John Pierce Centre Spirit of the Deaf Community Newsletter April 2024 “For god so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” John 3:16 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 Salomon Gerber Fr Wayne Edwards Katrina Mynard Teresa Paulet Diane Backholer Sr Janette Murphy rsj Executive Manager Sophie Duncan Chairperson JPC Board Trevor Hughes Board Members Dean Sinclair (Treasurer) Br Shane Wood (Minutes) Sonya Tissera-Isaacs Evelyne Albrecht Lucille Bennetto Next Newsletter Deadline JUNE 2024   JPC would like to thank the community members for allowing us to use their photos in this publication and we also acknowledge the use of information and images from freepik.com Image by sergey_kandakov on Freepik Image by wirestock on freepik Image by Vecstock on freepik     From JPC Executive Manager: Welcome back to everybody! It has been a great start to the year with all of our community groups back after the long break and it is fantastic to see all those happy faces once again.   Deaf Men’s Group have done a wonderful job keeping JPC clean and tidy. I cannot thank them enough for all their hard work around the centre, painting, repairing and gardening. We finally all see the yellow lines again. Thank you so much!   Signee Tots is being facilitated by our wonderful volunteers Kym and Ashleigh. It is being held on the first Sunday of each month. Families are finding the Sundays are ideal as both parents are able to attend to meet other parents and join in the activities. We have had great attendance this year with 20 people joining us in March! We welcome all families to attend and have a wonderful time catching up and having fun. We hope to see you at the next one on Sunday 7th April! Third Sunday Masses are ongoing at the centre and continue to be livestreamed due to its popularity. We continue our partnership with the Catholic Archdiocese of Melbourne with the provision of interpreters for Masses at St Patrick’s Cathedral on the first Sunday of each month. It is televised on Channel 31 (44) at 11am and they also have a YouTube channel. JPC is currently working with QLD Health to help facilitate a research program for older Deaf people to help formulate an appropriate Dementia test for the Deaf Community. I hope everybody enjoyed their Easter. Take Care Sophie Duncan       Ephpheta Appeal May The meaning of “ephpheta” is to “be open”. JPC has another full year ahead of activity and gathering in our centre where our doors are always open to support the needs of Deaf people and their families. The John Pierce Centre is the only Deaf Catholic Centre in Victoria, and Deaf Community members travel from all over metro Melbourne and regional areas to attend our activities and receive specialised pastoral support. The John Pierce Centre has been operating for over 40 years in delivering vital services to the Deaf community. It is a place where Deaf people and their families can come and discuss any and all aspects of their life and receive support, advice and referral. Without access to a centre like ours, many Deaf people would simply miss out on opportunities that the broader community take for granted. Please support our work by making a tax deductible donation today! Go online to https://givenow.com.au/ephphetaappeal or scan the QR code   To My Dear Friends at JPC including their extended Families and Friends, LENT AND EASTER JOURNEY 2024 We are reminded of the journey accompanying Jesus wide and far He gave his life our Lord and Saviour Our preparation through Lent Reminds us Like Jesus we are sent Jesus suffered in his journey and on the cross All seemed a loss Some people were against him, they misunderstood and so much was the danger from town to town he was moving For his disciples and followers his actions were approving That we be worthy asked to enter into a period of prayer, fasting and almsgiving, you and me How well we walk with Jesus on the road to Calvary Jesus offered up everything for our salvation and the glory of God Did I offer up anything, did I bear the rod? Do we realise what the Father and the Son did God the Father giving up His Son and Jesus dying at His Father’s bid? How did we go these past weeks While not accomplishing what Jesus had done did we reach human peaks? Though abandoned by all Jesus steadfast in God the Father’s call Let us pray in thanks for Jesus accomplishing his mission And pray to live good and holy lives because Jesus defeated sin. We celebrate the great gift of Easter The resurrection of Jesus we remember.   A Happy and Holy Easter to you all at JPC, including family and friends Jesus Christ has risen Alleluia, Alleluia Yours in Christ Father. Wayne Edwards   With my Prayers and Love Yours in Christ Fr Wayne Edwards Chaplain to the Deaf     Celebrating 100 years of the catholic Deaf Community   The Board and Staff invite you to attend the Annual General Meeting of the John Pierce Centre To be held at the John Pierce Centre 25-35 High Street Prahran On Sunday 19th May 2024: Mass at 11am, AGM at 1pm We will have special guest speakers Gail Finn and Sr Bernadette Wallis speaking about the 100 years of history of the catholic Deaf community in Victoria! Please send your RSVP via email to admin@jpc.org.au for catering purposes by Monday 6th May. Photos from Good Friday service and Easter Sunday Mass at JPC    JPC has a NEW WEBSITE   Over the last few months the JPC website has been re-developed to make it more user friendly for the community so that you can easily find information about up coming activities and events. We hope you find the experience of using the new website to be simple to use with plenty of Auslan videos with captions for accessibility. Thank you to Deaf Connect for providing access to their filming space for our Auslan video production. Check it out at www.jpc.org.au   Leap of Faith: Easter’s role in the development of the leap year (taken from www.cathnews.com.au   The leap year is a well-known ‘blip’ in the calendar, however, what may be less well known is the part played by the Church’s Easter celebrations in the development of the leap year.   