Newsletter August 2024 Ephpheta “be open” John Pierce Centre Spirit of the Deaf Community Kindness matters to God because people matter to God.” Our doors are always open so come on in!   www.jpc.org.au admin@jpc.org.au www.facebook.com/JohnPierceCentre A.B.N. 55 005 611 601 Contact: 25-35 High Street PO Box 443 Prahran Victoria 3181 Voice: 03 9525 1158 E-mail: admin@jpc.org.au Website: www.jpc.org.au Office Hours MON - WED  9.30am to 3.30pm  THURS - FRI  By Appointment Only Staff Fr Wayne Edwards Katrina Mynard Diane Backholer Teresa Paulet Sr Janette Murphy rsj Tamara Dwyer Executive Manager Sophie Duncan Chairperson JPC Board Trevor Hughes Board Members Dean Sinclair (Treasurer) Br Shane Wood (Minutes) Evelyne Albrecht Roshan Abraham Next Newsletter Deadline OCTOBER 2024   JPC would like to thank the community members for allowing us to use their photos in this publication and we acknowledge the use of images by rawpixel; Starline; Frimufilms; storyset; Creative_hat on freepik. Back page quote by Lynda Palazzolo.   Dear Community I hope this newsletter finds you all keeping warm; it has been a very chilly start to the winter. First and foremost, I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone who has donated to the Ephpheta Appeal. In these challenging times, your generosity is especially appreciated, and we are deeply grateful for your support. We are now in August, which marks a special month for us as we celebrate Ephpheta Sunday. A day that embodies the meaning of Ephpheta, “Be Open”. This year, Ephpheta Sunday will be celebrated on Sunday, 17th August. It is a wonderful opportunity for us to come together and reflect on the importance of openness in our community. We celebrate the rich culture, history and language of the Deaf community. In May at our Annual General Meeting, we also celebrated a significant milestone—100 years of Deaf Catholics coming together formally in Victoria with the formation of an association that has evolved over that time and constantly focused on the spiritual and social support of the Deaf community in Victoria. I would like to extend my gratitude to Gail Finn and Sr Bernadette Wallis MSS for their tremendous effort in researching this memorable event. Their dedication and hard work made it a remarkable success. During our AGM, we bid farewell to two of our board members, Sonya Tissera-Isaacs and Lucille Bennetto. Both have contributed immensely behind the scenes, and their hard work and dedication has been invaluable. We thank them for their service and wish them all the best. As always, donations are welcome throughout the year. Your continued support enables us to maintain and enhance our services and programs for the community. Warm Regards Sophie Duncan Executive Manager John Pierce Centre   Ephpheta Appeal JPC would like to say a huge thank you to all those that donated to our centre during the annual Ephpheta Appeal this year. It is ever humbling to see that so many people are ready and willing to dig deep to support our work. Your donation assists us in our work to support Deaf individuals and groups through pastoral care programs, group programs and tailored support. Thank you!   It’s never too late to give! Please support the unique and valuable work of the John Pierce Centre. Scan the QR code to donate online today!   Father Wayne’s Reflection. Ephpheta It means to be opened. There are times when we close ourselves off from family, friends those we are yet to meet. It also has a religious significance when we not only close ourselves off from people but from God. God sent Jesus His Son into the world to save us from sin and when we were and / or are spiritually and emotionally paralysed from God the Father’s love, cut off from the spiritual energies within our souls. It is those times when we need to allow Jesus Christ to speak into our depths ‘Ephpheta’. There are some people who are deaf, blind, missing limbs, some who can barely move, the mentally and / or psychologically ill. Each one of us has a dignity as a child of God and human being deserving of respect. Most if not all of us are challenged by what life has given us or not given. All of us have a soul and dignity that cannot be taken away. We can allow ourselves or others to tread on us and at times we too treat others shamefully also. It is then that we ask for God’s help and forgiveness allowing us to be opened - ‘Ephpheta’ – to God’s all embracing love. God bless you all. All my love. Fr Wayne Edwards Chaplain to the Deaf   JPC AGM The Annual General Meeting of the John Pierce Centre was held on Sunday 19th of May. JPC continues to provide an important service to the Deaf community and operations are managed carefully to ensure our continued work. We also took the opportunity to celebrate 100 years of the establishment of the Deaf Catholic Association that has been an integral social and spiritual support to the community. Sr Bernadette Wallis and Gail Finn gave a presentation about the 100 years including the early years and establishment of the committee and group and its evolution over the years. It was a lovely celebration.   