The Catholic Weekly

Sydney
29 June 2003

‘Unethical’ to kill an embryo

Roll on, Cologne

And they’re racing ... to help Vinnies

‘Renewal of my faith’

Seminar ‘rekindles Bible fire’

Year 9 - May the force be with you

‘Appoint acting judges’ to solve visa backlog

Charity race day

Society needs to ‘share pain of others’

Bombs found at Mass site

Movement seeks inquiry on Iraqi conflict

Cambridge choir in Sydney visit

China visitors

The Catholic Weekly- Spiritual tension

Letters

Moral values ‘a major role’ for the Church

Challenge to your neighbourhood?

Jesus Christ, the ultimate healer

Parents’ acts inspired Sr Huyen

Religion, art ‘a very powerful mix’

Classic rite controversial, but ‘a jewel’

Real feelings of life and faith

Bishop Peter Ingham’s message

Clergy-principals’ conference day

Students share justice issues

New team looks at needs

New director of vocations

Vocation Awareness Diocesan Poster Competition

Diocesan catechists train

Gothic paradise - the legacy of Pugin

‘Renewal of my faith’

By Damir Govorcin

Carmel Taffa (pictured, right) says belonging to the Emmanuel Community has
helped nurture her Catholic faith.

It has “given me a complete renewal of my faith”, she says.

“It has also enhanced my parish and community work.

“I have come to understand the Church more, and it’s like a big brother or
sister guiding me on my journey.”

Pierre Gousat founded the Emmanuel Community in Paris in 1972 as a place for
people to meet regularly to praise and worship God, utilising the charismatic gifts, vibrant song and riches of the Catholic tradition.

Within a year, 500 people had joined in the prayer group to develop their personal and communal relationship with God, through prayer, reflection on the scriptures, celebration of the sacraments, retreats, intercession and adoration.

Before she joined the Catholic Chaplaincy team at Sydney University this year, Carmel worked in Rome and Paris for the community.

She ran a restaurant in a red light district in Paris, being in charge of more than 200 volunteers.
A priest was on hand not only to serve customers, but to talk about faith and other life matters.
There was a chapel on the premises, providing a sanctuary in a seedy part of town.

Carmel says the restaurant proved a real eye-opener.

“The clientele consisted of transvestites, prostitutes and pimps, but I tried to create a place of self-worth and dignity, where no one would judge them,” she says.

“People seemed to feel at home and the restaurant had a warmth and vibrancy to it.”

The Emmanuel Community has more than 8000 members in 57 countries, including Australia, France, Italy, Canada and the US.

The Emmanuel Comm-unity exists to be a living announcement and proclamation that “God is with us”.

Members are called to make a response to the three charisms - adoration, compassion and evangelisation.

For the past three years, the Sydney members have been responsible for the liturgy and music at the 6pm Sunday Mass at St Mary’s Cathedral.