Friday, September 28, 2012

Paul's Reflections 371 : Police Remembrance Day 2012 St Mary's Church 10am

We had the honour of hosting National Police Remembrance Day for the local community here in  St Mary’s Catholic Church, Maryborough this year at a ten am ecumenical ceremony.

The service and the homily I gave are printed below.  It is a long file, so please be aware if trying to print out.

NATIONAL POLICE REMEMBRANCE DAY
ORDER OF SERVICE
28th SEPTEMBER 2012
10:00AM
ST MARY’S CATHOLIC CHURCH
269 Adelaide Street,
MARYBOROUGH

The procession

(Congregation to stand for the procession)

Piper plays


Clergy enter

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Flag party pageant


œ

(Please remain standing for The National Anthem)


The National Anthem

Australians all let us rejoice
For we are young and free,
We've golden soil and wealth for toil;
Our home is girt by sea.
Our land abounds in nature's gifts
of beauty rich and rare.
In history's page, let every stage
Advance Australia Fair.
In joyful strains then let us sing
Advance Australia Fair.

(Remain standing please)

œ

Church welcome
Police Chaplain Father Paul Kelly

The Lord be with you

All respond: And also with you
(All be seated please)
Welcome to all Police and Police staff and your families, and Members of the retired Police associations, Members of Parliament both State and Federal, Fraser Coast Regional Council Mayor O’Connell, and council members.  Representatives from the Returned Services League sub-branches, Emergency Services groups, fellow religious pastors and representatives from their church communities, school and community groups. And a special and heartfelt welcome and prayers for all Family and friends of Police officers who gone to their eternal rest. Our thoughts are especially with you today.
Welcome to everyone

Opening prayer

Police Chaplain Father Paul Kelly

(Let us pray: 
Almighty God, we acknowledge that you are the giver of all life, and Lord of all that exists. We meet today in your name to remember those men and women who have served in the police services throughout Australia and the South West Pacific Region, and whose lives have been lived and lost in the effort to bring peace, security and justice into society. We pray that in the heart of a grateful people their memory will never fade and that their examples will continue to inspire the cause of selfless goodwill among all people. We make this prayer through Christ our Lord. Amen. )


Commissioner’s Message

Mr Bruce McNab
Acting Superintendent of Maryborough Police District
Police Commissioner Atkinson highlighted the inherent risks faced by police officers everyday as they provide for the safety and security of Queensland and acknowledged the tireless work of all QPS members, taking into account the diversity of Queensland.
“Our thoughts are with the families, friends and colleagues of those officers who have made the ultimate sacrifice, as we honour their memories on National Police Remembrance Day,” Commissioner Atkinson said.
“At the beginning of each shift, every officer faces uncertainty as to what may occur. The QPS operates 24 hours-a-day, 365 days-a-year; and we have at least 15,000 interactions with the public every day.
“No matter how experienced, skilled, equipped, or courageous an officer may be, at times fate and circumstances will conspire resulting in the serious injury or tragic death of an officer,” Commissioner Atkinson said.
“During tragic times that we have faced as a Service, we have seen, and are very grateful for the great support of the Queensland community,” he said.
Commissioner Atkinson acknowledged the loss this year to the Rixon family and New South Wales Police Force of the death of Senior Constable David Rixon, 40 years. He was fatally shot on 2 March in Tamworth, NSW.
2012 also holds great significance for the QPS, with the 25th anniversaries of Senior Constable Peter Graham John Kidd’s death in July 1987, Senior Constable Ashley Anderson in June 1987, the 50th anniversary of Constable Douglas Wrembeck in August 1962 and the 50th anniversary of Constable Gregory Olive in February 1962.

+++++
{Additional information:
(fiftieth anniversary: Constable G.J. Olive 1962;  Constable D.W. Wrembeck 1962.
Twenty-fifth anniversary:  Senior Constable A.P. Anderson 1987;  Senior Constable P.G.J. Kidd 1987; Senior Constable P.A. Wegner     1987)}
+++++++

œ

Prayer of Confession

Police Chaplain Rev Brian Hoole

Chaplain:          Let us confess our sins to almighty God.

All respond:     Lord God, we thank you for your mercy which reaches out to touch us, and for your love that is ever ready to forgive us. We confidently ask for forgiveness for those things that are wrong in our society, and for those things that have distracted us from the duties which are ours. Father forgive and strengthen us to do your will, through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Chaplain:          The gospel by which we seek to live, states clearly that nothing can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.  On the authority of this gospel I declare to all who truly repent: In Jesus you are forgiven!  For which we give glory to the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, for ever and ever. 

