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Bulletin Notices 18 June 2013

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 21:45:45 +1000

VOCATION – WHO DO YOU SAY I AM?
Jesus asks his disciples, “Who do you say I am?” Who is Jesus to you? In deepening our response to that question, we gradually also reveal who am I that God loves me so fully. And who I am, viewed by God, is core to my vocation. Priesthood offers a wonderful way of inviting people to explore these questions. Why not explore what priesthood has to offer. Contact your local priest or Fr Richard Healey, vocations director, on 0401 621 591, priesthood@dow.org.au.

STEWARDSHIP CORNER – Sunday 23 June, 12th Sunday Ordinary Time
“Who do you say that I am?” Jesus asks Peter in today’s Gospel. Here after 2000 years how would I reply? Does my use of the gifts and talents entrusted to me accurately reflect my answer to that same question? How willing am I to deny myself, take up my cross, and follow in His steps?

iSTAND NIGHTS REGIONAL YOUTH GROUP
7.00pm - 9.00pm Sunday Nights at St Columbkille’s Parish Centre 99 Princes Hwy Corrimal (Enter from the rear laneway) This youth group is for youth aged 14 - 18 years old. Music, games, friendship, talks, camps, and a lot of fun. Everyone Welcome. For more information contact Wollongong Youth Mission Team manager Christopher Brennan wollongong@ymt.com.au or 0433 636 359 www.ymt.com.au

BUILT ON ROCK FUNDRAISING CONCERT WITH FR ROB GALEA
Don't miss the opportunity to listen to the inspiring testimony of Fr Rob Galea through his music in a fundraising concert on Sunday 7 July at 4pm, St Therese Parish Hall, 36 Harris Street, Mascot (Sydney). All funds will go to Built on Rock, a project of Verbum Dei Missionary Fraternity, to build a centre of spirituality, where peoples of all ages and backgrounds can experience an encounter with God through spiritual retreats. For tickets and more information about this project, please visit www.builtonrock.org.au or email verbumdeiasydney@gmail.com
Attachment: Poster

‘JOURNEY INTO CHRIST’ - WORKSHOPS ON SUPPORTING MINISTRIES OF INITIATION
Thursday 11 July 2013, 2:30pm — 5:00pm “Ministries of Initiation in a Regional Context” 7:30pm — 9:30pm “Catechesis: Practicalities & Resources” both at St. Thomas More Parish, Acacia Ave, Ruse
How do we support those who are becoming Catholic? This will be the central theme of these two workshops presented by nationally renowned speaker and educator Fr Elio Capra. These two workshops will explore the various ministries involved in supporting the journey of initiation and the practicalities and resources available for catechesis and instruction of those who join our Catholic faith. You are invited to attend either one or both workshops. For further information and to book your place contact Darren McDowell, 4222 2463 or darren.mcdowell@dow.org.au

HOW DO WE GROW OUR PARISH FAITH COMMUNITIES – A WORKSHOP FOR EVERYONE INVOLVED IN FAITH FORMATION
Saturday, 13 July 2013, 10-2:30pm, Xavier Centre Conference Rooms.
Feedback from the Parishes Working Together consultations asked us to strengthen faith formation in our parishes. This workshop, facilitated by nationally renowned speaker and educator, Fr Elio Capra, explores ways of undertaking this task within our communities.
This is a workshop for everyone involved in faith formation, especially those in Parish Pastoral Councils, Sacramental Preparation, RCIA and Liturgy Teams, along with Religious Education Coordinators, Teachers, Lent/Advent and Bible Study group leaders and Catechists. Gold coin donation with Morning Tea & Lunch provided. RSVP essential by 9 July to Darren McDowell, darren.mcdowell@dow.org.au or phone 4222 2463.

OUR LADY OF MOUNT CARMEL FEAST DAY 14 JULY AT 10AM
Please come and share the feast day celebration for our Patron Saint on Sunday 14 July 10am Mass to be followed by a procession carrying Our Lady’s Statue. International lunch, concert and children’s activities in the afternoon. Entry is free, please bring a picnic to share. Venue: 193 St Andrews Road, Varroville. Please RSVP via parish office on 9603 7373.

LATEST LITURGY NOTES E-BULLETIN NOW AVAILABLE
The June edition of Liturgy Notes was e-mailed from the Office of the Bishop to subscribers last week. Containing music recommendations for Sunday Masses for June and July, and articles on psalms, liturgy training and formation and upcoming events, it can be downloaded at http://tinyurl.com/DOWLiturgyNotes. Subscribe to future monthly editions at http://www.dow.org.au/subscribe.

ANNOUNCING DIOCESAN CHOIR FORMATION
The Diocese is forming a Diocesan Choir to support major Diocesan liturgies and has appointed Robyn O'Dea as its inaugural Choir Conductor. The Choir's first event is the Anniversaries Mass on 8 September at St John Vianney Co-Cathedral, Fairy Meadow. We are now seeking choristers from around the Diocese to be a part of the inaugural event. Please contact Paul Mason 4222 2462 or Helen Bennett on 4222 2403, or provide details at http://tinyurl.com/DOWChoir

EXPLORE THE REVOLUTIONARY INSIGHTS OF FRANCIS AND CLARE OF ASSISI
The NSW Franciscan Community invites you to hear international speaker, Br William Short, ofm. Br Bill is the Academic Dean of The Franciscan School of Theology, Berkeley, California, has a special love of things medieval, and is a scholar who is equally comfortable in the fields of spirituality, Christian history and the Franciscan tradition.
Br Bill is a wonderful, engaging speaker, who as he describes in his own words, has a “great passion to help others unpack the revolutionary insights of Francis and Clare of Assisi.
3 August, Saturday 10:30 am– Mary Immaculate Parish House, Waverley
5 August, Monday 10:00 am – Bethlehem Monastery, Campbelltown
6 August, Tuesday 12:30 pm – St Clare’s College, Waverley
For more information and to register please contact Sr Pia on 0423 656 444.

