The eRecord Edition #57 - 12 November 2015

Your news from across the Archdiocese of Perth www.therecord.com.au

Edition #57

12 November 2015

Fr Vallis showed how faith enabled him to trust in the Lord

By Jamie O’Brien

THE LIFE and pastoral work of the well-known and respected Fr Anthony (Tony) Desmond Vallis from the Archdiocese of Perth will be forever remembered and marked by his firm trust in the Lord and witness to following the will of God. The 71-year-old Fr Vallis passed away last month on Friday 23 October 2015, with his funeral Mass celebrated on Friday 30 October at St Gerard’s Church, Mirrabooka, in the presence of some 600 family, friends and former parishioners.

The funeral Mass and burial was celebrated by Perth Auxiliary Bishop Don Sproxton and concelebrated by Bishop Justin Bianchini from the Diocese of Geraldton, in addition to some 45 priests from across Western Australia.

In his homily for the occasion, Bishop Don said that as Fr Vallis faced his last illness, he showed those around him how in a sense, he had been formed by the hands of the potter.

“He showed how the faith that he had developed in his heart throughout his life, enabled him to put his trust in the Lord, and to press forward knowing that inevitably in a very short time he would have to pass over from this life to the next,” Bishop Don said.

“He faced that reality of his condition and he decided to

The life and pastoral work of the well-known Fr Tony Vallis from the Archdiocese of Perth, will be forever remembered and marked by his firm trust in the Lord and witness to following the will of God. PHOTO: SUPPLIED

hand it over to Jesus,” he said.

“That serenity of heart could only have come from his confidence in Jesus that he had developed over many years.” eRecord Editor Jamie O’Brien spoke to Fr Vallis’ sisters Nancy Allen, Leticia Vallis and Joyce Dunn to learn more about the life of the widely well-regarded man who served as Assistant Priest at Our Lady of Lourdes

Rockingham Parish, Chaplain at Royal Perth Hospital, and then Parish Priest at St Mary’s Kalgoorlie and Our Lady of Mercy Girrawheen Parish.

Fr Vallis was born in Bangalore, India in 1944, after his family had not long moved from Rangoon, Burma during the Second World War for safety reasons.

As a devoted child and

son to his parents Walter and Theodora Vallis, the young Tony Vallis will be remembered by his siblings as a mischievous but smiling and content young boy.

In approximately 1946, the family returned to Rangoon while Tony was still very young.

Continued Page 2 1

Fr Tony Vallis Obituary (con’t) It was during his school years that, with a very natural talent, Tony taught himself how to read music and play the keyboard, skills he developed as he grew older.

“He retained a life-long love of music, enjoying the blues, jazz and classical music with a modern twist, especially Andre Rieu,” Mrs Dunn said.

As a young man, his desire to follow Christ and help others led to his decision to enter the seminary of the Salesian Order, where he spent two years studying in India.

Unfortunately, due to health issues, Fr Vallis decided it wasn’t the right time, and returned to Rangoon.

In October 1966, Fr Vallis emigrated to Australia, together with his mother, Theodora, and sisters in search of a better life.

“However, he always had fond thoughts of Burma and wanted to remember it as the beautiful country of his childhood,” Miss Vallis said.

For the next 21 years, Tony went on to work in accounting and administration, while also serving on various parish councils, playing the organ at church and as a volunteer, helping those facing illness and death. It was during this time that Tony returned to India where he worked with Mother Teresa, whose conversations were instrumental in his decision to again seek out a vocation to the priesthood.

Returning to Australia, Tony, then aged 42, entered St Charles’ Seminary, unsure

Fr Tony Vallis in 1999 at an undocumented event.

PHOTO: SOURCED

Fr Tony Vallis in 2000 at an undocumented event. His ordination, meeting his hero Mother Teresa and meeting John Paul II remained the standout moments of his life.

PHOTO: SOURCED

of the final outcome but positive of the knowledge that “God leads you where he needs you at particular points in your life”.

Following six years of study at St Francis Xavier Seminary in Adelaide, Fr Vallis was ordained to the priesthood on 7 December 1991 by then Archbishop Barry Hickey at St Mary’s Cathedral.

His first Mass on the feast of the Immaculate Conception on 8 December 1991, and subsequent first appointment as assistant priest at Our Lady of Lourdes Rockingham, were to remain as strong signs for the newly ordained priest, who was forever inspired by his mother’s devotion (to the Virgin Mary).

This connection to the Virgin Mary had also been encouraged in the previous year, during which he served as a Deacon at Our Lady of Lourdes Nollamara Parish.

