The fourth and final instalment of The Record Commemorative Editions has been delivered to parishes this week.
In a statement for the occasion, Archbishop Timothy Costelloe SDB said reports of life in the Archdiocese of Perth over the past 140 years have been both insightful and also highly amusing at times.
“Seeking to cover more than 7,000 issues of the newspaper – 150,000 pages of reporting – presenting these in a mere 84 pages over four editions has been quite a feat,” the Archbishop said.
“Like me, I am sure you are grateful for all the hard work and dedication that has gone into achieving this.”
The Archbishop went on to say that Pope Francis stated earlier this year that “good communication helps us to grow closer, to know one another better, and ultimately to grow in unity”.
“The Holy Father has spoken of the need for Catholics to create a “culture of encounter” and believes that “media can help us greatly in this, especially nowadays, when the networks of human communication have made unprecedented advances”.
“I am encouraged to learn that, as each week passes, there is an increasing number of people who are signing up to receive and read the e-Record via email. This is proving for many to be a popular and more accessible way of engaging with the life of the Archdiocese.
“Pope Francis has also written that “the desire for digital connectivity can have the effect of isolating us from our neighbours, from those closest to us.
“We should not overlook the fact that those who for whatever reason lack access to social media run the risk of being left behind”. With this in mind, it is heartening also to know that many parishes are distributing paper copies of the weekly electronic news thereby reaching out to engage with those who do not have easy access to modern technology.”
The Archbishop also added that over the next few months, the Archdiocese is expected to see the arrival of two new means of communication: a printed monthly magazine that will also be made available online, and also a new archdiocesan website.
“These are both exciting ventures. However, as we further embrace the digital environment, let us not lose sight of what it means to grow in mutual understanding of one another.
“Above all, my hope is that the changes happening in the field of communication within the Archdiocese will lead each of us to take the time to further enter into silence and to listen, not only to ourselves and to God, but also to others.”
“With this fourth edition, the commemorative journey of The Record comes to an end. My desire is that we might now move into the future purposefully to provide a culture where the beauty of faith and the face of Christ can both be encountered.”
There are still copies available of the second and third Commemorative editions. If you would like a copy please contact the Communications and Media Office on 08 9220 5900 or email office@therecord.com.au.