Newsletter August 2022 Ephpheta “Be open” JPC John Pierce Centre “Always keep an open mind and a compassionate heart.” Phil Jackson www.jpc.org.au admin@jpc.org.au www.facebook.com/JohnPierceCentre 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 Gail Finn Katrina Mynard Diane Backholer Teresa Paulet Sr Janette Murphy rsj Sophie Duncan Margherita Riccioni Catherine Miller Executive Manager Carmel Phillips Chairperson JPC Board Trevor Hughes Board Members Dean Sinclair (Treasurer) Br Shane Wood (Minutes) Sonya Tissera-Isaacs Evelyne Albrecht Lucille Bennetto Next Newsletter Deadline OCTOBER 2022  JPC would like to thank the community members for allowing us to use their photos in this publication and we acknowledge the use of the quote on the front page from Phil Jackson; the recipe from www.bestrecipes.com.au and images from www.free-images.com and www.pixabay.com   Hello friends I hope that even though it has been the cold season of winter, that you have kept well and steered clear of Covid and flu! We are now into second half of the year and before we know it, it’ll be Christmas again! It is pleasing to see the return of Community groups, Pankina, Signee Tots, Deaf Art and Ladies Get Together back once again in the centre and a feeling of normalcy with happy participants. I am pleased to welcome Catherine Miller into the JPC Team as Signee Tots Coordinator and Project Officer, she is a vibrant woman with lots of ideas for the Signee Tots playgroup. There will be some changes to the program to make the most of the group so please check out her article in this newsletter about what is happening in Signee Tots. Recently I have attended meetings with various deaf organisations, including Nicky Long - CEO of Expression Australia, Marg Tope and Marnie Kerridge from the Victorian College for the Deaf and some staff at Deaf Connect up in Brisbane. It is good to network and work with these organisations, to expand our opportunities through resource sharing. In late July, I visited the Ephpheta Centre in Sydney to gain some understanding on how they operate and to meet the staff. Last May, we had an ‘Intergenerational Program’ with the Victorian College for the Deaf. Seven participants from the Pankina and Deaf Art groups joined with 14 children from VCD to participate in shared activities. It was an inspiring morning with the young children and it was fun to seeing them asking lots of questions of the Deaf elders! We are hoping that the program will continue for 3rd and 4th Terms. If anyone is interested in joining this program, please do not hesitate to get in touch with me via email manager@jpc.org.au Third Sunday Masses are ongoing, and I give thanks to the wonderful staff for participating and ensuring the mass can be livestreamed. We are now on the lookout for another Board Director to join the JPC Board. There is a scholarship program for Disability Leadership: https://www.aicd.com.au/ to support your role and this would be a great opportunity for a Deaf or HoH person to join and learn new skills. In closing, we offer our prayers to those who are suffering with the ongoing war in Ukraine, the crisis in Sri Lanka as well as those affected by the recent flooding up in NSW. Take care and stay safe, Carmel Phillips, Executive Manager   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. We realise that the pandemic continues to impact many within the community and it is humbling to see that so many people are ready and willing to dig deep to support our mission. Your donation assists us in our work to support individuals and groups through pastoral care programs, group programs and tailored support. Thank you!   JPC AGM—The Annual General Meeting of the John Pierce Centre was held on 15th May. It was a great opportunity to gather and report on the important work of the John Pierce Centre. Though JPC has had many challenges over the past two years due to Covid-19 and the impact of centre closures, the community are still strongly engaged with the centre and have returned to a sense of normality (albeit a “covid normal”). Guest speaker Philip Waters, General Manager of Deaf Victoria, spoke about how Deaf Vic supports and advocates for improved access for Deaf and hard of hearing community members. He discussed the high level of barriers faced in the health system and how Deaf Vic are working towards improving accessibility to health care. Deaf Victoria have a range of resources on their website and are able to help individuals who contact them for support with advocating their rights.   