BROKEN BAY BIBLE CONFERENCE: Meeting Jesus in the Gospel of Luke
Date: 9-10 August, 2013. Venue: Light of Christ Centre, Waitara
All are invited to be part of the Broken Bay Bible Conference, with leading Australian biblical scholars Fr Brendan Byrne sj and Sr Michele Connolly rsj speaking on the topic: Meeting Jesus in the Gospel of Luke. Bishop David Walker will also be participating. This conference is for all who would like to:
• Learn how to read Luke’s Gospel more meaningfully and authentically
• Discover in a new way the person of Jesus in this Gospel
• Draw on current scholarship to shed light on the Scripture texts
• Be nourished by reading and reflecting on God’s Word
Our engaging and experienced speakers will bring their knowledge and enthusiasm for the Scriptures to share with us in this exciting event. The cost of the conference is $80 or $40 day rate. Group discounts are available. Further information and registration details (by 24 July): www.dbb.org.au/bible or Pauline Finch 9847 0444.

CCD NEWS
Catechist Evangelisation Workshop schedules for 3rd July have been replaced by the Diocesan Catholic Faith and Life Workshop, to be held on Saturday 13 July from 10am-2pm at the new Xavier Centre Conference Rooms, 38 Harbour St Wollongong. Catechists have the opportunity to attend the workshop with Fr Elio Capra which will be registered as part of their ongoing formation for the ministry of CCD. The Workshop will be held adjacent to the Cathedral on Saturday 13 July with participants asked to simply make a Gold coin donation on the day. Please RSVP to Darren McDowell 4222 2463 / Darren.mcdowell@dow.org.au by July 9.

Child Protection Training for Catechists
Catechists and others who work with Children in Ministry are encourage to attend a Child Protection and SmartBoard Training day being run by CCD Wollongong. The Child Protection Course will run on Monday, 15th July at Micah House Campbelltown and on Friday, 19th July at Xavier Centre Wollongong from 9.30am – 12.00pm.
There is no cost involved with this course. Morning tea is provided. For bookings please contact Mrs Cindy Oliver on 4640 8550 or cindy.oliver@dow.org.au

Smartboard Training for Catechists
Catechists and others who work with Children in Ministry are encouraged to attend a SmartBoard Training day being run by CCD Wollongong. The Smartboard Course will run on Monday, 22nd July at Micah House Campbelltown and on Friday, 26th July at Xavier Centre Wollongong from 9.30am – 12.00pm.
There is no cost involved with this course. Morning tea is provided. For bookings please contact Mrs Cindy Oliver on 4640 8550 or cindy.oliver@dow.org.au

Survey to Capture Catholics' Hopes and Dreams for Church

Fri, 24 May 2013 15:46:54 +1000

Pentecost Sunday, marked the official end of the Year of Grace, an initiative of the Australian Catholic Bishops.

The National Planning Team for the Year of Grace is keen to identify, nurture and harvest the fruits of the Year of Grace. As the Book of Revelation exhorts us (chs. 2-3) we want to “listen to what the Spirit is saying to the churches.” This is an opportunity to share your hopes and dreams for our Church.

PLEASE CLICK HERE TO COMPLETE THE SURVEY.

Your responses will be collated and key messages sent to the Bishops of Australia for their discernment.

Worldwide Marriage Encounter Weekend, 14-16 June

Fri, 17 May 2013 17:29:07 +1000

Worldwide Marriage Encounter Weekend is a weekend for married couples, away from the distractions of everyday living.

An opportunity to take time out of busy schedules, to invest in your most precious asset . . . YOUR MARRIAGE!

This is a unique opportunity to recharge relationship batteries, refocus on each other and fall in love all over again!

Friday 14 – Sunday 16 June 2013
Mount Carmel Retreat Centre
Varroville, NSW

For bookings:
Ardell & Bill Sharpe
02 4283 3435
wsharpe@bigpond.net.au
www.wwme.org.au

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD FLYER

News in Brief 178

Thu, 16 May 2013 14:45:33 +1000

THE SPIRIT IS CALLING: “YOU WILL RECEIVE POWER WHEN THE HOLY SPIRIT COMES”. Ever thought of priesthood – remember that it is not you alone who would live this life of service. The Holy Spirit is your strength and guide. Contact your local priest or Fr Richard Healey, vocations director, on 0401 621 591, priesthood@dow.org.au.

CORPUS CHRISTI PROCESSIONS, Sunday 2 June 2013 at St Mary’s Church, Northcliffe Drive, Berkeley following 8.45am Mass and Our Lady Help of Christians Parish, Demetrius Road, Rosemeadow at 2.30pm. Bishop Ingham will lead both processions.

