aspirations, hopes, needs, wants, pain<br />
and suffering – to Christ, He will not<br />
let you down.<br />
“We are born with a mission statement written<br />
in our hearts. Sometimes, we don’t take enough<br />
time to read what’s meant for us, what’s God’s<br />
will for us. And unless we trust and believe in the<br />
Resurrection and live that feeling, we will never<br />
read that mission statement.” <br />
Bishop Vincent Long OFM Conv, Bishop of Parramatta (left) with<br />
Parish Priest Fr Wojciech Silwa OSPPE (centre) and Assistant Priest<br />
Fr Jeremy Santoso OSPPE following Fr Wojciech’s installation Mass<br />
at St Margaret Mary’s Parish, Merrylands. Image: Supplied.<br />
53
Kids Corner<br />
Make your own <strong>Easter</strong> Cross<br />
• 2 twigs of different sizes:<br />
approximately 15cm & 9cm<br />
• Thread: coloured wool or string<br />
30cm in length for each cross<br />
1. Create a paper tag with<br />
these words:<br />
He is not here, he has risen.<br />
I am the Resurrection and the Life.<br />
Alleluia, He is risen.<br />
Behold the Lamb of God. John 1:29<br />
Jesus is Lord.<br />
2. Tie the paper tag<br />
around the cross.<br />
THANK YOU TO THE CONFRATERNITY OF<br />
CHRISTIAN DOCTRINE, DIOCESE OF PARRAMATTA.<br />
Images: White Gunpowder<br />
54
<strong>Easter</strong> Word Fill-in:<br />
Fill in the blanks below with words from the word bank to reveal<br />
the joyous message of <strong>Easter</strong>. Use each word only once.<br />
WORD BANK<br />
Resurrection<br />
Triumph<br />
Renewal<br />
Sacrifice<br />
Redemption<br />
Crucifixion<br />
Grace<br />
Alleluia<br />
Transformation<br />
On <strong>Easter</strong> Sunday, we celebrate the _________ of Jesus,<br />
which Flls our hearts with hope and joy.<br />
The empty tomb is a powerful symbol of the ____________<br />
of life over death.<br />
Through His ____________ on the cross, Jesus showed us<br />
the depth of His love and ____________ for our sins.<br />
The <strong>Easter</strong> season is a time of spiritual ____________ and<br />
a chance for personal ____________.<br />
As we reflect on the events of Good Friday, we remember<br />
the solemnity of Jesus' ____________.<br />
The <strong>Easter</strong> season is a time to embrace the ____________<br />
that comes from knowing Jesus has conquered sin and<br />
death.<br />
Let us shout ____________ as we celebrate the glorious<br />
truth of Christ's resurrection!<br />
EASTER<br />
MAZE<br />
55
The Aboriginal Gift: Spirituality<br />
for a Nation<br />
by Fr Eugene Stockton<br />
"The Aboriginal Gift: Spirituality for a Nation" by Eugene Stockton offers a<br />
captivating exploration of Indigenous spirituality, drawing from extensive<br />
interactions with First Nations people and rigorous academic research. Stockton<br />
delves into the core of Aboriginal belief systems, emphasising their profound<br />
connection to creation and the land. He contrasts this holistic worldview with the<br />
individualistic ethos of modern Western capitalism, showcasing how Aboriginal<br />
ceremonies are not merely religious rituals but active engagements in sustaining<br />
the balance of the universe.<br />
Through poignant narratives and profound insights, Stockton illuminates the enduring resilience of Aboriginal<br />
spirituality, even in the face of urbanisation and cultural challenges. He underscores the sacredness of life itself<br />
in Indigenous perspectives, challenging readers to reconsider traditional Western dichotomies between the<br />
sacred and the profane. "The Aboriginal Gift" offers readers a profound journey into a spiritual paradigm rooted in<br />
interconnectedness, reverence for creation, and mutual respect, making it an essential read for anyone interested in<br />
understanding and appreciating Indigenous wisdom.<br />
56
Prayer is Life<br />
Hosted by Redemptorist priest Father David Hore<br />