Father Wayne’s Reflection. Greetings to you all For more than two years we have been in varied stages of disruption to our lives due to the Covid-19 pandemic / virus. As we endure this very cold winter of 2022 we are now called – some of us – to carry the added burden of the flu. I am sure that if you haven’t had the virus or the flu or both you know somebody who has. Once again we are called to manage those things with resilience and fortitude and we pray to the Lord for ourselves and each other for the strength to bear. In the midst of those things we are called to get on with living and our relationships with God and each other. At the July Mass we read the Gospel story of two sisters Mary and Martha who had invited Jesus into their home. It is a story of hospitality where we learn what welcoming and helping the other means. Martha the busy, practical sister and Mary the contemplative sister who pulls up a chair to sit with Jesus. The story challenges us to look at the hospitality one gives and also the one that is received. Perhaps we like giving more than receiving and yet sometimes we must allow the other the joy of giving and welcoming us. Jesus our guest wants to give us so much and yet if we are so busy preparing for his arrival we can miss out on the encounter with him. In these most troubling of times for all of us may we continue to welcome and help the other and allow ourselves to be welcomed and helped. God wants to give us so much; let us pray that we let him in.  God bless you all. All my love Fr Wayne Edwards – Chaplain to the Deaf Centre Update This year has had its own unique challenges, and whilst it felt like the year was off to a great start with the return of activities and no more lockdowns, the cold winter season has had an impact on covid numbers and risk to vulnerable community members. Our priority is always the safety of our community and with many people in higher risk categories, we take a cautious approach as to the opening of the centre for community activities and events. Even though the government have not mandated specific rules there are guides and an encouragement to ensure wellbeing is at the forefront of decisions made by individual organisations. We appreciate your understanding and patience with any rules that JPC establishes. All decisions are made to ensure the safety of attendees as well as staff in the centre. We use Facebook to provide a lot of our information so please follow us and watch our videos in Auslan. You can always email us at admin@jpc.org.au with specific questions.   Archive Project Update Kathleen Caroll volunteers at JPC with the Archiving project that has been made possible through a grant from the Public Records Office of Victoria. With support from Bernadette Wallis and Mike Wilson, Kathleen has been sorting JPC historical records, files, videos and photos into a catalogued archive to retain and preserve the important work of JPC over the past 40 years. This means that a history of the centre will be available for future generations of the Deaf and hard of hearing community.     Learn Auslan with Expression Australia at JPC Expression Australia are running their Auslan 101 course at the John Pierce Centre, starting on 10 August. This is an introductory course for the general community. Encourage your friends and family to attend. Course details and enrolment can be found online at https://learning.expression.com.au/courses/auslan-101-prahran/   Volunteer training In July, some of our fabulous JPC volunteers and some staff attended mental health training with Karli Dettman. A great opportunity to discuss supporting our own mental health as well as that of others. A grant from the Department of Social Services is supporting JPC to train and engage with our volunteers. Without the valuable work of volunteers at JPC we wouldn’t be able to achieve a high level of support for all our groups and individuals. If you are interested in volunteering at JPC please contact us at admin@jpc.org.au   Did you know?.... The ABC news at 5pm every Sunday provides an Auslan interpreter and a Deaf news story. You can watch it on Channel 24.   Interpreting for over 65’s Access to free interpreting services for over 65’s who do not have NDIS funding. If you are over 65 years old and do not have an NDIS package, you can still get access to interpreting through Expression Australia. 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 please contact Expression Australia, or ask one of the JPC staff for assistance.   Community Consultation about Elder Abuse On Monday 25th July Gary Ferguson from Senior’s Rights Victoria facilitated a workshop with 10 community members to discuss Elder Abuse; what it means and how to get help. From this discussion, resources will be developed to support the understanding within the wider Deaf community so keep an eye out for more information later in the year.   Planning Ahead Session for the Deaf and hard of hearing community. Supported by the Victoria Law Foundation On Monday 1st August, Gary Ferguson from Senior’s Rights Victoria returned for a session with the Pankina group to discuss PLANNING AHEAD. As we get older we may need to think about who will support us to make decisions or make decisions for us if we are unable to. Staff from Senior’s Rights Victoria will be coming back to JPC for some individual appointments with the community.   Grants JPC have received a small grant from the Deafness Foundation and from CCI Giving in order to provide information to the community about Elder Abuse. Elder abuse is any act which causes harm to an older person and is carried out by someone that they know and trust. There are different types of abuse such as neglect, financial abuse, physical abuse, social abuse, sexual abuse, emotional abuse. JPC is working on providing more information and resources to the community about elder abuse.   