PARISHES WORKING TOGETHER – BISHOP’S RESPONSE

Bishop Peter Ingham has issued a pastoral letter in response to the Parishes Working Together consultation. The letter is entitled “With the Spirit of God, Moving Together into

our Future.” In his introduction, Bishop Peter says: “As promised, on this Feast of Pentecost I am happy to share with you the outcome of the extensive education and consultation process, ‘Parishes Working Together’. This incorporates our plans to continue together, clergy, religious and laity, to build vibrant and sustainable Church communities in the Diocese of Wollongong as we move into the future.” The letter sets out a range of strategies for moving forward together with the Spirit. Copies are available for all parishes and on line. Bishop Peter notes that a full report will be made available in June.

ALL NIGHT ADORATION in the Chapel at St John the Evangelist Parish, Jerematta Street, Dapto on the first Tuesday of every month. Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament begins after 5.00pm Mass Tuesday and ends at 6.00am on Wednesday morning. All welcome. Enquiries to Parish Office on 4261 1315.

DIOCESAN DIRECTOR OF CATHOLIC MISSION (Wollongong)

Applications are called for the above position that will be vacated by Mike Deasy at the end of June. Mike will continue with his work for Catholic Mission in the dioceses of Bathurst and WIlcannia-Forbes. A job description can be found on the diocesan website www.dow.org.au. More specific questions can be directed to Walter Dinale, Catholic Mission’s National HR Manager WDinale@catholicmission.org.au or on (02) 9919 7800. Applications close 31 May 2013.

WEEK OF PRAYER FOR CHRISTIAN UNITY

This year’s biblical and liturgical resources for the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity (12 May to 19 May) come to us from India and particularly from the Christian Dalit community of India, a community that has a deep past and present of being excluded and outcast within their own country and often within their own faith. Christianity has a long and complex history in India, dating back as far as 182 A. D. of our common era and including a major influx of missionary activity in the 16th and 19th centuries.

The theme is "What does God require of us?" a reference to Micah 6:6-8:

“With what shall I come before the Lord, and bow myself before God on high? Shall I come before him with burnt-offerings, with calves a year old? Will the Lord be pleased with thousands of rams, with tens of thousands of rivers of oil? Shall I give my firstborn for my transgression, the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul?” He has told you, O mortal, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?

Given this history and given the experience of Dalit Christians as outcasts, this 2013 material greatly expands the frame of ecumenism. We continue to pray for the unity of all Christians.
To find out more please visit: http://www.ncca.org.au/departments/faith-unity/724-week- of-prayer-for-christian-unity-2013

GATHERINGS OF PARISH PASTORAL COUNCILS

Campbelltown: Wednesday 5 June 2013, 7.30pm – 9.00pm, St. John’s Parish Hall,

35 Cordeaux St
Wollongong: Tuesday 11 June 2013, 7:30-9:00pm, Xavier Centre, 38 Harbour St
Shellharbour: Thursday 20 June 2013 , 7.30pm – 9.00pm, All Saints’ Church, 19 College St Clergy and Parish Pastoral Council members are invited to attend these gatherings which focus on Faith & Ministry Development and developing a way forward from the Bishop’s response to the Parishes Working Together consultation process. These sessions offer the opportunity to continue sharing about the good work happening in your parish as well as discussing ways to develop faith and ministry within the parish. Attendance at any one of these gatherings is most welcome. Please RSVP your attendance by contacting Darren McDowell on 4222 2463 or darren.mcdowell@dow.org.au

GOD IN THE GONG – Tuesday 11 June 2013
For ages 18-35 years (Age limit does not apply to Clergy, Religious and Youth Ministers) Venue: Macarthur Tavern (cnr Gilchrist Drive & Kellicar Road, Campbelltown)
From 7.00pm – 9.00pm (Dinner available at the venue from 5.30pm)
Speaker: Fr Richard Healey
Topic: Faith and Journey: How, when and why do we go on pilgrimage?
Enquiries: youth@dow.org.au or 4222 2460

AUSTRALIAN CATHOLICS magazine winter 2013 edition: Faith in the public square. OUT SOON! In this special edition of Australian Catholics we explore the place of the Church in today’s

world. We hear from two mothers, a Christian and an atheist, about raising children. Young people tell us where they go for guidance, community and spirituality. We explore what the Royal Commission will mean for the Church, while Kristina Keneally speaks of being a Catholic in public life. Don’t miss out on this edition. If you are not receiving Australian Catholics magazine, download our subscription form, or call us on (03) 9421 9666 to subscribe today.

FAITH IN ACTION: THROUGH THE JESUIT SPIRITUALITY OF POPE FRANCIS on Saturday 1 June 2013 from 10.00am-3:30pm at Xavier Centre Conference Rooms, 38 Harbour St Wollongong. Join renowned national speaker Sandie Cornish as she helps us unpack Catholic Social Teaching through the Jesuit spirituality of Pope Francis. Learn the basic tools to move from faith into action in your everyday life. Through prayer, reflection, sharing and input we will identify issues facing us today, discover the riches of Scripture and Church Social Teaching and explore ways of beginning to develop our understanding and response to these issues. There are only 90 places available so RSVP is essential by 24 May to darren.mcdowell@dow.org.au or phone Darren on 4222 2463. The cost of the day is $10 and morning tea and lunch will be provided. (Tea/Coffee and Registration will commence at 9:30am for a 10:00am start)

WOMEN'S BREAKFAST to be held on Saturday, 15 June 2013 from 8.00am – 10.30am at Cafe Essay, 13 Burelli Street, Wollongong. Hosted by the Disciples of Jesus, Wollongong, this gathering is a chance to connect with other Catholic women over a meal and receive some encouraging input from a guest speaker. Cost $15.00. RSVP by Sunday, 9 June 2013 to Jacqui on 0431 223 025.

