REFLECTION OF TIME AT ST ANTHONY S.

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1 Padua News Padua News is the official quarterly Newsletter of St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church, Cnr Exford & Wilson Roads Melton South, VIC 3338 Tel: Fax: Parish Priest: Father Fabian Smith Assistant Priest: Father John-Paul Mount If you are interested to help in any of the tasks in the production of the Padua News, please contact any one of the committee members or Thank you. Padua News Committee Dolores Turcsan Doris Bonello Edwina La Rose Lorraine Tellis Rebecca Comini Ken Dumandan Imalsha Silva Kim Barton Godwin Barton Issue 40 This issue of Padua News is also published on the Parish Website Message from Message Fr John-Paul from Mount Father Fabian REFLECTION OF TIME AT ST ANTHONY S. I have been here at St Anthony s for nine months, which has gone very quickly, so I thought it might be nice to write a short reflection on my time at St Anthony s so far. We have just finished the menalive Retreat weekend and, typical of my time so far, I haven t had much time to sit down and write this! When I first entered the Church, having just arrived, I felt that this was a prayerful place. Now I know why. The parishioners here are so devout, prayerful, know Christ and desire to come closer to Him. With daily Adoration, devotional prayers, and confessions, there is much to feed the soul here. St Anthony s is also truly blessed to have the Two Hearts Brothers and Sisters here and so many young boys and girls involved in parish life. It s so great to see so many parishioners take ownership of their parish and are keen to contribute to its lifefrom the sacristans, to the cleaning and flowers, to the eager helpers at every function, the choirs that lift our souls at Mass. With so much going on each week, we re never short of announcements! I have been made most welcome here by parishioners for Top Left/Right: Fr John Paul celebrating Mass June 1, 2016 which I am deeply grateful and I feel more and more at home. Fr Fabian has been exceedingly generous in sharing his home and I am very well looked after! I look forward to continuing to help the parishioners of St Anthony s deepen their relationship with Christ as they will mine. In Christ Fr John Paul Mount Left: Fr John Paul helping out with gardening in our church "Let us not forget that God forgives and God forgives always" Pope Francis

2 Issue 40 Page 2 Padua News Laudato Si - Part 3 A few weeks ago, from 300 metres of roadside alongside our farm, I filled a wheely-bin with bottles, plastic and rubbish which would otherwise be swept down to the river by winter rains. My example of litter is a small local example of the ecological crisis identified in Laudato Si in which Pope Francis offers a compelling global assessment. In Chapter 3, he addresses its human roots of this crisis, and in Chapter 4, he introduces a new term, integral ecology to help us understand a solution. Both chapters drive home the themes of the previous chapters but not always with Pope Francis personal, direct and lyrical style. Other voices, whether experts or Bishops conferences come forward. But throughout his text Pope Francis hand and voice succeed in presenting a unique challenge to his readers, namely to acquire a new - and unfamiliar - way of thinking if we are to act differently. Pope Francis use of new (or uncommon) words and concepts such as paradigm and integral ecology may turn off some readers and risk that others may not get the main point of his encyclical. Let me pause, therefore, to discuss each in turn. First, paradigm. I would loosely define paradigm as a way of thinking. For example, those who think in terms of an economic paradigm interpret life through a lens of cost or money, without attributing any value to other aspects of human living, such as the need for beauty, tranquility, leisure. An environmental paradigm may put emphasis on the physical planet of earth, water, air, but neglect the social aspect. A technological paradigm will regard inventions and our control over matter to be unfettered so, the ethics of some new medical techniques, such as IVF or stem cell research, will be ignored. Relevant questions, significant concerns, criticisms are easily Laudato si' (Praise Be to You) is the second encyclical of Pope Francis. The encyclical has the subtitle On Care For Our Common Home. This is the 3 rd in a 4- part series of reflections by John Little on the Laudato si brushed aside by such closed or narrow paradigms. Certain kinds of religious thinking can also be subject to the same limitations. Most paradigms tend to be closed. Pope Francis holistic paradigm, however, in contrast is open, inquiring, relational, whole, emergent, on the move. Nothing need be disconnected. Its essence lies in relationships and in their discovery through genuine dialogue. This view informs his integral ecology to which I will return shortly. Remember, Pope Francis is talking to all people of good will, not just those with Catholic faith, and must show that Catholic faith has something to offer beyond a merely secular view of the environment. Human Roots of the Ecological Crisis Since thinking informs action, Pope Francis regards the human roots of our ecological crisis to lie in our narrow thinking, our forgetfulness of God, our loss of the sense that there is truth and that we have an eternal destiny. Such