Centre Update The John Pierce Centre continues with its daily work as we head through the cold winter months. 2024 has been a great year without any major disruptions. We have many group activities and extra events and workshops. Please encourage your friends to come along to a group. We also have an amazing Pastoral Care Team that is available to support individuals or families. You do NOT have to be a catholic to come along to JPC for activities or support. We are still a main source of support for many Deaf people, especially those that do not have NDIS or just need assistance with referral to appropriate organisations. Please get in touch!   Welcome to Tamara Dwyer Tamara Dwyer joined the JPC team in May this year in the role of Administration Officer. Tamara has many years of administration experience and knowledge that she has been able to bring to JPC. Tamara is a CODA and a long time attendee of the JPC with the deaf adults in her family. Tamara has always had a passion for working with the deaf community having completed her Diploma in Auslan Interpreting and taken on various volunteer positions such as with Deaf Netball Victoria. Tamara has been an invaluable addition to the team so please make sure to say hello when you are next in the centre. Tamara was able to find some lovely photos of her confirmation and her time as an altar girl here at JPC. What a lovely connection to JPC! Story of Impact- MONICA STEVENSON I became involved with JPC in 1988 after I moved to Melbourne. This was in Fr Robbo’s time as Chaplain at the old JPC in Ripponlea. I was involved with CADHIPA (Catholic Association of Deaf and Hearing-Impaired People Australia) on the committee, from around 1988. Then it became CADM (Catholic Association for Deaf Melbourne) and I was on that committee along with my husband Malcolm. Malcolm was Treasurer for many years, and I was President from 1995-1998. Kath Baldwin encouraged me to go on the committee. CADM finished in the early 2000’s, maybe 2002 or 2003. It was a great time being involved with both these associations and attending national conferences, catching up with Deaf people from school days who lived around Australia. I have also been involved with other groups at JPC. The “Emmaus Group” for planning the Sunday Masses, which met for many years. The “Wombat Craft Group” was another group where we learnt and shared our crafty skills! Also, the “Women’s Group” where we meet at various locations around Melbourne and enjoy visiting lots of interesting places. I am still attending “Pankina” senior’s group and enjoying the bingo and social activities. I was on the Committee of Pankina for 16 years. I also was the cleaner of the Parish House when Fr Julian Langridge was Chaplain, that was back in 1994 and 1995. Why is JPC so important to Monica? JPC is like my second home. I enjoy meeting with Deaf friends there and I love it! Always good to have a cuppa with friends at JPC. What does it mean to have the support of staff from JPC? JPC looks after people in the Deaf community in so many ways. JPC provides support during hospital visits, or if you have any problems. They have experienced staff that can help in so many ways. One example for us was when we had difficulties with the Housing Commission, and Christine Elder was in JPC at that time and used her experience of working in that area to support us. JPC helps with Baptism, First Communion, and Confirmation sacraments which is great. When our daughter Debbie got married JPC was there to help and support us, which was fantastic. Also, when my husband, Malcolm, had health problems the pastoral care was great, including assisting for his funeral. I don’t know what I would do without JPC.    Cyber Scam Workshop Recently JPC hosted a workshop about cyber scams. With so many scams around in the community this was an important opportunity to learn about the current scams and how to spot a scam. We must all be extra careful. We thank Roshan Abraham (from the JPC Board) and his team from ANZ for coming out and delivering the workshop for our community.   Interpreting for over 65’s Nabs closure Nabs has now closed but access to free interpreting services for over 65’s who do not have NDIS funding is available through Deaf Connect. If you are over 65 years old and do not have an NDIS package, you can still get access to interpreting through Deaf Connect. You can use the interpreter for a range of appointments such as medical or health appointments, social gatherings, community groups, and so much more. If you need more information you can contact Deaf Connect. If you have having difficulty in setting up and account with Deaf Connect or don’t know what to do please ask the JPC staff for assistance. Our team is happy to assist!   