When English-born tenor Richard Butler joined the West Australian Symphony Orchestra (WASO) for its first performance of St John’s Passion on 23 March, he brought with him a unique knowledge and history of Church music, nurtured since childhood.

The annual St Patrick’s Day mass brought an array of green to St Mary’s Cathedral in Perth, but also an acknowledgement of how the saint contributed to the Catholic faith in Ireland, based on his close relationship with God.

Priests and parishioners from across the Archdiocese of Perth came together to submit themselves to the power of God’s mercy, during a special liturgy at St Mary’s Cathedral this month.

Easter is our spiritual springtime of glorious celebration. Hopefully, this is as evident in our lives as it is in our liturgies which are beautiful, prayerful connections with the living God and the paschal mystery that is at the core of our faith.

As we celebrate the great Easter mystery in this Jubilee Year of Mercy, I am reminded more forcefully than ever that Easter Sunday only makes sense in the light of Good Friday and Holy Saturday.

Another word we know for Easter is Passover. It’s the word the Jews use for that memorable time in their Faith history when Moses led them from slavery in Egypt, through the Red Sea, to freedom.

The Resurrection of Jesus is the central event that gives rise to our faith. St Paul was overcome with joy and wonder when he wrote that, if Christ is not risen, then our faith is in vain.

I am always excited by Easter as I reflect again on its basic lessons for my life – and yours.

More than three thousand young Australians are this year expected to join Pope Francis when he travels to Krakow, Poland to participate at the 31st World Youth Day from 25 to 31 July 2016.

Around 1,000 people from varied faith and social justice backgrounds gathered for the Palm Sunday Walk for Justice for Refugees on 20 March, with a strong Catholic contingent reflecting on the need to show compassion to people seeking asylum.