CSsR. Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and the<br />
Majellan Media website.<br />
Majellan Media's new podcast series, "Prayer is Life,"<br />
hosted by Redemptorist priest Father David Hore<br />
CSsR, delves into the transformative power of prayer<br />
in our daily lives. In a year dedicated to prayer by<br />
Pope Francis, this podcast offers a timely exploration<br />
of prayer as a universal practice, accessible to all<br />
individuals regardless of faith background.<br />
Fr Hore invites listeners to embark on a journey of<br />
reflection and discovery, exploring topics such as new<br />
approaches to prayer, the intersection of prayer and<br />
daily life, and the challenges and joys of cultivating<br />
a prayerful existence. Drawing upon personal<br />
experiences and the wisdom of St Alphonsus Liguori,<br />
the series aims to deepen listeners' understanding of<br />
prayer and its significance in fostering relationships<br />
with oneself, others, and the divine. With its inclusive<br />
approach, "Prayer is Life" seeks to engage both<br />
believers and non-believers alike in the enriching<br />
practice of prayer.<br />
The Passion of the Christ<br />
RATED MA 15+ - Strong violence<br />
Watch on Stan<br />
The Passion plunges you into the final twelve hours<br />
of Jesus' life, starting with his anguished prayer in<br />
Gethsemane. Betrayal chills the air as Judas delivers<br />
Jesus to the authorities. Witness the escalating torment:<br />
the mob's jeers, the unjust trial, the brutal scourging,<br />
and the agonising crown of thorns.<br />
Mary, his mother, shares his suffering at every turn,<br />
her pain mirrored in her eyes. Flashbacks punctuate<br />
the narrative, offering glimpses of Jesus' teachings<br />
and miracles, highlighting the stark contrast with His<br />
present ordeal.<br />
The journey to Calvary becomes a heavy burden,<br />
physically and emotionally. The weight of the cross, the<br />
relentless taunts, the sheer exhaustion - each element<br />
amplifies His sacrifice. The crucifixion unfolds in graphic<br />
detail, leaving no room for sugarcoating the barbarity.<br />
Even in His final moments, Jesus offers forgiveness<br />
and compassion. His death plunges the world into<br />
darkness, but hope flickers. The film concludes with the<br />
joyous news of the resurrection, reminding viewers of<br />
the ultimate triumph over suffering and death.<br />
57
Holy Week Mass times across the<br />
Diocese of Parramatta<br />
As we enter Holy Week, we invite you to join our local communities<br />
for this special time of renewal and hope.<br />
BAULKHAM HILLS PARISH<br />
St Michael’s, Baulkham Hills<br />
Palm Sunday: 5.30pm Vigil,<br />
8am, 10am, 6pm<br />
Holy Thursday: 7.30pm<br />
Good Friday: 10am (Stations), 3pm<br />
Holy Saturday: 7pm<br />
<strong>Easter</strong> Sunday: 8am, 10am, 6pm<br />
Our Lady of Lourdes,<br />
Baulkham Hills South<br />
Palm Sunday: 6pm Vigil, 9.30am,<br />
11.30am (Korean)<br />
Holy Thursday: 7.30pm<br />
Good Friday: 10.30am (Stations), 3pm,<br />
7pm (Stations) (Korean)<br />
Holy Saturday: 7pm<br />
<strong>Easter</strong> Sunday: 9.30am, 11.30am<br />
(Korean)<br />
BLACKHEATH PARISH<br />
(SACRED HEART)<br />
Palm Sunday: 9.30am<br />
Holy Thursday: 7pm<br />
Good Friday: 10am (Stations), 3pm<br />
Holy Saturday: 7pm<br />
<strong>Easter</strong> Sunday: 9.30am<br />
BLACKTOWN PARISH<br />
(MARY, QUEEN OF THE FAMILY)<br />
St Patrick’s, Blacktown<br />
Palm Sunday: 5.30pm Vigil, 7am, 10am,<br />
5.30pm<br />
Holy Thursday: 9am (Lauds Morning<br />
Prayer), 7.30pm, 10pm (Compline Night<br />
Prayer)<br />
Good Friday: 10am (Stations), 3pm<br />
Holy Saturday: 7.30pm<br />
<strong>Easter</strong> Sunday: 7am, 10am, 5.30pm<br />
CASTLE HILL PARISH<br />
(ST BERNADETTE’S)<br />
Palm Sunday: 5pm Vigil, 7.30am, 9am,<br />
