John Pierce Centre Spirit of the Deaf Community Newsletter April 2025 “He is Risen” Celebrate the Resurrection John 11:25-26 – Jesus said, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die.”   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 Tamara Dwyer Katrina Mynard Kim Kavanagh Teresa Paulet Diane Backholer Executive Manager Sophie Duncan Chairperson JPC Board Trevor Hughes Board Members Dean Sinclair (Treasurer) Br Shane Wood (Minutes) Evelyne Albrecht Roshan Abraham Gemma Cameron Next Newsletter Deadline JUNE 2025   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 Pikistuperstar on Freepik Image by starline on Freepik Image by sergey_kandakov on Freepik   From JPC Executive Manager: Welcome Back Everyone! It’s been wonderful to see so many familiar faces returning as we kick off another exciting year at JPC. We’re thrilled to announce that JPC is launching a Cyber Security Awareness Program that will run for the next three years. This program aims to equip our community with essential knowledge and tools to stay safe online. Keep an eye out for upcoming workshops and resources — we’re excited to empower everyone with the skills to navigate the digital world confidently. A big welcome and thank you to Olivia Beasley, who has joined us as a new volunteer for Signee Tots! Signee Tots continues to be a cherished space for families, and Olivia’s support alongside Ashleigh will make it even more special. Sessions will continue on the first (or sometimes second) Sunday of each month — Check Facebook/WhatsApp for dates, we hope to see you there! Our community groups are all back in full swing, including the Men’s Group, Art Class, Women’s Group, and Pankina. Be sure to check our website/Facebook pages for dates and details on upcoming workshops and events. We look forward to a year filled with connection, growth, and exciting new opportunities. Thank you for being part of the JPC family! 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 45 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, Jesus Christ Our Saviour The season of Lent has been a time of preparation. An opportunity for us to walk with Jesus to his crucifixion and resurrection. It has been a time to reflect on and acknowledge our sin, while experiencing the mercy of God through Jesus His Son, our kin.A time of prayer, fasting and helping the needy in practical ways. For the wrong we have done and an empathy for Jesus, Son of God who suffered for our sinfulness, saving us from alienation with God, as strays. How have we acted in this season? Have we done so faithfully, respectfully and with reason? At Jesus’ Last Supper not only did he institute the Eucharist, He also washed the feet of his disciples so they too would do the same for others and to them, enlist. Fed by his own precious flesh and blood We too are called to service, feet washers of and to others, humanity, a flood Jesus gave his life for all. That we might change our sinful ways, repent, stand tall The death of Jesus on the cross was not final and will never be. Three days later he rose from the dead to glory for all to see. To all involved with John Pierce Centre (JPC), to family and friends a happy and holy Easter. Christ has risen from the dead, Alleluia, Alleluia!   With my Prayers and Love Yours in Christ Fr Wayne Edwards Chaplain to the Deaf     From Kim Kavanagh Hello everyone. Now two months have gone by since I started working at JPC as part time Pastoral Carer (Mondays and Tuesdays). In those two months, I got to see how JPC supports their communities in different ways: different social groups, workshops, funerals, coffee with a cop session(s), and liaising with different service providers to support existing and new clients. Meeting new clients who “fell through the cracks” is unique because they were not connected with any deaf aware individuals or service providers, and these new clients are usually in their middle to late years. The delight they show in meeting Katrina and myself is a privilege to see because I know they are a step closer to being part of a similar community and going through new experiences rather than being left alone. The team I work with (Diane, Gail, Janette, Katrina, Sophie, Tamara, and Teresa) have been supportive so a big thank you for that. To the JPC community, clients, and individuals, thank you so much for making me feel welcome. You are all awesome. Here’s wishing you a wonderful Easter. Celebrate the true spirit of Easter.   John Pierce Centre Annual General Meeting   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 18th May 2025 Mass at 11am, AGM at 1pm We will be hosting the launch of our new Auslan catholic scripture videos on the JPC website. Lunch will be provided. Please send your RSVP via email to admin@jpc.org.au for catering purposes by Monday 5th May.     Cyber Safety with Victoria Police Thanks to everyone that came along for a sit down with Victoria Police to discuss community issues for Deaf people around cyber and general safety. It was a great day for the community to talk to the police about the additional challenges faced by the Deaf community in scams and online safety. Thank you to the Community Grants Hub of the Australian Government for supporting this event. Thank you to Victoria Police for their information and tips around scams and cyber safety.   