iSTAND NIGHTS Regional Youth Group from 7.00pm - 9.00pm on Friday nights at St Columbkille’s Parish Centre, 99 Princes Hwy Corrimal (enter from rear laneway). This youth group is for people aged 14 - 18 years old. Music, games, friendship, talks, camps, and a lot of fun. Everyone welcome. For more information contact Wollongong Youth Mission Team manager Christopher Brennan wollongong@ymt.com.au or 0433 636 359 www.ymt.com.au

Position Vacant - Diocesan Director for Catholic Mission, Diocese of Wollongong

Tue, 14 May 2013 11:48:34 +1000

Full/Part time (negotiable) senior leadership position located in Wollongong.
Be part of a highly experienced and inspirational national and local team.
Be an integral part of a global network of Catholic charitable missionary works.
Be an advocate and promoter of the Catholic Church and its evangelizing mission

Catholic Mission is the Australian arm of the Catholic Church’s global mission-aid agency that operates in over 160 countries across Asia, Africa, Latin America, Oceania and Australasia. Catholic Mission at an international level reaches out and gives life and hope to millions of persons living in 1100 dioceses spanning 125 countries.

Catholic Mission in Australia provides vital funding to Catholic dioceses that minister to Indigenous and Torres Strait Islander communities in the more remote parts of the country. Our organisation engages Catholics and persons empathetic to the teachings of the Catholic Church in the prayerful and financial support of the work of global mission. It is the only Catholic organisation with works specifically dedicated to children. The apostolate of Catholic Mission is shaped by Gospel values and the principles of solidarity, justice, truth and human dignity.

In Australia our work includes delivering community education and mission engagement programs, forming active partnerships with parishes, community groups, minority and cultural groups and the national schools’ network, and facilitating a sustainable program directed at the raising of funds for the benefit of missionary Church.

Your primary responsibility is to carry out the national plan for mission formation, education and raising funds to broaden Catholic Mission’s donor base within the Diocese of Wollongong. Two mission appeals are conducted annually in all parishes of the diocese.

Essential elements for the position include contributing to an annual national budget process and meeting income targets. You will manage all of the activities of Catholic Mission in the Diocese of Wollongong. You will contribute beyond just your own substantive position. You will support and be involved in a diverse range of activities including education events, sports and community gala days, delivering training sessions, and promoting immersion programs.

To be effective in this role and work as part of our team, you will manage your time well and work to a flexible schedule – sometimes including weekends. You need to adapt to opportunities quickly and respond with energy and initiative. A current driver’s license is essential as regular travel is required to parishes and Catholic schools and colleges in the Diocese of Wollongong. Proficiency in IT, written and oral communication skills are a requirement. You will have had some experience working with diverse groups of people in the community or in the Church. You may have travelled widely or lived and worked in a developing country.

Catholic Mission supports its employees with a number of benefits such as time off-in-lieu, flexible working arrangements and a salary sacrifice option. There is an Employee Assistance Program, above-award holiday breaks and an annual appraisal and review program. You can look forward to becoming part of a growing and dynamic national team.

If this sounds like you, please contact us for a copy of the position description and send your expression of interest addressing the selection criteria along with your CV to admin@catholicmission.org.au More information about Catholic Mission can be found on our website, www.catholicmission.org.au and for specific questions about this position, please call 02 9919 7800 and speak with Walter Dinale,(National Human Resources Manager). Information on the Diocese of Wollongong can be found on the diocesan website: dow.org.au

Please note that the successful applicant is subject to a ‘Working with Children’ criminal history check.

Applications Close: Friday 31 May, 2013.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD JOB AD

News in Brief 177

Wed, 08 May 2013 17:15:43 +1000

FIND OUT IF PRIESTHOOD IS WHAT GOD IS OFFERING YOU.
Start a conversation. Contact your local priest or Fr Richard Healey, vocations director, on 0401 621 591, priesthood@dow.org.au.

GATHERINGS OF PARISH PASTORAL COUNCILS
• Campbelltown: Wednesday 5 June 2013, 7.30pm – 9.00pm, St John’s Parish Hall, 35 Cordeaux St
• Wollongong: Tuesday 11 June 2013, 7:30-9:00pm, Xavier Centre, 38 Harbour St
• Shellharbour: Thursday 20 June 2013 , 7.30pm – 9.00pm, All Saints’ Church, 19 College St
Clergy and Parish Pastoral Council members are invited to attend these gatherings which focus on Faith & Ministry Development and developing a way forward from the Bishop’s response to the Parishes Working Together consultation process. These sessions offer the opportunity to continue sharing about the good work happening in your parish as well as discussing ways to develop faith and ministry within the parish. Attendance at any one of these gatherings is most welcome. Please RSVP your attendance by contacting Darren McDowell on 4222 2463 or darren.mcdowell@dow.org.au

WORLDWIDE MARRIAGE ENCOUNTER:
A weekend for married couples. Take time out of your busy schedule, to invest in your most precious asset, your marriage! This is a unique opportunity to recharge your relationship batteries, refocus on each other and fall in love all over again! Weekend date: 14 – 16 June at Mt Carmel Retreat Centre, Varroville.
Bookings: Ardell & Bill Sharpe on 02 4283 3435 or wsharpe@bigpond.net.au
Information: website www.wwme.org.au

