Derived from the Greek ‘diakonos’ meaning ‘servant’, a deacon’s ministry is one of service to the community and the proclamation of the Word of God. Since the time of the apostles and the early Church, deacons have played an important role in the life and ministry of the Church.

Perth Archbishop Timothy Costelloe SDB has now commenced inviting expressions of interest for men who are who are willing to discern whether the Permanent Diaconate may be God’s will for them.

Welcome to Issue 36 of The Record Magazine.
Our thanks to our sponsors Australian Catholic Superannuation and Retirement Fund for their ongoing support. This issue features a special report on Monsignor John Hawes, whose cause for canonisation is being put forward by the Diocese of Geraldton. Exclusive to this issue is our report that the Archdiocese of Perth is set to build a program of discernment for the formation of Permanent Deacons.

Enter St John of God Raphael Services Healthy Men, Healthy Minds photo competition and help raise awareness of men’s perinatal mental health.

The life of well-known Ocean Reef parishioner Hugh Ryan, husband, father, teacher, writer, communications and media professional, was celebrated on 5 May following his passing on 19 April 2022. Mr Ryan served as Press Secretary to former Perth Archbishop Barry Hickey from 2001-2009.

Setting aside time for reflection and united prayers, Perth’s Plenary Council members gathered at the Salvatorian Spirituality Centre on 7 June for an intimate Eucharistic Mass and special blessing.

Vinnies WA has launched its Annual Winter Appeal, urging the community to support women and children escaping family and domestic violence.

The Vietnamese Catholic Community of Perth responds with great gratitude for the 30 years of service Sister Patricia Byrne (formerly Sister M St Gemma Galgani) RNDM dedicated to the Vietnamese and Cambodian refugee communities of Perth. Having had a very full and rich life of education, travel and an abundance of helping others, many are grateful to have crossed paths with her.

They make up less than two per cent of the population but run more than 430 schools, most of them in poor, regional areas: the head of the Ethiopian Catholic Church, Cardinal Berhaneyesus Demerew Souraphiel, says it is support from Catholics in places such as Australia that makes a brighter future possible.

Perth Auxiliary Bishop Don Sproxton met with representatives of Timor-Leste and the Philippines and discussed how faith and connections enrich international communities.

Clare Grieveson is the new CEO at Southern Cross Care (WA), a major provider of health, care and accommodation needs for the ageing and those living with disability and mental illness in Western Australia.