Newsletter August 2023 Ephpheta “be open” JPC John Pierce Centre Spirit of the Deaf community God’s presence is not perceived with the ears, but with faith.” Pope Franics   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 Gail Finn Katrina Mynard Diane Backholer Teresa Paulet Sr Janette Murphy rsj Margherita Riccioni Catherine Miller 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 OCTOBER 2023   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 Pope Francis; the front page and other images by Vectonauta; chandlervid85; wirestock; javi_indy; jcomp; pikisuperstar, wirestock, xvector on Freepik.com And quote on back page from chausa.org   Hi All Hope you are all keeping warm. As the newly appointed Executive Manager of the John Pierce Centre (JPC), I am honoured to follow in the footsteps of the retiring Carmel Phillips, whose dedication and leadership have helped shape JPC. I express my heartfelt gratitude for her invaluable contributions to JPC over the years and I will strive to uphold the same level of passion and dedication as we move forward. The Community groups are buzzing with activity! The Deaf Men's Group has some exciting plans ahead, they gathered on the 5th of July to discuss their upcoming outings. On the 9th August the men visited the historic Old Melbourne Gaol. Mark you calendars for the 6th September, when the men will join forces with the Ladies Group for a captivating visit to Pentridge in Coburg. If you'd like to take part, check out the flyer below and reach out to Phil Tucker or Mark Backholer for more details. Attention, families! Signee Tots will be held on the second Sunday of each month for the rest of the year. The change to Sundays has proven beneficial for parents, as it allows both mom and dad to participate and engage with other parents and their children during the activities. On 13th August, we bid farewell to Catherine Miller during her last session. We wished her well on her future endeavours and enjoyed a delightful light morning tea. The Intergenerational Program, in collaboration with VCD (Victorian College of the Deaf), is now in full swing with the teenagers. We're currently looking for enthusiastic volunteers to assist with cooking and art classes. This presents a fantastic opportunity for the teens, fostering intergenerational connections within our vibrant Deaf community. If you're interested in being a part of this program, please get in touch with us. We had the honour of hosting Fr. Michael Depcik, an American Deaf Priest, who led a heartwarming special service here at JPC on Sunday 23 July. It was a lovely day filled with camaraderie, a delicious lunch, and an insightful interview conducted by Gail Finn, which we've recorded for everyone to enjoy. Don't forget that our popular Third Sunday Masses continue at the centre and are also available via livestream. As the new Executive Manager, my primary goal is to ensure that JPC continues to be a place of empowerment, support, and growth for our Deaf community. Together, with our dedicated team and all of you, we will work towards expanding our programs, enhancing accessibility, and fostering an inclusive environment where everyone's voice is heard and valued. Please feel free to drop by or join one of our groups. Stay warm. 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 mission. Your donation assists us in our work to support individuals and groups through pastoral care programs, group programs and tailored support. Thank you!   Father Wayne’s Reflection. A Heart for others. One of the greatest things we could ask for from God is to receive the gift of wisdom. King Solomon from the Old Testament in the Bible had a dream where God asks him what he would like, anything without condition or limit. Solomon could have asked for anything he wanted yet he asks for the wisdom to rule his people. God gave him what he wanted because of his request on how best to help others. Not only does he end up helping others he helps himself also. Gifts are like treasures that we receive and that we use and hold dear. God was very pleased with Solomon because he didn’t ask for something for self, at least not primarily for self. If we are not careful we can become hard-hearted and self-centred. God loves us and wants to give us what we need and desire but he gives us the free will to accept or not. God’s ultimate treasure for us is that we are in heaven where he is and where those who have gone before us. We would think that most if not all people would want that and yet some people behave in such a way that they refuse what God is offering. Who are we like? Are we those who accept the treasure and work hard to attain or those who act in a contrary way? Like Solomon when God calls us and asks us what we want that we too might ask for wisdom that we will love and serve God and each other and thus inheriting the treasure.    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 the 21st of May. Great to hear about the continued work of JPC and that the community are still strongly engaged with the centre. Group activities are busy We welcomed guest speaker Marnie Kerridge. Marnie is a teacher at the Victorian College of the Deaf. She presented about the importance of Deaf schools for the community and the impact of mainstreaming individual Deaf children. Having centralized education means Deaf children have access to rich Auslan language, Deaf history and culture and an increased sense of wellbeing. JPC and VCD partnered in a trial of an intergenerational program where some of our JPC senior Deaf members went to VCD to spend time with young children. In 2023 we are now continuing with the program to support Deaf teenagers by providing senior role models at the school.   