Ad Clerum - To the Clergy

Bishop Peter Stuart

Anglican Diocese of Newcastle www.newcastleanglican.org.au

April 2017

Dear brothers and sisters, Reflecting on our ministries and the Chrism Eucharist. There will be one Chrism Eucharist in the Diocese this year. It will be held at the Cathedral on Wednesday 12 April at 10am. Given all that is going on for us as a Diocesan family, I hope that you will make a special effort to be present. 10am Gathering 10.30am Reflecting on ministry – 3 voices from the Diocese – Each person will

speak for 10 mins followed by reflection for 10 minutes 11.30am Short break 11.45pm Eucharist 1pm Lunch This will be an important opportunity of encouragement in ministry and mission. Clergy are asked to robe and wear a white stole. People from parishes are welcome to the whole of the morning, or to come simply for the Chrism Eucharist. You are asked to make your own lunch arrangements. Special Synod May 2017 A special session of Synod will be held on Saturday 27 May 2017 from 9.30am for the purposes of:

• Considering a Clerical Ministry Ordinance Amendment Ordinance 2017 relating to the processes of electing the Bishop of Newcastle.

• To elect a Bishop Nomination Committee to undertake the functions assigned to that committee under the Clerical Ministry Ordinance.

• To consider the progress of the Governance and Professional Standards reviews. The venue will be advised soon.

An Open Letter to us from the Family of a Survivor Late last week I received a copy of this open letter to us. It makes challenging and confronting reading. Any who have directly experienced abuse may find it that it triggers aspects of their own story. I do commend it to you to read carefully and pray about. As we hear the experience of survivors and those closest to them we are called to face our past and take part in shaping a healthy future. Clerical Ministry Ordinance At the February Diocesan Council meeting I gained the concurrence for the review of parts 16 and 17 of the Clerical Ministry Ordinance 2009. Mr Rod Berry, a member of the Synod, was approached on a professional basis, to undertake the review with the Terms of Reference below. Rod is the Managing Partner of Atkinson Vinden Lawyers in Chatswood and a parishioner of the Kincumber parish. I will be advising the clergy and the parishes of the review this week.

The Anglican Church of the Diocese of Newcastle is committed to supporting healthy pastoral relationships in our Parishes and across the Diocese. At present, where pastoral relationship breakdown arises in ministry, the Bishop has available certain processes laid out in Part 16 of the Clerical Ministry Ordinance 2009 (“the Part 16 Processes”). The Part 16 Processes are subject to appeal rights under Part 17. The Diocese has appointed Rod Berry, solicitor, to review the Part 16 Processes and to prepare a report in which he makes recommendations regarding potential amendments to the Ordinance. The overriding concern is to ensure that principles of natural justice and procedural fairness are appropriately observed, and to improve the likely pastoral outcomes arising from those processes. In the preparation of his report, Mr Berry is to consider carefully all submissions on the matter which he will receive from across the Diocese. He is also to draw upon his wider experience in advising on workplace disputes and professional boundary issues, including his understanding of the Fair Work Act 2009 (Cth). Mr Berry’s report should avoid the identification of any persons who have been the subject of past Part 16 Processes. Mr Berry is also to draft an Ordinance, the effect of which would be to amend Part 16 to incorporate the major recommendations arising from the report.

The address for the submissions to Rod Berry will be via email through facingthepastshapingthefuture@newcastleanglican.org.au. Submissions will close on Friday 28 April 2017 at 5pm. Clergy Retreats 2017

1 – 4 May 2017 at Myall Shores Conductor will be Archdeacon Arthur Copeman This will be a retreat in which times of greater and lesser silence are observed 8 -15 May 2017 a directed retreat at the Mercy Spirituality Centre, Toronto This retreat has only very limited places available Spiritual Directors at this retreat will be Helen Baguley RSM and John Stewart

