Perth Archbishop Timothy Costelloe SDB has encouraged young people to look beyond themselves and become disciples who respond to the needs of others.
Speaking to Catholic primary school students from across the Archdiocese who gathered at Corpus Christi College on 10 June for the Primary Schools Launch of LifeLink Day 2026, Archbishop Costelloe reflected on his own background as a teacher and his enduring affection for Catholic schools as places of “life and energy and enthusiasm and joy.”
He reminded students that Catholic education is about more than academic growth; it is also about learning to know God and discovering what it means to live generously in response to God’s love.
The Archbishop’s fundraising goal for all Archdiocesan Secondary and Primary Schools for LifeLink Day 2026 is a minimum of $130,000 in support of the LifeLink social service agencies.
Last year a record $148,000 was raised by Catholic Schools from across the Archdiocese.
Corpus Christi College was the very first school to host the Archbishop’s LifeLink Day Launch in 1999. It was also the first recipient of the Archbishop’s Spirit Award for LifeLink Day.
Drawing on the life of St Francis of Assisi who is celebrated this year during the Church’s observance of the 800th anniversary of his death, Archbishop Costelloe described the saint as one of the most faithful followers of Jesus in Christian history, and a wonderful example to follow.
“We don’t remember him because he was fabulously wealthy; we don’t remember him because he was some kind of intellectual genius; we don’t remember him because he was a very influential politician or sports hero. We remember him because he was so faithful to Jesus Christ,” he suggested.
Archbishop Costelloe went on to explain that the young Francis, born into a wealthy family, was transformed after experiencing suffering and imprisonment during war. Through prayer and a growing openness to God, Francis learned to see the needs of others and dedicate his life to serving the poor and vulnerable. This willingness to let God open his heart, he suggested, was what made Francis a lasting example for Christians throughout the centuries.
Linking the story of St Francis to the mission of LifeLink, Archbishop Costelloe said that supporting those in need is an essential expression of Christian discipleship. “This is what it means to be a disciple of Jesus,” he said. “It means learning how to be the very best version of ourselves that we can possibly be.”
He then invited the students to reflect on whether success should be measured by wealth and achievement, or rather by generosity, kindness and the ability to make life better for others.
St Francis of Assisi also featured prominently in the special prayer session led by Auxiliary Bishop Donald Sproxton, Chair of the LifeLink Executive.
Referring to Pope Leo XIV’s proclamation of 2026 as the ‘Special Year of St Francis,’ Bishop Sproxton highlighted the Pope’s message that peace with God, peace among people and peace with creation are inseparable dimensions of the Christian call to reconciliation.
Leading students in the Prayer of St Francis, Bishop Sproxton prayed that the saint’s example would inspire people to live with humility, joy and reverence for creation, while renewing their love for Christ and their care for the poor. He also prayed that Catholics might become true instruments of God’s peace through their support of LifeLink agencies and the people they serve.
Rev Deacon Mark Powell, Director of Religious Education, Catholic Education Western Australia, reminded the students that responding to those in need lies at the heart of the Gospel.
Drawing on the parable of the Good Samaritan, he encouraged them to notice those who may be struggling and to take practical steps to help.
“LifeLink is really about that same call; noticing, responding, and acting so that others are not left on their own,” he said.
He encouraged the students not to underestimate the impact of small acts of kindness, explaining that Christian service often begins with simple actions such as including someone who feels left out, offering assistance, or standing alongside a person in difficulty. When these actions become part of a community’s culture, he said, they help create a more welcoming and just society that reflects the vision of Jesus.
Echoing this sentiment, Corpus Christi College Principal Jeff Allen said the LifeLink Appeal provided an opportunity for students to learn about the needs of vulnerable people in the wider community and to respond through practical acts of generosity.
Linking the appeal to the college’s identity as the ‘Body of Christ,’ Mr Allen said, “We are one school, one community, one body in Christ, with each part having a very special role to play. If we are to understand ourselves as the ‘Body of Christ’, then we must see ourselves as aspiring to be the real presence of Jesus to each other and in our outreach to the wider community.”
Through LifeLink, he said, students have a wonderful opportunity to reach out beyond their own community and support those who need it most.
“Each of us has a role to play, and together, our actions can bring hope, care, and dignity to others,” he added.
As preparations begin for LifeLink Day 2026, the launch event served as a powerful reminder that every Catholic has a role to play in building a more compassionate community. Inspired by the witness of St Francis of Assisi and guided by the Gospel call to love one another, the students were encouraged to put their faith into action and help ensure that those facing hardship are not forgotten.
LifeLink Day 2026 concludes on 31 December 2026.
