Auxiliary Bishop of Perth Donald Sproxton with catechists at the Chapel of St Michael the Archangel in West Leederville. Photo: Supplied.
Auxiliary Bishop Donald Sproxton commissioned 49 new catechists and recognised others for beginning their journey of catechism on 11 October.
More than 230 guests from some 35 parishes were present for the Mass celebrated by Bishop Sproxton at the Chapel of St Michael the Archangel, who was joined by 14 priests to concelebrate.
The role of a Catholic catechist is to catechise the faith of the Catholic Church by both word and example.
Three groups of Catechists and their families came together for this event: those from the Catechist Service who share their faith with children in parishes, catechists from the Personal Advocacy Service who support people with intellectual disabilities, and RCIA catechists who journey with people who wish to embrace the Catholic faith.
In his homily, Bishop Sproxton reflected on the Gospel story of Luke 11:5-13, where persistence eventually pays off.
He said the central point is the gift of the Holy Spirit, God’s most important gift to us.
“How much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him?” Bishop Sproxton asked the congregation.
“Tonight, we pray that we can recognise the closeness of the Spirit and respond to the prompting of God in our lives.
“We thank God for catechists, that they have responded to God and that they cooperate with the Spirit to bring the knowledge of God into the lives of others,” he added.
Dr Pina Ford, who leads the Catechist Service, expressed gratitude to catechists and their families for their generous commitment, and also thanked Parish Priests for their vital and ongoing support for catechetical work.