MLCP News
Number 5, March 2014
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Parish House: 90 Stewart Street, Devonport, Tasmania 7310
Email: mlcathparish-dsl@keypoint.com.au
Phone: 6424 2783
Newsletter: mlcathparish.blogspot.com.au
Phone: 6424 2783
Newsletter: mlcathparish.blogspot.com.au
Parish Priest: Fr Mike Delaney
Assistant Priest: Fr Augustine Ezenwelu
Parish Secretary: Annie Davies
Pastoral council Chair: Mary Davies
Mass Centres: Devonport, Penguin, Ulverstone, Latrobe, Sheffield and Port Sorell
Catholic Schools:
Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Primary School, Devonport
St Patrick’s Catholic Primary School, Latrobe
Sacred Heart Catholic Primary School, Ulverstone
St Brendan-Shaw Catholic Secondary College, Devonport
Spirituality Centre: MacKillop Hill
Contact: Sr Margaret Chandler SSJ
Meeting Space: Emmaus House, 88 Stewart Street, Devonport
THE
FIRST FROM PORT SORELL
The first lovely and
cheerful baby to be baptised in Mersey Leven Parish in 2014 at Port Sorell
Church
Congratulations
Elspeth Auguste Langerak and her family.
Baby Elspeth with parents Dylan and Ranae
Fr. Augustine holding Elspeth.
The happy party including god-parents Skye and Darren
NEW YEAR NEW PRIEST
FR. MIKE
DELANEY
I was born in Hobart on May 3rd 1951. The eldest child of the late Trevor and Betty Delaney, My education started at Sacred Heart School in New Town, then Savio College (known now as Dominic College, Glenorchy); later, St Mary’s Technical School in Geelong, Victoria and St Virgil’s College in Austins Ferry & Hobart.
After Matriculating in 1968 I attended Corpus Christi College in Werribee, Glen Waverley and Clayton – all in Victoria as a student of the Priesthood for the Archdiocese of Hobart.
I was ordained to the Priesthood on 20th August 1975 at St Mary’s Cathedral, Hobart by Archbishop Guilford Young. After ordination, I was appointed assistant priest at The Church of the Apostles, Launceston. I was later an assistant priest at Corpus Christi in Bellerive Cathedral and Sandy Bay.
I was appointed Parish Priest of Deloraine in 1988 but moved to The Church of the Apostles due to health difficulties of Fr Graeme Howard. I was then acting Administrator there for twelve months. In 1989, I became Parish Priest of Glenorchy for seven years before being appointed to New Norfolk in 1995.
In 2001 I became Moderator of the Catholic Parish of Central Tasmania which included the Derwent Valley, Central Highlands, Oatlands, Campbell Town and Swansea. I was working with another priest who was resident at Campbell Town and three Religious Sisters and that was a challenging time.
In 2006 I returned to Launceston as priest in residence at Newstead and worked in Launceston as well as the East Coast and Campbell Town. After almost three years, I was appointed to the West Coast. Arriving in October 2008 before also being appointed Parish Priest of Central Tasmania as well as becoming Moderator of the Bridgewater-Brighton-Claremont Parish in 2011.
In 1977 I became part of an Industrial Chaplaincy Program (known then as Interchurch Trade and Industry Mission ITIM.) I then spent the next ten years as a Police Chaplain on a part time basis with Tasmanian Police. At the same time I also worked for twelve months as Chaplain to the Tasmania Fire Service.
In 1990 I worked with Humes Concrete at Derwent Park and continued until I moved to New Norfolk in 1995.
During my time with ITIM I joined the Board of Management in Tasmania and after the retirement of the Tasmanian on the National Board was asked to join the Board and have been part of that journey since 1998. ITIM became Converge International in 2003 and recently has acquired another (similar) business. The main body remains the same but it now operates a commercial enterprise known as Converge RTK.
In 1980 Archbishop Young asked me to attend the Annual Meeting of the Tasmanian Council of Churches. I have been a member of the Executive of the TCC since, including four and a half years as President, in two separate terms. During my time with the TCC I have also represented the Catholic Church on the Commission for Christian World Service/Act for Peace, a Commission of the National Council of Churches in Australia.
In 1983 I was commissioned as a Chaplain in the Royal Australian Navy and have served as an active chaplain in the Reserves until I moved to the inactive list in 2011.
During my time in the Navy I have worked in HMAS Stirling in Western Australia; HMAS Kuttabul and HMAS Penguin, HMAS Cresswell and HMAS Albatross in New South Wales; HMAS Coonawarra in Northern Territory and HMAS Cerberus in Victoria as a base chaplain and at sea on board HMAS
Stalwart for 6 weeks, HMAS Sydney for two months, HMAS Tobruk for one month and
HMAS Darwin for 6 months.
