The Archdiocese of Perth honoured three of its’ long-serving staff, who officially retired on 30 June and 2 July respectively. Archdiocese Clergy Liaison Officer Brian Bonser, Manager: Compliance and Suppliers Warren Lethridge and Personal Assistant to Perth Auxiliary Bishop Don Sproxton Caroline Fouche reflect on their journey and provide advice for future staff. By Amanda Murthy and Jamie O’Brien.

After an 18-month implementation period, Western Australia’s voluntary assisted dying laws come into effect last Thursday 1 July.

Perth Metropolitan and Peel Region entered a four-day lockdown from 29 June to 2 July (inclusive), with measures alleviated into three days of interim restrictions from 3 July to 5 July (inclusive).

The Perth Catholic community attended a two-hour seminar at Newman Siena Centre on 24 June, exploring a theme of the Plenary Council, “Discovering A Christ-centred Church that is Open to Conversion, Renewal and Reform.” The event led by Catholic Education Western Australia Director of Religious Education Dr Chris Cotter, was organised by the Archdiocese of Perth Centre for Faith Enrichment, as a space for the community to continue the process of prayer, discernment, and dialogue. By Amanda Murthy.

Former CEWA teacher and principal Roberta Chapman, who was a founding member of the Performing Arts Festival for Catholic Schools and Colleges, was recognised with a Medal of the Order of Australia recently in the 2021 Queen’s Birthday Honours List. By Jesse Roberts.

Applecross parishioner Giuseppe Cinanni was announced as one of 1190 Australians to receive a 2021 Queen’s Birthday Honours for Australia. He was honoured for his involvement in Catholic-based and community support initiatives, where he co-ordinated, volunteered, and organised various fundraising projects through collaboration with strong networks, which he built over the years. By Amanda Murthy.

As the delayed first Assembly of the 2021 Plenary Council of Australia draws near this October, the called and chosen members from the Archdiocese of Perth have convened to build rapport and discern on their journey towards a pivotal time in the Church of Australia.

New Wanneroo Parish Priest Fr Peter Porteous signs the official declaration during his installation Mass, flanked by Perth Auxiliary Bishop Don Sproxton, right, and Assistant Priest Fr Leonard Guiang OSM, left. Photo: Jamie O’Brien. Wanneroo Parish has recently welcomed new Parish Priest Fr Peter Porteous OSM. Perth Auxiliary Bishop Don Sproxton visited the Parish on Sunday 20 June to ce...

The advent of Voluntary Assisted Dying in Western Australia has introduced a totally new feature in the landscape of end-of-life options, and a new challenge for Catholic acute, aged and disability services.  Seniors holding hands for consolation and sympathy. The advent of Voluntary Assisted Dying in Western Australia has introduced a totally new feature in the landscape of end-of-li...

Perth residents get tested at the COVID clinic in Murray Street, Perth, in this file photo from April 2020. Photo: Matthew Lau. Parishes, agencies and schools have once again been thrown into a COVID lockdown for the third time this year. The four-day lockdown, from Tuesday 29 June to 12.01am Saturday 3 July has seen Church buildings close, but schools remained open.   The lockdo...