10.30am, 6pm<br />
Holy Thursday: 7.30pm<br />
Good Friday: 9.30am (Stations), 12pm<br />
(Stations), 3pm<br />
Holy Saturday: 11am (Blessing of the<br />
<strong>Easter</strong> food), 7pm<br />
<strong>Easter</strong> Sunday: 7.30am, 9am, 10.30am,<br />
6pm<br />
CRANEBROOK PARISH<br />
(CORPUS CHRISTI)<br />
Palm Sunday: 6pm Vigil, 7.30am,<br />
9.30am<br />
Holy Thursday: 7pm<br />
Good Friday: 10am (Stations), 3pm<br />
Holy Saturday: 7pm<br />
<strong>Easter</strong> Sunday: 7.30am, 9.30am<br />
DOONSIDE PARISH<br />
(ST JOHN VIANNEY)<br />
Palm Sunday: 6.30pm Vigil, 7.30am,<br />
9.30am, 11am (Melkite)<br />
Holy Thursday: 8pm<br />
Good Friday: 10am (Stations), 3pm<br />
Holy Saturday: 6.30pm<br />
<strong>Easter</strong> Sunday: 7.30am, 9.30am, 11am<br />
(Melkite)<br />
DUNDAS VALLEY PARISH<br />
(ST BERNADETTE’S)<br />
Palm Sunday: 6pm Vigil, 8am, 10am<br />
Holy Thursday: 7pm<br />
Good Friday: 10am (Stations), 3pm<br />
Holy Saturday: 7.30pm<br />
<strong>Easter</strong> Sunday: 8am, 10am<br />
EMU PLAINS PARISH<br />
St Michael’s, Blacktown South<br />
(OUR LADY OF THE WAY)<br />
Palm Sunday: 8am, 9.30am<br />
Good Friday: 3pm<br />
Palm Sunday: 6pm Vigil, 8am, 9.30am<br />
<strong>Easter</strong> Sunday: 8am, 9.30am<br />
Holy Thursday: 7.30pm<br />
Good Friday: 10am (Stations), 3pm<br />
These Christmas Mass times are correct as of the time of print.<br />
Holy Saturday: 7pm<br />
<strong>Easter</strong> Sunday: 8am, 9.30am<br />
GLENBROOK PARISH<br />
(ST FINBAR’S)<br />
Palm Sunday: 5.30pm Vigil, 7.30am,<br />
9.30am<br />
Holy Thursday: 7.30pm<br />
Good Friday: 10am (Stations), 3pm<br />
Holy Saturday: 7.30pm<br />
<strong>Easter</strong> Sunday: 7.30am, 9.30am<br />
GLENMORE PARK PARISH<br />
(ST PADRE PIO)<br />
Palm Sunday: 5.30pm Vigil, 8am, 10am<br />
Holy Thursday: 7pm<br />
Good Friday: 10am (Stations), 3pm<br />
Holy Saturday: 7pm<br />
<strong>Easter</strong> Sunday: 8am, 10am<br />
GLENWOOD-STANHOPE GARDENS<br />
PARISH (ST JOHN XXIII)<br />
Palm Sunday: 6pm Vigil, 7.30am, 9am,<br />
10.30am, 6pm<br />
Holy Thursday: 7.30pm<br />
Good Friday: 10am (Stations), 3pm<br />
Holy Saturday: 7.30pm<br />
<strong>Easter</strong> Sunday: 7.30am, 9am, 10.30am,<br />
6pm<br />
GRANVILLE PARISH<br />
(HOLY CROSS PARISH)<br />
Holy Trinity, Granville<br />
Palm Sunday: 6pm Vigil, 10am<br />
Holy Thursday: 7.30pm<br />
Good Friday: 10.30am (Stations), 3pm<br />
Holy Saturday: 8pm<br />
<strong>Easter</strong> Sunday: 10am<br />
Holy Family, Granville East<br />
Palm Sunday: 4.30pm Vigil, 8.30am,<br />
5pm<br />
Holy Thursday: 6pm<br />
Good Friday: 9.15am (Stations), 3pm<br />
Holy Saturday: 6pm<br />
<strong>Easter</strong> Sunday: 8.30am, 5pm<br />
58<br />
These Holy Week Mass times are correct as of the time of print.<br />
Please visit our website parracatholic.org for more information.
GREYSTANES PARISH<br />
(OUR LADY, QUEEN OF PEACE)<br />
LALOR PARK PARISH<br />
(ST BERNADETTE’S)<br />
MERRYLANDS PARISH<br />
(ST MARGARET MARY’S)<br />
Palm Sunday: 5pm Vigil, 7am, 8.30am,<br />
10.30am, 6pm<br />
Holy Thursday: 8pm<br />
Good Friday: 10am (Stations), 3pm<br />
Holy Saturday: 8pm<br />
<strong>Easter</strong> Sunday: 7am, 8.30am, 10.30am<br />
GUILDFORD PARISH<br />
(ST PATRICK’S)<br />
Palm Sunday: 5.30pm Vigil, 8am, 10am<br />
Holy Thursday: 7pm<br />
Good Friday: 10am (Stations), 3pm,<br />
7pm (Vigil at the Tomb)<br />
Holy Saturday: 6pm<br />
<strong>Easter</strong> Sunday: 8am, 10am<br />
HARRIS PARK PARISH<br />
(ST OLIVER PLUNKETT)<br />
Palm Sunday: 5.30pm Vigil, 8am, 10am<br />
Holy Thursday: 7.30pm<br />
Good Friday: 10am (Stations), 3pm<br />
Holy Saturday: 7.30pm<br />
<strong>Easter</strong> Sunday: 8am, 10am<br />
KELLYVILLE PARISH<br />
(OUR LADY OF THE ROSARY)<br />
Palm Sunday: 6pm Vigil, 7am, 9am,<br />
11am, 6pm<br />
Holy Thursday: 7pm<br />
Good Friday: 11am (Stations), 3pm<br />
Holy Saturday: 8pm<br />