15 – 19 May 2017 at St Joseph’s Centre, Kincumber Retreat Conductor – Fr Martin Davies This is a silent retreat 26 – 29 June 2017 at Myall Shores Retreat Conductor – Bishop Genieve Blackwell Bookings at this stage are open to clergy in stipendiary and Local Ministry. For any clergy holding a PTO who wish to register their interest we will place you initially on a waiting list. Ordinations This year there will be two ordination ceremonies. Ordination of Deacons 1 July 2017 10am Cathedral Ordination of Priests 9 December 2017 10am Cathedral Circles of Trust Retreat - Let your Life Speak Early last year the Diocese ran retreats based on the Circles of Trust Model developed by Parker Palmer. These retreats were very well received by those who attended. There is an opportunity to attend a Circles of Trust retreat in June this year. Retreat Title Let you Life Speak Conductors Katherine Lindsay & Neil Millar Date 23 – 25 June Venue St Joseph’s Spirituality Centre, Kincumber A flyer with further details is attached. Give us a Sign The annual Give Us A Sign campaign will be running from 1 May to 4 June. This year this ecumenical campaign calls on Churches and Christian organisations to Stand Together with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, the First Peoples of Australia. Each week messages of support are to be posted on noticeboards and uploaded to social media. Further information (including some suggested signs) are attached. Hunter Interfaith Forum The Catholic Diocesan Ecumenical and Interfaith Council invites you to attend a number of Interfaith Forums that will be held throughout the year. Information regarding dates and venues are attached. Guadalcanal 300 Club We have received a number of donations for our partner Diocese, the Diocese of Guadalcanal, to support their purchase of a boat. Thank you very much. The overall cost is between $15,000 and $18,000 depending on the exchange rate.

I am hoping that parishes and people across the Diocese might pledge $300 to make this happen. Could you let Alison know by email if you are able to support this project. Its not tax-deductible and we will be seeing if we can work with ABM to add value to the dollars we raise for this or some other projects in the Solomon Islands. Our partnership in the gospel is primarily in prayer and we have been very careful about any matters to do with money. Bishop Nathan has been trying since he was with us a couple of years ago to get this project off the ground. Stanton Archer Prize for Church History Congratulations to Jacquie Drewe who was selected by the Trinity College Theological School as the recipient of the Stanton Archer Prize for Church History. Celebration of the Ministry of Women in the Diocese This year marks the 30th anniversary of the Ordination of Women to the Diaconate in the Diocese of Newcastle. We are planning to celebrate this significant anniversary with two worship services. On Wednesday 10 May there will be a Eucharist to mark the date of the 30th Anniversary of the Ordination of the first women to the diaconate in this Diocese. This will be at 11am at the Cathedral, with more details to follow. Given that this is mid-week, there will be a following celebration on Saturday 3 June to celebrate the ministry of all women in the Diocese. This will be at 11am at the Cathedral, with finger food celebration to follow. These two diocesan celebrations will lead into the third celebration at the Provincial Anglican Women’s Conference. Anglican Women Provincial Conference The Anglican Women of the Newcastle Diocese will be hosting the Anglican Women’s Provincial Conference at Club Macquarie on 5-8 June 2017. The theme will be “Thanksgiving for the Ministry of Women”. All are invited to attend the conference Eucharist on Tuesday 6 June at 10.30am at the Cathedral. Clergy Movements The Reverend Paul West has been appointed Honorary Minor Canon with the responsibility for the Arts from 23 March 2017. The Reverend David Davies will be commissioned Priest in Charge of the Parish of Williamtown, Medowie and Mallabula on 20 April 2017 at 7pm. The Reverend Tim Goldsmith has resigned as Associate Priest in the Parish of Kincumber effective 16 April 2017. Diocesan Office Resignation Mrs Nikola Schubert resigned as the Diocesan Finance Officer effective 21 April 2017.

Memoriam Mrs Margaret Childs, wife of the late Reverend Bill Childs died on 16 March 2017. With every blessing +Peter Attachments 1 An Open Letter to us from the Family of a Survivor 2 Let Your Life Speak Retreat 3 Give us a Sign 3 Hunter Interfaith Forum

