Catholics have been challenged at a special Mass at the dawn of National Volunteer Week to embrace the fullness of the faith by loving others in concrete ways. The Mass, celebrated by Bishop Don Sproxton, also celebrated the good works of countless volunteers throughout the Archdiocese of Perth.

Just like his human owners, Ocean Reef canine, Bob, has discovered the joys of volunteering, forging lasting bonds with people in his local community. In the lead-up to a Mass for National Volunteering Week, The Record speaks to a family forever changed by the giving of themselves.

Perth Auxiliary Bishop Donald Sproxton has last Sunday acknowledged the enormous contribution of volunteers across the Archdiocese of Perth, including the efforts of his own father.

This May, the Archdiocese of Perth’s Catholic Social Services WA will join the rest of the country in honouring the contributions of many dedicated volunteers, especially those who serve within the Catholic Church on National Volunteer Week 2021, beginning with a Mass. A new resource entitled the Volunteer Handbook will be distributed to parishes that week. By Amanda Murthy.

Despite the impact of COVID-19 (with its virtual shut-down of all Church activity throughout the middle of the year) Catholic Social Services Western Australia (CSSWA) has forged ahead with the Catholic Volunteer Hub, an initiative that looks set to dramatically increase the potential for ordinary Catholics to get involved with performing the Good Works of the Church. The Catholic Volunteer Hub creates an opportunity for adults who are seeking to volunteer in a parish setting or for an agency, inviting everyone to participate in performing the Good Works of the Church and realise the objectives outlined in the Archdiocesan Plan 2016 – 2021.

The story of long-lived support for the acceptance of children with disability into the sacramental life of the Church in WA is intrinsically linked to the story of the Tranters, one of the founding families of Catholic Care for Intellectually Handicapped Persons (Catholic Care)

Catholic Social Services Western Australia (CSSWA) has last week recognised two people whose contributions and dedication have brought much positive impact to their local communities.