THURSDAY DECEMBER 30, 2004
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Disabled Angel: brings hope to Indian children Pages 7-8
We believe: Why Catholics believe He is truly present Page 9
An Acolyte's role: Fr Tim on what - and what not - to do Page 10
End divisions in 2005: Archbishop Archbishop says it's time for Christians to end confusion on life Caritas appeals in wake of tsunami
Following is the text of Archbishop Barry Hickey’s New Year message: There are unmistakeable signs that the Christian West is in trouble. This is due partly to secularisation but even more to the fragmentation within and among Christian churches on matters of fundamental morality. This scandalous diviArchbishop Barry sion makes James Hickey the churches appear uncertain and unreliable as guides to ethical behaviour. Church leaders are often challenged to be relevant in contemporary society by addressing the issues facing people and offering considered ethical advice. What happens too often is that different leaders give different advice, often contradictory, leaving people uncertain and insecure. Churches are divided on fundamental moral issues to do with human life and human sexuality, cloning, the use of human embryos to produce stem cells and perhaps the most shocking of all, the fate of unborn babies diagnosed with disabilities. Continued on page 2
Members of the Bishops' new Taskforce hold their first meeting in Sydney on December 21. Photo: Kerry Myers/Catholic Weekly
Group holds first meeting The Taskforce on Pastoral Responses to Abortion, established by the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference, held its inaugural meeting in Sydney on 21 December. Perth archdiocesan Respect Life Office director Clare Pike is a member. Announced after last month’s Australian Catholic Bishops Conference Plenary, the taskforce will investigate ways of
increasing financial and human support for those facing the dilemma of abortion. Bishop Eugene Hurley, Chairman of the Bishops Committee for Family and for Life, chaired the taskforce’s first meeting. Other members include: Bishop Anthony Fisher OP, Auxiliary Bishop of Sydney; Francis Sullivan, Catholic Healthcare Australia; Frank
Quinlan, Catholic Welfare Australia; Mary Uhlmann, Catholic Women’s League; Geraldine Hawkes, Commission for Australian Catholic Women; Dr Brigid Vout, Life Office, Sydney; Clare Pike, Life Office, Perth; Marcia Riordan, Life Office, Melbourne. Absent were Monsignor Tom Doyle, National Catholic Education Commission and Continued on page 2
INDEX
Brilliant portrayal Kevin Spacey's rendition of the life of popular singer Bobby Darin is well worth seeing
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World News Reviews Classifieds Letters Movie briefs
- Pages 12 & 13 - Page 14 - Page 15 - Page 6 - Page 11
Caritas Australia has already committed $500,000 to fund relief efforts following the Indian Ocean region tsunami crises but additional funds are still urgently needed, according to National Director of Caritas Jack de Groot. The tsunamis affected countries throughout the region with the worst affected areas being Sri Lanka, India, Indonesia and Thailand. More than 24,000 are reportedly killed, with the figure set to rise. Caritas Australia has set a target of more than $1 million and is continuing to discuss options available for the needs of countries affected. Funds donated to help the victims of the earthquake will be used in the immediate future to provide water, sanitation, food, shelter and medicine.
Donations can be made online at www.caritas. org.au, by phoning 1800 024 413 or by sending a cheque/money order to Caritas: 29 Victoria Square Perth WA 6000.
Summer Break You could do a lot worse than attending the Disciples of Jesus Summer School in Bunbury from 9-16 January
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Dark shadows of Hindu intolerance - Page 13 ● Darfur warning - Page 12 ● Perth Priest recalls Sudan experience - Page 5