In essentials unity;

In inessentials liberty;

In all things charity

beating up a Protestant or Catholic child was consid-ered a sacred duty provided, of course, that you had the numbers. In order to keep the flag of intolerance flying high, the adult tribal leader-ship waged an annual battle on Exchange Station, when the members of the Protestant Orange Lodge returned from Southport having celebrated their victory in the battle of the Boyne in 1690. Catholics could demonstrate their religious fervour by singing “Faith of Our Father’s” and their physical prowess by the number of Orangemen laid low. It was even rumoured that a plenary indulgence could be gained for con-spicuous valour in the fray. Now, half a century later, we share ecumenical ser-vices and, increasingly, other occasions with our fellow Christians from several denominations. Our pastors meet regularly and a Covenant now exists between some of these churches. Moreover, as John Leonard’s article in this issue makes clear, our local area has been in the fore-front of this ecumenical movement for decades. Change brings its challenges but it also brings its rewards. John Cogley

Editorial

1st July 2007 marks the formal creation of the new Catholic Parish of Epping and Carling-ford from Our Lady Help of Christians, Epping, and St Gerard Majella’s, Carlingford. In many ways this has been a seamless process due, in large measure, to Fr Colin’s determination to proceed gradually and by the readiness of the, initially separate and subsequently joint, Parish Pastoral Councils to work harmoniously. However, for many long term parishioners, some of whom have given decades of service to one or the other parish, there must be a certain nostalgia and sense of loss. For all parishioners this sense of loss will encompass the declining numbers of priests which, essentially, is the reason for the increasing amalgamation of parishes. It is easy, especially for older Catholics who recall presby-teries overrun by curates, to feel misgivings about the future of the Church. As a species evolution has not prepared us well for adjusting to the rapid rate of change in modern life. For millennia life changed little from generation to generation: now it changes dramatically within the same generation. Even older and younger

siblings often feel that they inhabit different worlds. A perfectly natural reaction is to want to ‘turn the clock back’ and to retreat into a world remembered as more comfortable and more stable. But would we really choose to do so? Reflecting on a Catholic childhood in Liverpool, England, at a time when our presbytery literally did bulge with curates, I recall most vividly the antagonism between Catholics and Protestants. Discussions with Australian Catholics of similar age suggests the situation was little different here. Fr Edmund Campion’s book “Rock Choppers” tells the same story. For all Catholics of this era, to associate with non-Catholics was to sup with the Devil. Attendance at Non-Catholic services was prohibited and mixed marriages were treated as akin to apostasy. In Liver-pool, the children of both religions were so indoctri-nated with hatred that

ADJUSTING TO CHANGE May 2007 Issue 4

Inside this issue:

The Bridge Profile - Judy Wright Why am I still a Catholic?

2 3

The Carlingford Ecumenical Story A Path of Grief

4 5

Book Review 5

100 Years of Scouting Authority:...

6 7

Engaged Encounter 8

OLHC Foundation Stone

9

Do you have an article for our next edition? If so, please contact our

editorial team (details back page)

Youth Mass 10

Parish Pastoral Council

10

Carlingford Bible Study Group

Kids Fun Activity

11

11

OLHC-Epping 12

St Gerards Carlingford

13

Money Matters 14

Letters to Editor 15

Page 2 May 2007 Issue 4

Judy cared for her eld-erly and unwell mother for eighteen years in their own home and a further five years when her mother was in a nursing home. This caring role did curtail Judy’s social life except for the occasional respite time when extended family could assist. When asked about her faith journey, Judy remembers her older sister and father as being the prime nurturers of her faith development as a child. Judy describes how her mother had been a convert to Catholicism however after losing their first child at age eight months, her mother’s faith was sub-dued until she was in the nursing home before her death when a local priest would visit her with commun-ion (Judy says it was meant to be that her mother was in the nursing home despite her guilt feelings because that experience renewed her relationship with God). Judy’s outlook on her faith develop-ment over the years has been to “cling to her faith because she would be lost without it”. She strives to live by the principles of The Beatitudes and Micah’s Verse: “Hear what the LORD requires of you. To live justly and to love tenderly, and to walk humbly with your God.”. Judy believes her faith has become stronger as she has become more tuned into God and her faith. She has also become more enquiring of her faith and this part of her life has in-cluded attending courses on history of the early and medieval Church held at the Catholic Institute at Strathfield. Judy is very interested to know who we are as a Church and where we have come from. Judy’s life changed significantly in October 1999 when her husband

George passed away. George’s death left a huge hole in her life and she found herself being able to become more involved in Parish and commu-nity life. When Fr Colin commenced as Parish Priest of St Gerard’s and OLHC, he invited Judy to become the Sacristan for Carlingford. This was a significant and important time in her Faith Development jour-ney and Judy realised that it was time to move out of her “comfort zone”. Being the sacristan of Carlingford has allowed Judy to share herself with many members of the Parish commu-nity as well as keep the sacristy in order and prepared for daily Masses. Many unnoticed tasks come under this role including mending, washing and generally keeping supplies in order and the Church prepared. Judy has also stepped outside of the Parish boundaries to assist others who are less fortunate. Judy catches the train to the Matthew Talbot hos-tel in Woolloomooloo each week where she assists in serving and clean-ing up of meals for the homeless. Judy is also a member of the Prison Ministry team visiting the ladies in Silverwater prison and assisting them with craft activities and supporting their faith. As Judy says, “I was in prison and you visited me…..” Trying to live out the Gospel is important for Judy. She believes that changes from Vatican II have allowed her to take a greater active role in her faith development rather than only a spec-tator role. Even when Judy dealt with her own life threatening illness almost two years ago, she feels that her faith, family, friends and Parish support as-sisted her to move forward and sur-vive treatment. When asked what are your dreams for the future – Judy replies in a calm and relaxed manner, “I do not want to live too long, I do not want to be incapacitated and on my own and besides, I have a much better place to go”.