Within
the Archdiocese I have been a member of the Council of Priests on four separate
occasions; Having been elected or appointed by each of the four Archbishops
with whom I have worked in the past thirty nine years.
I
was a member of Archbishop Doyle’s College
of Consultors
I
attended a Renewal Program in 2001 in Dublin , Ireland , shortly after celebrating my Silver
Jubilee of Ordination, and was fortunate to travel to Jerusalem
In
2008 I went to World Youth Day in Sydney with
over 300 other Tasmanians and in 2011 travelled with 40 other Tasmanians to Madrid
Not long after the
arrival of the 1st group of Refugees to Pontville in 2011 I was
asked to be a member of the Community Consultative Group. The task was to ensure
that the conditions at Pontville were made suitable and, whilst opposed to the
process of detention, assisted in ensuring that these men (originally) and later the unaccompanied young men were cared for
with compassion and care.
Throughout the whole of
my priestly ministry I have been involved with just about every Catholic school
in Tasmania
I would like to end by mentioning a frequently asked
question,
“Which is the best place you
have worked?”
My answer is always the same:
I enjoy wherever I am because PEOPLE are the most
important part of anything that I do – so the place is of no importance – it is
PEOPLE who are.
CHALLENGING TIMES
For
FR. AUGUSTINE
Fr. Augustine has been in Tasmania
MY SCHOOL MISSION
Commencing
a task in a foreign culture, society and environment is always demanding and
most often difficult. In January 2011, I was asked to prepare for a mission in Australia
When
I arrived in Tasmania
I
worried about the school mission and wondered how to cope with students from
ages 5 to 18 who altogether are foreign from me and growing up in a culture
exceedingly and remarkably different from mine.
After
only a short time of being at Mersey Leven Parish, Fr John informed me that I
am to be the chaplain of three schools,
Sacred Heart of Jesus – Ulverstone
Our Lady of Lourdes
St
SACRED HEART OF JESUS.
This primary school was and
continues to be my school mission kick-off. The amazing friendly reception
accorded to me by the Principal, Mr. Peter Douglas and the teachers particularly
Mr. Gerald Shegog went a long way to assure me that the school came on board with new ideas
making the pace. The Mission became an uplifting
experience for me. Mr. Shegog was the Assistant Principal Religious Education
in the school at that time. He was good to me and my fear of school mission
soon began to melt. I felt accepted and appreciated. He arranged for me to
visit each class on a weekly basis.
The first day I stepped
into a class and spoke, to my amazement, the children understood me. With this
tremendous and progressive success, I finally got to unwind my mind.
Above all, I discovered
that these children are vibrant, social and enjoy listening to and laughing
with me. I later visited other classes and the success continued with interesting
topics and the school provides materials for discussion with the children.
I have discussed with all
the classes, at least four times, my life history, priesthood, mission in
Tasmania, parts of my Igbo culture in Nigeria, Church’s teachings and
practices.
OUR LADY OF LOURDES
The story repeats itself at
this school also. The children are very
nice and behave well.
I
try to make myself available whenever I am wanted and do my best by visiting a
class every Tuesday afternoon. It has been an educative, interesting and active
interactive visit. The Principal, the Assistant Principal Religious Education,
Mary Sheriff and the teachers create a suitable environment for effective
encounter and discussions with the students for which I am grateful.
ST BRENDAN
SHAW COLLEGE
Each
school has its own modus operandi. It is not necessary for me to visit classes
as it is the case with the other schools. Mr. Frank Pisano and Mr. Kamil
Douglas warmly welcomed me. My mission here, however, involves celebrating
liturgies with the staff and students in the school, church and camping centre.
I attend special activities whenever I am invited and available. Mr. Kamil Douglas
is considerate always notifying me in plenty of time of upcoming events and is
flexible in setting up dates and times. The students and staff seem
appreciative of my efforts in the spiritual life of the school.
ST PATRICK’S SCHOOL LATROBE.
Fr.
John was the chaplain of this school. However, Gwenda, the Assistant Principal
Religious Education asked me if I could visit the school on a weekly basis to
create an opportunity for the students and I to share ideas and experiences
together.
In
conclusion, I
simply have found that all our schools have an effective and meaningful
education with all the basic facilities that will enhance a better learning and
human formation.
The children are creative.
So many art-works are made and pasted for public admiration. This makes the
children advance daily on their creative and intellectual strength. Under the
supervision and guidance of the teachers, they are able to release their
potentials and improve on them. The rapport between the students and teachers in
all our schools is excellent. The students are ready and willing to receive and show
reverence to visitors in their classes.
