The goal set by Perth Archbishop Timothy Costelloe SDB of raising $130,000 in 2026 to support the work of agencies supported by LifeLink has received a substantial boost with an $11,353 donation from the Newman Catholic College community.
Accepting the donation on behalf of the Archbishop, Auxiliary Bishop Nelson Po said it was a great example of Catholic values in action.
“What a way to show to others and to the world how we value and live out our Christian faith and show compassion in our own lives,” he said.
“Your contribution is one very concrete way of saying that we are Christians, that we are one in the mission of Christ, and that service and faith are still the hallmarks of our identity as God’s people, as God’s children.”
Speaking at the presentation event held recently in the College’s Champagnat Chapel, Bishop Nelson thanked the students for their support which he also urged them to continue modelling.
“Let us continue to support one another in the many things that we do and let us support our archdiocese in the spirit of understanding, in the spirit of friendship, and above all in the spirit of co-responsibility…where we have a shared responsibility, we share a common commitment, and we share the same faith,” he said.
Reflecting on the philosophy of Marcellin Champagnat, the founder of the Marist Brothers, Stuart McClorey, Director of Mission & Catholic Identity at Newman College said, like Jesus, Marcellin noticed when people were struggling and he would actively spend time with them and help them.
“That is the spirit that is still at the heart of who we are as a Marist community today, and it is why we work to raise awareness of the good work of LifeLink and its many agencies because, really simply, it is what Jesus would do,” he suggested.
“So today, we are also reminded of what we are called to be: people who make Jesus known and loved through the way we care for others.”
Offering an insight into how the college community is supporting LifeLink, students Sophie, Jimmy, Bill, and Will shared some reflections.
Sophie said some of the students who conducted a research program into the LifeLink agencies were surprised to learn about the wide array of services provided, from supporting the homeless and less fortunate to providing a place of rest and respite specifically for seafarers.
Jimmy and Bill outlined how the students used the college’s main fundraising initiative to raise awareness for LifeLink among their parents and the broader community, while Will explained how a student-led project explored the correlation between the LifeLink agencies and the mission and work of the college’s eight guild patrons.
Following a prayer and blessing over the College community led by Bishop Nelson, Principal Andrew Watson presented the donation cheque that will help ensure the vital work of LifeLink will continue into the future.
