Perth Auxiliary Bishop Don Sproxton has last week told new catechists they will hand on to children “an understanding of Jesus, and that Jesus is with them”.
Bishop Sproxton celebrated the 2026 Catechist Services Commissioning Mass on Tuesday 20 October at St Michael the Archangel Chapel, Catholic Education Office, West Leederville.
The occasion also marked Dr Pina Ford’s final Commissioning Mass as Team Leader, Catechist Services, after 25 years of service.
Catechists from across the Archdiocesan parishes came together for the celebration, where more than 30 catechists were commissioned, recognising their formation for ministry in the Archdiocese of Perth.
The Commissioning Mass also included recognition for staff and catechists from Personal Advocacy Service, who as part of the service, used sacred gesture to model how the words of the Gospel can be enabled to come alive for people with intellectual disabilities.
“We stand in that great line of witnesses to the truth,” Bishop Sproxton said.
Bishop Sproxton’s homily drew on Jesus’ prayer for His disciples in the Gospel of John, and on Pope Leo XIV’s address to catechists in Rome for the Jubilee.
“It is love that leads us to understand the gospel. For love transforms us by opening our hearts to the Word of God and to the face of our neighbour,” Bishop Sproxton said, quoting Pope Leo.
He spoke of how catechists support families as their children progress through childhood to adolescence, and of the part catechists can play at later stages of life.
He recalled how Archbishop Foley, as a young priest, visited Perth Modern School, and how a former pupil approached him many years later to apologise.
“Archbishop, I want to apologise for the way we treated you, because what you said and how you treated us made a huge impact on me,” the man told him, Bishop Sproxton recalled.
Bishop Sproxton spoke of catechists questioning the value of their efforts when children and their families do not attend Mass.
“I can say with confidence that that effort is about creating that mark within their hearts, that memory of Christ,” he said.
Dr Ford thanked the newly commissioned catechists, those who had given many years of service, and the families who supported their work.
“It has always been a pleasure to share faith, teach, resolve issues and support our Catechists. You come with deep faith, open hearts, perseverance and generosity,” Dr Ford said.
She recalled a young mother who attended evening sessions during her 18 weeks of training for commissioning, including through the winter months.
The woman was pregnant during the first half of her formation and had a baby to breastfeed during the second half.
“Her husband would come with her and stay with the baby, sometimes in the car, and bring her the baby to feed during the breaks,” Dr Ford wrote in her account of the celebration.
Dr Ford acknowledged Bishop Sproxton’s understanding of catechetical work and his support for her team.
She thanked parish priests for welcoming families and supporting their catechists, and Catholic Education for helping her team build connections between schools and parishes.
Catholic Education Executive Director Annette Morey also acknowledged Dr Ford’s contribution to the Archdiocese and Catholic Education in Western Australia.
“As Coordinator of the Catechist Services Team, she has contributed to and overseen the development of some significant initiatives, including the development of the Sacramental policies and the Parish Religious Education programs and resources that continue to support faith formation across parishes,” Ms Morey said.
Ms Morey spoke of Dr Ford’s expertise in theology, spirituality and retreat facilitation, which she had shared with educators, parish leaders and catechists.
“Pina, thank you for your faithful service, your vision, your scholarship and your generosity of spirit,” she said.
Dr Ford will continue contributing to the Leadership Formation Team and leadership retreat programs, Ms Morey said.
Dr Ford thanked her team, Catherine, Mildred, Cordelia, Daphne and Rae, and her family for supporting her commitment to the work.
“I have always known that together we could achieve whatever we set out to do,” she said of her colleagues.
Dr Ford returned to Bishop Sproxton’s words about the catechist’s task of echoing the Word.
“I began very tentatively, and I conclude my 25 years with much joy, and gratitude for all I received, knowing the ‘echo’ hasn’t just bounced off but taken root within my own self.”