All:                      Amen.

Hymn

Amazing Grace!
John Newton 1725-1807   Public Domain
Amazing Grace! how sweet the sound,
That saved a wretch like me!
I once was lost, but now am found,
was blind, but now I see.


‘Twas grace that taught my heart to fear,
and grace my fears relieved;
How precious did that grace appear,
the hour I first believed!

Through many dangers toils and snares, I have already come;
‘tis grace has brought me safe thus far, and grace will lead me home.
  
When we’ve been there ten thousand years,
Bright shining as the sun,
We’ve no less days to sing God’s praise, than when we’d first begun.



(Please be seated)
Ministry of the Word

Acting Inspector Troy Pukallus
Acting Inspector Maryborough Police District

Psalm 139:7-12
Where can I go from your Spirit?
Where can I flee from your presence?
If I go up to the heavens you are there;
if I make my bed in the depths, you are there.
If I rise on the wings of the dawn,
if I settle in the far side of the sea,
even there your hand will guide me,
your right hand will hold me fast.
If I say “Surely the darkness will hide me
and the light will become night around me,”
even then the darkness will not be dark to you;
the night will shine like the day,
for darkness is as light to you.
.


(Please stand)

Gospel Reading:  Police Chaplain Father Paul Kelly

Chaplain:          The Lord be with you.

All respond:     And also with you.

Chaplain:          A Reading from the Holy Gospel according to St. John Chapter 11:17,32-37.

On his arrival, Jesus found that Lazarus had already been in the tomb for four days.  When Mary reached the place where Jesus was and saw him, she fell at his feet and said, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.”  When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who had come along with her also weeping, he was deeply moved in spirit and troubled. “Where have you laid him?” he asked.  “Come and see, Lord.” they replied.  Jesus wept.  Then the Jews said, “See how he loved him.”  But some of them said, “Could not he who opened the eyes of the blind man have kept this man from dying?”

This is the word of the Lord.

All Respond:    Thanks be to God.

(please be seated)




SERMON
Police Chaplain Father Paul Kelly

In the silence, and with remembering hearts, we mark this special day.  The events that we commemorate today, bring up so many thoughts, prayers and memories, - many of them too deep for words.  So, I will not speak long today…  the moments of respectful silence and silent prayer in our hearts will speak more profoundly than anything today……   and the notes from the music of the piper and the our hymns and readings, express the values that gather us here today… 

As we pause today to remember the police who gave their lives in this state, and throughout Australia and Oceania,  we also spare a thought and prayer for police officers throughout the world who have died in the service of their community.    The list we will hear read out very soon, may our deepest and most heartfelt prayers, feelings and thanksgiving for their abiding memory and peace, reach God’s loving presence…

Their memory lives on…  and we believe that their souls live on in eternal life…   and 9as scripture says….)….”no greater love has a person than to lay down their life, for their friends”..  even more so, to sacrifice their life in the conduct of their duty to serve and protect..

The tragic loss of any police around the world, resonates with all police everywhere..  so, as we remember the officers of our local and regional memorial roll…. we also call to mind the recent deaths in England… of  Constable Nicola HUGHES aged 23 years and Constable Fiona BONE aged 32 years.  They were from the Manchester Police and were murdered around the 18th of September in a gun and grenade ambush at Tameside.  And whether it be the recent murder of New South Wales police officer Senior Constable David James Rixon in march this year, or further back in time. The enormity of the sacrifice is not dulled by the passing of time for any of the Police we remember today. Our gratefulness to them, our debt of honour to our fallen, and our thanks to all police who serve or have served in this difficult and challenging vocation, is absolute !
Jesus, is the Lord of the Resurrection, and yet, in the gospel that we just heard, he still wept for his friend Lazarus who had died, even though he knew the truth of eternal life…  because Jesus shares our losses and helps us carry our burdens.. and promises ultimate justice to all who call.  May this time of remembrance give fitting tribute to the memory of those who have gone into eternal life.  And may it give peace and renewal to us who remain, to continue to uphold the values which they kept so bravely.
  We will always remember them.



Prayers of Intercession

Police Chaplain Rev Brian Hoole

Chaplain:          O Lord our God, you hear our prayers before we speak and answer before we know our need.  May your Spirit now inspire us, and draw us to you and to each other.