roots are products of the relativistic notions and self-focus that characterize our culture and of a way of thinking (paradigm) that does not allude to or recognize that we ourselves are gifts - as is the world itself - that reflect the unbounded generosity of the giver. However, there remains with Pope Francis (and true to his holistic paradigm) a hope that a narrow view can be transformed, changed, opened up through questions, observation, discussion and contesting reflection with others. He draws attention to the importance of the human body and of living in a particular place and time, and also that we have a cultural, historical identity and reality and are in process of moving to a future for which we need to take responsibility. We are both body and spirit, at one with the earth and with our Creator. In short, Pope Francis wants us to think holistically. This is a complete way of seeing ourselves and the world, in contrast, for example with a scientific way, which is narrow, concerned only with matter and not spirit, and comprising many disciplines, most of which do not talk to the other. In a scientific paradigm fragmentation, not unity, results. Integral Ecology In holistic thinking, one begins to appreciate the dynamic interrelatedness of things. Pope Francis notion of integral ecology thus is able to hold the deepest levels of personal interiority (where the Spirit acts) to global institutions where we think and act collaboratively. It is able to highlight the importance of one s daily work, the value of places where we live, the beauty of things, and the quality of community we create - all are bound together in some way; neglect of one will affect all else. Pope Francis acknowledges the benefits of science, technology, economics, business but he reiterates in all the examples he offers (of abuse, risk and narrow-mindedness), a dissatisfaction with prevailing ways of thinking and the need for a new synthesis and ethics that regard the common good, and not the good merely of a powerful interest group. There are many powerful paragraphs. Take para 113, for example: There is also the fact that people no longer believe in a happy future; they no longer have blind trust in a better Continued on next page

3 Padua News Issue 40 Page 3 Laudato Si - Part 3 (Continued from previous page) tomorrow based on the present state of the world and our technical abilities. There is a growing awareness that scientific and technological progress cannot be equated with the progress of humanity and history, a growing sense that the way to a better future lies elsewhere. This is not to reject the possibilities that technology continues to offer us. But humanity has changed profoundly, and the accumulation of constant novelties exalts a superficiality which pulls us in one direction. It becomes difficult to pause and recover depth in life. If architecture reflects the spirit of an age, our megastructures and drab apartment blocks express the spirit of globalized technology, where a constant flood of new products coexists with a tedious monotony. Let us refuse to resign ourselves to this, and continue to wonder about the purpose and meaning of everything. Otherwise we would simply legitimate the present situation and need new forms of escapism to help us endure the emptiness. In the paragraph that follows, Pope Francis calls for a bold cultural revolution. Or one might say, a conversion in thinking and values (or, in a worldly mode, a new paradigm!). Pope Francis states that our social and cultural ecologies are at risk of degradation and catastrophe as much as is the physical environment. He challenges us all to think deeply about these matters, and since all is gift, we should never see them only in terms of self-interest, but in terms of the common good that includes intergenerational awareness and a consciousness of building a future that is ecologically integral, flourishing and sustainable. We are in need of a new ethics, that will emerge from our new way of seeing things holistically. These chapters may be heavy reading, but they are worth the effort to get a glimpse of what Pope Francis is writing about. He says we all need to do some hard thinking. Well then, here is a good place to start! In the next issue of Padua News, I will discuss the last two chapters, Chapter 5, Lines of Approach and Action, and Chapter 6, Ecological Action and Spirituality. Submitted by: John Little Papal News - What the Pope says... On Mercy - Apr 2, 2016 You can t receive mercy without sharing it Receiving God s mercy ignites in us the drive to become instruments of mercy, especially to the weakest and the marginalized, Pope Francis said Saturday at a vigil for the feast of Divine Mercy Mercy is an open book - and it s our task to write it - Apr 3, 2016 On Divine Mercy Sunday Pope Francis said the Gospel of Mercy begun by Jesus and the apostles is still unfinished, and is an open book that each person is called to write through their words and actions. On Almsgiving - Apr 9, 2016 When giving to the poor, look them in the eyes In his address for the monthly Jubilee of Mercy general audience, Pope Francis said almsgiving is not just about the money; it is about being attentive to the actual needs of the person asking for help. At the Jubilee for Boys and Girls - April 22-24, 2016 Pope Francis on Saturday, April 23, 2016, heard the confessions of young people in St. Peter's