Diocesan Dates for 2017

Chrism Eucharist – Cathedral – 10am 12 April

Clergy Retreat – Myall Shores - Stephen Burns (Trinity, Melbourne) 1-4 May

Clergy Retreat – Mercy Spirituality Centre, Toronto (Directed Retreat) 8-15 May

Clergy Retreat – St Joseph’s Centre, Kincumber (Silent Retreat) 15-19 May

Synod Eucharist – Cathedral 26 May

Special Synod 27 May

Clergy Retreat – Myall Shores 26-29 June

Ordination of Deacons – Cathedral 1 July

Diocesan Convention 12 August

Diocesan Leaders Conference 15-17 August

CLM Training Day 19 August

Synod Eucharist – Cathedral 3 November

Synod – BTAC 4 – 5 November

Ordination of Priests – Cathedral 9 December

Life can so quickly get away from us; we desire to live intentionally and yet struggle to maintain our balance amidst the pressure and demand. This retreat is designed for those who wish to cultivate a rich and meaningful engagement with their everyday situation and who would appreciate an opportunity to tune in to the deeper energies and intentions that seek acknowledgment and expression in their life. Based on the Circle of Trust® approach, the weekend will offer a sustaining and reflective environment in which to discern your inner wisdom. Alone and in hospitable community, issues of vocation and integrity are explored in fresh, respectful, creative and engaging ways.

Let your life speak A Circle of Trust® Retreat

23-25 June 2017, KIncumber, NSW

Is the life I am living the life that wants to live in me?

What happens if before I tell my life what I intend to do

with it, I listen for what it intends to do with me?

ABOUT THE PROGRAM

On this retreat, skilled facilitators will use ‘third things’ (pictures, poems, music, cartoons, short pieces of prose…) to introduce themes that enable us to connect with what is true and important about ourselves and to discern how we might integrate this in our day-to-day living. All aspects of the program are gentle and voluntary. There is time for being alone as well as for sharing stories in company with others.

ABOUT THE FACILITATORS

Katherine Lindsay (MA, LLB, LLM) is a legal academic at the University of Newcastle, a retreat leader, spiritual director and Benedictine Oblate. She is a Circle of Trust® facilitator in training with the Center for Courage and Renewal. She is committed to a life and practice of deep listening and is privileged to share this practice with others. Neil Millar (MMin, BTh, BA, Dip Ed) is an experienced Circle of Trust® facilitator. He also facilitates practitioner-learning circles and is completing a PhD in reflective learning. Neil has worked in education, aged care, local community and youth work. He is a pilgrim at heart; he relishes the feel of a pack on his back and a path stretching ahead. ABOUT THE VENUE

St Joseph’s Retreat Centre is a tranquil sanctuary on the Central Coast.

WHAT DO PEOPLE SAY?

‘Using a balance of nature and poetry, shared discussion and quiet time, the retreat offered a safe and honouring space for personal

reflection.’ A participant from NZ

COST Full cost $500 (incl. meals, materials & single en-suite accommodation) OR $400 for early bird discount (due before May 23) A $120 deposit is required with your registration Places are limited to 24 participants so please register early. The retreat must be paid in full before arrival. It commences at 5pm on Friday June 23 and concludes with lunch on Sunday June 25, 2017. You will be informed that a place is secured on receipt of your deposit. CANCELLATION POLICY: Cancellations must be made before June 2. Regrettably all cancellations incur a $50 administration fee. REGISTRATION PLEASE EMAIL DETAILS TO kate.lindsay@newcastle.edu.au

Name:

Address:

Age:

Phone:

Email:

Any special dietary or other needs: PAYMENT Details for direct deposit (preferred payment):

Account: NR Millar

BSB: 062 922

Acc. No: 1014 5635

(Our Reference: LYLS + your surname)

We do not have credit card facilities. FURTHER INQUIRIES - CONTACT

Katherine Lindsay M. 0425 325 061 E. kate.lindsay@newcastle.edu.au Neil Millar M. 0402 433 085 E. neil.millar565@gmail.com Postal address: 113 High Street, Morpeth, NSW, 2321. http://www.couragerenewal.org/events/let-your-life-speak-nsw-17/

“GiveUsASign:StandingTogetherwiththeFirstPeoplesofAustralia”

29March,2017

DearChurchLeadersandSchoolPrincipals,

WearewritingtoinviteyourchurchorschoolcommunitytobeinvolvedinStandingTogetherwithourAboriginalandTorresStraitIslanderbrothersandsisters,Australia’sFirstPeoples.

TheannualGiveUsASigncampaignemergedoutofconversationswithintheAnglican,CatholicandUnitingChurchesintheHunterandCentralCoastasapowerfulinitiativetohighlightSocialJusticeissuesacrossthewidercommunity.Previouscampaignshavepromotedpeaceandcalledforgreatercompassionforasylumseekers.