All:                      Amen

Chaplain:          We pray for the whole of creation: may all things work together for good, and may all human beings act wisely and unselfishly in using the resources which you have provided.

All:                      Let the whole creation praise you, Lord our God

Chaplain:          We pray for peace in the world: Disarm weapons, silence guns, and put out ancient hatreds that smoulder still, or flame in sudden conflict.  Create goodwill between every race and nation.

All:                      Bring peace on earth, O God.

Chaplain:          We pray for those who govern us: for those who make and administer our laws.  May this country always be a land of free people who welcome truth, righteousness and justice..

All:                      Govern those who govern us, O God.

Chaplain:          We pray for those whose tears are not yet dry, who listen for familiar voices and look for familiar faces: in their loss, may they affirm all that you promise in Jesus, who prepares a place for us within your gracious love..

All:                      Comfort those who mourn, O God.

(Please Stand)

Chaplain:          Conscious that God hears our prayers, let us say together the prayer that Jesus taught us to pray:











The Lord’s Prayer

Our Father, who art in heaven,
hallowed be thy Name,
thy kingdom come,
thy will be done
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our trespasses
as we forgive those who trespass against us.
Lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
For Thine is the kingdom the power and the glory
Forever and ever.    

Amen.
œ
(Please be seated)

Act of Remembrance

The Honourable Mention of Queensland Police Staff and Officers

Mr Bruce McNab
Acting Superintendent of Maryborough Police District

The Queensland Police Service acknowledges the contribution of all staff members who have died since National Police Remembrance Day 2011.  In doing this we remember them and honour their diligent service.  The staff members we remember today are:

<![if !supportLists]>·  <![endif]>Deborah Eaton
<![if !supportLists]>·  <![endif]>Paul Colbran
<![if !supportLists]>·  <![endif]>Jason Geesu
<![if !supportLists]>·  <![endif]>Chaplain Ernest Lemmon

In silence we remember them.

(Observe 30 seconds of silence)

The Queensland Police Service acknowledges the years of service, commitment and integrity of Retired Police Officers.  Their dedicated service over many years has provided safety and justice for the Queensland community.

Together we remember and honour the contribution of retired police officers who have died in the past year.

In silence we remember them.  (Observe 30 seconds of silence)

The Queensland Police Service acknowledges the contribution of all serving police officers who have died since National Police Remembrance Day 2011 and whose deaths were not work related.  In doing this we remember them and honour the service, courage and integrity with which they served..

The officers we remember today are:

  • Senior Constable Michael Bryan
  • Sergeant Nigel McBain
  • Constable Helen Mitchell
  • Senior Constable Peter Frith;
  • Detective Sergeant Kathryn Dorge
  • Detective Sergeant Jeffrey Salter
  • Senior Constable Patrick Ring
<![if !supportLists]>·         <![endif]>Constable Timothy Lovelock


In silence we remember them.
(Observe 30 seconds of silence)

Reading of the Roll of Honour

Senior Sergeant Paul Behne
(Police officers light a candle at the beginning of the first name and then last name read out reminding us that after physical life there is eternal life.)

In the past 12 months since last National Police Remembrance Day there have been a total of five police officers, from across all Australian jurisdictions and jurisdictions of the South West Pacific Region, who were killed in the line of duty.  Joining with police officers and communities around our nation, we honour them. 

Roll of Honour 2012

New South Wales
Senior Constable David James Rixon
(Died on 2nd March 2012, after being fatally shot whilst conducting a traffic stop in Tamworth)

Tasmania
2 historical inclusions
Superintendent Joseph James McCluskey
(drowned in a boating accident on 25th November 1896)
Chief District Constable William Bennett
(died from a spear wound in the back on 24th October 1827)

Victoria
1 historical inclusion
First Constable James Norman Brewis
(Died instantly from traffic accident on 28th November 1954)


Papua New Guinea
First Constable Elmes Travertz
Senior Inspector Charles Parinjo
Sergeant John Negeripa
Constable Justine Wamahombi



Laying of floral tributes

Chaplain Father Paul Kelly
( we now come to the very special time for Laying of Floral tributes, in Remembrance.  I invite people and groups to come forward to lay the Floral tributes, as our piper plays a special tribute song)

(PIPER tribute song)

The Police Ode
Senior Sergeant Dan Willett Officer In Charge Hervey Bay Police

(Please Stand)

As the sun surely sets
dawn will see it arise
for service above self
demands its own prize.

You have fought the good fight
life’s race has been run
and peace your reward
for eternity begun.