STEWARDSHIP CORNER 2013 – 12th May, Ascension Sunday
Jesus ascended into heaven, blessing His disciples and promising He will be with us until the end of time and that they would soon receive the power of the Holy Spirit. We who have received that promised gift of the Spirit are now empowered to be His witnesses to the ends of the earth – to intentionally and joyfully use our time and talents to spread the good news of salvation.

iSTAND NIGHTS
Regional Youth Group from 7.00pm - 9.00pm on Friday nights at St Columbkille’s Parish Centre, 99 Princes Hwy Corrimal (enter from rear laneway). This youth group is for people aged 14 - 18 years old. Music, games, friendship, talks, camps, and a lot of fun. Everyone welcome. For more information contact Wollongong Youth Mission Team manager Christopher Brennan wollongong@ymt.com.au or 0433 636 359 | www.ymt.com.au

GOD IN THE GONG – Tuesday 14 May 2013
For ages 18-35 years (Age limit does not apply to Clergy, Religious and Youth Ministers)
Venue: Illawarra Brewery (cnr Crown & Harbour Sts, Wollongong)
From 7.00pm – 9.00pm (Dinner available at the venue from 5.30pm)
Speaker: David Patterson
Topic: Faith and the Prodigal Son: Homecoming, affirmation and reconciliation
Enquiries: youth@dow.org.au or 4222 2460

A PRAYER DAY
with the theme Living from the Heart will be held at Hartzer Park (25 Eridge Park Road, Burradoo) on Saturday, 19 May 2013 from 9.30am – 3.30pm. Presenters: Sr Margaret Fahey fdnsc and Sr Jenny Kirby fdnsc. RSVP 12 May or any enquiries please contact (02) 4861 3223.

FAITH IN ACTION: THROUGH THE JESUIT SPIRITUALITY OF POPE FRANCIS
on Saturday 1 June 2013 from 10.00am-3:30pm at Xavier Centre Conference Rooms, 38 Harbour St, Wollongong. Join renowned national speaker Sandie Cornish as she helps us unpack Catholic Social Teaching through the Jesuit spirituality of Pope Francis. Learn the basic tools to move from faith into action in your everyday life. Through prayer, reflection, sharing and input we will identify issues facing us today, discover the riches of Scripture and Church Social Teaching and explore ways of beginning to develop our understanding and response to these issues. There are only 90 places available so RSVP is essential by 24 May to darren.mcdowell@dow.org.au or phone Darren on 4222 2463. The cost of the day is $10 and morning tea and lunch will be provided. (Tea/Coffee and Registration will commence at 9:30am for a 10:00am start)

Patricia Murray's Eulogy at the Mass of Christian Burial for Bishop William Murray

Wed, 01 May 2013 13:18:57 +1000

Funeral Eulogy by Patricia Murray (Bishop William Murray's niece)
St Francis Xavier’s Cathedral Wollongong
Wednesday, 1 May 2013

If there was one word we could find to describe Uncle Bill it would be that he was loyal. He was loyal to his family, loyal to his friends, and loyal to the Church. It was his faith in God that set the direction for his life. He once said:

"I always knew I wanted to serve God. I have a very deep faith which lies at the base of all I do."

Uncle Bill was born into deeply Catholic family. His parents, Michael and Phyllis had 7 children in total. There was Marie, Bill, Moya, Frank, Mick, Patrick (who died as an infant) and Maureen. He was educated by the Sisters of Mercy and the De La Salle Brothers, and became the first parishioner of Our Lady of Lourdes in Earlwood to be ordained a priest. He was a keen sportsman and a highly respected cricketer in his early years. Uncle Bill also told us how, as a young man, he had a promising career as a boxer. A bantamweight, would you believe, at that time of his life. But his parish priest turned him in the right direction and encouraged his vocation to the priesthood.

In the years before going to the seminary, Bill studied Latin at night school while working as a clerk for a law firm in Pitt Street.

He was ordained in July 1945 and, at the end of that year, was appointed assistant priest of St Patrick’s Bondi. He had vivid recollections of giving his first sermon there, while competing with the cries of a paperboy on the footpath outside, loudly proclaiming the worth of the Sunday papers! He said it was a good initiation into the art of proclaiming the Word of God!

Five months later, he wrote a letter to my father who, at that time, was overseas in the navy at the end of the Second World War. Bill wrote:

"Life is very busy in these parts but, by now I am quite well versed in the daily routine of a city curate, having baptised, married, anointed, heard confessions and buried the dead. I think that I have had ample practice. I found baptising hard for a start – especially when the kids played up. But my hardest job was my first funeral. It was Mick’s."

(Mick was his 19-year-old brother who had died after a long struggle with TB). Bill continued:

"They all thought that I was very calm and collected. I may have appeared so but, all the time I had to struggle against the sorrow we were all feeling."

I quote this as an example of the sturdy spirit that Uncle Bill had, and that characterised his whole life.

During those years as a young curate he used to ride a motorbike. On his way home to the presbytery one day he was seriously injured in an accident and not expected to live. In fact word reached the parish priest that he had been killed. Later, Bill told how the PP came to anoint him in hospital in the expectation that, in a matter of hours, he would pass away.

We’re grateful that he didn’t pass away at that time, and that he had many years of life to share with us. He often told of how, every time he passed that corner, he thanked God he was still alive.