NEW Auslan Scripture Videos  Over the past months the staff at JPC have been working on increasing our Auslan Library on our website. So along with our vocabulary library, we now have a section of religious prayers and scripture that can help Deaf people to more fully understand and participate in Mass. This resource is also good for teachers and interpreters who work in catholic contexts. We hope you enjoy the addition to the library. Thank you to Teachers as Co Learners—Catholic Education, Languages for partnering with JPC to develop these videos and thanks to Auslan Consultancy for filming and producing the videos. JPC will launch the new videos at the AGM on 18th May and from then you will be able to access the resources on our website. Check it out in May at www.jpc.org.au/jpc-library   Cyber Safety with ANZ Thank you to ANZ Bank who attended the centre to provide a workshop about online scams and banking safety. Lots of tips and advice about spotting fake messages from the bank and what to do about it. Navigating the online world can be very challenging, especially when English is not your first language. Keeping yourself safe online is vital! JPC are providing regular workshops over the coming months to support the knowledge and understanding of the Deaf community around cyber safety topics.   Prayer for Strength to Move on Dear Lord Thank you for my life today I ask for your strength in this difficult time. I have thoughts of giving up every day. This situation is causing me so much pain. I pray that you heal my broken heart and strengthen me. Help me to feel good even though the situation is hard. Let your words of strength be on my mind and my hands each day. Wipe away my tears and make me laugh again. Grant me the strength to move on and heal this pain in my heart. Amen The Graceful Chapter   Idol Talk? In the Image of the Disabled God Disability, the Imago Dei and Practical Consequences Join us for a discussion taking up the Synod on Synodality’s recent invitation to deeper theological reflection on disability, human dignity and the Incarnation. Details: Date: 22 May-23 May 2025 Location: ACU Melbourne Campus Auslan Interpreters will be provided for all sessions If you would like to attend the conference please register on the link below. If you can not afford the registration but would really like to attend please contact the orgnanisers for support https://www.acu.edu.au/about-acu/events/2025/may/idol-talk   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 or second Sunday Hello! Signee Tots playgroup is being run by our fabulous volunteers Ashleigh and Olivia this year. We are thrilled to have them coordinating the group and hosting some fabulous family catchups and playgroup activities for the children. The next Signee Tots sessions will be: Sunday 4th May Sunday 1st June Sunday 6th July Sunday 3rd 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 so if you wish to join so that you can receive up to date information about Signee Tots please contact us.   Deaf Arts and Crafts 2025 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. Contact Diane Backholer for more information d.backholer@jpc.org.au 0409 175 538  Every Friday During the school term only. 10am- 2pm Term 2: 2nd May-4th July Term 3: 25th July-19th September     Ladies Get Together The Ladies have been having lovely catch ups and outings so far this year. They recently went for a day trip top Warragul to Frankie’s Cafe. 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.  Ladies Get Together meets fortnightly on Wednesdays 7th May 2nd July 21st May 16th July 4th June 30th July 18th June 13th August Contact Diane Backholer for more information d.backholer@jpc.org.au 0409 175 538   Pankina The Pankina Group. Pankina is a group for seniors and anyone who has free time. It is a casual 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 28th April -cards Monday 12th May -bingo Monday 26th May -AGM Monday 23rd June –bingo Monday 7th July -cards Monday 21st July -bingo Monday 4th August –cards Monday 18th August -bingo Monday 1st September -cards   Men’s Group Mens’ Group meets every third Wednesday of the month. 14th May—Jewish Museum, St Kilda 18th June—MCG Tour with Ladies Group 16th July—Greek Museum, Hellenic, city 13th august—High Tea lunch, Armadale   Remember!! For information on any community activities, please contact Katrina: For information on any community activities, please contact Katrina: SMS: 0400 660 601 / E: k.mynard@jpc.org.au SMS: 0400 660 601 / E: k.mynard@jpc.org.au   2025 Exercise in Auslan 6th March 2025 10am-12pm At John Pierce Centre Each session is $5 Morning tea provided All ablites and fitness level welcome! Contact: Tamara for more information admin@jpc.org.au Deaf Connect feedback about Auslan 90 Do you know about the Auslan90 Program? Do you watch the updates? Do you have feedback about how you access the information or what kind of information is posted? Please join Deaf Connect at JPC on Monday 12th May from 12pm onwards for some lunch and an opportunity to talk with the team about Auslan90.   You’re invited to our Palliative Care Information Workshop 30th April 10am JPC 25-35 High Street, Prahran Contac Katrina for more information k.mynard@jpc.org.au or SMS 0400660601 Cyber Safety Workshop Series JPC received a small grant to provide a series of workshops aimed at supporting the community in their understanding of Cyber Safety. We are providing a range of topics in these workshops to grow the community knowledge of risks and supports for cyber safety. Thank you to the Community Grants Hub of the Australian Government for recognising the importance of providing this information to the Deaf Community in Auslan.   