<strong>Easter</strong> Sunday: 7am, 9am, 11am<br />
KENTHURST PARISH<br />
(ST MADELEINE SOPHIE BARAT)<br />
Palm Sunday: 5.30pm Vigil, 8am, 10am,<br />
5.30pm<br />
Holy Thursday: 7pm<br />
Good Friday: 10am (Stations), 3pm<br />
Holy Saturday: 5.30pm<br />
<strong>Easter</strong> Sunday: 8am, 10am, 5.30pm<br />
KINGSWOOD PARISH<br />
(ST JOSEPH’S)<br />
Palm Sunday: 6pm Vigil, 8.30am, 10am<br />
Holy Thursday: 7pm<br />
Good Friday: 11am (Stations), 3pm<br />
Holy Saturday: 7.30pm<br />
<strong>Easter</strong> Sunday: 8.30am, 10am<br />
Palm Sunday: 6pm Vigil, 8.30am, 10am<br />
Holy Thursday: 7.30pm<br />
Good Friday: 10am (Stations), 3pm<br />
Holy Saturday: 6pm<br />
<strong>Easter</strong> Sunday: 8.30am, 10am<br />
LAWSON PARISH<br />
(OUR LADY OF THE NATIVITY)<br />
Palm Sunday: 5pm Vigil, 8.30am, 4pm<br />
(Latin Mass)<br />
Holy Thursday: 7pm<br />
Good Friday: 10am (Stations), 3pm<br />
Holy Saturday: 5pm<br />
<strong>Easter</strong> Sunday: 8.30am, 11am (Latin<br />
Mass)<br />
LUDDENHAM-WARRAGAMBA<br />
PARISH (SACRED HEART)<br />
Holy Family, Luddenham<br />
Palm Sunday: 6pm Vigil, 7.30am<br />
Holy Thursday: 7pm<br />
Good Friday: 3pm<br />
Holy Saturday: 7pm<br />
<strong>Easter</strong> Sunday: 10am<br />
Sacred Heart, Warragamba<br />
Palm Sunday: 9.30am<br />
Good Friday: 10am (Stations)<br />
<strong>Easter</strong> Sunday: 8.30am<br />
MARAYONG PARISH<br />
(ST ANDREW THE APOSTLE)<br />
Palm Sunday: 5pm Vigil, 7.30am,<br />
8.45am, 10.30am<br />
Holy Thursday: 7pm<br />
Good Friday: 10am (Stations), 3pm<br />
Holy Saturday: 7.30pm<br />
<strong>Easter</strong> Sunday: 7.30am, 8.45am,<br />
10.30am<br />
MARSDEN PARK PAROCHIAL<br />
DISTRICT (ST LUKE’S)<br />
Palm Sunday: 10am<br />
Holy Thursday: 7pm<br />
Good Friday: 10am (Stations), 3pm<br />
Holy Saturday: 7pm<br />
<strong>Easter</strong> Sunday: 10am<br />
Palm Sunday: 6pm Vigil, 7.30am, 9am,<br />
10.30am, 6pm<br />
Holy Thursday: 7pm<br />
Good Friday: 10am (Stations), 3pm<br />
Holy Saturday: 6.30pm<br />
<strong>Easter</strong> Sunday: 7.30am, 9am, 10.30am,<br />
6pm<br />
MOUNT DRUITT PARISH<br />
(HOLY FAMILY)<br />
Holy Family Church, Emerton<br />
Palm Sunday: 5.30pm Vigil, 9am,<br />
10.30am<br />
Holy Thursday: 7pm<br />
Good Friday: 10am (Stations), 3pm<br />
Holy Saturday: 7.30pm<br />
<strong>Easter</strong> Sunday: 9am, 10.30am<br />
Willmot Community Hub, Willmot<br />
Palm Sunday: 7.30am<br />
<strong>Easter</strong> Sunday: 7.30am<br />
MOUNT DRUITT SOUTH PARISH<br />
(SACRED HEART)<br />
Palm Sunday: 7.30am, 9am<br />
Holy Thursday: 7pm<br />
Good Friday: 10am (Stations), 3pm<br />
Holy Saturday: 7pm<br />
<strong>Easter</strong> Sunday: 7.30am, 9am<br />
NORTH ROCKS PARISH<br />
(CHRIST THE KING)<br />
Palm Sunday: 5.30pm Vigil, 8am, 10am<br />
Holy Thursday: 7.30pm<br />
Good Friday: 10am (Stations), 3pm<br />
Holy Saturday: 6.30pm<br />
<strong>Easter</strong> Sunday: 8am, 10am<br />
PARRAMATTA PARISH<br />
(ST PATRICK’S CATHEDRAL)<br />
Palm Sunday: 6pm Vigil, 8am, 9.30am,<br />
11am, 6pm<br />
Holy Thursday: 7:30pm<br />
Good Friday: 10am (Stations), 3pm<br />
Holy Saturday: 7.30pm<br />
<strong>Easter</strong> Sunday: 8am, 9.30am, 11am,<br />
6pm<br />
These Holy Week Mass times are correct as of the time of print.<br />
Please visit our website parracatholic.org for more information.<br />
59
PARRAMATTA NORTH PARISH<br />
(ST MONICA’S)<br />
Palm Sunday: 5pm Vigil (English), 9am<br />
(English), 11.30am (Cantonese), 6pm<br />
(English)<br />
Holy Thursday: 7.30pm (English and<br />
Cantonese)<br />
Good Friday: 10am (Stations – English),<br />
11.30am (Stations – Cantonese), 3pm<br />
(English), 5.30pm (Cantonese)<br />
Holy Saturday: 6pm (English), 8.30pm<br />
(Cantonese)<br />
<strong>Easter</strong> Sunday: 9am (English), 11.30am<br />
(Cantonese), 6pm (English)<br />
PENRITH PARISH<br />
(ST NICHOLAS OF MYRA)<br />
