The Kelmscott parish community gathered in joyful celebration last October for the installation of Rev Fr Kenneth Acosta Garcia as their new parish priest – a moment that marked both continuity and renewal in the life of the parish.
The occasion signalled the beginning of a new chapter for the faith communities at Good Shepherd Church in Kelmscott and Sacred Heart Church in Karragullen as Fr Kenneth formally undertook his pastoral leadership role that will foster opportunities for growth, renewal and deeper mission over the next six years.
Speaking to the faithful gathered, Auxiliary Bishop Donald Sproxton said the installation of Fr Kenneth provided the parish community with a sense of opportunity and expectation.
“This is a wonderful moment for the community, and I pray that it will be a time of continual growth for the parish,” he said.
Noting that the leadership of a parish is never the sole responsibility of the priest, Bishop Sproxton said the life of the Church flourishes when priests and parishioners work together to grow the community in faith and service.
Equally important, he said, was the role of parishes in welcoming newcomers, as a vibrant parish community becomes a spiritual home where people from diverse cultures and backgrounds can feel a sense of belonging.
The Jubilee Year of Hope resonated strongly throughout the liturgy and parishioners were encouraged to see themselves as people on a pilgrimage of faith, walking steadily towards the Lord and continually growing in conversion of heart and striving to reflect Christ in their families, workplaces and daily lives.
In this spirit, prayers were offered that Fr Kenneth’s ministry would be marked by attentive pastoral care and a deep love for the people he serves.
“We pray that Fr Kenneth will be sensitive to the needs of all, will respond with love, and that he himself will be missionary of hope for this community,” Bishop Sproxton reflected.
“We also pray that this community will continue to grow in faith and grow in deeper relationships with one another, to support and encourage each other.
“The Eucharist calls us together to experience the oneness of faith. We pray that this community will continue in its journey of faith, patiently listening to the Word of God and praying for the action of God among us; thereby becoming a community of faith that will inspire others so when they look for a spiritual home, they’ll find that home here.”
As the parish embarks on this new chapter, the message of the day remains clear: a community united in Christ can become a living sign of hope for all who seek it.
Born in Santo Domingo, the capital of the Dominican Republic, Kenneth (Max) Acosta Garcia, 40, is a fruit of the Redemptoris Mater Seminary, Morley.
Following his ordination to the priesthood on 17 November 2017, his first parish assignment was as assistant priest at Kelmscott Parish.
After two years he was transferred to Ellenbrook Parish until a personal calling saw him transfer to St Mary Catholic Church in Delaware, Ohio, USA under a special arrangement between Archbishop Timothy Costelloe SDB and Bishop Robert Brennan, former bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Columbus.
