Reconciliation can transform the lives of the victim and wrongdoer, theologian Dr Laurie Brink op has said at a recent seminar. By Caroline Smith.

Pope Francis’ Apostolic Exhortation Amoris Laetitia (The Joy of Love) can provide married couples with a great source of inspiration and practical advice, according to Catholic Marriage and Fertility Services Director, Derek Boylen. As well as a reflection on the joy of marriage. By Caroline Smith.

Following the success of its inauguration last year, the 2017 Child Protection Week Breakfast will take place this year on Tuesday 5 September at the Duxton Hotel. Hosted by the Archdiocese of Perth, the event will see many dignitaries, schools and lay people come together. By Caroline Smith.

Former Western Australian Senator, the Hon Chris Ellison has this week been appointed as the new Chancellor of the University of Notre Dame Australia from January 2018. Former politician Michael L’Estrange AO has been appointed Deputy Chancellor from April 2018. Current UNDA Chancellor, Mr Peter Prendiville, who will step down from the position on 31 December 2017, said he is delighted with the appointments of Mr Ellison and Mr L’Estrange. “Both men are widely respected and bring with them a shared commitment to Notre Dame and a wealth of exceptional public, private and educational experience,” Mr Prendiville said. “It is this experience, underpinned by a passion for Notre Dame, that will prove vital in shaping the University…,” he said.

Benedictine monk Dom Robert Nixon was ordained to the Diaconate on 29 July at New Norcia by Auxiliary Bishop Donald Sproxton. In a recent interview with The eRecord, Dom Robert opened up about his journey which led him to join religious life and later, monastic life with New Norcia’s Benedictine Community. Born in Mount Isa, North West Queensland, Dom Robert spent his childhood years growing up in Townsville. He said his family’s way of life, strongly rooted in the Catholic faith, established him firmly in the practice and culture of Catholicism. An altar server and church organist, Dom Robert studied music and education; later working as a professional musician and music teacher for a number of years. By Josh Low.

Archbishop Timothy Costelloe SDB has last week blessed and opened the new offices of Identitywa.
Present for the occasion were Western Australian Minister for Disability Services, the Hon Stephen Dawson MLC, together with representatives from across the Archdiocese, as well as the Sisters of Mercy, partner organisations and other WA disability agencies.
The new offices are located at the former St Brigid’s Northbridge on Fitzgerald Street, which were also offices for the (now former) Archdiocese Finance Office until mid-2016.
Identitywa Board Chair Graeme Mander welcomed guests, acknowledging the significant history of Identitywa and its role in providing services to people with disability and their families.

Founded by Catholic philosopher, theologian and Templeton prize recipient, Jean Vanier, in a small village in France in 1964, L’Arche has grown to be a worldwide federation of over 147 communities for those living with disability in 35+ countries.

The way in which we become the presence of God through the care we offer people was the focus of Auxiliary Bishop of Perth Don Sproxton at the blessing of the new state of art Comfort Care Centre at Castledare Village this week.

More than 20 students from Year 10 and 11 at Servite College participated in a military-style obstacle assault course known as ‘Operation XLR8’ earlier this year.

Centacare Employment and Training was last month nominated for the Partnership Award (Metropolitan) by Gosnells Police and Community Youth Centre (PCYC) and received a Certificate of High Recognition.