Religious Signs Project  This year JPC has been working to increase the resources of our Auslan Catholic Dictionary. Currently JPC have a dictionary of catholic signs on our website which is a great resource for community and interpreters. This year we have put together a list of common prayers and sections from the catholic Mass. In partnership with a catholic resource group we have undertaken filming of the prayers and they are currently being edited by James Blyth at Auslan Consultancy. Once complete they will be uploaded to our website for access by the community.   Grant Success! John Pierce Centre is excited to announce that it has recently received a small grant from South East Water so that we can purchase some minor AV equipment to update our current system in the centre.   Having access to technology is important in the delivery of our programs and services and we are extremely grateful to South East Water for their generous contribution towards this equipment.   Join the Board No Experience Needed Interested in joining the JPC Board or Board subcommittee to support the work of the John Pierce Centre? Contact us today! No experience is necessary, just a passion for supporting the Deaf Community and the work of JPC. Meetings are every two months so just 6 meetings a year. Contact JPC for more information manager@jpc.org.au   Signee Tots Hello there, Signee Tots’ families and friends, Signee Tots runs on the first Sunday of each month and is a terrific place to meet new friends and families. It is a fun and safe place to play and talk about parenting. It is open to all families that have deaf parents or deaf children or anyone who uses Auslan to communicate.   If you want to join Signee Tots or want more information please email signeetots@jpc.org.au   Signee tots 8 September 13 October 3 November Christmas Break up TBC     Deaf Art and Craft   Term 3 at Deaf Arts & Crafts has been busy with many different and enjoyable and creative sessions. If you are interested in joining us please contact the group Co-Ordinator Diane via email: d.backholer@jpc.org.au You must register to attend so please contact us to join this group Meets every Friday during the school term from 10am-2pm   Deaf Art & Craft 16 August 23 August 30 August 6 September 13 September 20 September 11 October 18 October 25 October 1 November 8 November 15 November 22 November 29 November 6 December—Christmas Break Up   Ladies Get Together   Co-ordinated by Diane Backholer   What fun the Ladies had recently at Artvo at the Docklands! If you would like to join the Ladies Get Together please contact Diane via email: d.backholer@jpc.org.au   Ladies’ Get Together 21 August—Outing 4 September—Outing 18 September—JPC 16 October—Outing 30 October –Outing 13 November—JPC 27 November—Christmas breakup   Deaf Mens Group The Deaf Men’s Group have been busy getting together to head out for activities or stay in at JPC for games and catching up. Last month they went down to the old blue stone building that was VSDC and toured the old school and well as stopping for lunch at the Tradeblock Café. The men have also been a great support to JPC by providing help with maintenance around the centre and in the garden. They look forward to some fun outings over the next few months so please get in touch if you would like to join.   Deaf Mens Group 21 August – Outing 11 September—JPC 9 October – Bendigo trip 16 October – MCG tour 20 November – Break up lunch   Pankina The Pankina group meets each fortnight on a Monday from 10am-3pm. There are always fun activities, including bingo and cards. This group welcomes all Deaf and hard of hearing community members. If you would like to attend please contact Katrina for more information. Pankina 26 August—Bingo 9 September—Cards /Lucky numbers. 23 September—Bingo. AFL footy dress up day 7 October—Cards/ numbers 21 October—Bingo. Last day, big jackpot 18 November—Christmas lunch outing 2 December—Christmas break up at JPC. Raffle   Remember!! For information on any community activities, please contact Katrina: SMS: 0400 660 601 / E: k.mynard@jpc.org.au   Geoffrey Treloggen 15 March 1948—08 June 2024 Geoff was born in Albert Park, Melbourne. He had Deaf parents; Frances “Laura” Patten and Reginald “Reg” Treloggen. Geoff had three brothers; Michael (dec.), Tony (dec.) and Ivan, as well as three sisters; Zenobia, Judith and Katrena. Geoff lived in Hampton in the early years where the house was often a community space for many visitors. He attended VSDC as a day student. He loved sport and played for the Wild Cats Basketball team as well as footy. Geoff worked for many years as a Fitter and Turner with different employers. He married Faye in April 1971 and they had two beautiful children, Lisa and Kingsley, which they both adored. Sadly Faye became sick but Geoff was a devoted husband and took care of Faye. Faye passed away after 38 years of marriage to Geoff. In his later years, Geoff became a loving companion for Cheryl Clarke. Geoff was also an active member at the JPC Pankina Deaf Seniors Club and the Mens’ Group over the years, including being a committee member and the Treasurer. He had also supported the Dandenong Deaf regional Club and the Gippsland Deaf Regional Club.   