MercyCare clients who have come to Australia as refugees or asylum seekers from countries like Iraq, Syria, Ethiopia, Burma/Myanmar, Iran and Afghanistan have gained a new job opportunity – thanks to local social enterprise group LOOP, which partners with large companies like Water Corp and Clough to repurpose used corporate uniforms by engaging people from disadvantaged backgrounds and providing them with the opportunity to gain employment and skills training.

Father Michael Boudaher was ordained a Maronite priest on 18 December 2021 at Our Lady of Lebanon Church, Thornbury, Melbourne. Mass celebrant Eparch of the Eparchy of Australia, New Zealand, and Oceania Bishop Antoine-Charbel Tarabay said ‘’priests becomes the bridge between humanity and the Divine.”

Perth’s annual youth conference Embrace the Grace held from the 8 to 12 December 2021 was inspired by the Post-Synodal Apostolic Exhortation by Pope Francis, called Amoris Laeticia, inspired the theme of “Real Love”, where young people were invited to rejoice in the joy of love in the family. By Nessya Santoso.

Archbishop Timothy Costelloe SDB reminded us this Christmas that the cultural ‘joy’ of the festive season does not always match the reality of the situation experienced by many, and that God’s hospitality is not given to those whose hearts are already too full to make room for Him.

For 7.6 million Australians, Christmas is the most stressful time of year – an experience that they share with Mary and Joseph, living through the myriad challenges of the first Christmas.

Let the Children Be Heard: A Christmas Reflection on Modern Slavery, an event by Catholic Mission, was an inspiring evening of readings and music at St Michael the Archangel Chapel, Leederville, which raised over $17,000 in support of the Kindergarten Centre of the Good Shepherd Sisters at the Fatima Training Centre (FTC) in Bangkok – for the children of women who are vulnerable to modern slavery in all its guises.

Father Daniel Chama was installed as parish priest at Saint Gerard Majella Church at a Mass held on 12 December 2021. Mass celebrant Perth Auxiliary Bishop Don Sproxton spoke about his hopes for the community, and their mission to ‘announce the Good News.’ By Amanda Murthy.

The Vatican announced that Pope Francis sent more than 100 000 euros ($113 868) for the relief of the population, in relief aid to the Philippines after typhoon Rai struck in December. The pope also will send 100 000 euros to help migrants stranded on the border of Belarus and Poland and to Caritas Poland, which has been working to assist them. By Junno Arocho Esteves, Catholic News Service.

John Paul College students participated in the 2021 St Barbara’s Festival, hosted by the City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder from 2 to 5 December from 11am to 7pm. Starting with the Miners Memorial Service, family members, mine management, mine rescue personnel, and the broader community gathered in reflection and remembrance of those who have lost their lives in the mining industry. By Amanda Murthy.

Pastoral support for parish priests is now available through the Archdiocese of Perth, with the launch of the new Clergy Professional Pastoral Supervision program on Tuesday 26 October.

In this 2021 Christmas Message, Perth Archbishop Timothy Costelloe SDB has emphasised that through celebrating the birth of Christ, God comes as close to us as we are close to those we love most deeply.