Thisyearourcountryacknowledgesthe50thanniversaryofthe1967Referendum,whichpermittedtheFederalParliamenttomakelawsforFirstPeoplesandincludedthemintheCensus.ThisisanappropriatetimetoreflectonbothwhathasbeenachievedandwhatstillneedstobeaddressedinrelationtotheFirstPeoplesofAustralia.Therearesignificantquestionsforournationtoconsiderincludingconstitutionalrecognition,sovereigntyandtreaty,andsocial,economicandotherdisadvantageexperiencedbymanyFirstPeoples.ItisimportantwemarkNationalSorryDay(26May),MaboDay(3June)andNationalReconciliationWeek(27May–3June).

Toraiseawarenessofthisimportantmilestoneandtheworkthatstillneedstobeachieved,theGiveUsaSigncampaigniscallingonChurchesandChristianorganisationstoStandTogetherwithAboriginalandTorresStraitIslanderpeople,theFirstPeoplesofAustralia.

From1stMayto4thJunesimplypostamessageatleastonedayEACHweekonyourchurchorschoolnoticeboardstoshowthatyouStandTogetherwiththeFirstPeoplesofAustralia.WenotethesignswearesuggestinghavebeenendorsedbysomeoftheFirstAustralianchurchleadersfromourcommunities.

Howdowegetinvolved?

1. Chooseamessageanddisplayitonyournoticeboard.Selectfromthelistofsignsavailablefromourwebsitewww.giveusasign.orgorcreateyourown.

2. Takeaphotoofyoursignandemailittogiveusasign@hotmail.comalongwiththenameofthechurchorgroupyou’refrom.AmemberofourteamwillthenuploadtheimagetotheFacebookpageandthewebsite.

3. IndividualscanalsoparticipatebytakingapictureofthemselveswithamessagetoshowthattheyStandTogetherwithAustralia’sFirstPeoplesandemailittogiveusasign@hotmail.comforuploading.

4. FollowtheGiveUsASignFacebookpage(linkonthewebsite).

WeencourageyoutoletyourlocalLandCouncilandotherlocalFirstAustraliangroupsknowwhatyouaredoingandwhy.ChurchleadersmayalsoliketopreachonStandingTogetherwithFirstPeoplesofAustralia.Thereareworshipresourcesonthewebsite.Togetinvolvedinthisprojectrightnow,pleasetakeamomenttoforwardthislettertoyournetworks.

Thankyouforyoursupport.

Everyblessing,giveusasign@hotmail.com

AnEcumenicalProjectCelebratingandSupportingAboriginalandTorresStraitIslanderPeoples

SuggestedSigns–StandingTogetherwiththeFirstPeoplesofAustralia

CelebratingFirstPeoples• Theoldestlivingcultureisworthlisteningto• 50000+years…worthcelebrating• WhiteAustraliahasaBlackHistory• CelebrateFirstPeoples’achievements• Songlines–Thelivingnarrativeofournation• Likeeverybodygoestouniversitytogeta

degree,thelandisouruniversity,that’swherewelearnfrom

• Thelandisouruniversity,that’swherewelearn

• Indigenousculturalheritageformstheveryfabricofsociety,spiritualityandconnectionwithland.

• FirstandSecondAustraliansfoughtsidebysidetoprotectourhome

• FirstPeople’sstoryisintheland,itiswritteninthosesacredplaces

ScripturalConnections• AboriginalPeopleareourNeighbours

Mark12• FirstAustraliansbeartheimageofGod

Genesis1• CreatedintheImageofGod–Firstandsecond

AustraliansGenesis1

• TheDreaming...touchingthemysteryofGod’sSpirit(JPII)

• DeepesteemfortheAboriginalandTSIpeople(PopeFrancis)

• ImaginingtheGoodSamaritanasAboriginal(Luke10)

• Iamthetree,Iamme….WiththeLandandtheSea.WeareOneNotThree.(KevinGilbert)

