Archbishop Emeritus Barry Hickey will commence his first official duties as chaplain of the Catholic Charismatic Renewal (CCR) on February 5.
In his first public role since becoming chaplain of the CCR late last year, Archbishop Hickey will celebrate the Renewal’s opening year Mass at Holy Family Church in Como.
The former Archbishop of Perth takes over from Fr Bob Carden OFM who filled the role for more than 10 years before heading to Melbourne at the request of his superiors at the end of 2011.
After spending most of 2012 without a chaplain, chairman of the CCR in Perth, Dan Hewitt, said he was delighted to now have Archbishop Hickey on board. “He’ll help the ministry by encouraging Catholics who see the renewal as a fringe group,” he said.
“He brings great depth of knowledge concerning the scriptures, and of course wisdom and experience as a bishop”.
Mr Hewitt said he met with the Archbishop on numerous occasions to discuss the role.
“He interviewed the coordinators of the renewal quite intently, finding out what our Christian ethos, beliefs and practices were before accepting our invitation.”
Mr Hewitt said the main chaplaincy duties would be to provide guidance to the CCR.
He said as a chaplain, the Archbishop would coordinate the body of the renewal and spiritual oversight of the leadership.