Judy Wright was born in the family home which was the “Stationmaster’s Cottage” in West Tamworth as her father worked in the railways. Judy was the tenth of thir-teen children (9 boys and 4 girls) and the family came to Sydney when she was two years old. Judy reports having close relationships with her siblings, eight of whom who are still living and the family have an annual reunion to keep the family ties together. Judy attended St. Josephs School Burwood Heights, which was run by the Mary McKillop order of nuns. Judy was a con-scientious student and completed her intermediate school certificate before working at a Sydney boutique sewing for two years before completing a dressmak-ing course at the technical college. Judy decided to move into the healthcare profession and completed general nursing training at Western Suburbs Hospital Croydon. Judy enjoyed living in the nurses’ home and wonders where the beautiful old staircase went when the hos-pital shut its doors. Nursing for Judy was also a fun time in her life especially when she met George Wright at a tennis game (even when she really did not like tennis!). George became Judy’s husband in 1958 when they were married at St Josephs Catholic Church, Burwood Heights. Judy and George built their own home in Carlingford and settled in this new suburb in 1966. Although George was not a Catholic, he supported Judy attending Mass each Sunday in what is now the St. Gerard’s Parish Hall and then later our current Church. Judy has seen the Parish grow and change during her time as a parishoner of Carlingford. Early years in Carlingford were filled with working full-time for both Judy and George who did not have children of their own. Judy worked in an administrative role for a pharmaceutical company for almost twenty years until retirement in 1995. George was a salesman for a cordial company. The couple enjoyed many friends and family activities, enjoyed visit-ing nice restaurants and sharing holidays together.

The Bridge Profile - Judy Wright Interview by Louise Koelmeyer of the Editorial Team

Page 3 May 2007 Issue 4

For me there are two parts to the question Why am I still a Catholic? The first part of the question is Why am I still a Christian? And then follows Why do I choose to be part of the Catholic Church rather than a Protestant Christian Church? Why am I still a Christian?

The fundamental reason as to why I am still a Christian has much more to do with God than with me. Almost despite myself, I am drawn to God. I have a sense that God has been very faithful, very forgiving, but my sense of God is a gift rather than something I have earnt. The second reason that I am still a Christian is that I have always thought that the world makes no logical sense at all if there is no God. The Big Bang theory does not resonate for me because I think there has to have been some moment of creation – of matter, or of the beginnings of the world as we know it – and it seems to me that only the existence of God can explain such creation. The third reason is that at various times in my life I have experienced God in my life in a real, personal way rather than just as concept or a belief. While this sort of experience of God has not been consistent over time, it has been a close and personal experience, and more than enough for me to have a sense that I know God exists rather than I think God exists. So for me the existence of God is relatively straightforward and the issue is more about why I am still a Catholic. I was born in the mid 1950’s and my earliest experience of the pre-Vatican II Church was being taught about many things that today we would either laugh at or dismiss as very misguided. There was almost a formula approach to spirituality, and it seemed that various novenas or devotion to particular saints offered almost guaranteed salvation. There was a myriad of rules we had to follow, most of which now seem rather silly. Pope John XXIII was a great man because he recognised the parlous state of Church in the late 1950’s and early 1960’s and was brave enough to insist that it had to change. I entered high school just after the completion of the second vatican council, so I saw the Church go through enormous change, reinventing itself as a more modern, relevant, and in my view a Church more closely aligned with the Gospels. It was an exciting time to be a Catholic teenager as this enormous worldwide Church went through a period of change that no-one would have thought possible ten years before. At the school I attended we were encouraged to freely explore issues of spiri-tuality and it seemed the church could no longer insist that there was only one way to think about any issue. Inevitably the process of change in the Church slowed and disappointed many people, and in my early twenties I went through a time when the Church no longer seemed relevant. I returned to the Christian Church through the Anglican Church at a time when I was living in Brisbane and because the Brisbane diocese was part of the Anglican High Church tradi-tion it did not seem very far from the Catholic church I had grown up with. I returned to the Catholic Church several years later when I returned to Sydney. So what are the things I like about the Catholic Church? One thing I like is its spirituality, which balances the need to have a close and personal relationship with God and a strong concern for social justice issues. I am often proud that my Church cares for the less well off and speaks out on social issues. Another thing I like is that the Catholic Church is not just home for the relatively wealthy in the community. Wherever it happens to be situated, a local parish will reflect a broad cross sec-tion of that community; there tends to be room for everyone. However, my experience has not always been uniformly positive, and many times I have wondered how the Church has sur-vived through the centuries without completely losing its way. These days, as we adjust to the shortage of priests, the argu-ments in favour of married clergy and of the ordination of women priests seem to me to be both straightforward and persua-sive, but the church seems to be clinging on to the past rather than developing a vision for the future. Our Church is an enormous organisation with enormous aspirations, and as with any such organisation you have to realise that it will have its flaws, and it will have its contradictions. So I don’t always find it easy or comfortable to be part of the Catholic Church, but as I have grown older I have learnt to live more easily with the contradictions of being part of this Church. The key issue is that for me the Church is a support in finding and keeping in contact with God. For that I am very appreciative. Barry Wiggins (We hope to make ‘Why I am still a Catholic’ a regular feature of the Bridge and invite parishioners to submit articles on ‘Why I am still a Catholic’)

Why am I still a Catholic?