Centre Update The roof of the John Pierce Centre has recently been upgraded due to an ongoing issue of water leaks. The roof was replaced and the guttering system was upgraded to be more suitable to the heavy rain incidents. Due to the upgrade the old cross on top of the church needed to be removed but a lovely new cross has now been put up and the building is looking great. Best of all, there are no more leaks through the roof into the hall. Thank you to the Catholic Archdiocese of Melbourne (CAM) for coordinating the works and thank you to the community for your patience and accepting the necessary changes to group gatherings so that the workers could access the centre safely. All activities have now returned to normal.   Farewell to Carmel Phillips Dear friends This message is giving me an opportunity to say my farewell to you all. As you are aware, I was diagnosed with an illness, which was a massive shock for me, my family, and friends also JPC staff. My 3 ˝ years experience as the Executive Manager was a challenging and enjoyable time for me. Navigating a most difficult time with Covid lockdowns. It was definitely the toughest for us Melbournians who went through the world’s longest lockdowns! Thankfully the JPC staff did a superb job in maintaining contact with the wider deaf community during the lockdowns, especially those who were isolated. We learned a lot and adjusted our methods into the digital world of online catch ups, FaceTime, SMS and so on. It was a delight seeing the community return to JPC after the rollercoaster of lockdowns and seeing their happy faces back in the centre and face to face reconnection gave back a sense of normalcy. I really enjoyed the Intergenerational program established in partnership with the Victorian College of the Deaf. It has continued this year and I was disappointed that I have missed out last term as I think that it is a highly valuable program where elders in the Deaf community work with Deaf youth to provide role modelling and intergenerational connections to the community. I am hoping to join the program again during 4th Term or sometime in the future! Learning to work with and liaising with a Board of Directors was also a challenge for me, especially with the Chair of the Board who was also new into his role. Thank you to Trevor for your support and collaboration during my time at JPC. Lastly, I thank all of you, my community, for your support during my time as Executive Manager and especially with my illness. I can now share that I’m doing quite well and have responded well to the treatments that I have endured over the last five months. I am now able to relax and enjoy my leisure time ?? I certainly will not disappear from JPC’s radar! I will visit you all at the centre when I can. Thanks once again. Carmel  The board and staff of the John Pierce Centre would like to say thankyou to Carmel for her work and commitment to the John Pierce Centre from 2020 to 2023. We hope that Carmel is able to enjoy her retirement in good health with her family, friends and community.   Did you know?.... The ABC news at 5pm every Sunday provides an Auslan interpreter. You can watch it on Channel 24 or online at iview   Interpreting for over 65’s Access to free interpreting services for over 65’s who do not have NDIS funding has changed to 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 please contact Deaf Connect, or ask one of the JPC staff for assistance.   Tobin Brothers Grant Thank you to Tobin Brothers for providing a grant to purchase a defibrillator for the John Pierce Centre. Debifrillators are an important piece of equipment in first aid, especially for heart conditions. The staff completed their first aid refresher course recently as well as learning how to use the defibrillator machine if it is needed.   The John Pierce Centre is excited to announce that it has recently received the following small grants:   CCI Giving – grant to continue our work in addressing Elder Abuse in the Deaf community. In partnership with Seniors Rights Victoria, we will host a series of 4 discussion groups covering topics around Elder Abuse – providing a safe space for Deaf community members to share their experiences, learn from others and seek support as needed. These sessions will commence from October 2023 to May 2024. Keep an eye on our website and social media to learn how you can register to attend these sessions.   Felton Bequest (managed by Equity Trustees) – grant to pilot the delivery of regular strength/balance-based exercise classes at the John Pierce Centre for less active older Deaf community members. This falls prevention initiative will encourage older Deaf people to remain active longer. We hope to commence this pilot in Sept/ October 2023. Stay tuned to our social media and website to register your interest in attending these sessions.   Advertise your business We know that many people want to support the Deaf economy by using Deaf trades and professionals for jobs they need doing. We want our newsletter to be the place that Deaf people can find the Deaf plumber or Deaf counsellor or Deaf builder that they need! If you have a business please send us the details so that we can collect and share them with the community.     