Palm Sunday: 6pm Vigil, 7am, 8.30am,<br />
10am, 6pm<br />
Holy Thursday: 7pm<br />
Good Friday: 10am (Stations), 3pm<br />
Holy Saturday: 7pm<br />
<strong>Easter</strong> Sunday: 7am, 8.30am, 10am,<br />
6pm<br />
PLUMPTON PARISH<br />
(THE GOOD SHEPHERD)<br />
Palm Sunday: 6pm Vigil, 7am, 9am,<br />
6pm<br />
Holy Thursday: 7.30pm<br />
Good Friday: 10am (Stations), 3pm,<br />
6pm (Vietnamese)<br />
Holy Saturday: 7.30pm<br />
<strong>Easter</strong> Sunday: 7am, 9am, 12pm<br />
(Vietnamese)<br />
QUAKERS HILL-SCHOFIELDS<br />
PARISH (MARY IMMACULATE)<br />
Palm Sunday: 5.30pm Vigil, 7.30am,<br />
9am, 10.30am, 12.30pm, 5.30pm<br />
Holy Thursday: 7.30pm<br />
Good Friday: 8am (Morning Prayer),<br />
9am (Primary School Stations), 10am<br />
(Stations), 3pm<br />
Holy Saturday: 7.30pm<br />
<strong>Easter</strong> Sunday: 7.30am, 9am, 10.30am,<br />
12.30pm, 5.30pm<br />
PARISH OF RICHMOND<br />
St Monica’s, Richmond<br />
Palm Sunday: 6pm Vigil, 7.30am,<br />
9.30am, 5.30pm<br />
Holy Thursday: 7pm<br />
Good Friday: 10am (Stations), 3pm<br />
Holy Saturday: 7pm<br />
<strong>Easter</strong> Sunday: 7.30am, 9.30am,<br />
5.30pm<br />
St Gregory’s, Kurrajong<br />
Palm Sunday: 8am<br />
Good Friday: 10am (Stations)<br />
<strong>Easter</strong> Sunday: 8am<br />
RIVERSTONE PARISH<br />
(ST JOHN THE EVANGELIST)<br />
Palm Sunday: 7am, 9am, 10.30am<br />
Holy Thursday: 7pm<br />
Good Friday: 10am (Stations), 3pm<br />
Holy Saturday: 7pm<br />
<strong>Easter</strong> Sunday: 7am, 9am, 10.30am<br />
ROOTY HILL PARISH<br />
(ST AIDAN’S)<br />
Palm Sunday: 6pm Vigil, 7.30am, 9am,<br />
10.30am, 5.30pm<br />
Holy Thursday: 7pm<br />
Good Friday: 10am (Stations), 3pm<br />
Holy Saturday: 7pm<br />
<strong>Easter</strong> Sunday: 7.30am, 9am, 10.30am,<br />
5.30pm<br />
ROUSE HILL PARISH<br />
(OUR LADY OF THE ANGELS)<br />
Our Lady of the Angels, Rouse Hill<br />
Palm Sunday: 5.30pm Vigil, 8.30am,<br />
10am, 5.30pm<br />
Holy Thursday: 7pm<br />
Good Friday: 10am (Stations), 3pm<br />
Holy Saturday: 7pm<br />
<strong>Easter</strong> Sunday: 8.30am, 10am, 5.30pm<br />
Santa Sophia <strong>Catholic</strong> College, Box Hill<br />
Palm Sunday: 11.30am<br />
Good Friday: 3pm<br />
<strong>Easter</strong> Sunday: 11.30am<br />
RYDALMERE PARISH<br />
(HOLY NAME OF MARY)<br />
SEVEN HILLS PARISH<br />
(OUR LADY OF LOURDES)<br />
Palm Sunday: 6pm Vigil, 8am, 9.30am<br />
Holy Thursday: 7.30pm<br />
Good Friday: 10am (Stations), 3pm<br />
Holy Saturday: 6pm<br />
<strong>Easter</strong> Sunday: 8am, 9.30am<br />
SPRINGWOOD PARISH<br />
(ST THOMAS AQUINAS)<br />
Palm Sunday: 5pm Vigil, 8am, 9.30am<br />
Holy Thursday: 7pm<br />
Good Friday: 10am (Stations), 3pm<br />
Holy Saturday: 7pm<br />
<strong>Easter</strong> Sunday: 8am, 9.30am<br />
ST CLAIR-ERSKINE PARK PARISH<br />
(HOLY SPIRIT)<br />
Palm Sunday: 6pm Vigil, 8am, 9.30am,<br />
6pm<br />
Holy Thursday: 7.30pm<br />
Good Friday: 10am (Stations), 3pm<br />
Holy Saturday: 6.30pm<br />
<strong>Easter</strong> Sunday: 8am, 9.30am<br />
ST MARYS PARISH<br />
(OUR LADY OF THE ROSARY)<br />
Palm Sunday: 6pm Vigil, 7.30am, 9am,<br />
10.30am, 5.30pm<br />
Holy Thursday: 7.30pm<br />
Good Friday: 9am (Morning Prayer and<br />
Readings), 11am (Passion Play), 3pm<br />
Holy Saturday: 9am (Morning Prayer<br />
and Readings), 8pm<br />
<strong>Easter</strong> Sunday: 7.30am, 9am, 10.30am<br />
TOONGABBIE PARISH<br />
(ST ANTHONY OF PADUA)<br />
Palm Sunday: 5.30pm Vigil, 8am, 10am<br />
Holy Thursday: 7pm<br />
Good Friday: 10am, 3pm<br />
Holy Saturday: 7pm<br />
<strong>Easter</strong> Sunday: 8am, 10am<br />
Palm Sunday: 5.30pm Vigil, 8am, 10am<br />
Holy Thursday: 7pm<br />
Good Friday: 9.30am (Stations), 3pm<br />
Holy Saturday: 5.30pm<br />
<strong>Easter</strong> Sunday: 8am, 10am<br />
60<br />
These Holy Week Mass times are correct as of the time of print.<br />
Please visit our website parracatholic.org for more information.