Page 4 May 2007 Issue 4

“What unites us is greater than what divides us.” – Pope John XXIII When I was asked to attempt a review of Ecumenism from a parish viewpoint it was because we had inherited a most comprehensive history from Mary Clifford, a long term Carlingford parish-ioner and active Ecumenist dating back over some thirty five years. During this time Mary served on the executive of many organisations, groups and/or committees ranging from local to state and national level and usually as secretary or president or if you like – always at the sharp edge. At a recent Lay Ecumenical Morning at St Gerard’s, Mary presented a review to those present drawn from her knowledge and experiences. Too much to detail here, I have Mary’s permission to draw from her talk and provide some background on what has gone before in our region. In 1964 the Vatican II Decree on Ecumenism was released. In 1972 a Branch of the Catholic Women’s League was formed at Carlingford which led to the involvement of the already well established gatherings of Australian Church Women in Ep-ping, Beecroft and Carlingford. In turn this led to participation in Women’s World Day of Prayer, Fellowship Day and World Community Day. By this time regular contacts between the various church members were developing some strong and lasting friendships, built on joy and the benefits of working together with dedicated fellow Christians of other tradi-tions. On 30 October 1977 the Prayer of Wheels Ministry (conceived by Eileen Dutton of Carlingford) was formed with Rev Bill Mills of West Epping Uniting Church as President and Mary Clifford as Secretary - a position she still holds. This was truly ecumenical ministry, its ranks including members from West Epping Uniting, Carlingford Baptist, St Aiden’s Anglican and St Gerard’s – all serving the spiritual needs of the profoundly sick, disabled and lonely. In 1978 the Sydney Catholic Archdiocesan Ecumenical Division was formed with Bishop Bede Heather as Chairman. That year an Outer Region Ecumenical Committee was formed with Fr Peter Harrington as Chair. This was the beginning of considerably more ecumenical activity by the Catholic Church in the area. Parish Priests and members of the Catholic Women’s League were working together arranging speakers and venues for the bi-monthly gatherings being held through-out the nineteen parishes in the region. Church leaders and noted theologians and ecumenists were featured among the speakers. No doubt because of Mary’s involvement St Gerard’s was the venue of a number of these events. In 1986 Parramatta became a separate diocese and both Epping and Carlingford became part of the also new Diocese of Broken Bay. Fortunately our new Bishop, Dr David Walker, was already involved in the ecumenical movement and soon established a Diocesan Ecumenical Commission with Fr Colin Blayney at its head. There is much more to this story, but perhaps this is a good point for us to pause and reflect on the importance of the work of those hardy souls who set out some forty years ago to observe and act upon the Decree of Vatican II and to thank them for the example they set. Today in meeting with our fellow Christians we find ourselves in an environment of friend-liness, openness and acceptance. The relationship we are continually developing with our brothers and sisters in Christ are adding value to the contribution of those who showed us the way. John Leonard (to be continued…)

♦ Pope Julius II (1503-1513) was known as the ‘Warrior Pope’ and as ‘Il Terribile’. He wore full armour and led his troops into battle. When sculpted by Michelangelo he ordered that the book he was holding be replaced by a sword.

♦ Pope Pius XII suffered from hypochondria and is said to have carried a fly swatter under his robe in case of assault.

The Carlingford Ecumenical Story

“Vatican Trivia’

Page 5 May 2007 Issue 4

Book Review

Everyone has their own path to God. Part of my path was one of grief and loss. My second daughter died at birth. I would like to share this part of my path in the hope that your suffering, like mine, can be transformed into something meaningful. When I was seven month’s pregnant, my baby suddenly stopped moving. I had an emergency caesarian, but she didn’t sur-vive the birth due to a fatal condition. Her death, like 50% of stillbirths, remains unexplained. She was named Patricia in memory of her late paternal grandfather, Patrick. I knew I was never going to find out “why” Patricia died. Medically, maybe, but spiritually - never. I didn’t believe her death was a personal “punishment” for us. In order for her death to make sense to us, we tried to see what good had come from it. We were certainly able to name a few things. Could they have still resulted from events other than such a tragedy? I don’t know. We decided to have another baby, conceived, but a miscarriage soon followed. In the months after Patricia’s death, I had a very interesting prayer life. It was the first time in my life I had to face the prob-lem of suffering. God did not kill Patricia, but he did allow her to die. Why? One conclusion that could be drawn from this is that God does not care. I knew this was not true; however, what conclusion could I draw? All of the books I read (including the good book, the bible itself) carried the same message: that God does not spare Christians from suffering, he just prom-ises to be with us through it. After months of searching fruitlessly for some kind of understanding, I was at the point where I was saying to God that I didn’t want him beside me, I just wanted my baby. Then some revelations came through one of the books I was reading: we need to experience pain so that we can appreciate God’s goodness. Also, the only sure thing from God is his love. Nowhere does he promise a problem free life. I reflected on how happy Patricia was in heaven – how much more than me she was at peace. I realised that, no matter how much I wanted my baby back, how much greater was the promise of heaven itself. How much would I be losing, to have my baby back, but to lose God’s friendship? That day, I made my peace with God. I still want her back, but I realise (in my very limited, human way) what a gift salvation is. Yes, children are gifts; God gives us many gifts, but the greatest of these is his friendship which culminates in our coming home to the greatest gift one could be given – eternal life. Clare Walsh Title: In the Heart of the Temple, My Spiritual Vision for Today’s World Author: Joan Chittister – best selling author, internationally known lecturer, world renowned and well respected