And we that are left
shall never forget
rest in peace friend and colleague
for the sun has now set.

We will remember.

All:                      We will remember.  Hasten the dawn.

The Requiescant

Music to be played
The Silence

Snr Sgt Willett: They served with honour

All:                                          With honour they served



Reflection and Affirmation

A/Senior Sergeant Hayley Skyring Officer in Charge Maryborough Police

(All say together, please)

Today, we remember and acknowledge the sacrifice of those officers who committed their lives to the safety and security of others.

In recognition of those officers, we affirm our commitment and support to the principles of all those involved in law enforcement - to serve with honour, courage, compassion, integrity and honesty, in the quest to secure a safe environment for all our communities.

Police Chaplain: Rev Brian Hoole

(please stand)
An offering will be taken during this hymn
for the work of Police Legacy

Hymn

How Great Thou Art
Stuart K. Hine 1899-1989
1953, 1955 Manna Music, Inc.  International copyright secured.  All rights reserved.  Used by permission. Licen Sing No A1293 copyright cleared for churches

O Lord, my God! When I in awesome wonder
consider all the works Thy hands have made,
I see the stars, I hear the mighty thunder,
Thy pow’r throughout the universe displayed;
Refrain:
Then sings my soul, my Saviour God, to thee:
how great thou art! How great thou art!
Then sings my soul, my Saviour God, to thee:
how great thou art! How great thou art!
When through the woods and forest glades I wander
and hear the birds sing sweetly in the trees;
When I look down from lofty mountain grandeur
and hear the brook and feel the gentle breeze:
When Christ shall come with shout of acclamation
and take me home, what joy shall fill my heart!
Then I shall bow in humble adoration
and there proclaim, my God, how great Thou art!

(Please remain standing)


(You are invited to share in light refreshments following the service)

Blessing and Dismissal

Police Chaplain Father Paul Kelly

Go forth into the world in peace; be of good courage; hold fast that which is good; render to no one evil for evil; strengthen the faint hearted; support the weak; help the afflicted; give honour to all; love and serve the Lord; rejoicing in the power of the Holy Spirit; and the blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, be upon you and remain with you always.

All:                      Amen.
Recovery of flags

Recessional

(Clergy, piper, flag party, official guests)



