12 June 2015
Your news from across the Archdiocese of Perth
Edition #35
Archbishop speaks on nature of marriage By James Parker IN A CHALLENGING pastoral letter to be delivered to the Catholic community across Perth this weekend, Archbishop Timothy Costelloe SDB speaks into the debate about ‘same-sex marriage’, recognising that many views exist on such a complex issue. Archbishop Costelloe’s letter begins by pointing to the respect, compassion and sensitivity with which people who experience same-sex attraction are to be upheld. “We know them to be loving people, striving as we all do to live a good life,” he emphasises. The Archbishop believes it is imperative to offer love and support, and not to “condemn them or cut them off ”, and “nor should we”, he states. Equally, he clarifies that
Archbishop Costelloe has this week spoken into the debate about ‘same-sex marriage’, recognising that many views exist on such a complex issue. PHOTO: FILE
the question of ‘same-sex marriage’ is “not about condemnation, discrimination or rejection” but, rather, “about the nature of marriage” and its importance in our society over many centuries. In the main body of his
pastoral letter, Archbishop Costelloe lays out clearly the inimitable position that the marriage covenant between a man and a woman plays as “a fundamental building block of our society”, linked as marriage is to the creation
and sustaining of the family. The Archbishop goes on to remind Catholics that marriage has a “unique status in our society” and is more than mutual love and support between two partners. He expounds the unwavering responsibility that adults have towards the rights of every child, each one deserving to be “created through the love of their parents”, and nurtured “within the community of love that created him or her”. He also looks realistically at the difficulties of marriage, but sees these as a wake-up call to society at large to “put our energy and attention into strengthening this vital institution rather than weakening it further by seeking to change its time-honoured nature”. Full Text available at
www.therecord.com.au
Perth Catholics reminded of urgent need to show love this Winter By Jamie O’Brien WINTER is upon us. And, as the weather gets colder, members of the Perth Catholic community and beyond are being reminded of the urgent need to show love to those in need. That is the message of Perth Archbishop Timothy Costelloe for his 2015 LifeLink Winter Appeal. The Appeal, which runs till the end of July 2015, is urgently 1 | EDITION #35 | 12 JUNE 2015
asking the people of Perth to donate, following a downturn in financial support of donations so far. LifeLink is the overarching organisation which provides ongoing funding support for agencies of the Archdiocese which deliver professional services and caring support to thousands of people in need throughout Western Australia each year. The aim this year is to raise more than $300,000 –
a figure that is greatly needed to help agencies and organisations that assist those in need in a variety of situations – whether it be in the form of practical emergency assistance or long-term support. Agencies of LifeLink include The Shopfront, Daydawn Advocacy Centre, i d e nt i t y w a , E m m au s Community, the Emmanuel C entre, Djooraminda, Samaritan Projects,
Centrecare, Centacare Employment & Training and the Catholic Ministry for People who are Deaf or Hearing Impaired. LifeLink Manager, Brett Mendez, said winter is always a difficult time of the year, especially for those who are homeless or experiencing financial crisis. Continue reading story on top of Page 2.