Benedictine Nun. Published: 2004 by Blue Ridge New York NY

158 pages, Cost $26.95, available at Pauline Books and Media Centre, Sydney The forward was written by Martin E Marty (Professor Emeritus, The University of Chicago) who writes: “In The Heart of the Temple’ is a collection of Joan Chittister’s essays, a “best of Joan” book. This collection shows coher-ence and has force – Joan Chittister persuades and does not preach – Her moral sense evokes moral judgement but never from a position that suggests she has everything worked out and that she stands above the crowd”. Each essay has a one word title (there are 16 essays) – “Simplicity”, “Work”, “Stewardship”, “Equality”, “Contemplation”, “Ministry”, to name a few. Equality: The author writes passionately about the role of women in the Church and whilst she concedes they are valued for what they do she senses that there is no inclination to encourage true equality. I believe this book to be especially valuable for anyone wishing to renew or revitalise the sense of the spiritual in all areas of life. A great book for group discussion. Pat Maguire

A Path of Grief

Page 6 May 2007 Issue 4

PAPAL COMMENT

“Scouting is above all an education. Members experience it as a growth into personal maturity and social responsibility. They learn to assume their place in life with a high degree of commitment to the common good. They learn to care for the less fortunate. They develop a fervent desire to build a culture of goodwill;

they learn openness and harmony in human relationships, respect for the environment, acceptance of duties, including the most fundamental of all duties, love of the Creator and obedience to his will.”

Pope John Paul II, October, 1990.

How did it come about that a nerdy youth from Eastern Rd, Turramurra should be given such wonderful, exciting and life-defining opportunities? The answer is to be found in an extraordinary series of events that occurred a century ago. This year, 2007, Scouts around the world will celebrate their hundredth birthday . On July 25, in 1907 Robert Baden –Powell took 20 boys on a camping adventure to Brownsea Is-land in Poole Harbour. B-P was 50, the Hero of Mafeking, and held the rank of Inspector General of Cavalry. In 1904 he had set down some ideas on developing boys in self-reliance, based on his experience of the boys he recruited as messengers in Mafeking. He believed that in the Britain of that time boys needed more than the current schooling was providing. He wanted to show them “the beauty of God’s creation” away from the town environments, which was all that many of them knew. He sent the first outline of his ideas to Sir William Smith for use in programs run by The Boys’ Brigade, later clarifying his ideas into what would eventually become “Scouting for Boys.” He intended it to be used by organizations such as The Boys Brigade and the Y.M.C.A. and not as the basis for a competitor. The boys and girls of Britain had their own ideas. Originally published as a series of six fortnightly installments, it was an immediate best seller. Scouting captured the imagi-nation of boys (and quite a number of girls) and groups of them got together to play the Game of Scouting, asking adults to become their leaders. The Scout Movement had begun and not only in the UK. Scout Troops were soon to form in Aus-tralia, New Zealand and India and beyond. An invitation for Scouts to meet B-P at the Crystal Palace in London attracted an unexpected crowed of 11,000. In the face of such enthusiasm B-P resigned from the Army, a decision endorsed by King Edward and welcomed by the Scouts. By 1910 America boasted over 140 000 members and 2 500 leaders and the Movement had spread world-wide. “Scouts’ Hon-our”, and “The Good Turn”, were seen as defining key elements of the Movement and the phrases passed into common usage. Girl Guides were established as a separate organisation to accommodate the increasing numbers of female aspirants. By 2005 Scouts were active in 216 countries and territories and the membership had risen to 28 million. Of these Australia accounted for 98,000, the USA for 6.3 million and Indonesia for 8.9 million. Locally Scout Groups have existed for many decades in Epping, Eastwood, Carlingford, Beecroft, Roselea and Pennant Hills. In the late 1950 s, a Catholic Scout Group was formed at St. Agatha’s, Pennant Hills. Nowadays Scout Groups cater for boys and girls from the age of 6 to 26, as Joeys, Cubs, Scouts, Venturers and Rovers. In an age where young people are offered a bewildering variety of “spare time” activities, Scouting is but one of many. A Movement based on principles of Service to God and the community may seem hopelessly old-fashioned and out of touch with what are commonly portrayed as the aspirations of today’s youth. Yet world-wide, Scouting numbers are increasing rapidly, particularly in less affluent communities. Even in Australia, where numbers have declined over the past twenty years, there are signs of growth once more. Perhaps young people are once again responding to the wide range of attrac-tive, constructive and challenging opportunities for outdoor adventures that captured the imagination of Britain’s youth a century ago. Howard Carey

