The Catholic Weekly 26 September 2021

catholicweekly.com.au 4 NEWS 26, September, 2021 ITALY’S HIGHEST court of appeal has ruled that pub- lic school classrooms can ap- prove the presence of the crucifix because it does not discriminate against anyone. The court specified, how- ever, that all religious sym- bols can also be “welcomed” as long as it is decided in a democratic, civil and “gentle” manner by students and fac- ulty together. That means, it said, all deci- sions regarding their presence must never be imposed and must seek “reasonable ac- commodation” between the different positions or convic- tions of people in the school community that includes re- specting a person’s freedom of and from religion; in es- sence, decisions cannot come by a “tyranny” of the majority or the veto-power of one indi- vidual. Italy’s Supreme Court of Cassation, the country’s court of last resort, released its 65- page brief explaining its de- cision on 9 September con- cerning an appeal against the display of the crucifix in the classrooms involving an Ital- ian high school teacher whose claims were first rejected in a lower court in 2013 and in a court of appeals in 2014. Crucifix rule in Italy Kindergarten to Year 6 serving the Moss Vale Parish with an enrolment of approximately 159 pupils. The Director of Schools, Diocese of Wollongong, invites applications from suitably experienced educators for this significant leadership position at St Paul’s Catholic Parish Primary School, Moss Vale commencing January 2022. In the Diocese of Wollongong, Principals are responsible for creating vibrant Catholic school communities where every student finds meaning and purpose in their life through experiencing continual growth in faith and improvement in learning. Applicants therefore require significant understanding, commitment and experience in faith and community leadership, capacity to lead learning and teaching as well as a commitment to continual school improvement. ESSENTIAL SELECTION CRITERIA To be considered for this position, you will be able to demonstrate you are an effective leader who: •Models Catholic faith in action and evidences a deep understanding and commitment to the mission and purpose of the catholic school within the broader evangelising mission of the church. •Develops a culture of effective teaching and learning, by leading, designing and managing the quality of the educational experiences of all students. •Builds the capacity of staff within a professional, collaborative learning community through the provision of effective professional learning opportunities, regular feedback and performance management. •Manages innovation and change to ensure that the school’s vision and strategic plan for improvement are aligned, actioned and realised. •Displays clear understanding of governance responsibilities and ensures that school processes meet system, NESA and legislative requirements. •Recognises and builds on the uniqueness of the school, church and local community to develop a mutually supportive, collaborative and trusting relationship with stakeholders to ensure their engagement in the life of the school. GENERAL CAPABILITIES applicable to the role: •Highly developed interpersonal skills. •Excellent oral and written communication skills. •Proven ability to work collaboratively in a team environment. •Strong organisational and delegation skills. QUALIFICATIONS •Post-graduate study in a relevant discipline. •Accreditation for Senior Leadership in a Catholic School (Category E) in accordance with the ‘Accreditation to Work, Teach and Lead in Systemic Catholic Schools in the Diocese of Wollongong’ policy. WORKING WITH CHILDREN CLEARANCE This role is classified as a child related work and therefore we require a working with children clearance to be completed prior to your commencement with us. POSITION APPLICATION Applicants are to complete an online application which asks to briefly address the essential criteria (equivalent to 2 pages). Prior to commencing your online application, please contact Paula Vera , Executive Assistant to the Head of Human Resource Services on 02 4253 0957 to initiate the referee feedback process. To confidentially discuss your application or general interest in this position please contact Carolyn Hadley, Head of Human Resource Services on 02 4253 0952 . Closing date: 8 October 2021 at 5pm View this ad at www.catholicjobsonline.com.au MOSS VALE St Paul’s Catholic Parish Primary School CATHOLIC EDUCATION DIOCESE OF WOLLONGONG Principal (Primary) praised his parents for their many sacrifices, love and sup- port, and told his eight siblings that he loved them and hoped they would help to keep him a humble priest. Fr Perry celebrated his First Mass in his home parish of Holy Spirit in Lavington the fol- lowing day, again with his fam- ily in attendance and a small choir. Following this, accompa- nied by his family, Fr Perry consecrated his priesthood to the Immaculate Heart of Mary. IT WAS with great joy that family and friends of Connell Perrywitnessed his ordination to the priesthood by Wagga Wagga Bishop Mark Edwards OMI on 11 September. Just 48 hours prior, NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian had lifted a snap lockdown for the Riverina region after deeming it a low-risk area. It allowed about 100 people to join the 26-year-oldat StMi- chael’s Cathedral for his spe- cial day, including his parents who prepared to watch the ceremony online from their home in Albury. “It still would have been a special day, but I’m delighted for you and for us that you can be here,” Bishop Edwards told them. Priests of the diocese also gathered to concelebrate the Mass of Ordination with the tron saints and guardian angel, rector and seminary staff, cler- gy of the diocese and others, he also expressed gratitude to Bishop Edwards. “I am very grateful for the leadership and fatherly care you have shown not only tome but to our whole diocese,” he said. “Thank you so much. I look forward to being a co-work- er with you in the missionary work ahead.” Thanking his “dear beauti- ful family”, Fr Perry especially ¾ Marilyn Rodrigues ¾ Carol Glatz Bishop Mark Edwards OMI accepts a vow of obedience from the ordinand. Below:With Missionaries of Charity PHOTOS: THOMAS DENAHY The full-time Italian litera- ture teacher said his freedom of conscience was violated and he wanted the freedom to teach without the presence of a crucifix on the wall behind him. According to court pro- ceedings, the teacher would enter the classroom, take the crucifix down from the wall for the duration of his lesson and then rehang it when he was done teaching. The teacher also claimed he was discriminated against for not accepting the pres- ence of the crucifix when the school principal suspended himwithout pay for 30 days. The suspension came for not following a mandate is- sued by the principal order- ing all teachers to respect the presence of the crucifix in the classroom in question be- cause it had been a decision approved of by the majority of the students during an as- sembly. The Supreme Court said it took on the appeal because it represented an issue of “para- mount and particular impor- tance,” that is, what is the best way to “balance” a number of freedoms and rights in a pub- lic classroom, particularly in a secular nation where church and state are separated. - CNS Joy for new priest Former altar server Fr Connell Perry joins Wagga’s clergy bishop, to pray with and for the ordinand, and lay hands on him. It was the culmination of six years of intense study, prayer, and personal and spiritual growth, including at the Vian- ney College seminary where a 10-year-old Connell had served as an altar server. In his homily, Bishop Ed- wards said that in the current times of uncertainty, a priest is called to offer people hope in a unique way. At the conclusion of the Or- dination Mass, Fr Perry told the congregation that it was the happiest day of his life. “The awesome blessing and incredible love that God has bestowed on me, all the way through my life but especially in this moment through ordi- nation to the priesthood, leaves me feeling both overwhelmed and overjoyed.” Thanking Our Lady, his pa-