Square as part of the Jubilee for Boys and Girls weekend. Pope Francis has challenged young people to commit to practising the corporal works of mercy in order to recognize the face of Jesus in each other The Pope also encouraged young people to foster a personal relationship with Jesus. He warned Christians risk closing in on themselves when they are not close to Christ. He compared a healthy relationship with Christ to a strong phone signal. Remember when Jesus is not in our life, there is no signal! There isn t a phone app for love and happiness- Apr 24 Freedom does not come from things we possess or from doing whatever we want, Pope Francis said on Sunday in his homily for the Jubilee for boys and girls. Rather, true freedom and happiness can only be found in the love of Jesus. Pope Francis met with street children during his visit to the Philippines on Jan 16, 2015 Pope Francis kisses a child in St. Peter's Square during the General Audience on April 20, 2016 Source: Catholic News Agency

4 Issue 40 Page 4 Padua News St Vincent de Paul Society The King will reply, I tell you, whenever you did this for one of the least important of these brothers of mine, you did it for me! Matthew 25:40 Here, at St. Anthony s Parish, we have a number of spirituality groups that provide an opportunity for each of us to live up to the above gospel message. One such group is the St Vincent de Paul Society of which I am a member. Our Conference meets twice a month, in the morning, at the `Holy Family Room. At our last meeting, our group decided to have a change of meeting time to allow parishioners who work during the day an opportunity to attend. As such we now hold an evening meeting every alternate month. We hope that this move will prove inviting and beneficial to our parishioners, to consider joining. The type and level of assistance we provide differs with each client. For the past two years of our operating as a Conference, we have made an average of 700 visits to homes and provided assistance with food needs, including fresh meat, fruit and veggies, milk, bread, eggs, margarine, non-perishable groceries and assistance with fuel, bills and furniture etc. Last year, we once again distributed Christmas hampers and toys to 19 families comprising of 26 adults and 53 children. All were pleasantly surprised and grateful. We were able to provide similar assistance to some families at Easter time, leaving children with smiles on their faces. Our thanks and appreciation goes to all our fellow parishioners for your generous contribution at our Annual Winter Appeal. Many thanks too, for your generous donations of nonperishable items at our Parish monthly collection. With regards to the latter, I would like to make a request; please check that the items you donate have not passed their use by date and that they are still in their original packaging ie: not repackaged into plastic bags. Unfortunately, such items cannot be distributed hence, results in a sad waste, as we have to adhere to the strict guidelines of Occupational Health and Safety (OH&S). Another offering we were able to provide at the start of the year, involved an opportunity for two young parishioners, Ethan Porter and Eoin Barcena, to attend a State Camp organised by the Society. Both have kindly shared their views on their marvellous experience as detailed below. Serving others who are less fortunate and assisting them with personal issues fills us with joy as we reach out to them in Christ s name. There are various ways you can lend your support. If you would like to share and experience this joy of serving others, YOU CAN - new members are most welcome. We would love to hear from you, God Bless. Submitted by: Lorraine Tellis My name is Ethan Porter and I d like to tell you about an amazing experience I had recently. I was one of the lucky ones to be chosen for St Vincent de Paul camp at Flinders over the summer holidays. It was awesome! We got to do the giant swing, the flying fox and a trivia quiz. My favourite activity was the trivia quiz, because I felt a little sick and it was the perfect activity for me. I met some great friends on camp, including a boy named Josh. I also made a good friend from St Anthony s Parish. His name was Eoin and he came on the camp with me. Thank you St Vincent de Paul Melton South Conference for this once in a lifetime opportunity. Submitted by: Ethan Porter Continued on next page with article from Eoin Linus Barcena

5 Padua News Issue 40 Page 5 St Vincent de Paul Society (continued from previous page) My name is Eoin Linus Barcena. Early this year, I was given the opportunity to attend a Kids Camp sponsored by St Vincent de Paul Society held at Golden Valley Lodge from the January I was hesitant to go at first when I found out that my little brother was not going. I m glad I attended, as everyone in the camp was friendly and accommodating. Day 1 My mom and my brother brought me to St Anthony s Church early on Monday morning. I met Ethan who was also coming on camp. We were driven to Doncaster where we took the bus along with other attendees to go to Golden Valley Lodge. We arrived at camp in the afternoon, had lunch and were brought to our cabin to unpack and get our things in order. We then assembled at the hall to do some arts and craft which included making our own placemat and tie-dye shirt. Day 2 We started the day with a breakfast of cereals and toast, getting