In the religious aspect of
their life, the schools follow the Church’s liturgical guidance in the course of the year.
For example, Lent, Easter, Ascension, Assumption, All Saints, All souls,
Advent, Christmas and other feasts peculiar to
During the liturgical
celebrations, the students copiously participate and remain active. I
believe this to be a vital attribute because all these religious practices and explanations influence
the children’s religious, moral and civil life.
Thank you and God bless.
Rev. Fr. Augustine Ezenwelu
Assistant Priest,
Mersey Leven Catholic Parish.
GOOD-BYE TO FR. JIM
Fr. John put the following
words together before he left us.
FATHER JAMES MATTHEW MCMAHON MSC:
A large congregation of
friends and parishioners came for the Mass celebrated by Archbishop Julian
Porteous and seven priests concelebrated Mass with Fr Jim.
After some 37 plus years
working as a ‘locum’ priest, Fr Jim has now left us for Kensington NSW, where
he takes up residence as a member of the MSC retired community of priests and
brothers at the Sacred Heart Monastery.
Fr Jim was deeply moved by
our coming together and in his usual and humble manner, he acknowledged at the
Mass that, “yes, I might have done some things for you but I know you
have done so much for me.”
Towards the end of Mass a
candle was brought up in procession, blessed and lit by the Archbishop, then
presented to Fr Jim reminding us of the flame of faith he has kept alive in his
own life especially as a man of faith, but also the flame of faith Christ Jesus
whom he has faithfully handed on to so many as a priest and minister of the
gospel of Christ Jesus.
Following some speeches, a
presentation was made to Fr Jim, which included a photographic book of
memories, a folder with various letters and messages from many of us, and a
cheque. In the community room there was a celebratory cake as well as plenty
of food for all.
 Cake
beautifully made by Julianne Fitzpatrick |
As Fr Jim climbed up the stairs to board his Virgin flight at Launceston on Wednesday morning it was clear that this remarkable man and priest would not set foot on Tasmania again but now returns to the place of his birth where he rejoins the MSC religious community of retired priests and brothers at the Sacred Heart Monastery, Kensington NSW.
We know Jim will continue to
be faithful to God and in his own humble quiet way, he will still be living out
his priesthood and his belonging to the religious congregation of the
Missionaries of the Sacred Heart.
We
thank God for the gift of Jim who touched the hearts of so many of us in the
Mersey Leven Catholic Parish.
GOOD-BYE TO
FR. JOHN
GIRDAUSKAS
Fr. John was our
Parish Priest for five years and left us to take up priestly duties at the
Burnie-Wynyard Catholic Parish in January 2014
It seemed like we only just bid farewell to Fr Jim when it was time to part ways with Fr John.
It was a low key celebration on Sunday December 15th when we gathered at Devonport for the 10.30am Mass. Parishioners came from other church communities within the Mersey Leven Parish and the church was full.
There was certainly a tinge of sadness as we weren’t going to see John after the Christmas Masses.
After Mass
there was a huge buffet of food of all kinds served and Mary presented John
with a gift from the parish of a beautiful cross and there was a cheque from a
collection from parishioners.
CHRISTMAS CELEBRATIONS MADE
POSSIBLE...
Thanks
to the good works of St Vincent De Paul Society
December was a very busy time for our volunteer conference members.
Christmas hampers were distributed in the region assisting over 120 families.
We appreciate and
congratulate all the school children in our schools within Mersey Leven Parish
that made such wonderful contributions in the collecting of gifts, groceries
and for the beautiful shoe boxes all lovingly done.
Conference members (left) put together the hampers with purchased and donated goods
and enjoy the spirit of Christmas and laughter during the exercise. The hampers
include a cake, pudding, ham, chicken, fresh vegetables and a variety of
treats.
TONI MUIR
REGIONAL MANAGER
Devonport
region Christmas BBQ For all volunteers
On Friday evening December 6th 2013
the annual Devonport Region Barbecue for members, volunteers, employees
and their families was held at Our Lady of Lourdes Parish Hall in Devonport.
One hundred and twenty people attended including
several parishioners from our church communities and a good time was truly had
by all. We enjoyed generous servings of
salads and meats from the barbecue. Tempting
Deserts and coffee were later served.
Fr. John Girdauskas came and circulated among everyone with a tinge of sadness. There was a presentation of a gift to John and speeches made by Toni Muir and Brenda Paul who thanked him for his support to St Vincent de Paul Society during his time as Parish Priest. We wished him well in his new role at the Burnie-Wynyard Parish.
Brenda Paul
Devonport Regional President
The Society is grateful for the support of Mersey
Leven Parish and the help in making Christmas a little joyful for many.