UPPER BLUE MOUNTAINS<br />
PARISH (ST MARY OF THE CROSS<br />
MACKILLOP)<br />
St Canice’s, Katoomba<br />
Palm Sunday: 10am<br />
Holy Thursday: 7pm<br />
Good Friday: 10am (Stations), 3pm<br />
Holy Saturday: 7pm<br />
<strong>Easter</strong> Sunday: 10am<br />
St Bonaventure’s, Leura<br />
Palm Sunday: 5pm Vigil, 5pm<br />
Good Friday: 9.30am (Stations)<br />
<strong>Easter</strong> Sunday: 8.30am<br />
St Francis Xavier, Wentworth Falls<br />
Palm Sunday: 8am<br />
Good Friday: 9am (Stations)<br />
<strong>Easter</strong> Sunday: 8am<br />
WENTWORTHVILLE PARISH<br />
(OUR LADY OF MOUNT CARMEL)<br />
Palm Sunday: 6pm Vigil, 8am, 10am,<br />
6pm<br />
Holy Thursday: 7.30pm<br />
Good Friday: 9am (Stations), 3pm<br />
Holy Saturday: 7:30pm<br />
<strong>Easter</strong> Sunday: 8am, 10am<br />
WESTMEAD PARISH<br />
(SACRED HEART)<br />
Palm Sunday: 6pm Vigil, 8am, 9.30am<br />
Holy Thursday: 7pm<br />
Good Friday: 10am (Stations), 3pm<br />
Holy Saturday: 7pm<br />
<strong>Easter</strong> Sunday: 8am, 9.30am<br />
WINDSOR PARISH<br />
(ST MATTHEW’S)<br />
Palm Sunday: 6pm Vigil, 7.30am,<br />
9am, 5pm<br />
Holy Thursday: 7pm<br />
Good Friday: 10am (Stations), 3pm<br />
Holy Saturday: 6pm<br />
<strong>Easter</strong> Sunday: 7.30am, 9am<br />
WINSTON HILLS PARISH<br />
(ST PAUL THE APOSTLE)<br />
Palm Sunday: 5pm Vigil, 8am,<br />
9.30am, 5pm<br />
Holy Thursday: 7pm<br />
Good Friday: 10am (Stations), 3pm<br />
Holy Saturday: 7pm<br />
<strong>Easter</strong> Sunday: 8am, 9.30am<br />
CHAPLAINCIES:<br />
KOREAN CATHOLIC COMMUNITY<br />
(OUR LADY OF LOURDES CHURCH, BAULKHAM HILLS)<br />
Palm Sunday: 11.30am<br />
Good Friday: 7pm (Stations and Celebration of Lord’s Passion)<br />
<strong>Easter</strong> Sunday: 11.30am<br />
SLOVENIAN CATHOLIC COMMUNITY<br />
(ST RAPHAEL’S SLOVENIAN CATHOLIC<br />
CHURCH, MERRYLANDS)<br />
Palm Sunday: 7pm Vigil, 9.30am<br />
Holy Thursday: 5pm<br />
Good Friday: 3pm<br />
Holy Saturday: 7pm<br />
<strong>Easter</strong> Sunday: 8am<br />
CHINESE CATHOLIC COMMUNITY<br />
(ST MONICA’S PARISH, NORTH PARRAMATTA)<br />
Palm Sunday: 11.30am (Cantonese)<br />
Holy Thursday: 7.30pm<br />
Good Friday: 11.30am (Stations – Cantonese), 5.30pm<br />
Holy Saturday: 8.30pm<br />
<strong>Easter</strong> Sunday: 11.30am<br />
LATIN MASS CHAPLAINCY<br />
(CROATIAN CATHOLIC CHURCH HALL, BLACKTOWN,<br />
UNLESS SPECIFIED)<br />
Palm Sunday: 7:15am (St Mark’s Coptic <strong>Catholic</strong> Church, Prospect),<br />
10.30am, 4pm (Our Lady of the Nativity Parish, Lawson)<br />
Holy Thursday: 7pm<br />
Good Friday: 10am (Stations), 3pm<br />
Holy Saturday: 8.30pm<br />
<strong>Easter</strong> Sunday: 7:45am (St Mark’s Coptic <strong>Catholic</strong> Church, Prospect),<br />
10am, 11am (Our Lady of the Nativity Parish, Lawson)<br />
These Holy Week Mass times are correct as of the time of print.<br />
Please visit our website parracatholic.org for more information.<br />
61
Directory of services<br />
(02) 8843 2500 or visit catholiccarewsbm.org.au<br />
Chancery Office<br />
www.parracatholic.org<br />
(02) 8838 3400<br />
diocese@parracatholic.org<br />
Bishop Vincent Long OFM Conv<br />
(02) 8838 3400<br />
bishop@parracatholic.org<br />
<strong>Catholic</strong> Schools Parramatta Diocese<br />
parra.catholic.edu.au<br />
(02) 9840 5600<br />
communityliaison@parra.catholic.edu.au<br />
Community Ventures<br />
(<strong>Catholic</strong> Diocese of Parramatta<br />
Services Limited)<br />
1300 2VENTURES (1300 283 688)<br />
enquiries@cdpsl.org.au<br />
www.communityventures.org.au<br />
Ambrose Early Years Education<br />
and School Age Care<br />
1300 4AMBROSE (1300 426 276)<br />
enquiries@ambrose.org.au<br />
www.ambrose.org.au<br />
<strong>Catholic</strong> Care Western Sydney<br />
and the Blue Mountains<br />
(02) 8843 2500<br />
catholiccarewsbm.org.au<br />
Mission Enhancement Team<br />
(MET Parramatta)<br />
<strong>Catholic</strong> Youth Parramatta;<br />
Peace, Justice, Ecology; Marriage;<br />
Natural Fertility; Worship;<br />
MET Facilitators<br />
met@parracatholic.org<br />
parracatholic.org/connect<br />
Confraternity of Christian Doctrine<br />
(02) 8838 3486<br />
ccd@parracatholic.org<br />
Tribunal Office<br />
(02) 8838 3480<br />
tribunal@parracatholic.org<br />
Vocations<br />
(02) 8838 3460<br />
vocations@parracatholic.org<br />
Parramatta <strong>Catholic</strong> Foundation<br />
(02) 8838 3482<br />
yourfoundation@parracatholic.org<br />
Diocesan Development Fund<br />
(02) 8839 4500<br />
enquiries@parraddf.org.au<br />
Holy Spirit Seminary<br />
(02) 9296 6300<br />
Office for Safeguarding<br />
(02) 8838 3419<br />
safeguarding@parracatholic.org<br />
Ageing Well<br />