100 Years of Scouting

Lord Acton, a Catholic, is credited with a well known epigram. “Power tends to corrupt and absolute power to corrupt absolutely.” What is, perhaps, less well known is that he was referring to the Catholic Church in the context of Pius IX’s papacy, epitomized in the Pope issuing the Syllabus of Errors and lobbying successfully to have himself and all subsequent popes declared infallible. Following World War II and a century after Lord Acton, when the vic-tors began to take stock, there was a need to understand how one race could set out to deliberately exterminate another race. In other words, why the Holocaust? A man named Adorno tried to answer the question and came to the paradoxical conclusion that “Anti-Semitism has nothing to do with Jews”. His research suggested that there exists in any population an Authoritarian Personality. A personality which sees issues in black and white, is intolerant of dissent and of ‘out groups’, in this case predominantly the Jews. The Authoritarian Per-sonality appears to comprise part parent, part child but very little adult. It is comfortable in issuing orders or in obeying orders but not engaging in debate with those who may hold differing views: for the Authoritarian Personality dissent is akin to treason. The Authoritarian Personality is attracted by authoritarian organisations and vice versa. The Catholic Church is an organization with an authoritarian bias. This is accepted by the laity on the basis of the Apos-tolic Succession and in return for the sacraments and moral guidance. However, it is important that this unwritten con-tract is not extended by Authoritarian Personalities within the Church as a form of personal therapy. Jesus was scathing in his criticism of those who placed unnecessary burdens on men’s backs. Vatican II was an attempt to lessen those burdens in a move which did not and does not find favour with the Authoritarian Personality. Thus we have a situation which, as a priest once described it, “the Empire strikes back”, but strike back too hard and there may be no Empire left. The Church of 21st century in the developed world is a shrunken Church. A recent Church Life Survey placed Mass atten-dance among Australian Catholics at less than 20%. It also revealed a declining belief in traditional Catholic doctrine, espe-cially amongst younger Catholics, and a marked dissatisfaction with Church leadership. Faced with an educated population and having lost considerable moral authority by favouring the good of the institution over the good of defenseless children, it behoves the Church to exhibit a little more humility and a little less certainty. A greater capacity to listen and a lesser capacity to command. That is not to say that essential Christian values must be sacrificed in order to achieve a lowest common denominator to which all may assent. What it does suggest is that, when dealing with the laity, the old wisdom of “Tell me and I won’t, ask me and I might, involve me and I will” could be a useful motto for Church leadership. In the face of the AIDS pandemic, the Church is revisiting the prohibition of artificial birth control, specifically condoms. This creates an opportunity to consult with the laity as well as with theologians which, if adopted, could lead to a more collaborative future partnership. If we are to have a vigourous Church of the future, it must be based on such a partnership between the clergy and the laity. As a generalisation, the clergy, especially the Hierarchy, must increasingly behave as ‘adults’ rather than ‘parents’ The laity must escape the nursery and also behave as adults. That way there can be a true meeting of minds. Many Catholics believe that non core values should be declared optional even if some remain desirable. That priests should be permitted to marry. That the divorced should be permitted Holy Communion since Jesus, himself, stated that it was ‘the sick who needed the doctor”. If we are to take account of context in interpreting the Bible, as the Church decrees, we need to re-visit the idea of women priests. Simply forbidding discussion does not solve the problem. We need to examine honestly whether these stumbling blocks are a consequence of scripture or of the Authoritarian Personality? The Church’s claim to follow the principle of subsidiarity*, in order that decision making occurs at the lowest possible level, does not always find favour with the Authoritarian Personality. The principle is often ignored on the basis that em-bracing subsidiarity may result in poor decision making. More seriously, decision making by an ‘out of touch’ leadership is guaranteed to result in the very errors it purports to avoid. A hard line on female acolytes could be just such an example.

Page 7 May 2007 Issue 4

Authority: A Function of Principle or Personality?

"Let us pray for and with our fellow Catholics in East Timor as they struggle to build a new nation under a new President."

(Image courtesy of ‘Divine Word Missionaries Inc,

Australia)

I am choosing to love you while I sit here writing to you in order to better our relationship.” That is an excerpt from my notebook from the weekend we spent with Engaged Encounter. One of the lessons of the weekend was to choose to love your partner as opposed to just loving them when its easy. That phrase has been used by us many times since: “I am choosing to love you when you leave the toilet seat up, when you don’t do the dishes..” you get the picture! But it really was one of the most valuable tips given to me since we decided to marry, and believe me there have been tips aplenty! Getting married is the biggest decision of my life. Bigger than career, house purchase or over-seas travel. It is the most ‘life changing’ and, therefore, worthy of my time. If I could spend five years in law school or a year planning an overseas trip, why not a weekend dedicated to the ‘rest of my life’. No! Not time planning the wedding for, as Engaged Encounter advises, a wedding is a day but a marriage is a lifetime and there is nothing more important. After years with the significant other, possibly even living together, you think you know them inside out. But do we even know ourselves fully? We are none of us static and there is always more to learn. I accused my partner of perfectionism due to the long hours he worked. His reason was financial security so that I could give up work and start a family. I may not like him working late but now I understand and that is what made the difference. We had learned to communicate. Our Engaged Encounter gave us time to concentrate on each other. To talk about what really mattered to us both. To plan for more time together and better ways of using it. A friend told us that she could not imagine being married without the program. I can confirm that: it is the biggest return on the smallest investment on the most important area of your life, your marriage. That is why we wanted to share this testimony with your readers. Engaged Encounter: www.engagedencounter.com.au or the authors, Greg & Linda Power (9868 2924) Engaged Encounter presenters since 1988. Greg & Linda Power