Queensland Remembrance List

Name                                                                                     Year of death
Constable M. Connolly                                                                   1861
Constable P.W. Cahill                                                                    1867
Constable J.F. Power                                                                      1867
Constable A. Wood                                                                         1872
Sub-Inspector G. Dyas                                                                    1881
Sub-Inspector H.P. Kaye                                                                1881
Cadet Sub-Inspector M. Beresford                                               1883
Constable W. Dwyer                                                                       1883
Constable N. Roberts                                                                      1884
Constable J. McMullen                                                                   1884
Constable J. Stewart                                                                       1885
Senior Constable W. Considine                                                   1887
Constable T.J. Callaghan                                                              1888
Senior Constable A. Wavell                                                           1889
Constable W. Arundell                                                                   1890
Constable P.J. Curtin                                                                      1891
Constable W.J. Doyle                                                                     1891
Constable J. Sangster                                                                    1893
Constable E. Lanigan                                                                     1894
Constable T.M. Black                                                                      1895
Senior Constable W. Conroy                                                         1895
Constable W.G. Clarke                                                                   1895
Constable A. Lowe                                                                          1896
Constable J. Quinn                                                                         1896
Constable R. Roots                                                                         1897
Constable P. Cahill                                                                         1898
Constable J. Cullen                                                                                    1901
Constable G. Doyle                                                                         1902
Acting Sergeant D. Johnson                                                         1903
Constable C. O'Kearney                                                                 1904
Constable A.G. Price                                                                       1905
Constable R. Orme                                                                          1905
Constable J. Murtagh                                                                      1908
Constable P. Ryan                                                                          1908
Constable F. Hoge                                                                          1908
Sub-Inspector M. Broderick                                                            1909
Constable W.J. Mercer                                                                    1910
Constable P.J. McCabe                                                                  1913
Constable W. Murray                                                                      1913
Constable W. Quinlan                                                                    1914
Constable S. Tierney                                                                      1914
Constable P.J. Moynihan                                                               1915
Constable D.C. Bourke                                                                   1915
Constable W.J. Hughes                                                                 1915
Constable J. Johnston                                                                    1915
Constable R.N. Ritchie                                                                   1915
Constable J.W. Harris                                                                     1915
Constable P.C. Vowles                                                                   1915
Constable E. Nugent                                                                      1915
Constable J. Christiansen                                                             1915
Constable J. Thompson                                                                 1916
Constable T. Dedman                                                                     1916
Constable G. Dewhurst                                                                  1916
Constable W.E. Bishop                                                                  1916
Constable P. Mulvie                                                                                    1917
Constable A.J. Curvey                                                                    1917
Constable H. McLean                                                                     1917
Constable J. Graham                                                                      1917
Constable O.H. Goodrich                                                               1917
Constable P. Devine                                                                       1917
Constable J. Warfield                                                                      1918
Constable J. Fitzgerald                                                                   1918
Constable H. Wells                                                                          1918
Constable W.W. Dumbrell                                                              1918
Constable F.A. White                                                                      1918
Constable D. O'Donoghue                                                                        1918
Constable T. McGillycuddy                                                                        1918
Constable C.E. Castree                                                                  1918
Constable J. Herbert                                                                       1918
Constable D.J. Dodds                                                                     1918
Constable E.R. Pastorelli                                                               1918
Constable J.P. Taylor                                                                      1918
Constable T. Griffin                                                                         1921
Acting Sergeant W. O'Rourke                                                       1924
Constable R.S.R. Alexander                                                         1926
Constable A. Crust                                                                          1930
Constable E.J. Dawson                                                                  1931
Constable J. Herbert                                                                       1931
Constable R. Kyle                                                                            1933
Constable G.R. Young                                                                   1938
Constable D. Nicol                                                                          1947
Sergeant A. Neden                                                                          1947
Constable H.F. Bidner                                                                    1951
Constable J.R. Ward                                                                       1952
Constable M.J. Howard                                                                  1953
Constable R. Doyle                                                                         1956
Constable K.S. Mason                                                                    1956
Senior Constable D. Gregory                                                        1956
Constable B.G. Gabriel                                                                   1956
Constable L. Smith                                                                          1957
Constable A.R. Muir                                                                                    1958
Constable G.J. Olive                                                                       1962
Constable D.W. Wrembeck                                                            1962
Senior Constable C.R. Bagley                                                      1963
Senior Constable D. Trannore                                                      1964
Constable J. Reid                                                                            1966
Senior Constable C.M. Wilson                                                      1966
Senior Sergeant J. O'Hara                                                             1967
Constable D.G. Gordon                                                                  1968
Constable L.G. McCosh                                                                 1968
Sergeant S.C. Cupples                                                                   1968
Senior Constable D.R. Ney                                                           1968
Senior Constable C.W. Brown                                                      1969
Constable N.A. Steele                                                                    1969
Constable A.R. Cambage                                                              1969
Senior Constable R.P. Moore                                                        1970
Senior Constable J.Rynne                                                                        1971
Senior Constable G. Ball                                                                1972
Constable N.A. Green                                                                     1974
Sergeant R.J. Harris                                                                        1975
Senior Constable L.M. Hoey                                                          1975
Inspector J.M. Walsh                                                                       1977
Constable R.E. Seefeld                                                                  1977
Technical Officer J.P. Browning                                                   1979
Constable V.J. Hennelly                                                                1980
Constable T.R. Thompson                                                             1981
Constable R.A. Wilson                                                                   1981
Senior Constable R.J. Moody                                                        1982
Constable J.M. Sturrock                                                                 1984
Constable M.L. Low                                                                         1984
Sergeant J.D. Neideck                                                                    1984
Senior Constable A.P. Anderson                                                 1987
Senior Constable P.G.J. Kidd                                                        1987
Senior Constable P.A. Wegner                                                     1987
Constable B.T. Handran                                                                 1989
Constable A.L. Greaves                                                                  1991
Constable M.L. Goodwin                                                                1991
Constable S.N. Lena                                                                       1992
Constable S. W. Gill                                                                                    1996
Detective Sergeant L.J. Hooper                                                    1997
Senior Constable N.J. Watt                                                            2000
Senior Constable D.A. Shean                                                       2001
Senior Sergeant P.J. Irwin                                                             2003
Constable S.E. Urquhart                                                                2005
Senior Constable C.I. Barwise                                                      2005
Detective Sergeant S.I. Kerlin                                                       2006
Constable B.A. Irwin                                                                       2007
Sergeant D.A. Stiller                                                                        2010
Detective Senior Constable D. Leeding                                      2011              

 

With honour they served