Leap years have ancient origins, but it was how they affected Easter that prompted Pope Gregory XIII in the 16th century to reform the widely used “Julian” Calendar. This calendar, introduced and modified by Julius Caesar in 45BC from the ancient Roman Calendar, was a ‘solar calendar’ that added an extra day every four years to account for the fact that an ‘astronomical year’ is slightly longer than 365 days – about 365.25 days. So, in 1582, the new “Gregorian” calendar was introduced, including a leap year, which had an extra day to accommodate the 4 x .25 days over the four-year cycle. The reason they are termed ‘leap years’ is because, following the additional day at the end of February, the days ‘leap’ forward. (eg, in 2023, 1st March was on a Wednesday. In 2024, 1st March falls on a Friday rather than a Thursday. It leaps over one day!) A year is a leap year if it is divisible by four, except for end-of-century years, which must be divisible by 400 to be a leap year. This ensures that the date of Easter remains consistent with the Council of Nicaea’s determination in AD 325, which decreed that the celebration of Easter should be on the first Sunday following the full moon after the spring equinox (in the northern hemisphere). This story highlights just how important the relationship between religion, science, and mathematics has been to the development of our history and culture. This reform addressed practical concerns related to agriculture and religious observances. It also demonstrates the interplay between science and faith in shaping human understanding of time, and the broader role of the Church in mediating the relationship between human society and the cosmos.   Community activities There’s a range of activities at JPC so you’re sure to find something to do! On this page you can see all of the social groups that meet regularly at JPC. If you would like to join a group please contact Katrina Mynard on the details at the bottom of the page.   Signee tots Group meets once a month on the first Sunday Hello! I am Ashleigh, a mother of a toddler. I became involved as one of the facilitators for Signee Tots because of my passion for young children, especially since I have a child who is a CODA. I have experience in assisting various playgroups and wanted to bring the community of deaf and CODA families together. My aim is to facilitate the sharing of experiences in their first language, Auslan, and provide access to it for many others who want to use it.   Hello! My name is Kym I am one of the facilitators of Signee Tots, I'm a proud mum of two Deaf children, a nearly 4-year-old bundle of energy and a 1 year-old sweetheart. We joined Signee Tots after a friend introduced us. We came for our first playgroup visit in early May last year and we loved the rich community of Auslan. I would love to maintain this rich Auslan environment for families and friends, and that is why I’ve jumped on board at Signee Tots!If you have any questions about attending, please feel free to contact us any time via email: signeetots@jpc.org.au The next Signee Tots sessions will be: Sunday 7th April Sunday 5th May Sunday 2nd June Sunday 7th July Sunday 4th August     These sessions will run 10am – 12pm. If you would like to join, please contact the team via email: signeetots@jpc.org.au We have set up a Signee Tots Whatsapp group and mail mailing list. If you wish to join the contact list to receive up to date information about Signee Tots please contact us.   Deaf art and Craft 2024 Arts & Crafts group have been busy, catching up each Friday and engaging in Arts and Crafts activities.   NOTE: The admission is $5.00 per person, to cover the cost of tea, coffee and morning tea. BYO lunch and craft tools. Additional materials/teachers cost may be required for each class activity. Get in touch to find out more! Please note that you must register to attend due to limits on group numbers. Contact Diane Backholer for more information d.backholer@jpc.org.au 0409 175 538   Every Friday During the school term only. Term2: 15 April-28 June Term 3: 15 July-20 September    Ladies Get Together   The Ladies have been having lovely catch ups and outings so far this year. They recently went to see the Titanic exhibition at the Melbourne Museum. Ladies Get Together meets fortnightly on Wednesdays 17th April 12th June 1st May 26th June 15th May 24th July 29th May 7th August     We hope you can join us for our upcoming outings and lunches. Please keep these dates in your diary and keep in touch to find out what is planned. Please contact Katrina or Diane for more information.   