I Believe...
Excellent new DVD resource for today’s Catholics
What Christians profess, and why it ought to matter
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W E S T E R N A U S T R A L I A’ S A WA R D - W I N N I N G C AT H O L I C N E W S P A P E R S I N C E 1 8 7 4
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Evangelisation ‘number one priority’ for newest agency In his latest pastoral letter (below), Archbishop Hickey announces creation of new agency. Top priority: reaching out to those who do not believe, those searching
Kellerberrin celebrates 100 years
Today’s Missionary Challenge Text of Archbishop Barry Hickey’s pastoral
M
y Dear People, on this Feast of Pentecost I wish to speak to you about the urgent missionary challenge we have in our own country as I announce the formation of a new initiative that will help us face it. The first Pentecost ushered in the age of the Holy Spirit. With a mighty rush of wind, with tongues of fire appearing over the heads of the Apostles, the Apostles and Disciples gathered in the Upper Room felt the surge of power of the Holy Spirit preparing them for the great Mission of the Church. They were to proclaim from the rooftops that Jesus, the
Happy day: Parishioners pack St Joseph’s Church in Kellerberrin for Mass celebrating the parish’s centenary. Auxiliary Bishop Donald Sproxton concelebrated Mass with fellow clergy, including parish priest Fr Stanislaw Bendkowski SDS. PHOTO: COURTESY CHRISTINE LAIRD
O
n a glorious autumn day, close to 300 faithful from near and wide travelled to the wheatbelt town of Kellerberrin to celebrate the 100th anniversary of St Joseph’s parish on 1 May. Auxiliary Bishop Risen Lord, had freed all of humanity from the burden of sin and evil and opened up a new freedom which would lead to eternal life with God. They understood their Mission was to proclaim Jesus as Lord and Saviour. In short, they were to evangelise the world. They were to offer a world burdened and bound by sin and violence the peace that comes from Jesus and the new life He won that lasts forever. They were to be bearers and witnesses of the Good News of salvation. I want to remind you on this Pentecost Day that the Mission of the Church is still the same and that it has become increasingly urgent in these days of rising secularism. I also want to say that the task of the Church to offer Good News to the world is
Donald Sproxton of Perth concelebrated the Mass with St Mary’s, Merredin parish priest, Fr Stan Bendowski SDS, who administers the Kellerberrin parish; Regional Superior of Salvatorians in Australia, Fr Karol Kulczycki
the task of every member of the Church, not just the clergy or the Religious. The call of our Baptism and Confirmation is to share with others the faith that we have received as a precious gift. EVANGELISATION The late Pope John Paul II pointed out that the first means of evangelisation is the “witness of an authentically Christian life”. Every member of the Church is called to manifest to the world the attractiveness of an authentically Christian life. We have traditionally relied on family,
SDS and former Kellerberrin parish priests Fr Geoff Aldous and Fr Steve Casey. Visitors from Melbourne, Geraldton and Albany attended the centenary celebrations as did past and present parishioners and former stu-
Church and school to pass the faith from one generation to another. We have also relied on the support of a free society to help this take place. Regrettably, the world has changed. No longer is it easy for parents to hand on the faith safely to their children. They are enticed by the world in other directions, often harmful. Fragmented family life, increasingly common today, is a massive obstacle to the safe transfer of faith, despite the best efforts of school and parish. Even the religious freedom that we enjoy is threatened by secular and anti-religious forces that often oppose and ridicule our beliefs.
dents of St Joseph’s Convent, School and Preventorium. A large contingent of Sisters of St Joseph of the Sacred Heart - who were instrumental in providing education to local children Please turn to Page 10
Our response is to be strong and trust in the power of the Holy Spirit to overcome difficulties and resistance. Pentecost is both a sign and an assurance of the power of God over the forces of evil. This Pentecost, I want to say that we cannot allow ourselves to be intimidated or silenced by the forces that oppose us. We must remain faithful to our call to offer the world the liberating truth of Jesus Christ. The world needs it. Jesus has entrusted us with His Good News and given us the Holy Spirit as the source of our power and courage. Please turn to Page 10