The man walking spritely through Thomas Perrott Retirement Village, Rossmoyne, is dressed for a party and sporting several war medals, and following him through the twists and turns of the complex’s gardens to join him, it is quickly apparent that for this centenarian, age really is just a number – even if it is now in the triple figures.
The Knights of the Southern Cross Cathedral Branch 28, in conjunction with the Rotary Club of Elizabeth Quay, have heroically led the charge to restock St Vincent De Paul’s “Vinnies food hamper supply” – a supply that has been drastically depleted responding to the Australian bushfires and the local impact of the Coronavirus pandemic.
Some three months of social distancing under COVID-19 restrictions has given most Australians an idea of the stress associated with separation from friends and family for any extended period of time – stretch that isolation distance to thousands of nautical miles, sometimes lasting years in duration, and the plight of many seafarers comes close to comprehension.
Archdiocesan Safeguarding Office Director Andrea Musulin has this week released the second video in her new video series, Story Time.
Singing, that joyful release of the emotion overflowing from a soul just bursting with praise, is probably one of the furthest things from most people’s minds as they came to grips with COVID-19, yet for Father Michael Joncas, the need for praise and worship during this time seemed vital.
No corner of the world has gone untouched by COVID-19 and it was the spiritual fallout of the virus, the result of Churches being closed and communal gatherings banned, that was the focus of the recent webinar – “Prayer and Liturgy in Isolation” – targetting what Catholics can do to keep their faith alive and vibrant at home.
Homelessness has become a far more apparent issue during COVID-19: the virus has amplified existing issues and vulnerabilities and Daydawn Advocacy Centre, the Catholic agency that advocates in the area of indigenous housing, reports that the pandemic has resulted in an upsurge in demand for their services, especially in the area of temporary accommodation.
Social distancing making the traditional classroom an operational hazard has been both an opportunity and a challenge for Archdiocesan agency, Centacare Employment and Training.
John XXIII College’s music students have embodied the Catholic tradition of love and service for others by providing musical soirees for the residents of Mercy Village, Wembley.
IdentityWA is a household name in West Australian disability services, with the Catholic agency a beacon of compassion and quality care for some of Perth’s most disadvantaged people, those living with physical or mental disabilities that prevent them from participating independently in society.