Contact Diane Backholer for more information d.backholer@jpc.org.au 0409 175 538   The Pankina Group. Pankina is a group for seniors and anyone who has free time. It is a causal social space for catching up with old friends, making new friends and playing fun games of bingo and cards. All are welcome to attend this group which runs each fortnight on a Monday. There is a small fee which covers the cost of morning tea. If you would like more information about joining this group please contact Katrina on the details below.     Pankina will be held fortnightly on Mondays 10am-2pm Monday 8th April Monday 22nd April Monday 2th May Monday 20th May Monday 3rd June Monday 17th June Monday 26th June Monday 1st July Monday 15th July Monday 29th July      Mens Group The Men’s Group has been working hard at JPC to clean and fix some of the spaces around the centre. A huge thanks for all the work that has been done to fix the cubby house, paint the carpark lines, maintain the garden and tidy up, refinish the hall table! WOW! Volunteering your group time to support the centre is greatly appreciated!   Remember!! For information on any community activities, please contact Katrina: SMS: 0400 660 601 / E: k.mynard@jpc.org.au JPC Exercise Group JPC are running a gentle exercise program for senior Deaf community members to focus on building strength and balance as they age. When: Thursday mornings 10am-12pm Entry Fee is FREE for the rest of the sessions. Sessions will be run by Fitness Instructor Khan Ramadan. There will be an interpreter: Christine Ruboteg Please wear comfortable clothes and shoes. Morning tea will be provided. Future Dates: 18 April 25 April 9 May 16 May 23 May 30 May 6 June JPC Exercise Group—Living Longer: Living Stronger This year we have continued on with our exercise program supporting older Deaf community members to improve their fitness and strength in a safe environment with personal trainer Khan. Most of the exercises use a chair for gentle and safe movement.   Seniors Rights Victoria: COTA Victoria Community Workshops with Gary from Seniors Rights Victoria Please join these workshops to learn more about your rights as an older person. There will be 4 different topics on 4 different days. The workshops are free. Morning tea provided. April 29th : Plan for your safety at home May 13th : Money and Family July 5th : Your Rights as a grandparent Where: JPC 25-35 High Street Prahran Time: 10:00am-12:00pm Cost: Free Community and Pastoral: Rest in Peace Desmond Townsend (husband to Lynette Townsend) 15 December 2023 Bernard Janes (father to Kathy Wise) 10 February 2024           It can be a difficult time when we lose those that we love dearly. If you are in need of support or someone to talk to, please contact the Pastoral Care Team at JPC. You can come to our centre at a time that suits or we can come to you at home.   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.   Mass at St Patrick’s Cathedral St Patrick’s Cathedral will continuing 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.   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.   Mass at JPC You are all welcome to attend the third Sunday Mass at JPC each month. Mass will also continue to be livestreamed to our Facebook page. This means if you are unable to attend at the centre or would prefer not to travel in, then you can still participate in the Mass from home. If you need help to set up and watch JPC Mass from home, please contact us and we can assist you.   JPC would like to thank the following organisations for their support through grants and sponsorship… CCI Giving Felton Bequest Tobin Brothers Ephpheta Foundation Grant Gorman Foundation Grant 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 Mass Services at JPC Sunday 7th April St Patrick’s Cathedral 11am at St Patrick’s Cathedral East Melbourne & Channel 31 (44) Sunday 21st April JPC 11am at JPC Sunday 5th May St Patrick’s Cathedral 11am at St Patrick’s Cathedral & Channel 31 (44) Sunday 19th May JPC Mass & AGM 11am at JPC Sunday 2nd June St Patrick’s Cathedral 11am at St Patrick’s Cathedral & Channel 31 (44) Sunday 16th June JPC 11am at JPC Sunday 7th July St Patrick’s Cathedral 11am at St Patrick’s Cathedral & Channel 31 (44) Sunday 21st July JPC 11am at JPC Sunday 4th August St Patrick’s Cathedral 11am at St Patrick’s Cathedral & Channel 31 (44) Sunday 18th August JPC 11am at JPC Sacraments Did you know that you can have a baptism, funeral or memorial service at the John Pierce Centre. We provide support for all sacraments in the catholic church so please get in contact with us for more information.   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   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.   · our Facebook page www.facebook.com/JohnPierceCentre     · our website: www.jpc.org.au           Office Hours- MON - WED: 9:30am-3:30pm Other days by appointment. Please make contact via email at admin@jpc.org.au   Activity Page: “Jesus’ Death and Resurrection” (Mark 15) 1. What day do we celebrate the Last Supper? 2. How many people were at the Last Supper? 3. On what day was Jesus crucified? 4. Who did Jesus first appear to after his resurrection? Answers: 1. Holy Thursday 2. 13; Jesus and 12 disciples 3. Good Friday 4. Mary of Magdala Hope you had a safe and enjoyable Easter! Office Open: JPC is open to the community. If you have any urgent queries, please contact Sophie Duncan: 0416 207 913 If you would like to receive a copy of the newsletter it is free to join the email list or $15 per year for a hard copy (3 newsletters per year). John Pierce Centre PO Box 443, Prahran Vic 3181