The Catholic Weekly 26 April 2020

catholicweekly.com.au 3 26, April, 2020 FROM PAGE 1 Sr Mary, chaplain to the sea- farers, is in constant commu- nication with each ship that docks at Port Botany offer- ing support to those needing communication with loved ones, wage and abuse infor- mation, as well as those deal- ing with loneliness, isolation, illness and mental health is- sues. Long regarded as one of the last bastions of the hard- core union movement, both “rough and tumble” wharfies right up to international ship- ping company CEOs, sing the praises of the nautical nun and the support she offers all who visit Sydney’s waterfront. Day-and-night, the soft- ly-spoken sister with a cheeky sense of humour is known to appear with everything from clean clothes, practical ad- vice, spiritual guidance or just a listening ear for somebody doing it tough. However, the current re- strictions have left her unable to board the ships and forced her to offer assistance from her modest Port Botany office. Personal hygiene products including shampoo, body wash, toothpaste, deodorant and razors, as well as knitted YOUNG SYDNEY Catholics are sharing how their faith is growing stronger as a new re- port shows the effects of coro- navirus social distancing on young adults. Using the social media hashtag #benotafraid they reveal that that they are find- ing enforced physical separa- tion and isolation from their friends and study, sporting, faith and work communities very difficult. But they are finding new ways to develop a spiritual life through increased prayer, creative pursuits, the practice of gratitude, participating in online services and devotions and other uses of social me- dia. The initiative by Sydney Catholic Youth to engage peo- ple during the lockdown peri- od echoes findings in the US study that while young adults are experiencing heightened levels of loneliness and isola- tion as a result of social dis- tancing measures, their faith life is doing ok. Among the 1000 American respondents surveyed, 35 per cent reported experiencing an increase of faith, while 46 per cent had begun additional re- ligious practices. However 50 per cent of those who had watched an online church service also re- ported they had no one to talk to about how they are feeling, and 44 per cent report felt isolated because no one had reached out to them. Those surveyed for the study by the Springtide Re- search Institute were aged between 18-25, a cohort it described as one of the “most lonely and isolated genera- tions that have ever existed”. Sydney Catholic Youth team leader Chris Lee said the #benotafraid challenge is an attempt to connect local young Catholics who may be struggling under the virus re- strictions in a variety of ways. “These are really trying times and young people were already vulnerable to prob- lems including underemploy- ment and poor mental health before COVID-19. “It’s more important than ever for us to connect and form friendships with each other and try to cultivate faith and hope together.” ¾ ¾ Marilyn Rodrigues Seafarers have a mate in a Sister beanies and chocolates has been desperately requested by the seafarers so she has launched an urgent appeal for donations. She said tragic events like the 21 deaths of passengers from the Ruby Princess high- lights the problems on board cruise ships whereas seafarers on cargo vessels are the ‘for- gotten fleet out of sight and out of mind’. “Times are always pret- ty dire for seafarers, they are mostly driven to work at sea by extreme poverty but this vi- rus has taken it to a whole new level,” she said. “It is estimated that around 100,000 seafarers finish their contracts and fly home every month in normal times but that is not currently happen- ing and they are stuck on the ships for who knows how long. “They are always in dan- ger, in isolation and generally forgotten by society yet carry 98% of world trade. “Covid-19 is of course ex- acerbating this reality with all the extra danger involved. It is beyond lamentable seafarers are treated so shabbily. “Just knowing Sydney is a friendly port makes their lives that little bit more bearable. “The Care Packages might be a small thing but it’s some- thing that lets them know they are cared for and thought of.” Awarded an Order of Australia medal in recognition for her 20-year service with the Arch- diocese of Sydney’s StellaMaris Apostleship of the Sea, she is very content with her calling despite the often rough waters. “In 20 years I think I’ve seen it all, nothing surprisesme an- ymore which is probably why I’m so trusted,” she said. “I just get on and do what needs to be done, there is al- ways a need for the work we do and nowmore so than ever. “Being able to help these people every day is a privilege and I couldn’t imagine doing anything else.” Donations can also be sent to Sr Mary Leahy at Gate B105 Penrhyn Road, Port Botany. The Church must continue to do more as the Body of Christ to work together to diminish the isolation felt by many and replace it with unshakable faith and hope in the con- stancy of a GodWho is with us always ...” Bishop Richard Umbers Youth invited to take up the challenge Episcopal vicar for evan- gelisation and meme-making Bishop Richard Umbers said that as a Church “it is vital that we support those who feel iso- lated”. “Physical-distancing does not equate with social-dis- tancing nor with faith-dis- tancing,” Bishop Umbers said. “It’s great to hear that many young people are reportedly engaging more with their faith during these times. “The Church must con- tinue to do more as the Body of Christ to work together to diminish the isolation felt by many and replace it with un- shakable faith and hope in the constancy of a God Who is with us always: ‘I am with you always; yes, to the end of time’ (Matt. 28:20).” Nikita D’Souza of Antioch Youth said that social isola- tion is possibly her “worst enemy” but that she had been challenging herself to em- brace it by taking daily walks outdoors, praying with family members, and using internet teleconferencing to catch up with friends from school and church circles. “The highlight for me, has been praying ‘The Way of The Cross’ with my family. Julen Reyes of Our Lady of the Angels at Rouse Hill said that social distancing “has not been easy”. He took to social media to share how he was trying to make the most of the time at home with his parents and siblings. He said he finds the ex- tra hours of silence and time alone are an opportunity “to reflect, pray and appreciate the little blessings of each day”. Looking for a new Job? www.catholicjobsonline.com.au Sister Mary Leahy prepares materials to help seafarers in Sydney ports marooned on their own ships due to coronavirus restrictions. PHOTOS:ALPHONSUS FOK HOW YOU CAN HELP at these parish donation drop off points St Andrew Malabar (8.30am-2.30pm Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays) St Charles Borromeo Ryde / Gladesville (9-4 Monday to Friday) Our Lady Star of the Sea Miranda (8-2pm Monday to Friday) All Saints Liverpool (9-4pm Monday to Sunday) Mary Immaculate Waverly (10am-2pm Monday to Friday) NEWS