Whatever your age, you will never be invisible to the people at <strong>Catholic</strong> Care. Our range of<br />
supports aim to keep you living independently in your own home for as long as possible,<br />
while staying connected with your friends and community.<br />
Our Commonwealth Home Support Program support elderly people to stay living<br />
independently at home, while our Community Visitor’s Scheme aims to reduce loneliness<br />
and enrich people’s lives through fortnightly visits to residents at aged-care facilities.<br />
Bringing a baby into the world<br />
There are few things more important than caring for a newborn child. Our programs have helped<br />
many young women who are feeling lost or have been excluded from their community and are<br />
at risk of homelessness, to get the support they need. Our parenting support program supports<br />
new parents finding the challenges of a newborn overwhelming.<br />
Chaplaincy<br />
Our chaplains provide spiritual and emotional support for patients and inmates, their<br />
families and staff in the seven hospitals and three correctional centres throughout the<br />
Diocese of Parramatta. An inclusive ministry available to all faiths, our 15 chaplains work<br />
alongside others involved in the care of patients and inmates.<br />
Children<br />
<strong>Catholic</strong> Care offers a range of support services to ensure children are taken care of in any<br />
situation. It starts with early years learning and childcare — our home-based early learning and<br />
parenting program for families with young children helps them and their parents develop skills,<br />
and our family day care helps kids get a good start with their education. Our creche is a thriving<br />
early learning centre, providing care for children of Sudanese refugee women enrolled in English<br />
classes offered on the grounds of <strong>Catholic</strong> Care.<br />
Connecting with my Community<br />
Our drop-in centres provide a safe place for people to belong and connect with others.<br />
They are a place to be, a place to get information, join a group, and be accepted.<br />
In Emerton, Aboriginal <strong>Catholic</strong> Services is a drop-in centre led by Aboriginal people for<br />
Aboriginal people. In Blacktown, culturally and linguistically diverse families are accessing<br />
support to settle into life in Australia by the team at All Saints of Africa. And at our Springwood<br />
Drop-in Centre, established to support the community after the 2014 bushfires, clients stop by<br />
for a chat, join a reading group or seek support with their mental health.<br />
Living well with Disability<br />
We all need a support network to live our lives to the fullest. Our disability support team, can<br />
help you with living, learning and overcoming obstacles on your journey, whatever they may<br />
look like. We can help you set goals, and achieve them, and help you build a brighter future.<br />
As a registered National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) provider, we support clients<br />
at home and in the community, whether you want to learn how to cook, need support with<br />
personal care, or want to play sport.<br />
Support for my Family<br />
When life gets tough for our families, the people we care about most can suffer. Our range<br />
of family support services can support you to better relate to your spouse and understand<br />
their behaviour, to deal with dependence or gambling problems, single parenting, or just<br />
connecting with your kids.<br />
We support families who are going through the most difficult of times to cope through<br />
separation, and with grief and loss. We help parents deal with all the stresses that can<br />
impact your family, from anxiety and depression to money worries, gambling—we have the<br />
people, the resources and the support to help you make it through.<br />
62
Latest appointments<br />
Most Rev Vincent Long OFM Conv, Bishop of<br />
Parramatta, has confirmed these appointments in<br />
the Diocese of Parramatta:<br />
Rev Albino Dos Santos OCarm<br />
Assistant Priest at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish,<br />
Wentworthville, as of 29 January <strong>2024</strong>.<br />
Rev John Hogan<br />
Administrator at Sacred Heart Parish, Westmead,<br />
as of 17 February <strong>2024</strong>.<br />
Rev David Austin OSA<br />
Administrator at Holy Spirit Parish, St Clair-Erskine Park,<br />
as of 1 March <strong>2024</strong>.<br />
A time to renew your spirit<br />
Queen of Peace<br />
Medjugorje Pilgrimage<br />
Footsteps of St<br />
Mary MacKillop<br />
Melbourne to Adelaide<br />
the genuine pilgrim experience<br />
Great Saints of Italy<br />
Rome to Venice<br />
