Just recently, I was reminded of a comment made by a newly-ordained Bishop who, in speaking at the end of the ordination ceremony, remarked that this, his ordination day, was not the most important day of his life. Rather, he insisted, that honour belonged to the day of his baptism.
There is a profound truth being expressed by the Bishop here. We often speak of baptism as the first Sacrament of Initiation, through which we become members of the Church. This is absolutely true. But of course, the significance of this statement lies in what it means to become a member of the Church. Far from being initiated into a club or a human institution of some kind, initiation into the Church through baptism has a deeply personal character.

“The call to service in the Kimberley is a call to serve Christ. It is a commitment to His Mission, His people and His Church… to light up the fire of divine love in others.” Bishop of Broome Christopher Saunders.

For those looking for an opportunity to give back to the community and to work with the locals in remote areas, volunteering at the Kimberley Catholic Volunteer Service in the Diocese of Broome brings about a special closeness that one has to experience.
For volunteers John Chitty and Jan Gorza, who have been up to Kalumburu in the Kimberley not once but more than four times, have only wonderful memories about the place and the community. In an interview with The eRecord, the two recount their time spent in Kalumburu, the many memories created and say that everyone should give volunteering a go, at least once. Hailing from Baker’s Hill in Western Australia, 74-year old Mr Chitty said heading up to Kalumburu had always been a life-long wish. By Natashya Fernandez.

Catholic Youth Ministry’s (CYM) ‘Endless Wonder’ themed Ball saw some 100 young Catholics from across Perth come together for a night of festivities.

Perth local Tomas Kenny-Simpson will spend the next 12 months in the Italian town of Loppiano as part of the Focolare Movement’s community. By Josh Low.

Sacred Heart College student Vincent Pettinicchio has found a unique way to help homeless people in Perth. By Caroline Smith.

The University of Notre Dame Australia community came together to recognise nearly three decades of achievements since the institution’s founding in 1989. Founders’ Week, held on the week of 14-20 August, honours the founders, staff, alumni, students and supporters of the University. By Caroline Smith.

Members of Cloverdale Parish came together to celebrate the centenary of Our Lady’s apparition in Fatima with Archbishop of Perth Timothy Costelloe SBD. The procession of the statue was halted due to rain, and Archbishop Costelloe prayed the Rosary before celebrating Mass. By Josh Low.

It was a momentous day for all past, present and future students, teachers and alumni to revel in the 50 year anniversary celebration of Our Lady’s Assumption (OLA) School Dianella last week on 17 August. Emeritus Archbishop Barry Hickey celebrated Mass to mark the occasion, together with Parish Priest Father Kenneth D’Souza and former Parish Priest Fr Benedict Quadros. Principal for OLA, Mrs Therese Bandy, who was a member of the OLA community and teacher in 2005, was particularly privileged to be celebrating this milestone with all present.“Fifty years of Catholic education is a significant milestone and we are very proud to be celebrating with you. A Catholic education was the dream of our founding Parish Priest Fr Patrick O’Mara and we are grateful for his vision,” she said. By Natashya Fernandez.

Conversation, communication and coordinator are the three Cs that are integral to Margaret and Denham Boulger’s 50 years of marriage but what ties it all together is keeping the biggest C – Christ in the middle of it all.
In an interview with The eRecord, the couple spoke about the Sacrament of Marriage, the challenges faced and how being on the same page with a focus on Christ and the Church at all times is important to both of them.
Mr and Mrs Boulger celebrated their 50th Anniversary together with 143 other couples at the Annual Marriage Day Mass held on Saturday 12 August.
The Mass was celebrated by Archbishop of Perth Timothy Costelloe SDB and concelebrated with priests from across the Archdiocese.
The two country towners from Albany now living in Perth and from Highgate Parish, Mr Boulger or Bob as he is fondly known, said his first encounter with Mrs Boulger was a tough one. “I used to see Margaret at Mass, I was one of the collection takers and every time I went up to her, I’d get nervous,” he laughed.

For Fathers Joe Pelle and John Hogan – the first two priests ordained from the Redemptoris Mater Seminary in Morley – the intervening 20 years have been ones of revelation and inspiration. Both men were ordained at St Mary’s Cathedral in July 1997, three years after the Seminary’s inauguration on 14 August 1994, as an institution guided by the charism of the Neocatechumenal Way. At the time, Fr Pelle was also the first priest to have undertaken all his studies in Western Australia. By contrast, Fr Hogan began his journey to the priesthood in New Jersey, USA, but returned to Perth to complete his studies at Redemptoris Mater Morley (Perth). Reflecting on what led him to consider a life in the Church, Fr Pelle – who is currently Spiritual Director at the Seminary – said the idea had first emerged through his connection with the NeoCatechumenal Way at Mirrabooka Parish. “I experienced a deep restlessness in my heart, and I was convinced that there had to be more to life than just accumulating money and possessions,” he said. By Caroline Smith.