Page 8 May 2007 Issue 4

The Authoritarian Personality, narrow and unshakable in its own convictions, believes that any lessening of authority guaran-tees chaos. In practice this view may provide short term conformity but, in the long term, it encourages revolution. Perhaps the least desirable revolution is a silent one in which the rebels simply vote with their feet and quietly disappear. Perhaps the most positive revolution is a noisy one in which the rebels articulate their misgivings and hold the leadership and themselves up to public account. Not in the spirit of despair but in the spirit of renewal. There are many clergy, nuns and priests, even bishops, who are themselves quiet revolutionaries within the Church. Their courage really does constitute a light in the darkness. As Dorothy Day once observed: “She may be a w**** at times but she remains our mother”. One may be critical of an organisation which one loves while remaining conscious of one’s own imperfections as a critic. Indifference and not criticism is the real enemy within. John Cogley * In accordance with the principle of subsidiarity, decisions should be made at the lowest reasonable level in order to enlarge freedom and to broaden participation in responsible action.” The Teaching of Christ: A Catholic Catechism for Adults (2nd edition p 329).

Authority: A Function of Principle or Personality? (cont’d from page 7)

Engaged Encounter

Page 11 May 2007 Issue 4

Page 9 May 2007 Issue 4

DOES HISTORY REPEAT ITSELF, OR TURN A CIRCLE? 1822 – 1916 In 1822 on the site of the Barren Ridges convict estab-lishment, now the surroundings of Our Lady Help of Christians Catholic Church, the Uniting Church and the Methodist Church, Epping, the Superintendent Patrick Kelly, and fellow convicts erected an interde-nominational church to hold 150 people. It was built in six weeks in their spare time. Kelly had the support of a man named George Druitt, who was known to have had Mass said in his own home. 1

On 17 June 1906 the first Mass was said by Father Stephen Gell of Ryde in Dolphin Hall, Oxford Street. By that time there were many Catholics in Epping, and a small band of them gathered at the home of Henry and Mary Costigan (cnr. Cambridge and Surrey Streets). Cardinal Moran attended that gathering and told them that a piece of land, (formerly the site of the in-terdenominational chapel) had been purchased for £75. The foundation stone of the church to be built on that land was laid by Cardinal Moran on 19 May 1907. Eight months later, on 19 January 1908, the church named Our Lady Help of Christians (sometimes in error called Our Lady of Good Counsel), was opened. Mary Costigan served at Mass, set out the vestments and attended the altar. The Parish of Epping was set up in 1916, embracing Epping, Eastwood and Marsfield. 2007 ♦ Epping is now one of the leading ecumenical areas of Sydney. ♦ About a third of our altar servers are female. ♦ Home Masses are now a regular event ♦ Our Lady Help of Christians, Epping and St. Gerard’s, Carlingford are in the throes of combining as one Parish. Elizabeth Barton

1 The Convict Timbergetters of Pennant Hills, Ralph Hawkins

At the time of submitting this “Centenary” synopsis, I have just located the music and words of a hymn “Hail Queen of the Rosary”, composed by a now deceased parishioner, Margaret E Donnellan, and first sung at a wedding at Our Lady Help of Christians. I am hoping we may hear it again in our centenary year, and hopefully keep it in our reper-toire.

Centenary of the Laying of the Foundation Stone Our Lady Help of Christians, Epping 19 May 1907

It has been a goal of both Epping and Carlingford, for some time now, to have a Youth Mass on a regular basis. This goal was realised in Epping, with their Youth Mass taking place at the Sunday 6pm Mass on the Fourth Sun-day of the month. In Carlingford, it was finally realised on 11 March, when St Gerard’s held its first ever Youth Mass.

It had been decided that Carlingford’s new Youth Mass would start in a new timeslot, at 6pm on the second Sunday of the month. With that plan in place, it was time to start actually planning the Mass. Seven young musicians stepped forward to provide youthful music ministry for the Mass, with instruments including electric guitar, electric bass, piano, and drums. A generous parishioner actually lent the music group his drum kit for the occasion, and transporting it to the Church in a little Mazda 323, then attempting to assemble the entire kit (including 7 cymbals) at the Church, was an experience in itself! Two young people also gave up their time as Junior Servers, and the readings were done by the Youth Ministry Co-ordinators of the Parish. Father David Ranson presided over the Mass, and gave a beautiful Homily, about trying to locate opportunities for good, in the bad things that happen. The best aspect about the Mass, however, was the atten-dance. Around 100 parishioners attended, which was phenomenal, con-sidering it was not a regular timeslot. This meant that no-one had just attended their regular Mass time, and upon arrival realised it was a Youth Mass. Every single participant in the Mass had purposefully come to support the youth of our Parish, in building a Mass relatable to them. Deepest and warmest thanks go, not only to everyone who performed a ministry within the Mass, but to everyone who attended the Mass. This was a great sign of the Parish’s support for its youth.

Sarah Black

Our two communities are served by a single Parish Pastoral Council (PPC) made up of our Parish Priest and seven repre-sentative parishioners from each community. The principals of our two Parish Schools are ex officio members of the PPC. The term of membership of a council member is three years.

Following the recent elections for the new single joint Parish Pastoral Council which will serve our two communities, the following were elected:

John Black , Christine Howe, Joanne Khamis, Louise Lawrenson Declan Sally, Natalie Viset, Stephanie Wong, Rob Neil

The role of the Council is to provide advice and support to the Parish Priest in the areas of pastoral planning, parish admini-stration and ministry, and parish mission.