THE START OF SOMETHING WONDERFUL
A
true story by June Pisarskis - Ulverstone
Ever since that day
I have always tried at that time during the mass to have someone there on the
altar to receive Christ’s love and peace.
Often it has been
someone very close to me in my Family, sometimes it has been friends or
acquaintances. It may have been someone who I know who is definitely not a
friend but their particular circumstances have put them in extra need of love.
Sometimes there may
only be one person but sometimes the altar is very crowded! Sometimes that
crowd is made of all the people of a nation in turmoil.
This is a practice I have
continued for almost five years and I am very grateful to that priest in Bendigo
PILGRIMAGE AT LATROBE
Pascale
Cotterill – Latrobe
Once again, the annual New Year's Eve Church Pilgrimage in Latrobe was a great success. Thanks, as always, to all the contributors of food and time for the representation of the 'Catholic' portion of the event. The pilgrimage began around 1999 in Latrobe with the germ of an idea by the then current parish priest, Fr John Wall. Fr Wall met with the ministers from the local Anglican, Baptist, Uniting and Assembly of God churches and it was followed through by their local parishioners who organised the food, drink and genial company.
The event involves a type of walking 'progressive dinner'. Really, it represents the best way to bring in a new year with a prayer, a hymn, good tucker and great company.
Fr Wall would have been very
pleased to see the terrific amount of good will generated each year by the
event. Interestingly enough, over the years, the number of people
attending has increased while the number of churches involved has decreased.
Let's hope for continued ecumenical progress and increasing good will along with God's blessing on each New Year for all the local parishes and their parishioners.
A RECIPE FOR LENT
From Lizzie’s gluten-free kitchen
Once upon a time, fish was traditional for lent, usually eaten on Fridays. Regrettably, in these times, fish has become an extravagance due to the cost so it is no longer a sacrifice. However, I found a recipe that uses less fish by making a Fish Pie. It is a tasty option, simple yet satisfying. The dish will feed four people.INGREDIENTS:
400g boneless fish (I used a mixture of white fish and smoked cod)
450ml Milk
750g of potatoes suitable for mash
100g butter
2 tbs Gluten Free flour (if you can eat gluten – ordinary flour works well)
150g frozen peas
1 tbs chopped parsley
3 hard boiled eggs quartered
Juice of 2 lemons
50g grated cheddar cheese
CHILDREN’S
PAGE
A Family Prayer
Lord bless our family
with Peace in our home,
with Openness in our talking,
with Joy in our playing,
with Patience in our work,
with Faith in God's love
with Understanding to let each other grow,
with Thanks for the gifts each other has to give,
and with Love in every moment.
Amen
Hey Kids
We would love to see your pictures at Church!
All children are invited to draw a picture of their favourite story of Jesus. We would like to use the pictures to decorate the parish newsletter, the churches and the overhead screens.
Please send your picture (or a colour copy) to the parish office or email to:
mlcathparish-dsl@keypoint.com.au.
Please include your name, age and a short description of the picture. You will receive a small gift for sharing your picture with us.
We look forward to receiving your pictures
From the Family Ministry Team
CARE AND CONCERN
We are
called on to exercise our
Care and
Concern in the Mersey Leven Parish has been in operation since 1st
December, 2013. The aim of this
ministry is to provide or organise support for parishioners within our Parish,
and provide links to existing services within our Parish and/or community. A group of volunteers within our Parish will
be carrying out this ministry, co-ordinated by a Core Group of five volunteers.
If you have any queries in relation to Care and Concern, please
contact Mary Davies (Phone 64241183 or 0447 241 182)
A request from the Choir at Ulverstone
· There
is no age restriction
· You
don‘t have to know how to read music.
· The
main requirement is to have a desire to praise God in song.
· We
practice each Thursday at 7.00 pm at Ulverstone Meeting Room.
· We
sing parts of the Mass, the psalm of the day, the alleluia verse and
appropriate hymns which we choose carefully to match the readings.
All are welcome to join us, young,
older, male or female. Remember the
words of St Augustine
PLEASE HELP US
This publication is for our Parish News – not
to be confused with the weekly bulletin which is vital to keep us informed
about weekly events but this newsletter is intended for ALL PARISHIONERS to
share a story be it funny or serious, tell us about a special occasion in your
family and send us any photographs you may like to share.
We desperately need a name for this
publication, if you can think of a suitable name please let us know. You can contact us a number of ways:
·
Gill Douglas gilliancdouglas@gmail.com or,
·
Elizabeth Standring. estandri@bigpond.net.au or,
·
You can hand deliver or
post to the parish Office marked for our attention
THE NEXT
ISSUE WILL BE IN JULY
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