Land only from $3690<br />
Land only from $4590 Land only from $6990<br />
Commences 01 October <strong>2024</strong>.<br />
10 Days. With Fr Andrew Grace<br />
Healings, miracles and conversions –<br />
these have been occurring for so long.<br />
Endless streams of pilgrims over the years<br />
have come to receive these graces and<br />
return to their homelands renewed.<br />
Also departs September <strong>2024</strong>.<br />
Departs 10 October <strong>2024</strong>.<br />
11 Days. With Fr David Catterall.<br />
Set out together on a true Australian<br />
Pilgrimage through the life and times of<br />
Mary MacKillop, as we rekindle the story,<br />
landscapes and spirit of our nations’ first<br />
Saint. Feast Day in Penola.<br />
Also departs August <strong>2024</strong>.<br />
Commences 21 October <strong>2024</strong>. 12 Days.<br />
With Fr Christopher del Rosario.<br />
Stunning landscapes, picturesque towns<br />
and peaceful shrines like Assisi, Siena<br />
and Florence await. Explore the rich<br />
tapestry of culture, faith, art, and history<br />
that Italy offers.<br />
Also departs September <strong>2024</strong>.<br />
BOOKINGS & ENQUIRIES<br />
1800 819 156<br />
www.harvestjourneys.com
“The new digital payment system organised by<br />
the Diocesan Development Fund has allowed us to<br />
reach a diverse range of givers on a wide range of<br />
payment platforms. It makes fundraising events easier<br />
to organise. Payments for facilities hire, donations<br />
for weddings and other sacraments are received<br />
promptly.” – Mili Lee, Manager, St Patrick’s Cathedral Parramatta<br />
Quest Terminal<br />
MAKING DONATIONS EASIER<br />
THROUGH DIGITAL PLATFORMS<br />
Through its partnership with the Commonwealth Bank, the Diocesan Development Fund<br />
(DDF) is offering digital payment systems to all <strong>Catholic</strong> entities including parishes, schools<br />
and agencies.<br />
Making it easier for people to donate in today’s cashless society, online payment platforms<br />
including tap-to-donate solutions such as CommBank Smart device and Quest terminals<br />
reduce the amount of cash you need to keep on premises and make reconciling easier.<br />
Merchant facilities are provided through the Commonwealth Bank.<br />
The Diocesan Development Fund (DDF) provides financial services that helps to promote<br />
the continued growth and development of a vibrant and evangelising <strong>Catholic</strong> Church in<br />
the Diocese of Parramatta.<br />
Smart Device<br />
The DDF’s services include:<br />
• Providing loans to assist <strong>Catholic</strong> agencies to further their Mission. Loans are available for any worthwhile purpose including<br />
construction, renovation, land purchase, furnishings, and equipment.<br />
• Facilitating transactional services to <strong>Catholic</strong> agencies such as parishes and schools.<br />
• Operating efficiently to generate income for the Diocese to support the Mission of the Church, pastoral priorities, and ministry<br />
programmes.<br />
• The development of deep long-term relationships with all <strong>Catholic</strong> entities within the Diocese.<br />
To contact the DDF please phone (02) 8839 4500 or email enquiries@parraddf.org.au<br />
Visit the DDF website at www.parracatholic.org/ddf<br />
Disclosure Statement: The Diocesan Development Fund <strong>Catholic</strong> Diocese of Parramatta (DDF) (the Fund) is required by law to make the following disclosure.<br />
The Fund is not prudentially supervised by the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority nor has it been examined or approved by the Australian Securities<br />
and Investments Commission. An investor in the Fund will not receive the benefit of the financial claims scheme or thedepositor protection provisions in the<br />
Banking Act 1959 (Cth). Investments in the Fund are intended to be a means for investors to support the charitable, religious and educational works of the<br />
<strong>Catholic</strong> Diocese of Parramatta and for whom the consideration of profit are not of primary relevance in the investment decision. The investments that the<br />
Fund offers are not subject to the usual protections for investors under the Corporations Act (Cth) or regulation by Australian Securities and Investments<br />
Commission. Investors may be unable to get some or all of their money back when the investor expects or at all and an of the Fund are not comparable to<br />
investments with banks, finance companies or fund managers. The Fund’s identification statement may be viewed at https://parracatholic.org or by contacting<br />
the Fund. The Fund does not hold an Australian Financial Services Licence.