Staff and students at St Norbert College spent part of their year-end holidays bringing joy to Emmaus community residence for people living with mental illness. Seaton Catholic College practised their annual tradition with each student from Years 7 to 11 contributing the St Vinnies Christmas Hampers.

MercyCare clients who have come to Australia as refugees or asylum seekers from countries like Iraq, Syria, Ethiopia, Burma/Myanmar, Iran and Afghanistan have gained a new job opportunity – thanks to local social enterprise group LOOP, which partners with large companies like Water Corp and Clough to repurpose used corporate uniforms by engaging people from disadvantaged backgrounds and providing them with the opportunity to gain employment and skills training.

Perth’s annual youth conference Embrace the Grace held from the 8 to 12 December 2021 was inspired by the Post-Synodal Apostolic Exhortation by Pope Francis, called Amoris Laeticia, inspired the theme of “Real Love”, where young people were invited to rejoice in the joy of love in the family. By Nessya Santoso.

Archbishop Timothy Costelloe SDB reminded us this Christmas that the cultural ‘joy’ of the festive season does not always match the reality of the situation experienced by many, and that God’s hospitality is not given to those whose hearts are already too full to make room for Him.

For 7.6 million Australians, Christmas is the most stressful time of year – an experience that they share with Mary and Joseph, living through the myriad challenges of the first Christmas.

Let the Children Be Heard: A Christmas Reflection on Modern Slavery, an event by Catholic Mission, was an inspiring evening of readings and music at St Michael the Archangel Chapel, Leederville, which raised over $17,000 in support of the Kindergarten Centre of the Good Shepherd Sisters at the Fatima Training Centre (FTC) in Bangkok – for the children of women who are vulnerable to modern slavery in all its guises.

Claremont’s annual Lenten event, The Road to Bethlehem, was an opportunity to share the history behind the annual holiday, with those who may not know the story of Jesus invited to come, see, and hear the true Gospel meaning of Christmas.

The Associated and Catholic Colleges of WA (ACC) have released a new book, The Right Spirit – A History of ACC Sport, written by Perth author Ken Spillman, to celebrate their 85th Anniversary of organising interschool sports contests, events which helped to launch the careers of Western Australian sporting greats such as Sam Kerr, Peter Bol and Matthew Priddis.

Father Daniel Chama was installed as parish priest at Saint Gerard Majella Church at a Mass held on 12 December 2021. Mass celebrant Perth Auxiliary Bishop Don Sproxton spoke about his hopes for the community, and their mission to ‘announce the Good News.’ By Amanda Murthy.

John Paul College students participated in the 2021 St Barbara’s Festival, hosted by the City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder from 2 to 5 December from 11am to 7pm. Starting with the Miners Memorial Service, family members, mine management, mine rescue personnel, and the broader community gathered in reflection and remembrance of those who have lost their lives in the mining industry. By Amanda Murthy.

Perth’s St Mary’s Cathedral COVID-19 vaccination clinic being held over two weekends is part of the Archdiocese and Catholic Church’s desire to help protect the WA community. Perth Archbishop Timothy Costelloe SDB and Cathedral Dean Rev Dr Sean Fernandez spoke about the importance of demonstrating this ‘act of love’ that will benefit the wider community.