Malcolm Stevenson 10 May 1940-23 April 2024 Malcolm was the beloved husband of Monica; father to Debbie; and grandfather to Tobi and Lachie. Malcolm was born on the 10th May 1940. Monica and Malcolm met in 1966 at the Deaf Club in Jolimont. They married on the 5th October 1968 and were married for 55 years. Monica reflected that Malcolm was the love of her life, and partner in crime. On the 25th January 1979 they welcomed their daughter Debbie into the world. Malcolm adored Debbie and always doted on her. Debbie grew up to have two children of her own, Tobi and Lachie, which Malcolm also loved and adored. Malcolm was very involved in the Deaf community over the years. He was the Treasurer for CADM (Catholic Association for the Deaf in Melbourne) for 16 years; the Treasurer of Pankina for 17 years; and on the committee of the Mens’ Group. Malcolm was deeply committed to supporting the Deaf community and thoroughly enjoyed his time at JPC. Even after stepping down from the committee, Malcolm and Monica continued to attend the JPC social groups like Pankina and continued to be a valued member of the Deaf community. He will be deeply missed by the community and his family.   Judy McMahon 4 April 2024 Judy McMahon resided in Geelong with her husband Jock and their 5 children. She was a remarkable woman who had time for everyone and saw the good in each person. She was a great carer, volunteer and friend.  Her ministries included: the youth in Geelong; teaching religion to disabled children; teaching religion to a Deaf child; being part of the Geelong Deaf Community for many years and a great friend of the Batson’s and Hennessy’s; helping the homeless and alcoholic persons in Greenvale; Chaplaincy work at Barwon Prison. In the days of national CADHIPA and interstate conferences, when Stan Batson was chair of the National Executive from 1987-1990, Judy was the Treasurer. This entailed meetings and preparations for each annual conference. Judy passed away on 4th April 2024 and her Requiem was held in Geelong Cathedral. Concelebrated by Fr Greg Bourke and Fr Kevin Hennessy c.p. May Judy rest in peace and share eternal light and life.   Calendar for Masses * Sunday 18th August Ephpheta Sunday Mass at JPC 11am at JPC and livestreamed on www.facebook.com/JohnPierceCentre * Sunday 1st September at St Patrick’s Cathedral11am at St Patrick’s Cathedral, 1 Cathedral Place East Melbourne or on Channel 31 * Sunday 15th September Sunday Mass at JPC11am at JPC and livestreamed * Sunday 6th October at St Patrick’s Cathedral11am at St Pat’s East Melbourne * Sunday 20th October Sunday Mass at JPC 11am at JPC and livestreamed * Sunday 3rd November at St Patrick’s Cathedral11am at St Pat’s East Melbourne * Sunday 17th November Memorial Mass at JPC11am at JPC and livestreamed * Sunday 1st December at St Patrick’s Cathedral11am at St Pat’s East Melbourne * Sunday 8th December JPC Christmas Rally11am at JPC and livestreamed * Tuesday 24th December JPC Christmas Eve Mass 3pm Online viewing only. No attendance at JPC You can also watch ‘Mass For You At Home’ which is televised on Channel 10 each Sunday morning at 6am.   Mass at St Patrick’s Cathedral St Patrick’s Cathedral continues to provide Auslan Interpreters for Mass at 11am on the first Sunday of each month. It is aired on Channel 44 on digital TVs, or you can watch it online on Youtube. John Pierce Centre is thankful for the wonderful partnership that has developed with the Catholic Archdiocese of Melbourne and their commitment to ensuring access to faith and church by providing Auslan and Deaf Interpreters.   Memorial Mass—November November marks a time of remembering those we have lost. Our loved ones and friends. On Sunday 17th November, JPC will hold a Memorial Mass at 11am where we will take time to reflect on community members that have passed away in the last 12 months. If you have a family member or friend that you would like included in our Mass please email us with their name, a photo and their date of birth and death so that they can be added into our list. At the end of the Mass we go outside to the memorial garden where we bless the new plaques that have been added onto the stone. If you would like to have a plaque added to the memorial garden please get in contact with JPC for more details.   Become a Volunteer Do you have some spare time? Are you interested in giving back to the community? Perhaps volunteering is right for you. We are looking for Deaf people who are interested in volunteering their time twice a month to visit the elderly Deaf in our community. It could be at home or in a nursing home. We would provide the necessary training and ongoing support as needed. If this sounds like something you want to do please contact us for more information.   We remember always, those that have been a part of our lives, as their spirits are weaved through the story that is our Deaf community.   