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   Community Activities Update Due to the covid risks, some of the groups are making changes to ensure the safety of community members and staff. Please contact group co-ordinators to keep up to date on what is happening. If you are unwell at all, please do not attend any group activities. RAT testing is highly encouraged for all people attending the centre. Doing RAT tests, wearing masks, maintaining safe distances are all ways that you can look after friends, family and community.   Deaf Arts and Crafts Term 2 at Deaf Arts & Crafts has been busy with many different and enjoyable and creative sessions. After the term break we had a catch up and discussed the sessions and plans. We had two Macrame Days making a scarf; did Nail String Art; went to 345 Art Creative at Mont Albert and did some painting there then out for lunch; did origami; Doodle Art and went to Narana Aboriginal Cultural Centre. A busy term for us all. If you are interested in joining us please contact the group Co-Ordinator Diane via email: d.backholer@jpc.org.au   Fridays from 10am-2pm You must register to attend so please contact us to join this group.  12th August—Get Well Card / Sympathy Card 19th August—Rice Jewellery 26th August—Paperific Show 2nd September—To be confirmed 9th September—To be confirmed 16th September—Lunch at Collingwood (last day of term 3) Term 4 information will be available later in term 3   Pankina The Pankina group has been well attended through the first half of the year with activities and fun; 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.    Future dates: 15 August—Bingo all day 29 August—Cards day/Father’s Day Raffles 12 September—Bingo all day. AFL Grand Final 26 September—Cards day 10 October—Bingo all day 24 October—Cards day/Melbourne Cup Sweep 7 November—Bingo all day 21 November—Christmas lunch out TBA 5 December—Pankina Christmas and Raffle   Ladies’ Get Together The Ladies have been getting back out there for get togethers! - Co-ordinated by Diane Backholer   From end of April to end of June, we have been busy and have enjoyed our time together such as going to see The Lume Exhibition; to talk about Memories of our Mothers and to bring Mum's things to show at JPC; went to Mornington Market; Soup Day and to talk about Memories of the Deaf Schools we attended at JPC and went to Bendigo to see Elvis Exhibition.  If you would like to join the Ladies Get Together please contact Diane via email: d.backholer@jpc.org.au   10th August—The Hatter and the Hare at Bayswater 24th August—JPC 7th September—The Bank on Collins restaurant in the city 21st September—Holidays (no catch up) 5th October—Train ride to Geelong and have lunch at Deakin Uni 19th October—JPC—games—Elephant game, ball game, charades 2nd November—Outing to be confirmed 16th November—JPC 8th December—Walk to Garden Conservatory then High Tea at Parliament House (note: this is on Thursday)   Signee Tots Hello and welcome to our Signee Tots space J my name is Catherine and I work at JPC as the Signee Tots playgroup co-ordinator. It has been an amazing experience, stepping into this space, getting to know everyone and playing with the little ones. Last term we focused on ‘home’ and explored dollhouses, building houses using Lego and cardboard. This term we are focusing on dress ups because Book Week is coming up in August and of course, one of the ways to celebrate books is to dress up. We are also focusing on science later on in the term, with the hope that the weather will eventually warm up!    There's been some slight changes to this term's playgroup sessions. We are trialling rotating and weekly playgroup sessions, with a new starting time of 10.00am. Should this prove to be successful it will be the model to continue for the rest of the year.  Through the winter time of term 3 we are having remote catch ups to protect those most vulnerable from covid and other germs that are going around.  I look forward to meeting you if you haven’t come to playgroup yet. If you know of someone/families/friends with children under the age of 5 who needs exposure to Auslan please do let them know about us; we welcome all. In the meantime, stay up to date with @signeetots on Instagram and if you’re wanting further information/have questions/concerns please do contact me at signeetots@jpc.org.au     Remember!! For information on any community activities, please contact Katrina: SMS: 0400 660 601 / E: k.mynard@jpc.org.au   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 Many times Jesus heals people, both with his words and with his actions. We too can serve with our words and actions. We must look around at the people in our lives and find ways to support them and serve them. There are so many ways to do this; it could be visiting a friend who is isolated to have a chat; it could be welcoming a new Deaf person into a group at JPC; it could be smiling at a stranger on the tram to brighten their day; it could be saying hello to a Deaf person that you don’t usually talk to at an activity...what else can you think of that can be to support and serve others? Jesus asks us to “be open”. Open to receiving his communication with us and open to sharing this with others around us. Be open every day! JPC is open for you when you need us, whether you want to join a group, talk to a pastoral care worker or have time with the Chaplain, please get in contact with us at the centre.   