everyone energised, ready and raring for the exciting day ahead. We were then whisked off to the flying fox where each of us had a turn conquering our fear of heights. I ve never done anything like that before, but it was really fun and challenging. We then spent the rest of the day swimming to stay cool, as it was a hot day. Day 3 Yet another action-packed day at the camp. Today was a continuation of yesterday s confidence building activities with the Giant Swing. The highlight of the day was Messy Time, where we played with sand, slime and shaving cream. We got to explore our creativity and at the same time learning to work with other kids. Day 4 The day began with a stir of excitement for it was Archery and Disco day. Most of the kids were busy deciding what to wear for the party. I m not much of a dancer but I did enjoy Archery. We were taught the essential parts of a good shot, which are focus, rhythm and timing. Day 5 After a bit of a sleep-in and breakfast, we all had one last activity to enjoy. That was initiative and Low Rope Course, where our balance and co-ordination was tested. We then climbed aboard the bus and were on our way back to Doncaster and next back to Melton South. I was a bit tired now, but I was really looking forward to be back home. I could not wait to see my family and tell them stories about my experiences at camp and the people I met. I d like to thank Melton South Conference of St Vincent de Paul Society for this opportunity to attend this year s summer Kids Camp, especially Lorraine, Ineke and Victor for driving us to and from Doncaster. I had a blast at camp! It was a really good learning experience for me. Not only did I get to enjoy a range of activities that helped me build my confidence, I ve also made new friends. Submitted by: Eoin Linus Barcena The St Vincent de Paul Society s Kids Camps are a place where young people aged 8-12 years can get away from their daily lives, have some fun, build their confidence and learn new skills. They give selected children a fun break where they can make new friends and connect with young adult role models who journey alongside them for the weekend. All children on the camps are referred by St Vincent de Paul Society conferences.

6 Issue 40 Page 6 Padua News menalive Weekend On the weekend of April 30 & May 1, 2016 a group of 50 men from the parish of St Anthony of Padua, Melton South, came together for the very first time. Most of us were familiar faces from Mass but we didn t really know each other. Other than the wave after Mass or the casual Hello or Hi at cuppa weekend, the men present were total strangers to each other. We came because we were invited to attend the menalive program by Fr Fabian Smith, our Parish Priest. The day started at 8am with registrations that went on for a quarter of an hour. Peter Benn introduced himself and the other two members, Glen D cunha & Martin Stone from the menalive team. We discussed the logistics of the two day program and kicked off with some beautiful hymns of praise to God sung along with the Oblate Brothers of the Twin Hearts of Jesus & Mary. Peter spoke to us about the Father s love for us and compared this love to a father and his son or daughter. Just as we love our children and forgive them each time they hurt us, so does God the Father forgive us and calls us to Himself. We then did an ice breaker exercise where we shared our experiences in groups of two s. It was a lovely exercise as we got to see how similar our lives are even though we are two separate people. Many of us experience the same trials and disappointments in life and have similar ways of dealing with them. We are not alone! We then broke off in groups of six and each group shared their own experiences of God the Father s love in their lives. menalive is a National Catholic Ministry to Men which was founded out of a response to a great need in the hearts and lives of men, and a great need in the life of the Catholic Church After lunch which was sumptuous and filling, Glen D cunha spoke to us about the Father s Dream for us. He explained that just as we have dreams for our children, our spouse and ourselves, so does God the Father have a plan for each one of us. Once again we broke off into our groups to discuss how each of us sees God s plan in our lives. Then we experienced one of the most beautiful opportunities to sit with Jesus in adoration and to expunge our sins through reconciliation. Many of the men took timeout to self examine their conscience. We met back in the evening after an hour and a half and sat together for dinner. After dinner Martin Stone spoke to us on the Father s son and how much God so loves each one of us that He sent His only son Jesus to save us and forgive our sins. He continues to call us to follow His Word. We were then taken through the ceremony of the fire where we gave up our limitations into the fire. These limitations we had earlier identified and written down during the day and now we gave them up unto God. Then we gave up our obstaclesthings or people that have hurt us or have gone away from us. We prayed for them and forgave them. What a lovely feeling it was to overcome these obstacles. It was a burden taken off our shoulders. Thereafter the peace of Christ we felt was so fulfilling. We ended the day by lighting a candle of light for ourselves and by praying for each other s intention and anointing each other with holy