Four standing committees have been established, the membership of which is made of members from both PPCs working together. These committees are:

• Community Development and Formation • Liturgical and Spiritual Life • Pastoral Care and Support; • Outreach, Evangelisation and Action. We look forward to assisting the new PPC to fulfil their ministry to our communities.

Page 10 May 2007 Issue 4

Meet your new Parish Pastoral Council 2007 - 2010

Youth Mass

Kids Fun Activity

Page 11 May 2007 Issue 4

The Carlingford Bible Study Group developed out of a casual ‘after Mass’ conversation between Gladys D’Souza and myself. A Mrs Sweeney asked us if such a group existed and, in its absence, we approached a retired priest, Fr Ben Fernandes, in order to fill the vacuum and establish just such a group. Fr Ben agreed and provided his invaluable experience gained over many years service in both India and Australia. On 13 August 1991, Gladys hosted our first meeting at 18 Trigg Avenue. Morning tea was followed by an hour and a half of Bible reading and dis-cussion. That small gathering of Gladys, Monica Nash, Marie Alotta and myself was soon to expand to eighteen, meeting on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month and taking it in turns to host the meetings. Change is, of course, inevitable. Fr Ben returned to India but we re-tained the confidence to continue in his absence. Social as well as spiritual developments occurred. Regular luncheons became part of our agenda as well as visits to a Synagogue and the Schoenstatt Shrine at Mulgoa. We also arranged a retreat with the Franciscans at Kellyville. We have now been operating for fourteen years, currently in two groups. We study the Old and New Testaments, using the Little Rock Scripture Study Guides and the Collegeville Bible Commentaries. As a by-product we have become a very close-knit organisation, sharing our joys and our pains in confidence and with confidence. Knowing that we are there for each other, in prayer and in person. Remembering, in prayer, those who have moved on, for whatever reason. Marea Smith

Children of all ages are invited to write down as many words as you can think of from the letters in the phrase below. Please send your list of words to the Editorial Team and we will print the name of who had the most words and also who has the longest word! (You may like to get your parents to help!) Please write your name and age on your list and send it to the Parish office!

Jesus has risen Allelulia!

Name: Age: Words Found:

The History of Carlingford Bible Study Group

Page 12 May 2007 Issue 4

2007 has had a very exciting start at Our Lady Help of Christians Primary School! Our Opening School Mass took place on Wednesday, 7 February. Fr Colin cele-brated with us the commencement of the school year as well as commissioning our School Leaders for 2007. The theme for the Mass was Trusting in God and we will take this message with us throughout the year as we work together under God’s protection. Our school year commenced with a great swimming carnival for the children in Year3 to 6 and the great talent and fantastic sportsmanship here at OLHC was again on display. The children participated enthusiastically throughout the day and a great day was had by all. We welcomed 17 new families and our first chance to get to know them and really give them a warm OLHC welcome came with our Welcome BBQ on Friday, 9 February. There was lots of fun had by all, including the jumping castle and the surf board ride. There was also a great deal of yummy gelato consumed. Great community events such as these are possible due to the organisation and support of the Parents & Friends and we gratefully acknowledge their hard work and dedication to our school community.

Our journey through Lent commenced with the celebration of Mass on Ash Wednesday. Fr Colin reminded us that Lent is about ‘trying’ and that we are always trying to grow closer to God, especially in this time of Lent. One of our actions to help us grow closer to God during Lent is our contributions to Pro-ject Compassion. Dr Shelly from Caritas Bangladesh came and spoke to the school community about how money raised through Project Compassion goes to projects such as Fish Farms in Bangladesh.

The children have settled well into the school routine and the weeks are flying by. The children are engaged in many stimulating and challenging learn-ing experiences. Our Stage One students have been visited by many workers in the community throughout the term. These have included our principal, Kevin Turner as well as the local Fire Brigade, just to name a few! The chil-dren have thoroughly enjoyed these visits and have gained a great deal of great information from these generous volunteers.

Kindergarten had a visit from the St Gerard’s Kindergarten children. The teachers and chil-dren enjoyed the opportunity to share their learning and spend quality time getting to know each other. Our Stage Three students will be off to Bathurst in the coming weeks and we wish them a safe and informative journey as they discover more about the discovery of Gold in Austra-lia. We look forward to continuing our journey through 2007 together here at Our Lady Help of Christians Primary School.

Louise McDonald Assistant Principle

Our Lady Help of Christians School - Epping

Kindy children getting to know each other

Some of our swimming champions!

Dr Shelly with the children

Stage One with the Fire Brigade

Page 13 May 2007 Issue 4

Growing in Wisdom and Faith Term 1, 2007

St Gerards Catholic Primary School

Page 11 May 2007 Issue 4

Page 14 May 2007 Issue 4

Tax Tips If you are filing your own tax return and are expecting a refund this financial year, why not lodge it online by using e-tax.

From July 1, e-tax can automatically load information such as interest on bank accounts, share dividends, centrelink payments and medicare out of pocket expenses from major banks, share registries and even welfare agencies.

Deductions for work related and rental properties deductions will still need to be entered manually. To find out more, please call the ATO’s hotline or visit their website at www.ato.gov.au Simpler Super – making the most of the new rules Most of the superannuation changes mentioned during the 2006 budget announcement by the Federal Government are due to take effect from 1 July 2007. In the meantime, in a transitional arrangement until 30 June 2007, anyone with spare cash can boost up their retirement nest egg with up to a $1 million after-tax contribution towards their super. However, to be eligible you will have to be: under 65, or between 65-74 and meet the work test requirements, i.e. up to 40 hours gainful employment over a 30 day period

during the relevant financial year. The key changes which will come into effect as from July 1 include:

The removal of tax on super benefits for people aged 60 or older whether benefits are withdrawn in a lump sum or paid out as an income stream. This provision will apply for super benefits paid from a taxed super fund.