Visit to the Ephpheta Centre The Ephpheta Centre is the catholic centre for the Deaf and hard of hearing in Punchbowl, Sydney, which Carmel visited recently. It was a great opportunity to see the operations of a very similar centre to JPC. Carmel attended their Deaf Café which was held at the RSL. It is held at various locations around Sydney each fortnight. It was a lovely opportunity to see people face to face after a challenging couple of years. Carmel also went to the Deaf Craft which meets each fortnight. They also have information sessions and whilst Carmel was there, they were having a presentation from the Red Cross about “Preparation for Emergencies”. The craft group have knitted 130 teddies which were donated to the Red Cross for hospitals. Carmel also had lunch with Liz, the Business Manager, and David, the Community Manager, for a discussion about how Ephpheta Centre operates and the similarities with JPC. It was a great opportunity to reconnect and we will continue to support each other and share resources when needed.   Community and Pastoral Our Deaf Interpreting Team The Catholic Archdiocese of Melbourne have been providing Auslan interpreters for the 11am Mass each Sunday. This may be changing in the coming months as we return to normal and people are coming back to church. We are taking a break in August and will notify the community if and when we return to St Patrick’s.   Calendar for Masses Sunday 21 August Ephpheta Sunday Mass 1am at JPC and livestreamed on www.facebok.com/JohnPierceCentre Sunday 18 September 11am at JPC and livestreamed Sunday 16 October 11am at JPC and livestreamed Sunday 20th November Memorial Mass 11am at JPC and livestreamed Sunday 11th December JPC Christmas Rally 11am at JPC and livestreamed You can also watch ‘Mass for You at Home’ which is televised on Channel 10 each Sunday morning at 6am 40 Years of the John Pierce Centre Remembering 40 years at JPC in our history and reflections book! This book was launched at our 40 year anniversary and there are still a few copies left! If you would like a copy of the book, you can purchase a book from JPC for $20. Please ask at the office or email us for more information admin@jpc.org.au   VCD and JPC Intergenerational Program   Six of the JPC community members attended VCD (Victorian College of the Deaf) for the Intergenerational Program. It was a fun morning playing mini sports activities in a lovely sunny but windy winter day!   The children were so excited to see our group of volunteers again and as always, they have lots of questions to ask us. It is a lot of fun!   Our next session will be on the 24th August for ‘Book Week’. The children will dress up as characters from a book and we are all looking forward to it!   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 James Devlin—father of Paul Devlin & father-in-law of Wendy Devlin—21st April John Marturano—10th May Linda Rae Marke—mother of Fiona Marke—22nd May   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.   JPC Christmas Rally 2022 The JPC Community Christmas Rally returns in 2022! 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: 11th December 2022 at 11am   Where: John Pierce Centre, 25 High Street Prahran   Cost: $35 per adult / $16 per child / $80 for families   You can pay for your tickets any time between now and the RSVP date. RSVP and pay by Friday 25 November YOU CAN NOT BUY TICKETS ON THE DAY!   Welcome     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 Contributions: 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 Learn How To: Curried Pumpkin Soup with Ginger   Something to keep you warm through this cold winter!   Ingredients · 1 tbs olive oil · 1 onion chopped · 2 tbs fresh ginger grated · 2 garlic cloves minced · 1 tbs Indian curry powder · 4 cups pumpkin cubed · 1 carrot sliced · 4 cups vegetable stock · 1 pinch salt and pepper · 1/2 cup cooking cream   Curry Blend · 1 tbs ground coriander · 1 tbs ground cumin · 1 tsp paprika · 1 tsp ground turmeric · 1 tsp chilli powder · 1 tsp salt   Method: 1. Heat oil. Fry onions, garlic and giner until onion is soft and transparent. 2. Add curry blend and cook for 1-2 minutes 3. Add pumpkin and carrot and fry for 2-3 minutes, stirring to coat with onion mixture. 4. Add stock to cover and cook until vegetables are soft. 5. Allow to cool. 6. Add cooking cream and blend until smooth.   Recipe from www.bestrecipes.com.au If you have a great recipe you’d like to share, please send it to admin@jpc.org.au so that we can share it with the community!   JPC would like to thank the following organisations for their support through grants and sponsorships.. Deafness Foundation Grant – 40th Anniversary GOLD Sponsor and support Community Bank Windsor – Bendigo Bank – Connectedness through Covis-19 Auslan Services – 40th Anniversary Gold Sponsor Expression Australia – 40th Anniversary Gold Sponsor Echo Interpreting – 40th Anniversary Silver Sponsor Ephpheta Foundation Grant Gorman Foundation Grant Ephpheta Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing 1 Thessolonians 5:11 JPC is now open to the community again. If you have any urgent queries, please contact Carmel Phillips: 0414 427 386 (sms only)