Uncle Bill was a lot of fun. My earliest memories of him go back to the 1950’s after he returned from his studies in Rome. The Murray’s, at that time, had a tradition of gathering in Nanna and Pa’s lounge room and taking turns to sing a song or recite a poem. Being the orator that he was, Uncle Bill loved to recite the poetry of Fr Patrick Hartigan (or John O’Brien) of ‘Around the Boree Log’ fame. He knew many of these poems by heart and often had us laughing or crying as he recited them. We loved his sense of humour and the affection he had for all of his family.

Bill also had strong and lasting friendships with his seminary classmates, particularly George Joiner and Vic Doyle. For many years he would meet up with them and other priest friends on Mondays for a very competitive tennis challenge and a meal together.

In fact Bill had come to be related to Vic Doyle because Bill’s brother, Frank had married Vic’s sister, Mary. And it’s from that marriage that my 4 sisters and I came to be born. I don’t know why, but Uncle Bill always called us, rather affectionately, his ‘Five Dopey Dolls’.

I’m sure all our cousins, The Bussells, the Cartys and the Oborns would agree that we loved his visits to our homes. He would often have us screaming with laughter, so quick was his sense of humour.

Uncle Bill was a central character to all our wider family gatherings over the years – performing baptisms, marriages and funerals and encouraging us all in our life’s decisions whichever way they took us. For some of the family he was more than an uncle. He became a father-figure.

We all know that Bill was a man of routine, but it was that very routine that enabled him to be so loyal to people. There were those he visited every week. Even during his retirement years, there was Sunday lunch at the Bishop’s House, a trip to Earlwood to stay at the old family home where Mary Carty looked after him and, on his way back on Monday nights he would call in to visit our Mum and Dad. One example of his loyalty is that he continued to visit his dear friend Vic Doyle every week when Vic was at the Little Sisters of the Poor, even when Vic could no longer communicate. He would tell him all the news and keep him company. This is a small but profound example of the many loyal friendships Bill sustained over his life.

Bill held many positions of responsibility. He was spokesman for the Sydney Archdiocese for many years. He worked in the media. He was Director of the Catholic Information Bureau. He was a Parish Priest. He was Rector at Springwood Seminary. These were but a few of his responsibilities before he became Bishop of Wollongong – a position which rested heavily on his shoulders, and which he carried to the best of his ability. Bill was much loved by the clergy of the diocese and he always treated them with respect. He was not quick to judge and always listened to them.

Bill was a man of prayer and, if anyone had visited this cathedral in the early morning during his years as bishop, they would have found him kneeling here on a prie dieu in prayer before the morning Mass. He could also be seen on most nights, after the evening meal, strolling through the grounds of the cathedral reciting the rosary. Bill had an art for delivering well constructed and inspiring homilies – many of which were collected by the diocese in a small book entitled ‘Do Whatever He Tells You.’

To speak about his life’s work as a priest and bishop would take another whole eulogy. But I am here today to speak of a loyal man who loved his family and his friends, his fellow clergy, and who trusted in God.

The final years of Bill’s life brought him much suffering. But it brought to the fore other peoples’ loyalty to him. For this reason, our family wishes to express deep gratitude to Bishop Peter Ingham, Fr Sean Cullen, and the clergy and people of the diocese of Wollongong. We are grateful to Philippa and all who visited him so regularly in his final years. We give thanks for the Russell family and Sue Schembri, who were great life-long friends. We also wish to thank dear Iris who took on the task caring for Bill as part of her daily life at the Little Sisters of the Poor. And, of course, the Sisters themselves who cared for Uncle Bill with such tenderness and love until the end.

There is sadness in our hearts today, but it is a sadness tinged with memories of love and laughter, of faith and loyalty, and of a life well lived. May Bill now find rest in the eternal embrace of God where there is no more pain or sorrow and where there is only Divine light and peace for ever.

News in Brief 176

Tue, 30 Apr 2013 20:05:41 +1000

“A PEACE THE WORLD CANNOT GIVE”:
This is what Jesus offers in today’s Gospel. How can we obtain that peace? Rather than asking what should I do with my life, do I ever stop and wonder what God wants me to do with my life? It is not an easy question, and we may need help to hear what God is saying, but responding to that question will change our life. Contact your local priest or Fr Richard Healey, vocations director, on 0401 621 591, priesthood@dow.org.au.

SPIRIT ALIVE YOUTH FESTIVAL featuring Sr Hilda Scott | 11 May | 5-9pm
Following on from last year’s successful Spirit Alive PM, 2013 will feature four Spirit Alive Youth Festivals throughout the Diocese. Don’t miss the first Festival featuring Sr Hilda Scott. Whenever Sr Hilda speaks to young people they walk away affirmed, challenged and inspired. In addition to Sr Hilda Scott, the evening will include a Youth Mass, dinner (bring some money for dinner) and an evening of praise and worship.
AGES: 16-35 years
VENUE: Holy Spirit College Bellambi (entry via Kent Street, Bellambi)
For more information contact Loretta at Catholic Youth Ministry Wollongong on 4222 2460 or email youth@dow.org.au.
Proudly presented by CATHOLIC YOUTH MINISTRY WOLLONGONG
www.facebook.com/cymdow | youth@dow.org.au | @cymdow

PARISHES WORKING TOGETHER
Bishop Peter Ingham has invited our parishes to work more closely together to strengthen ourselves in our mission to be bearers of Christ’s love and share the Good News. Over 1200 people have participated during the parish education sessions, with a further 800 people involved in the regional consultations. Submissions have been received from individuals, groups and parish communities, and feedback is also being offered via Catholic advisory councils and agencies. All the feedback is now being considered ahead of a response by Bishop Ingham at Pentecost (19 May). Please continue to pray for our Church that this process helps us be more authentic in serving God’s mission.

