There is no denying that the contribution of the Catholic Church has had a major positive impact in the development of Australia – particularly in the areas of education, healthcare, and social and welfare services.

Highly educated with five qualifications and a man with a no-nonsense attitude, Joe O’Brien never expected to be spending the last nine years of his life behind bars in Hakea Prison, Perth’s maximum security jail – especially at the direct request of a bishop.

Having commenced earlier this year in July in the Archdiocese of Perth, the Post Abortion Grief Counselling Service has already seen a positive response.

The Plenary Council 2020 has now moved into its next phase of preparation with the announcement of the National Themes for Discernment that emerged from a historic process of listening to the voices of more than 222,000 people.

It is staggering to learn that one in five Australians experience a mental health illness each year and that mental illnesses are the third leading cause of disability in Australia.

Many other young people may not meet the criteria for a mental disorder but experience psychological distress and mental health problems. The consequences of such ill-being for young people can be profound not only affecting their mental health, but also their learning.

Pregnancy and parenthood can put significant stress on new parents, and studies show that it is not uncommon for anxiety and depression to overwhelm new parents. St John of God Raphael Services aims to help mothers and fathers through the emotional challenges of early parenthood.

I speak with you on this occasion about a very important and challenging issue which has affected many people across our Archdiocese. I am referring to the tragic death of Fr Joseph Tran in March 2019.

When you think about it, ageing provides the perfect opportunity to delve into new activities.

Monsignor Hawes Heritage Events has recently announced the 2019 Camino San Francisco, a pilgrimage that celebrates both WA’s natural and man-made heritage, as well as facilitating personal physical, mental and spiritual wellness.