The abolition of Reasonable benefits limits (RBL). This means you can now have as much in super as you like subject to new yearly contribution limits.

You can make non-concessional (non deductible) contributions of $150,000 per annum or $450,000 every three years through averaging.

Changes to the pension assets test mean people can have more savings before their pension decreases. From 20 Septem-ber 2007, anyone eligible for the age pension will lose $1.50 per fortnight for every $1000 of assessable assets above the relevant threshold rather than the current $3.00.

Unfortunately, the changes brought in by the government have come with a price – the introduction of caps on the conces-sional (deductible) contributions. From 1 July, unless you are over 50, the contributions (including Super Guarantee) will be capped at $50,000.00 a year. Over 50s can contribute up to $100,000.00 per year until 30 June 2012 when the limit returns to $50,000.00. Thanks to those changes, people are now in a better position to understand the tax on super and this should provide some incentive to invest in it. It is predicted that more people will start to rethink their approach on planning their retirement by considering investment strategies and re-prioritising their financial plans. Pat Madeleine The above information is for general purpose only and is not intended to provide you with financial advice. If you would like to know how your objectives, financial situation or needs are affected, please contact an accredited adviser.

Money Matters

Page 11 May 2007 Issue 4

Page 15 May 2007 Issue 4

Dear Editor, Please let me say how much I enjoyed your editorial ‘A Change of Emphasis: An Effect of Vatican II’, in Issue 3. You’re right, we had to be pretty tough to live through those days. The torment of the Parish Mission, the long queues for confession, the excruciating annual retreats. Talk about boot camp! Our Catholic lives represented one long spiritual boot camp. And what about those of us who fell prey to ‘scruples’, boring the hell out of the holy priests of God with weekly recitations of our peccadillos. I’ll bet there are more obsessive-compulsives among seventy-plus Catholics than among the whole population of Evangelical Protestants. I did feel a bit sorry for your naughty bigoted uncle. While he was slogging away with the fecund wife and the legion of kids and getting up at sparrow cough to make it to 6:25am Mass, your Dutch uncle was having fun put-ting the boot into Mussolini’s bully boys, quaffing vino and liaising, albeit platonically, with the Roman Communist ‘ragazzine’. ‘Tutto apposto, niente in ordine!’ Claude Rigney * * * * * * * * * * * Dear John, Louise Pat and Chris, I just wanted to offer you my congratulations on the third issue of “The Bridge”. As with past issues it is an excellent production – and so beautifully presented as well. Thank you so much for all the hard work. Regards Colin * * * * * * * * * * * Dear Editorial Team, Congratulations to your team on the publication of The Bridge. I have a question regarding your article on “The Birth of St Gerard’s”. You mention that Fr Nolan leased a house in Tripoli Avenue for his presbytery. We live in number 1 Tripoli which is one of the original houses in the street, so I was curious about which house it was. Can you advise if you know? Leanne Bloxsome Editorial Team Response We didn’t but Gordon Floyd did. The old presbytery is 2/2 Tripoli Avenue, once gracing the front of the block but since moved to the rear. Thanks to Gordon and Leanne for unearthing this snippet of local history.

Letters to Editor

Page 16 May 2007 Issue 4

Editorial Team: John Cogley, Louise Koelmeyer, Pat Maguire, Chris Watts Compiled by: Elizabeth Maguire Kindly Printed by: Andrew Stuart from Harvest Design and Print U20/12 Mars Road, Lane Cove 2066 Ph: 9427 2700 Disclaimer: Opinions expressed in The Bridge are the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily represent those of the Catholic Church or of the local Catholic Community. Contributions: Should be in Microsoft Word format, carefully proof read for grammar and content, and preferably not exceeding 500 words, as larger contributions may need to be edited. We are keen to use any relevant photos (preferably digital, pdf or jpeg format) which might augment your contribu-tions. Contributions can be emailed to: bridgearticles@yahoo.com.au Contributions without email access should be addressed to either of the Parish Offices. Criticism of organisations/principles is acceptable, but criticism of individuals is not. Anonymous articles will not be printed, and the editors retain the right to edit and/or decline articles. “Whilst we are grateful for the enthusiasm of some regular contributors, we hope to represent a broad spectrum of parish opinion and have, therefore, decided to limit the number of articles from the same source. For the same reason, editing should not be taken as a reflection on the quality of submissions, more a function of space limitations. As a matter of policy the editors do not enter into correspondence regarding editorial decisions”.

NEXT EDITION WILL BE NOVEMBER 2007

THE EDITORIAL TEAM WOULD REALLY APPRECIATE YOUR FEEDBACK ON THIS MAGAZINE. WE HOPE THAT ARTICLES WILL STIMULATE AND PROMOTE

HEALTHY DISCUSSION IN FAMILIES AND THE WIDER PARISH COMMUNITY. BE A PART OF PROVIDING ARTICLES FOR FUTURE EDITIONS.

CONTRIBUTIONS TO BE WITH THE EDITORIAL TEAM BY 15 SEPTEMBER 2007.