More than 300 principals, teachers and students representing 69 primary schools from across the Archdiocese of Perth came together earlier this month for the annual Official Launch of Archbishop’s LifeLink Day for Primary Schools
This year marked a very special celebration with the 25th Anniversary of LifeLink Day – with the occasion on 6 June being held exactly 25 years ago that the very first LifeLink Day for primary Schools launch was held.
Joining Auxiliary Bishop Don Sproxton for the occasion was Vicar General & Episcopal Vicar for Education the Very Rev Fr Vincent Glynn, Floreat/Wembley Parish Priest, Fr Kazimierz Stuglik, Head, Mission Enhancement and Outreach, Dr Debra Sayce, CEWA Executive Director, Mr Wayne Bull and CEWA Director, Religious Education, Deacon Mark Powell.
Also in attendance was special guest Dr Therese Temby who served as Director of Catholic Education WA from 1993 to 2003.
In his address for the occasion, Mr Bull said the anniversary marks a milestone of Catholic school students learning about the needs of people in the community, and how Church agencies, through LifeLink, respond to their needs.
“Over the years students have found creative and inspiring ways to raise funds for this important cause,” Mr Bull said.
“They have committed time and care to fundraising and have been actively encouraged to demonstrate their support and compassion for those in need. Catholic schools encourage all students to be committed to the common good and contribute to society.
“LifeLink is a very real way in which our students do this, and I am inspired by their service to those in our community who need support,” he said.
“I also want to acknowledge the support of our dedicated and passionate teachers and school support staff to providing environments where students can use their unique talents to live the Gospel.
Mr Bull concluded his Address by saying the work of the LifeLink agencies is a true reflection of the teachings of Christ.
“By supporting these agencies, students not only provide practical support to those in need, but also share the message of hope and love that is central to our faith.
This year, the aim is to raise a minimum of $120,000.
The Very Rev Fr Vincent Glynn, Vicar General & Episcopal Vicar for Education provided guests an insight into how LifeLink Day was established, what the gaols of LifeLink Day were and how successful the Archbishop’s initiative had been over the past 25 years.
“At the time, Emeritus Archbishop Barry Hickey wanted to share the good news of how the Church responds to, and cares for, people in need within the Archdiocese of Perth,” Fr Vincent explained.
“He especially wanted young people attending our Catholic Schools, to have a deeper understanding of, and personal connection with, the services and support being provided to our brothers and sisters in need in the community,” he continued.
A meeting was held with then Catholic Education Director, Therese Temby, who enthusiastically embraced the Archbishop’s ideas and goals, and after a great deal of consultation with CEWA, LifeLink Day came a reality.
Continuing his speech, Fr Vincent said “Therese, we would not be celebrating 25 years of LifeLink Day without your leadership, understanding and support. We are delighted that you could be with us for this celebration”
On behalf of Archbishop Costelloe SDB, Auxiliary Bishop Sproxton and LifeLink, Fr Vincent presented Mrs Temby with a gift of appreciation, a beautiful floral arrangement.
Fr Vincent also acknowledged and thanked Emeritus Archbishop Barry Hickey, former Vicar General and Cathedral Dean Msgr Michael Keating and former Financial Administrator Jim Thomas who unfortunately couldn’t be present for the special celebration.
“Their leadership and support, emphasised Fr Vincent, “is remembered, and appreciated.”
Rev Mark Powell, Director, Religious Education, CEWA, reminded those present that LifeLink Day is both an educational and a fundraising initiative.
“Through LifeLink Day, students attending Catholic schools in this Archdiocese are encouraged to learn more about the very real ‘need’ which exists in the community, and how the Church responds, through our LifeLink agencies and on behalf of us all, to this need,” Deacon Mark said.
The generosity and passion students in Catholic schools have for supporting those less fortunate than themselves really is a sign that Jesus is alive and well in Catholic schools and that young people want to build a better world,” he said.
In closing the launch proceedings, Auxiliary Bishop Don Sproxton expressed his sincere thanks to all the schools and students who were present, and to those who may be watching the video of the launch online at a later date.
“I know the Archbishop will enjoy seeing all your thoughtful, creative and compassionate paper people projects on his return home, as much as I have today,” Bishop Don said.
“Thank you for taking the time to discover more about the work of our LifeLink agencies, and for your generous support of our brothers and sisters in need through your fundraising efforts. I am confident that together, we can and will achieve the Archbishop’s goal of raising $120,000 in this celebration year,” he said.
Bishop Don then officially launched LifeLink Day 2024 for Primary Schools and extended a Blessing to all present.