A VERY SIGNIFICANT DAY.

The scene of Mary, surrounded by the Apostles in the Cenacle was greatly loved by St. Vincent Pallotti. He understood that she was indeed an Apostle, one who brings Good News. And not only an Apostle but the Queen of Apostles. Mary's feast, under this title is fittingly celebrated by the Pallottine Family on the Saturday before Pentecost, bringing to our minds the Apostles waiting in prayer, with Mary, for the coming of the Spirit.

On the recent 29th May, we were able to gather at Studley Park Rd. Kew, for an Eucharistic celebration and a chance to meet and greet each other. This 29th of May however had also a connected but, I might say a greatly added significance.

On several occasions since the 2003 Assembly, the Pallottine( SAC) Council - Fathers Ray Hevern, Michael McMahon and Dean Bradbury has met with the local Co-ordination Councils - in the East and in the West. On this occasion, the meeting was in Kew, Melbourne, with the Eastern group. On this occasion, we, in Victoria, were pleased to welcome John Nagle, acting chairperson of the Western Local

Co-ordination Council, and an active and enthusiastic parishioner of Queen of Apostles parish, Riverton, Perth. John was missing the celebration of the parish feast but, in a way, that was a link for us with the Riverton parishioners. This meeting took place on the Saturday morning and was, in fact, the last time the two groups met in this form. Discussion, communication, reflection had brought us to the stage when we could say we have a National Co-ordination Council and two Local Co-ordination Councils - Western and Eastern.

The National Council has the role of inspiration, Co-ordination across the whole of our country, in partnership with the local councils who, as the name implies, have that role for their own states: Victoria and Western Australia.

Who makes up this National Council?
Two members are the leaders of the communities within the UAC. These are the SAC -Pallottine Fathers and Brothers and Mariana. The relevant leaders are Fr. Ray Hevern and Miss Cheryl Sullivan. The Local Co-ordination Councils are represented by their chairpersons. They are Mr. John Nagle whom as we mentioned above, is acting in that role for the Western Council and Mrs. Maureen Rath for the Eastern Council. Fr. Dean Bradbury, in his role as UAC Coordinator, appointed by the SAC Council, is the fifth member of the national Council.

The very significant event which occurred later on the feast of Queen of Apostles was the inaugural meeting of this National Council.

Some feedback from the First meeting.

• Fr. Ray Hevern was elected as president for three years. He will advise the Bishop's conference of the setting up of the NCC and his role.

• The National Council will set up a secretariat according to its own needs. This will consist of Fathers Ray and Dean and an executor officer, still to be appointed.

• The SAC and UAC will jointly organise a Convention in January 2005 to further discuss and develop the concept of UAC. This will be held at Pallotti College, Millgrove, from the evening of January 23 until the afternoon of January 26. Eventually this Council may meet only once a year. However, for the first year, meetings will be held every three months.

Over the years, we have wanted to, even tried to make the connection between the members of the Pallottine Family in the West and in the East of this vast land. That tyranny of distance was somewhat daunting. The wonderful outcome of the participation of the wider Pallottine family in the 2003 SAC Assembly, is that we can now see a way forward in the form of the first National Council.

Please often join in this prayer for the guidance of the Holy Spirit for the coming of life to our Pallottine Family, for the good of our church and of our world.

"Lord, Jesus Christ, you said, 'where two or three are gathered in my name, I will be in their midst'. Be with us in a special way whenever we come together to reflect on our life and mission, so that we may work for the saving mission of the Church in our times. In our discussion and dialogue lead us to love and openness. Give us the humility to learn from one another and to listen to your Spirit. Give us the wisdom to respond whenever and wherever your Spirit leads us. Give us the courage to say, with a lively faith, hope and love: 'Here I am, Lord, I come to do your will'."

 

EXECUTIVE OFFICER

PALLOTTINE FAMILY
UNION OF CATHOLIC APOSTOLATE.

We are seeking an enthusiastic, innovative person to fill this exciting new position. Working with the National Co-ordination Council, the successful applicant will be someone who is committed to the role of all within the Church, is able to animate individuals and groups and is free to travel, as required.

For information and a position description, please contact Dean Bradbury SAC on (03) 5966 2585 or  bradbury.dean@pallottine.org.au

We acknowledge, with gratitude, permission to reprint news from

Kimberley Community Profile (KPC)

This year the Raible Co-operative will complete 30 years of service to the people of Broome and surrounding communities. In recent years the organisation has undergone a number of changes and this year has been no exception. KPC has interviewed Br. Shane Woods CFC who has been involved with this reorganisation.

The Co-operative was the brainchild of Fr. Michael McMahon who was the parish priest of Broome at that time, and two ladies Mrs. Rosie Lee and Mrs. Lily Chi. These enterprising ladies sold second hand clothing to raise funds to send people to the Melbourne Eucharistic Congress in 1973. Their efforts were so successful that it was decided to continue to raise funds for the parish. After a while it became obvious that the work would proceed more effectively as an independent body and so the Raible Co-operative was born, in memory of a previous Bishop - Otto Raible - who was held in warm regard by the local people.

At that stage, it became apparent that local people were becoming caught up in hire purchase schemes to obtain furniture and were finding it hard to keep up payments. Plans were put in place for the Co-operative to facilitate the purchase of furniture, vehicles and later, cheap food. When the local funeral director decided to 'give the game away', the Shire did not want to take up this role again but was happy to hand it over to a community based, not for profit organisation, such as the Raible Cooperative. With the rapid growth of the town, there was need to adhere to new legislation and regulations in respect to cemeteries, including thorough record keeping. The Shire is making efforts to establish an accurate database of burials in Broome and great progress has been made in the Japanese and Chinese cemeteries. There is still work to be done in the general cemetery. The Shire has established a Broome Cemetery advisory Committee of which Br. Shane is a member.