Rest in Peace Judy McMahon—04/04/2024 (volunteer for CAHHIPA) Peter Allen—16/04/2024 (partner of Rita) Malcolm Stevenson—223/04/2024 (husband of Monica Stevenson) William Park—21/05/2024 (Father of Virginia Park) Anne Wendell—03/06/2024 (partner of Carmello Papotto) Geoff Treloggen—08/06/2024 (Father of Lisa and Kingsley) Mark Duncan—11/06/2024 (Husband of Sophie Duncan) Neeltje (Nel) Brisco—23/07/2024 (Mother of Wayne and Sharon) Sr Frances Caine—01/08/2024 (Principal at Portsea School for the Deaf)   Leave a bequest By leaving a gift to John Pierce Centre in your Will, you will have a lasting impact, supporting our centre for years to come. It is a powerful reflection of the values and principles you treasure. It enables you to create a legacy of love and care for those in need. For more information, please contact our office on 03 9525 1158 or email admin@jpc.org.au Thank you.   Grill’d Thankyou to everyone that bought a burger at Grill’d in July and helped us to raise $300 to support the work of the John Pierce Centre! Thankyou   Want to keep in touch with JPC? You can always find more information about JPC on our Facebook page and on our Website. If there is something you would like to see more of...please tell us. www.facebook.com/JohnPierceCentre www.jpc.org.au   Your contribution: Help us to support Deaf people and their families throughout VIC by making a tax deductable donation today. www.givenow.com.au/jpcdonations   Office Hours- MON - Wed: 9:30am-3:30pm Thurs-Fri: by appointment only Please make contact via email at admin@jpc.org.au   JPC would like to thank the following organisations for their support through grants and sponsorship… Deaf Connect CCI Giving Felton Bequest Tobin Brothers Funerals South East Water Ephpheta Foundation Grant Gorman Foundation Grant Ephpheta Holy Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint Mark 7:31-37. Jesus left the district of Tyre and went by way of Sidon to the Sea of Galilee, into the district of the Decapolis. And people brought to him a deaf man who had a speech impediment and begged him to lay his hand on him. He took him off by himself away from the crowd. He put his finger into the man’s ears and, spitting, touched his tongue; then he looked up to heaven and groaned, and said to him, “Ephphatha!” (that is, “Be opened!”) and immediately the man’s ears were opened, his speech impediment was removed, and he spoke plainly. He ordered them not to tell anyone. But the more he ordered them not to, the more they proclaimed it. They were exceedingly astonished and they said, “He has done all things well. He makes the deaf hear and the mute speak.”   “Be Open”   Being open and being kind is an important part of being a community member in the Deaf community. We should avoid gossip and talking about people in an unkind way. Instead we should think about the challenges that all people have in their life how we can help in little ways. By sharing kindness to everyone. Not just our friends, but people that we don’t know well or never talk to as well, we can spread more happiness. We never know what others are experiencing in their lives. A kind word of encouragement or greeting can go a long way. Signee Tots 25 Year Celebration Signee Tots Playgroup is celebrating 25 years this year! What an achievement. We will be having a celebration party on Sunday 13th October from 10am-2pm at JPC in Prahran. We warmly welcome all Signee Tots families to attend. Those that are currently attending each month as well as those that came in the past. We are hoping to see some our lovely families from 25 years ago including the children which are now grown!   SEND US YOUR PHOTOS We would love to have a visual display of the families that we have hosted over the many years at JPC. Could you please send a photo of you and your family from way back when you started at JPC Signee Tots and another one from now. Please send them through to admin@jpc.org.au with the reference 25 Years of Signee Tots   Thank you to Deaf Connect for providing a grant to ensure this event is successful and fun for all of our families! JPC Christmas Rally 2024 Join us for our popular end of year celebration! Join us for Mass at 11am and then we will be serving a delicious spit roast and vegetable lunch and a scrumptious dessert from 12noon! When: Sunday 8th December 2024 at 11am   Where: John Pierce Centre, 25 High Street Prahran   Cost: $45 per adult / $20 per child You can pay for your tickets any time between now and the RSVP date. RSVP and pay by Friday 22 November YOU CAN NOT BUY TICKETS ON THE DAY!   Welcome Spring! “Loving God, you bring us to one another that we may hear and understand each other. Teach us to acknowledge and nurture the spirit that lives in each of us. “   Newsletter—send to my email   Name: ……………………………………………………………………………….. Email: ………………………………………………………………………………… Please print clearly Newsletter—post to me at a cost of $15.00 (covers 3 newsletters)   Name: …………………………………………………………………………...……. Address: ………………………………………………………………………...……… Suburb …………………………………………………………………… Postcode ……………..…….…. 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