Six decades of compassionate care and community were celebrated on Tuesday 11 November as Catholic Homes Inc. marked its 60th anniversary with a thanksgiving Mass and gathering at its Castledare Village site in Wilson.
Founded in 1965 as Catholic Cottages for the Aged, the organisation was born out of a simple but profound call: to respond to the growing need for housing and care for older, vulnerable women.
From those early cottages in Guildford and Bunbury, Catholic Homes has grown into a vibrant ministry offering residential aged care, home-care services and independent living villages (ILVs) across Western Australia.
The anniversary Mass, celebrated by Perth Archbishop Timothy Costelloe SDB and concelebrated by Perth Auxiliary Bishop Don Sproxton and Bunbury Bishop George Kolodziej SDS, brought together residents, staff, volunteers, religious and lay supporters of the mission.
In his welcoming remarks, CEO Darren Cutri acknowledged the contribution of all those who have shaped the ministry.
In his homily, Bishop Kolodziej reflected on the Gospel reading from the book of John, inviting all present to see Catholic Homes as a branch, part of the Vine of Christ: “planted in faith, watered by prayer, cared for by dedicated hands and bearing fruit in the lives of thousands of residents and families.”
He emphasised that the true fruit of this ministry is found not in buildings, but in people, the residents who find dignity and peace, families who discover trust, and staff and volunteers who bring meaning through service, “Even as aged care has changed, regulations have changed, buildings have changed, and society has changed; one thing remains unchanged. Christ is the vine, and this ministry remains established in His love.”
He noted that the Gospel’s reference to pruning resonates with the challenges the organisation has faced: “Through pruning, the mission has become clearer: to see Christ in every person, and to be Christ for every person.”
As Catholic Homes marches into its next chapter, Bishop Kolodziej said it is called to “abide in Christ’s compassion, abide in His vision of care that honours every human life from beginning to end … to create homes, not institutions; communities, not corridors; families of care, not systems of management.”
Board Chairman, John Ogilvie, acknowledged the growth of Catholic Homes over the decades and the many milestones achieved: from the opening of Archbishop Goody Hostel, Castledare Village and Trinity Village, to the recent redevelopment of St Vincent’s Residential Care in Guildford and Sr Mary Glowrey Residential Care in Belmont, to delivering Support at Home in metro and regional areas.
Guided by its mission to provide “quality and compassionate care to people, particularly the most vulnerable, in response to our call from a loving and creative God, and guided by the healing ministry of Jesus” Catholic Homes lives out its core values of Love, Joy, Hospitality and Excellence.
Today the organisation employs more than 950 staff and is supported by more than 100 volunteers.
Their everyday acts, a reassuring word, the careful hand, the shared laugh, bring the mission to life. As Mr Cutri said: “Our people embody our values every day … this is where our mission truly lives.”
Looking ahead, Catholic Homes remains committed to its Catholic identity while embracing innovation and partnership. As demand for aged-care and community services grows, the organisation is expanding its reach to serve more residents and clients, investing in its people, strengthening quality and safety, and applying technology in ways that enhance human connection.
The celebration concluded with a pause for Remembrance Day, honouring those who served and sacrificed in the cause of peace—a fitting reminder of the spirit of service that has defined this 60-year journey.
About Catholic Homes Inc.
Founded in 1965, Catholic Homes Inc. is a profit-for-purpose aged-care provider operating as an agency of the Catholic Church. It offers residential care, home‐care services and independent living villages across Western Australia, supporting people to live with dignity, purpose and joy.