There were fewer Catholics in Australia in 2016 than in 2011, but they were more likely to have a higher education and more likely to have been born overseas than five years earlier.

Once again as a Christian community, a community that is of disciples of Jesus, we have travelled the journey of Lent, with its call to conversion of heart, re-living once more the terrible story of the betrayal, suffering and death of Jesus, and now we have arrived at the moment of joy which burst forth in the rising of Jesus from the dead.

In a collaboration of solidarity, northern suburbs schools celebrated Whadjuk Gift Day at Mater Dei College by coming together to recognise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture, history and traditions.

For some 30 years, the prayer group at Balcatta Parish St Lawrence Church has been an active force among the local community, gathering on the first Tuesday of every month to pray.

The annual Blessing of Hands ceremony, which recognises the importance of hands in the relief of pain, the prevention of disease and as a symbol of peace and solidarity was celebrated for the 28th year on Wednesday 20 March.

The Order of the Knights of the Southern Cross is a national organisation who operate with the support of the Australian Bishops to give support those in need and serve the wider community.

Family, friends and residents at Servite Village were delighted with a crowded reception as the celebrations for the facility’s 40th anniversary kicked off on Wednesday 27 March.

The pews at St Mary’s Cathedral are set to be filled with people from across the Archdiocese who will participate in the blessing of the three Holy Oils at Chrism Mass on Tuesday 16 April.

Several parishes are now in the process of gearing up to once again come together with the aim of better understanding how they can strengthen their collaboration.

A career focused on affecting the lives of others has been the professional background for new MercyCare CEO, Anthony Smith.