Child Safet is Everyone’s Responsibility Wednesday 7th May 10:30am-12:30pm At JPC, Prahran Come and learn about how to keep kids safe online Lunch Provided Artificial Intelligence The Future is Here! Wednesday 25th June 10:30am-12:30pm At JPC, Prahran Lunch Provided Artificial Intelligence is an amazing technology. But it can be used to scam and trick the community. Come and learn about Artificial Intelligence and how to know what is real and what is fake! Community and Pastoral Rest in Peace Br Reg Shepherd (teacher at St Gabriel’s) 13 January 2025 Charles Molyneux (brother of Elizabeth Black and uncle to Claire and Paul) 10 February 2025           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.   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 St Patrick’s Cathedral St Patrick’s Cathedral provides 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.   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 Deaf Connect South East Water 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 Farewell to Charles Molyneux Charles Molyneux was born a few months after WW2 started in Southport, England. At the age of 2.5 he was sent to deaf boarding school, still in nappies. Luckily for him he had an older sister, Elizabeth Black, to travel with him. Though at school the boys were separated from the girls most of the times. Charles made lifelong friends at school and regularly went back to England for school reunions. Some of his school mates even ended up in Australia including Michael Andersson. After he left school, he worked in various locations in London. He started out working as a tailor in London then took up various other jobs closer to the family home in Essex. He rode about on his Vespa. He enjoyed travelling around the UK watching country cricket. He enjoyed playing soccer for the deaf English soccer team across Europe.   Charles’ sister, Elizabeth, decided to move to Australia in the late 1960s. It was whilst Charles was holidaying in Switzerland in 1971 when the hotel staff approached him with a telegram announcing the birth of his niece Claire. It wasn’t too much longer after that he decided to move to Australia as well. He worked in various jobs, the last being with Regency Shower screens in Clayton. He spent many years in Windsor and had a very regular routine on Saturdays placing bets at the TAB on his way to the laundromat and then spending the afternoon at the pub watching football. He was also a regular at Jolimont deaf club Charles missed England but made many trips back to England to see his parents, family and friends. Charles was also fond of maps. He had a book of maps of England. He was very fond of road and transport maps. His favourite website was google maps. It wasn’t unusual for him to give detailed directions that involved passing multiple pubs—his favourite landmarks, of course Charles didn’t like being told what to do, which may have caused a few problems with his mother in the early days. He was solo and independent for almost his entire life. He seemed to make friends where-ever he went. He knew many British people in the pubs in Prahran. Made mates in the pub at Clayton. He was a gentle, fun-loving, always looking ways to make people smile. He rarely sad a bad thing about other people, except if they didn’t follow his favourite football team, West Ham. Charles spent many years attending JPC. He was well loved in the Deaf community and it was lovely that he most recently was able to attend the JPC Christmas Rally in December. Charles health declined and he passed on 10th February. He will be greatly missed by the Deaf community and his friends.      Story of Impact—Philip Tucker Phil Tucker started attending JPC in 2021 when groups were allowed to return after Covid-19. Phil started with the Pankina group and was happy to lend a hand with activities and things happening in the centre. In 2022 he joined the Pankina committee as a volunteer and later became the Vice President and then Treasurer.  “I love helping out at JPC. Everyone here is Deaf and we enjoy the shared space and life.” Even though Phil lives quite a distance from the centre, he travels in regularly to attend activities. Phil also assisted with the re establishment of the Deaf Men’s Group who catch up monthly for different activities in the centre or on outings around the city. On top of all this Phil also loves being a part of other Deaf groups like the Deaf Darts Club, Glendonald Casey Deaf Club, and previously the Deaf Fishing Club. What a busy life! “Being active and busy makes me happy. I have a sense of pride that I am contributing to the Deaf community.”   Mass Services at JPC Sunday 4th May – St Patrick’s Cathedral 11am at St Patrick’s Cathedral, East Melbourne and Channel 31 (4) Sunday 18th May JPC Mass & AGM 11am at JPC Sunday 1st June- St Patrick’s Cathedral 11am at St Patrick’s Cathedral & Channel 31 (44) Sunday 15th June - JPC 11am at JPC Sunday 6th July - St Patrick’s Cathedral 11am at St Patrick’s Cathedral & Channel 31 (44) Sunday 20th July – JPC 11am at JPC Sunday 3rd August - St Patrick’s Cathedral 11am at St Patrick’s Cathedral & Channel 31 (44) Sunday 17th August - JPC Ephpheta Sunday 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 - THURS: 9:30am-3:30pm Other days by appointment. Please make contact via email at admin@jpc.org.au   Happy Easter