STEWARDSHIP CORNER 2013 – 5th May, 6th Sunday of Easter
Today’s reading from Revelation offers a vision of the holy City of God, the new Jerusalem. As God’s stewards here on earth, we are reminded that our ‘life to come’, is in continuity with this present life which we live out from one day to the next, through sharing our human possessions, our calling as a disciple of Jesus, which we foster right now.

A PRAYER DAY with the theme Living from the Heart
will be held at Hartzer Park (25 Eridge Park Road, Burradoo) on Saturday, 19 May 2013 from 9.30am – 3.30pm. Presenters: Sr Margaret Fahey fdnsc and Sr Jenny Kirby fdnsc. RSVP 12 May or any enquiries please contact (02) 4861 3223.

MANY CULTURES ONE IN CHRIST
Mass Preparation Meeting will be held on Wednesday, 1 May 2013 commencing at 7:30pm at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish Hall, St. Andrews Rd, Varroville. The annual celebration of the cultural diversity within our Diocese, also marking Migrant & Refugee Sunday, occurs on Sunday, 25 August, 2013 and will be held at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish and Our Lady of Mount Carmel High School Hall. Those interested in taking part in this celebration are invited to attend this first preparation meeting.

eCONFERENCE: GOSPEL OF ST MARK, A CRUCIFIED AND RISEN MESSIAH. Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish (193 St Andrews Rd, Varroville) will be participating in this national eConference on Thursday, 16 May 2013 from 10.00am. All are welcome to attend. RSVP to the Parish Office on 9603 7373. Please bring your own lunch. Tea & coffee will be provided.
Attachment: eConference Flyer

INVITATION TO ANNIVERSARY DINNER
celebrating 175 years since the establishment of the Catholic Mission in the Illawarra will be held on Friday, 31 May 2013 from 7.00pm at the Fraternity Club (11 Bourke St, Fairy Meadow). Parishioners from all parishes in the Illawarra are invited to celebrate this historic occasion. It was from humble beginnings in 1838 that all parishes along the coastal strip of the Illawarra (from Coalcliff in the north to Moruya in the south) were eventually established. This dinner is an opportunity for parishes to book tables to make this event truly memorable for the whole Catholic community in the Illawarra. Bookings can be made through the Pastoral Regional Office on 4228 6511. Tickets are $45 each.

FAITH IN ACTION: THROUGH THE JESUIT SPIRITUALITY OF POPE FRANCIS
on Saturday 1 June 2013 from 10.00am-3:30pm at Xavier Centre Conference Rooms, 38 Harbour St Wollongong. Join renowned national speaker Sandie Cornish as she helps us unpack Catholic Social Teaching through the Jesuit spirituality of Pope Francis. Learn the basic tools to move from faith into action in your everyday life. Through prayer, reflection, sharing and input we will identify issues facing us today, discover the riches of Scripture and Church Social Teaching and explore ways of beginning to develop our understanding and response to these issues. There are only 90 places available so RSVP is essential by 24 May to darren.mcdowell@dow.org.au or phone Darren on 4222 2463. The cost of the day is $10 and morning tea and lunch will be provided. (Tea/Coffee and Registration will commence at 9:30am for a 10:00am start)

Fr Graham Schmitzer's Homily at the Vigil Mass for Bishop William Murray

Tue, 30 Apr 2013 16:40:53 +1000

St Mark proclaims the early kerygma or kernel of the Christian faith – Jesus, God-made-man, truly died for our salvation and rose from the dead. Mark is writing a Gospel – in his own words “the Good News about Jesus Christ, the Son of God”. A Gospel is not your ordinary piece of writing – it is the proclamation of the Risen Saviour who becomes present to the reader and the listener. We don’t hear too much good news these days, and neither did the audience to whom St Mark was writing. He is writing to people living under occupation, people who had begun to think their liberation was at hand, only to have their hopes seemingly dashed. St Mark is telling them that the very opposite had happened.

So if Christ is truly alive and becomes present in the proclamation, then the proclamation is all about us. We are not reading a novel here, something that happened a long time ago and which doesn’t really affect us. This man’s life and death must have something to say to each of us about our life and death.

God came to earth for our sakes, not for His. The motive for the Incarnation could be likened to a parent standing over the crib of a sick child, a child too small to articulate its pain. The parent would willingly take on the child’s suffering. Wrote St Cyril of Alexandria: “When Christ saw the human race being destroyed by death, he became our advocate with the Father. He offered Himself for us and of His own free will submitted to death, confounding the Destroyer by saying the sin was His”.

The Gospels present Jesus’ death on the Cross as an event of cosmic and liturgical significance. On the cosmic level the sun is eclipsed, the earth quakes, and the dead rise from their graces. On the liturgical level the veil separating the Holy of Holies from the rest of the Temple is torn in two from top to bottom, that is, by a divine Hand. Now God is available to all, not just to the High Priest.

But more important is the act of faith made by the Roman centurion, the commander of the execution squad, who no doubt had seen many crucifixions. In his consternation over all he seeks taking place he is led to acknowledge Jesus as God’s Son. It is the beginning of the conversion of the Gentiles.