Except for the funeral service, all of the original functions of the Rabble Co-operative have been let go, being no longer needed or being undertaken by other agencies. The Committee of Management has been reactivated and new members are being sought. The current Manager, Stewart Gregory has been carrying the burden of running the business alone but will soon be supported by another person to handle the increased volume of paper work and be the contact person with families and government departments. Stewart will continue as funeral director. The Co-operative is now not the only funeral service in Broome but its aim is to provide culturally appropriate funerals virtually at cost, reliving the families of financial concerns.

(What a great story of responding to needs and utilizing local resources. Ed.)
(Article abridged)

SPARKS OF LIFE - RITUALS FOR CHILDREN.

In Our last issue we told you about this book which Margaret Abbott RSM and Jennifer Callanan have produced from their years of experience of working with children. The rituals are designed to invite curiosity, awe, wonder, expressions of creativity and a sense of interdependence in the children. The authors draw heavily on the four seasons, the liturgical year and the days the United Nations have defined as 'International' days.

At that time, we listed only a South Australian outlet.
This is still MediaCom, which can be reached at P0 Box 610 Unley, SA 5061 -14 Eton Rd. Keswick SA 5035. Phone (08) 8 371 1399

In Melbourne, you can procure your copies from Pauline Books and Media, 7 Denmark Rd., East Hawthorn, Vic 3123 (03) 9882 4538. The books are $39.95 each. If you purchase 6 copies, you'll get them for the cost of five! Postage additional, of course.

THE 'VINCENT PALLOTTI' WEEKEND

Thanks to Margaret Jones and Mary Ward for sharing this experience with us. Both Margaret and Mary are very active participants in the life of Pallotti College - in the office, in the wings, in the dining room, welcoming guests - wherever their services are needed.

On the weekend of 23rd - 25 April, a group gathered with Dean Bradbury to reflect on the life of St. Vincent Pallotti, the man and his message for today. The thrust of the weekend was our call to be Apostles.

Dean was able to enlighten those who knew a little and awaken in them an interest to know more, while, at the same time, giving the 'converted' new insights into this man whose charism means so much to so many. Another insight into Vincent Pallotti, who was perceived as a man of humility, is the fact that he struggled with pride all his life. Dean explored other aspects of his personality and vision, whetting our appetite for more knowledge of this extraordinary man.

We were taken on a journey that explores the life of Pallotti from his commitment to his family, his generosity to others even to the stage of giving away family possessions. The family was reasonably affluent for the day and his passion for caring for the poor was financially supported by his parents. Practical charity was impressed on Vincent from an early age. A fact that surprised many was that he continued to live at home after his ordination at which time his life style of, generosity continued.

Some of the images/concepts of Pallotti's vision that touched us were God of Infinite Love and Mercy, Jesus, Apostle of the Father, Mary, Queen of Apostles. We look forward to other opportunities in the future.

The final session looked at aspects of the Statutes, which, in Vincent's spirit, give freedom as much as possible, binding, as little as necessary. Dean successfully brought Pallotti alive for us as a tangible, ordinary person capable of extraordinary things.

INTERNATIONAL CONGRESS

22nd AUGUST UNTIL 27th AUGUST 2005 -  WARSAW    POLAND

Everyone who was part of the Australian contingent at the International Convention in Rome in 1995 found it an uplifting and a memorable experience, convincing us of the universality of St. Vincent's vision for people from all over the world. There have been many expressions of interest in taking part in the Polish gathering. Have you thought about it? Would you like to be in touch with others who are thinking about going also? As an initial point of contact, phone Merle Gilbo (03) 9497 1691.

A SPIN OFF FROM THE 1995 CONVENTION.

Among the people whose enthusiasm and friendship we enjoyed in Rome in 1995, and with whom we've kept in touch, are Jack and Joan Finley and Betty and Dick Reichertz. We send them this little publication and they tell us of the Pallottine Family in Milwaukee. Recently we've heard of an initiative of the United National Co-ordination Council. That was the celebration of the birthday of St. Vincent Pallotti ( 21st April) by a National Day of Service, a call to all to provide special acts of service in their neighbourhoods, with the awareness of being specially united on this day in the spirit and the vision of St. Vincent. In her last letter, Betty said they are planning to be in Poland in 2005 and hope to meet us there. Let's hope that works out!!

PILGRIMS MAKING PROGRESS BY John Winson SAC

Did you want a copy? Have you mislaid the contact details?
John can be reached on (03) 9 853 8506  Email   jwinson@tpg.com.au

Pallotti College, Millgrove

September 17-19 Pallottine Family Weekend .
Simply a reunion of anyone who has had a connection with the Pallottine family. Don't be deterred by thinking you, mightn't know anyone-you soon will! Contact Dean Bradbury 03 5966 2585, Merle Gilbo (03) 9497 1691.

November 12-14  Taize Prayer.
Relax and pray with the beautiful music of Taize, enjoy plenty of free time in the restful environs of Pallotti College.

Sunday, 18th April was a significant day for the community as they celebrated the retirement from active ministry of Fr. Edmund Wehrmaker SAC and welcomed the new pastor, Fr. Leonhard Kiesch, SJ.
The day began at 10 am with Mass, for which the main celebrant was Bishop Hilton Deakin. This was followed by lunch and the opportunity to meet new and old friends, to thank Fr Edmund for his contribution to the community and to wish Fr. Leonhard blessings in his new apostolate.

On the first Fridays of the Month at 85 Studley Park Rd 8 pm - 9 pm.
A simple way for a little time of reflection, after a busy week, in the atmosphere of the beautiful music of Taize.