oil. The choir joyfully sang after each session and concluded the day on a high note. Day two saw Glen D cunha speak to us about our sense of direction. He explained how we can follow God s teachings by listening to Jesus. We listen to Jesus by listening to the Word of God i.e. in reading the Bible. We can use the SOAP method: we read a piece of Scripture and ponder on it deeply, then we Observe what the Holy Spirit points out to us in that scripture, we Apply the message we received in the scripture to our everyday life, and finally we Pray to God and ask Him to help us achieve that message in our lives. We attended Mass and after lunch Martin Stone spoke to us on becoming a man of God. What responsibilities we can take on to be an instrument of God s church and community. Each one of us wrote down three things he can do to become an active part of God s Community at St Anthony of Padua Parish. We closed the session by sharing our testimonies of learning from the two day program. On behalf of all the men who attended this retreat I thank Fr Fabian & Fr John Paul for giving us this opportunity to revisit our lives and for giving us spiritual direction in our lives. To the beautiful parishioners who took care of our physical needs through the lovely meals you prepared and to those who served us throughout the two days, Thank You and God bless each one of you. Your reward is eternal. Submitted by: Aloysious Dacunha

7 Padua News Issue 40 Page 7 News from Catholic Regional College - CRC Memorial Garden The CRC Memorial Garden is a tranquil, calming environment for the commemoration of staff and students who have passed away during their Cuppa with Mary Each month we meet around the dining room table and in this informal setting we take time to look and pray about topical issues eg 'A Fair Go'; The Year of Mercy; Pope Francis's Joy of the Gospel and then we share a Cup of tea or coffee. time at CRC, some of whom were part of St Anthony's parish. It was previously displayed in front of the school and gymnasium. With the landscape development around the school in the last six months, the memorial garden has been moved into an organised space where friends and family can reflect and honour the lives of their loved ones. Using the writings of St Mary MacKillop we discuss how she responded to the many and various situations and challenges she faced as she strove to be faithful to God and how we might do likewise in our time and place. A text from Scripture on the topic is also offered for our continued meditation and prayer. This year is the Sesquicentury anniversary of the beginning of the Sisters of St Joseph, (begun March 19, 1866). Over those 150 years, right across the country, many issues, problems and challenges have been talked and cried over and prayed about while sitting round the kitchen or dining room table having a cuppa. The "Cuppa with Mary" honours this enduring Australian tradition. Submitted by: Sr Therese Dagge, RSJ Submitted by: Ken Dumandan This year, the monthly gathering for prayer and reflection with St. Mary MacKillop will be offered each month - the first Monday followed by the following Wednesday, both days starting at 10.00am at 28 Bridgeford Cres, Melton South. For further information and acceptances, please contact Sr. Therese on or The Sisters of St Joseph of the Sacred Heart, often called the "Josephites" or "Brown Joeys", were founded in Penola, South Australia, in 1866 by Mary MacKillop and the Rev. Julian Tenison Woods. Members of the congregation use the postnominal initials RSJ (Religious Sisters of St Joseph). The Sisters of St Joseph of the Sacred Heart are women who continue God s mission by immersing themselves in the midst of life to empower others for life and bring hope. Mary and Julian began by responding to the need for education of children but soon perceived other needs. The Sisters of St Joseph responded to those needs, and in the spirit of the Founders continue to meet the needs of our time. Source: Sisters_of_St_Joseph_of_the_Sacred_Heart

8 Issue 40 Page 8 Padua News WARRAWONG WOOLSHED 1200 Exford Road Eynesbury district Available for hire Unique heritage features and friendly environment - arrange and set up to suit your own needs for up to 120 people for a sitdown meal/family gatherings. For further details, or to arrange a visit and inspection, contact John Little at St Anthony s Bingo St Anthony s School Hall CNR Wilson and Exford Road Melton South (Melways Reference: 342-J-4) Tuesday Night Eyes down pm Come along and have some fun and support your Parish! Editorial Policy The Padua News is approved by Fr Fabian Smith prior to printing. The editors and Fr Fabian reserve the right to edit all articles submitted. Articles may be reproduced with permission from the writer and editor. Submissions for next newsletter All Parishioners are welcome to give their suggestions. If you have any article of interest for the next newsletter, please submit them to the Parish Office or to: paduanews@yahoo.com.au by July 1, 2016 Please support our sponsors! Without their generous support, Padua News would not be possible. Mention you saw their business in our newsletter and let them know we are working for them. Adver sers for Padua News Wanted! Would you like to advertise your business? Do you know someone who runs their own business? Wide circulation, including publication on the WEB. Next issue due in September 2016