After a year break due to covid restrictions, the Orchestral Mass held its largest event in its’ sixth-year history – with the involvement of a 68-piece orchestra and a total of 115 choir members from WA schools (Catholic, Anglican, Uniting Church and public schools) – joining the St Mary’s Cathedral choir at its’ 11am Sunday Mass on 25 July, celebrated by Perth Archbishop Timothy Costelloe SDB. By Amanda Murthy.

Members for two commissions charged with assisting the leaders of the Synod of Bishops’ general secretariat in reviewing documents, drafting resources, and developing best practices for the 2023 Synod of Bishops on synodality have been announced by The Vatican. The theme chosen by Pope Francis for the next synod is “For a synodal church: communion, participation and mission.” By Junno Arocho Esteves.

Leaders from Western Australia’s Catholic acute, aged care, disability and tertiary sectors recently engaged in a special dialogue with Perth Archbishop Timothy Costelloe SDB to discuss the impending impact of the Voluntary Assisted Dying legislation. By Amanda Murthy and Jamie O’Brien.

Employees of the 26 agencies from across the Archdiocese of Perth gathered as a people of Christ on 15 July at St Mary’s Cathedral, to reflect on their roles in the community and pray for God’s continuous guidance in the important work they do.

The Catholic community gathered to end the 2021 NAIDOC Week with a Mass at the Embleton parish, Holy Trinity Catholic Church, on 11 July. At the conclusion of Mass, ACM Pastoral Worker for over 12 years, Badimia Yamatji man Reg Carnamah, was presented with his 2021 National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Catholic Council (NATSICC) Adult Service to Community Award for his dedication and commitment to serving the people of Western Australia, through his various roles in the Archdiocese of Perth. By Amanda Murthy.

The Catholic Diocesan Archivists of Australia held its annual assembly in Perth on Tuesday 6 July, drawing over 29 delegates (online and in person) who spent the day discussing a range of topics including information governance, records management technology and new ways of serving the Church in the digital age. By Amanda Murthy.

The Archdiocese of Perth honoured three of its’ long-serving staff, who officially retired on 30 June and 2 July respectively. Archdiocese Clergy Liaison Officer Brian Bonser, Manager: Compliance and Suppliers Warren Lethridge and Personal Assistant to Perth Auxiliary Bishop Don Sproxton Caroline Fouche reflect on their journey and provide advice for future staff. By Amanda Murthy and Jamie O’Brien.

The Perth Catholic community attended a two-hour seminar at Newman Siena Centre on 24 June, exploring a theme of the Plenary Council, “Discovering A Christ-centred Church that is Open to Conversion, Renewal and Reform.” The event led by Catholic Education Western Australia Director of Religious Education Dr Chris Cotter, was organised by the Archdiocese of Perth Centre for Faith Enrichment, as a space for the community to continue the process of prayer, discernment, and dialogue. By Amanda Murthy.

Applecross parishioner Giuseppe Cinanni was announced as one of 1190 Australians to receive a 2021 Queen’s Birthday Honours for Australia. He was honoured for his involvement in Catholic-based and community support initiatives, where he co-ordinated, volunteered, and organised various fundraising projects through collaboration with strong networks, which he built over the years. By Amanda Murthy.

The advent of Voluntary Assisted Dying in Western Australia has introduced a totally new feature in the landscape of end-of-life options, and a new challenge for Catholic acute, aged and disability services.  Seniors holding hands for consolation and sympathy. The advent of Voluntary Assisted Dying in Western Australia has introduced a totally new feature in the landscape of end-of-li...