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 Signee tots 10 September 8 October 12 November 3 December—Christmas breakup        Deaf Art & Craft   25 August 1 September 8 September 15 September 6 October 13 October 20 October 27 October 3 November 10 November 17 November 24 November 1 December 8 December-Christmas breakup   Signee tots Hello there, Signee Tots’ families and friends,   August has come and almost gone already, and with it, my final session facilitating Signee Tots’ playgroup. It has been an interesting and challenging experience, and I am most grateful to Carmel Phillips for having given me the opportunity to step into this space. Tuesday sessions fortnightly turned into a Sunday on a monthly basis, and this has been a profoundly successful change—one I am so glad has benefited the families. I am most grateful to Rachel McNamara, our Signee Tots volunteer; without her I am confident Signee tots would not have functioned quite so well as it did. I am also very grateful to the families and friends who came to Signee Tots; thank you for coming and participating in playgroup. I wish Signee Tots playgroup all the very best and may it continue to do what it does best: play on!   Kind Regards Catherine     If you want to join Signee Tots or want more information please email signeetots@jpc.org.au   Deaf Art and Craft Term 3 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. 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   Ladies’ Get Together 23 August—Outing 6 September—JPC 4 October—Outing 18 October—JPC 1 November –Outing 15 November—JPC 6 December—Christmas breakup Deaf Mens Group 6 September– Outing 27 September– Mental Health information session at JPC     Pankina 4 September—Bingo. Fathers Day raffle 18 September—Cards /Lucky numbers. AFL Grand final 2 October—Bingo 16 October—Cards/ numbers 30 October—Bingo. Melbourne Cup sweep 13 November—Cards / numbers 27 November—Christmas Outing 11 December—Christmas break up. Raffle   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   Deaf Mens Group The Deaf Men’s group is up and running again with support from the JPC staff as well as seminarian Tuong (Jude). All men are welcome to come to the group which will have a mix of outings and gatherings at JPC. The group are making plans for the remaining year and next year so if you are interested in joining please contact Katrina for more information. The plan is to meet on Wednesdays but the day may be flexible to offer different people the opportunity to attend.   Pankina The Pankina group meets each fortnight on a Monday from 10am-2pm. 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.       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.   Calendar for Masses: Sunday 20th August Ephpheta Sunday Mass 11am at JPC and livestreamed on www.facebook.com.au/JohnPierceCentre Sunday 17th September JPC 3rd Sunday Mass 11am at JPc and livestreamed Sunday 15th October JPC 3rd Sunday Mass 11am at JPC and livestreamed Sunday 19th November Memorial Mass 11am at JPC and livestreamed Sunday 10th 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.   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.   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 $10. Please ask at the office or email us for more information admin@jpc.org.au   Mass with Fr Mike Depcik Fr Mike is a Deaf priest from America and he recently visited us at JPC. Fr Mike lead our Mass service at JPC on Sunday 23rd July. It was lovely to have a Deaf lead Mass service. After the Mass we shared a delicious lunch together. Thank you to everyone who brought a plate to share. After lunch we had time to sit with Fr Mike where he shared his experiences of becoming a priest and the challenges and benefits of being a Deaf priest. Fr Mike also talked about his time in Australia as an exchange student. A time he remembers fondly and reflected on the impact that his Australian parent/carers had during his stay and their guidance with his faith. It was a lovely day for all.   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 Geoff Wise—brother of David Wise and brother in law of Kathy Wise—21st May Simon Compton—brother of Celia Compton—21st June Elaine Leiner—10th August John McRae—14th August         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.   Thank you The John Pierce Centre would like to thank Maureen Brown and the Brown family for their generous bequest. Maureen had a deep connection to the John Pierce Centre, working here as well as volunteering and attending events and activities. She is truly missed and cherished by all of the Deaf Community and her legacy lives on through her bequest which supports the ongoing work of JPC.          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.             Your contribution: Help us to support Deaf people and their families throughout VIC by making a tax deductable donation today.   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… CCI Giving; Felton Bequest; Victoria Law Foundation Ephpheta Foundation Grant Gorman Foundation Grant Deaf Community gathering Moe St Kieran’s church Corner Lloyd Street and Wirraway Street Sunday 29th October signed Mass at 11am Lunch at Turfside Bistro at 12:30pm All Welcome RSVP 15th October Sr Janette 0422 273 261 Katrina 0400 660 601 JPC Christmas Rally 2023 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 10th December 2023 at 11am   Where: John Pierce Centre, 25 High Street Prahran   Cost: $40 per adult / $20 per child / $85 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 Spring!   May the sunlight and the rain be reminders that You are at work renewing the earth. As a God of renewal, You are ever at work in our lives, too. Open our eyes and lives to the needed changes in our lives this Spring. Awaken us to new life and perspective. Amen