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.

In 1916 Brazil, an intrepid British researcher (Emily Blunt) forms an unlikely alliance with a fast-talking Amazon River steamboat captain (Dwayne Johnson) and aided by her brother (Jack Whitehall), they set off in quest of a mystical tree the healing flowers of which she believes will revolutionize medicine. By John Mulderig/CNS.

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.

Former CEWA teacher and principal Roberta Chapman, who was a founding member of the Performing Arts Festival for Catholic Schools and Colleges, was recognised with a Medal of the Order of Australia recently in the 2021 Queen’s Birthday Honours List. By Jesse Roberts.

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.

Pope Francis is continuing to recover following surgery for diverticular stenosis performed on the evening of 4 July. The second morning after surgery, the Holy Father read the newspapers and got out of bed to walk and his routine follow-up exams are good. By Cindy Wooden, Catholic News Service.

Acknowledging the rich history of the Greenmount Parish on the occasion of its 60th anniversary, Perth Auxiliary Bishop Sproxton spoke about the importance of good leadership, which the parish was fortunate to receive from all its’ leaders. By Amanda Murthy.