May 2001 Volume 82 Number 5 "serving the protectors"
Celebrations
By Ian Dempsey, AO - Reverend Monsignor

The deadline for this months piece was Holy Week, which brought to mind the Christian celebrations at that time of the year, and the national celebration of Anzac Day later in April. Having had 20-odd years as a navy chaplain, I was recalling the different places I had been and experiences I had had as I celebrated these occasions.

Easter in the bush, south of Perth, with a group of navy junior recruits was memorable. We had celebrations adapted to the canopy of gum trees and bush, a setting that gave a different insight into Gods presence and gifts. Anzac Day with American, New Zealand and Australian navy personnel in the war cemetery of Pearl Harbour was a very moving occasion.

In a world that is turning into more of a global village, we are becoming more aware of the many cultures and faith practices that exist throughout the planet. For Christians, the celebrations of Holy Week and Easter are a highlight of our Christian calendar. We are reminded of the overwhelming love of our God and the gift of the faith we have received. While having total respect for others peoples faith, we need not apologize for our own beliefs, commitment and celebrations.

It is a shame that the commercial empire has hijacked most of our feasts I am still trying to get used to Holy Saturday being called Easter Saturday! On the radio network that should know better I even heard Good Friday being called Easter Friday!

Anzac Day has become a day of remembrance for all Australians, whatever their faith calling. It is encouraging to see the enthusiasm and spirit of the younger generation recalling its history and the values for which many fought with great sacrifice. It is an occasion to call to mind those important spiritual values like loyalty, valour, freedom, justice and mateship. These can only be learnt from example, recalling the past and through living such values ourselves.

We all have our own personal experiences and memories of Easter and Anzac Day celebrations. But it is how we respond and live our lives which will help to strengthen our family, church and community responsibilities. The way we live and respond will also continue to build the spiritual values that are so needed in our materialistic, commercialized society.

As well as the good memories, all of us have painful memories. Some bring remorse, but our Christian faith is built on hope in a loving and forgiving God. As we celebrate Easter and Anzac Day, we pray for a year of hope, a strengthening of family ties and a growth in spiritual values.

SA Police Chaplains

Welfare Section 58	David Marr	8364 3567
	Senior Police Chaplain.
Academy 8	Brenton Daulby	8272 8324
Adelaide: Angas Street 158	Bruce Grindlay	8295 2220
Adelaide: Hindley Street 62	Bruce Grindlay	8295 2220
Adelaide Hills Division 54	Adrian Stephens	8398 2510
		Office: 8398 2517
Ceduna 214	Sybil Peacock	8625 3505
Christies Beach 20	Peter Coote	8381 3039
		0412 818 995
Clare 202	Michael Dutschke	8842 3681
Communications 172	David Hand	8376 5612
Elizabeth 52	Vacant
Far North 210	John Folkman	8672 5011
Firearms/Records	Dianna Bartlett	8337 8552
Gawler 52	Brian Tscharke	8522 2288
Glenelg 22	Malcolm Thomas	8377 0772
Henley Beach 18	Vacant
Holden Hill 44	Rod Dyson	8365 1170
Kadina 71	Vacant
Kingston 208
Mount Gambier 208	Brian Ashworth	(w) 8723 1353
		(h) 8725 2537
Murray Bridge 200	Malcolm Bottrill	8532 5536
Naracoorte 208	Bruce Cliff	8737 2457
		0417 811 702
Norwood 60	Lynton Wade	8362 2227
		0418 831 703
Nuriootpa 204	Andy Kowald	8562 1011
Port Adelaide 6	Jeff Oake	8341 5930
Port Pirie 206	Steve Ardill	8632 3977
Prosecution Services 176	Vacant
Port Augusta PS 210	Mark Thomas	8642 2487
		0401 671 850
Port Lincoln 214	Vacant
Riverland 212	Robin Zadow	8588 1540
Salisbury 53	Vacant
South East	Terry Natt	8571 1114
Sturt 12	Chris Beal	8278 9578
Tea Tree Gully 48	Bob George	8395 9363
Thebarton Barracks 32	Joe Grealy	8338 3225
Transit Division	Wayne Shepherd	8443 4895
Whyalla 218	Tony Redden	8649 3593

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