By Olivia Bunter
Perth Archbishop Timothy Costelloe SDB has last week reminded guests at the Official Launch of the Archbishop’s 2019 LifeLink Day for Primary Schools that Christ’s love and hope can offer courage when we are faced with frightening and overwhelming situations.
The annual event was held at Newman College on Wednesday 5 June.
“Christ is alive and he wants to be alive in our world today through us,” Archbishop Costelloe proclaimed.
“We don’t see him in the way we see each other, nor can we engage with him in the way we might engage with each other, but we do believe he is alive.”
Addressing student representatives and their teachers for the occasion, included some 75 Archdiocesan Catholic Primary Schools were Archbishop Costelloe, LifeLink Chairman, Auxiliary Bishop Donald Sproxton, Catholic Education Western Australia (CEWA) Assistant Executive Director, Peter Yensch and Newman College Principal John Finneran.
The Newman College years 5 and 6 dance students opened the event with a liturgical lyrical dance to the song Amazing, a vocal piece that reflected on the 2019 Marist Schools theme “Holy Today” and encouraged those present to practice gratitude.
Bishop Sproxton then went on to explain the reasons behind why LifeLink agencies are important within the community.
“LifeLink agencies reach out to help more than 34,000 Western Australians in need each year,” Bishop Sproxton said.
“To put this into some perspective, 34,000 people would fill over half of the new Optus Stadium.
“We are indeed grateful for the enthusiastic support of Catholic Education WA, and especially all the principals, teachers, and students throughout the Archdiocese.”
To mark the occasion, Catholic Primary Schools have this year contributed handmade books brimmed with messages of love and hope, offering prayer and support for people in need, as well as photos and information on the work of the LifeLink agencies.
The books were on display across the stage for the event and will also be on display at the 2019 Australian Catholic Youth Festival as reminder that the messages contained within should be carried out through the year.
Archbishop Costelloe went on to speak about the upcoming liturgical Feast of Pentecost and St Theresa of Avila.
“One of the things that she once said, it was actually a prayer, was, ‘You know, in the world today, Christ has no other hands but yours. Christ has no other feet but yours, Christ has no other voice but yours. Christ has no other heart but yours.’ “
“It’s through you that he wants to be present and reach out to people, to be with people in hope and in love.”
“We are His hands reaching out with love and it our job to give people a sense that there is a future for them and they’re not going to be lost.”
Archbishop Costelloe gave special mention to contributing schools who engaged with LifeLink, specifically thanking Hammond Park Catholic Primary School, St Francis Jordan School Currumbine, and Loreto Primary School Nedlands for their enthusiasm and participation.
For more information on LifeLink go to www.lifelink.com.au