For Paul, the Cross is personal. He “loved me and gave himself up for me” (Gal 2:20). Christ didn’t just die – He died for me. Paul never tired of preaching this message of divine consolation. Tonight’s Second Reading is almost an ecstatic hymn. God’s love should drive out all fear from our lives. Christ is our advocate before the Father – “there at God’s right hand he stands and pleads for us”. Our lives are worthwhile. Christ eternally reminds the Father that on the Cross He took upon Himself our NO and absorbed it into his YES.

Bishop Murray never tired of preaching this Good News. For twenty-one years he traversed this Diocese sharing his simple faith, especially while on the ‘Chrism Run’ as he liked to call Confirmation. Here in his Cathedral he taught with authority and eloquence. His homilies were short and to the point, sometimes tinged with a quiet humour. The public rarely saw that humour, but the priests delighted in it. He was good to his priests. In fact, they felt a warmth for him. His experience of being a Parish Priest gave him the knack of knowing that priests don’t want the Bishop breathing down their backs. I was always touched by how the hard taskmaster I knew in the Chancery was so fatherly when he came to my parish for Confirmation or Visitation. In the Bishop’s house, the midday meal was always a delight – it was true recreation, for “shop” was never discussed at the table.

An elderly parishioner was relating to those gathered around her after the 10.30am Mass one Sunday that she had encountered the Bishop the night before in the Confessional. “I got such a shock when I saw him that my mind went blank and I said, I can’t think of one sin! The Bishop gently rejoined, ‘Surely there’s one little lie!’ ” If he was home at the weekend, Bishop Murray was always in the Confessional after the Vigil Mass, and took his turn with the priests before the great Feasts.

He loved the Mother of God, especially “the lady with the blue sash”. He recited her Rosary every night after tea, and you could see him walking around the grounds, finishing with a visit to the Blessed Sacrament. His great delight was in hosting the Diocese’s first Congress in 1981 in preparation for the Eucharistic Congress in Lourdes. “Mary leads us to the Eucharist” – it was a line Pope John Paul took up and included in his famous Exhortation on Our Lady.

Bishop Murray was a very private man. In fact, his seeming aloofness was actually, I believe, a shyness. He would never have considered himself material for a Bishop, but would have accepted his nomination in humble obedience. He was Rector of St Columba’s Seminary at Springwood. When the appointment was announced, and hence the College’s crest on his Coat of Arms, he told me he went down to St Mary’s to present himself to Cardinal Freeman. As he was leaving, Jimmy said, “There’s two things you’ll never get again in your life, Bill – a cold meal, and the truth”.

He had been appointed Rector of the Seminary because of his devotion to the priesthood. Vatican II had encouraged the ongoing formation of young priests after they had left the Seminary. For some years from his Parish at Broadway, Father Murray undertook a programme for newly ordained priests during the first year of their appointment. I was one of those priests. It was the first example in the post Vatican II Church, and for this Father Murray received the personal thanks of Pope Paul VI.

On one of his Ad Limina visits to Rome, Bishop Murray included a stop in London, but on arrival at the hotel could not find his booking. Eventually he was identified as Bishop Wollongong from Africa. They had been expecting a black man.

I always admired Bishop Murray’s steadfastness in times of difficulty. I know he did his best, despite limitations which he freely admitted. I think the true measure of the man can be seen in his reply (the shortest I ever typed) to a criticism I thought was unfair. He wrote, “I thank God that ultimately it is He who will judge me”.

May he rest in peace.

Fr Graham Schmitzer
Tuesday, 30 April 2013

Emeritus Bishop of Wollongong dies

Wed, 24 Apr 2013 18:30:24 +1000

Bishop Peter Ingham was saddened to learn of the passing of Bishop William Edward Murrary, Emeritus Bishop of Wollongong, who died peacefully at 5.10pm on Sunday 21 April 2013 at the Little Sisters of the Poor Nursing Home, Randwick.

Bishop Peter spoke of Bishop William (Bill) as a dedicated priest and bishop who served the Diocese of Wollongong for 21 years between 1975 and 1996. Bishop Peter said, “It was a time of great change and development for the Church. He made provisions for the vast expanding Macarthur area with the establishment of new parishes, to provide for the growing needs of the community.”

Bishop Peter also paid tribute to Bishop William’s sporting prowess. Bishop Peter said, “In his younger days Bill was an excellent cricketer especially renowned for his left arm in-swingers. He also excelled in tennis and rugby league, but he was most applauded for his boxing skills. He was on the cusp of a professional boxing career before deciding to join the priesthood.”

Bishop William was ordained to the priesthood in 1945 after spending seven years in the seminaries at Springwood and Manly. In 1958 he obtained a Doctorate in Social Science at the Gregorian University in Rome and was awarded a Member of the Order of Australia for Service to Religion on Australia Day 1988.

Bishop Peter spoke of Bishop William’s patience during the last six years of his life. Bishop Peter said, “His final years were hard for him having suffered a stroke which crippled his body and impaired his ability to speak.”

Reception of the Coffin and Vigil Mass for Bishop William Murray will be held in St Francis Xavier’s Cathedral, Wollongong (36 Harbour Street), at 7.30pm on Tuesday 30 April 2013. His body will remain in the Cathedral after the Vigil until the Mass of Christian Burial.

Solemn Pontifical Mass of Christian Burial for Bishop William Murray will be held at the Cathedral at 11.00am on Wednesday 1 May 2013. Following the Mass, interment will take place in the burial site adjacent to the Cathedral.