• TheAboriginalwayisthateverythingcreatedisequalandsacred

SovereigntyandLand• RecogniseFirstPeopleslandcustodianship• NotyourstoReclaim• Aboriginalland:realAustraliansseekwelcome• Weworshipon[insertlocalcommunityname]

land.• ThisChurchisbuiltonstolenland• AlwaysWasAboriginalLand• AnationalrepresentativebodyforFirst

Australians• Timeforchange:TimeforTreaty• TreatyNow• TreatySovereigntyRecognition–Beawareof

theconversations• TimeforAboriginalpeopletohaveaplacein

ourConstitution• SovereigntyandSelfDetermination–taking

controlofourfuture

Disadvantage• ClosetheGap• JusticetargetsforFirstPeoples• Buildcommunitiesnotprisons:stopdeathsin

custody• FreedomnotprisonsforFirstPeoples• TooManyAboriginalYoungPeopleingaol• SelfDeterminationinIndigenousEducation• SupportEducationinIndigenousLanguages• MakeIndigenousPovertyHistory• ClosetheGapinHealthandEducation• StopremovingIndigenousChildren• Aboriginalchildrenbelongwithfamily • ClosetheGaponout-of-home-care • OurFirstPeoplesarenotsecondclasscitizens

Lament• SorrytoFirstAustralianstakenfromfamily• Sorrymeansyoudon'tdoitagain• Theytookthechildrenaway:wearesorry• Sorrydoesn’tmeangetoverit• Noprideingenocide• Sorry!

Standingtogether• HowmanyAboriginalfriendsdoyouhave?• Re-thinkourNationalHoliday• Wouldyoucelebrateinvasion?• AFutureFreeofRacism• BePartoftheHealingwithFirstPeoples• RespectAboriginalElders• RecognitionandRespect-JusticeforFirst

Australians• Wewantblackandwhitepeoplewalking

together

SpecialDaysSorryDay–26thMay

• SorrytoFirstAustralianstakenfromfamily• Theytookthechildrenaway:wearesorry

ReconciliationWeek(27thMay–3rdJune)

• WehonourNationalReconciliationWeek• Reconciliationmeansreparation• Reconcile–SpiritoftheNation• Unfinishedbusiness:ReconciliationwithFirstPeoples

1967Referendum–27thMay

• 1967Referendum…Mabo…StillalongwaytogoMaboDay–3rdJune

• AlwaysWasAboriginalLand–MaboDay

The Catholic Diocesan Ecumenical and Interfaith Council invites you to attend a number of Interfaith Forums, that will be held during the year.

The purpose of the Forums will be to explore each other’s faith so as to increase or improve the wider community’s understanding about the religious beliefs, symbols, structures and practices of different faiths in our community.

It will be an opportunity to explore our common Abrahamic faiths - Jewish, Catholic Eastern and Western, Muslim and Evangelical Christians. There will be one forum each term, in the evening, with each religion presenting aspects of their beliefs, symbols, structures, membership and practices (rituals).

Following on from the Forum, it is hoped that those attending will be invited to join with the presenting faith at their usual worship service during that week.

O F M A I T L A N D - N E W C A S T L ECatholicDiocese

Interfaith Forum

You are welcome to attend one or all of the forums, for catering purposes please register with Brooke Robinson E: brooke.robinson@mn.catholic.org.au or Ph: 4979 1111

Faith Tradition Forum date Time Location Worship date

Jewish Thursday

23rd March

6.30pm to 8.00pm

Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle

Cathedral House Toohey Room841 Hunter St

Newcastle West

Jewish Synagogue122 Tyrrell St, Newcastle

Friday 24th March 6.30pm

Catholic Eastern and

Western Rites

Wednesday 7th

June

6.30pm to 8.00pm

Parish of Protection of the Mother of God

105 Gosford Road Adamstown

Parish of Protection of the Mother of God

105 Gosford Road Adamstown

Sunday 11th June 9.30am

MuslimThursday

14th September

6.30pm to 8.00pm

Mayfield MosqueVictoria St Mayfield

Mayfield MosqueVictoria St Mayfield

Monday 18th September 7.30pm

Salvation Army

Wednesday 22nd

November

6.30pm to 8.00pm

Salvation Army Church

67 Cleary Street, Hamilton

Salvation Army Church

67 Cleary Street, Hamilton

Sunday 26th November 10.00am

www.mn.catholic.org.au

I N V I T A T I O N

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