In 1994, Fr Vallis was appointed as chaplain at Royal Perth Hospital, where he served for some eight years, finding great fulfilment in exercising his passion for comforting people in time of crisis with a unique pastoral care.

It was this challenge that enabled him to later become an effective and sensitive pastor in Kalgoorlie and in Girrawheen.

Mrs Allen said that, for Fr Vallis, his ordination, working alongside his hero Mother Teresa and twice meeting then Pope John Paull II (the first as JPII’s mitre

bearer in 1986 and the second, in Rome in 2003) remained the stand-out moments of his life.

“He was enthralled by John Paul II and was delighted that ‘this little priest from Australia’ was invited to meet with the Pope at the Vatican,” Mrs Allen said.

“But it was also his daily life as a priest, working with the many wonderful parishioners, school and local communities, that gave him enormous amounts of inspiration, satisfaction and spiritual nourishment. He loved every moment of his priesthood,” she said.

Fr Vallis retired for health reasons at the start of 2011.

“He lived that final part of his life, like St Paul had himself done when he, too, realised that his life was rapidly coming to an end, and that he saw that his life now, whatever was left of it, could still be an offering that he could make to the Lord,” said Bishop Don at the funeral service on October 30.

“I believe that was one of the hallmarks of Tony’s life that he has always wanted to be at the service of God. “The ways in which he has done that show that he kept nothing back, that he wanted that offering to be complete, to be full, and to be joyous,” he said.

Full Text available at www.therecord.com.au 2

New life unfolds in a sanctuary of love at Emmaus Community

By Mark Reidy SPRINGTIME is alive and well in the f lowerbeds of the Emmaus Community in Queens Park, but it is the blossoming of human life that truly captures the spirit of this haven of restoration.

The Emmaus Community, which currently comprises nine houses, is home to 38 people living with mental health issues, but more significantly, it is a place of healing for lives that have been broken.

Although the spiritual seeds for Emmaus were planted years earlier, the first house was established in 2000 when founder Brother Alan Archer (better known as Brother Al), with the support of then Archbishop Barry Hickey, began a journey that has since provided a home for many.

When Petra first arrived at Emmaus ten years ago she was trapped in a cycle of mental illness, hospitalisation and hopelessness.

“My family had dumped me, I had been going in and out of hospital for many years and I felt I didn’t belong anywhere,” she said. “But then Brother Al found me and invited me here, and now I have a family.”

With well-nurtured gardens, a dog, several cats, the chirping of pet birds and a smile around every corner, it is not difficult to understand why Emmaus has become a refuge of hope for so many.

More than half of the community members currently living there have been separated from their (genetic) families and were stumbling alone in the darkness and isolation associated with mental illness, before discovering a place where they could finally be accepted just as they were.

“Many of us are alike because we have been rejected by our families,” Petra shared.

“But here we become brothers and sisters to one another and we know we will be cared for.”

Before Petra arrived at Emmaus she had never celebrated a birthday or Christmas and had been overwhelmed when she first experienced the opportunity to receive a gift given solely out of love and to become a part of a communal celebration. She is now responsible for setting up the Christmas lights and it has become her favourite time of the year. “I had never been in a place where I felt secure,” she smiled. “And that is the most important thing here – each and every person knows that they are loved and valued.”

When Brother Al first began the community, he was aware of the deficiencies of the emergency and short term services being provided for those with mental health issues. He wanted to provide a place for people to be surrounded by a community where they could be nurtured into life without the burden of time or program restraints.

“This is a not a hostel or a crisis unit - it is a real home,” Brother Al shared. “This is a place where people can live independently, with support, in an environment of love.”

It is a unique style of communal living that Brother Al and his dedicated team have watched grow over the years and, despite the many hurdles they have encountered, in fact, because of them, they are continually convicted that Emmaus Community is a work of God. It is an understanding reflected in the small chapel

which is central to the open communal area and a place where members are welcome to join for Mass or a Communion Service several times a week, as well as Adoration of the Blessed Eucharist.

At present Brother Al is in the process of seeking approval to continue expanding the community and hopes to build further houses on adjacent properties so more people can receive the spiritual, psychological, physical and emotionally healing they have not been able to receive in the world beyond these walls.

LifeLink agencies collectively touch the lives of more than 31,000 people in need each year through the provision of accom-

modation, food, clothing, financial assistance with electricity and gas accounts, and the protection of women and children escaping domestic violence and abuse.

In this year’s Christmas LifeLink Appeal, the Archbishop is setting a target of $700,000 so as to help fund agencies in being able to meet the needs of those who knock on the doors of Archdiocesan agencies.

The 2015 LifeLink Christmas Appeal will be officially launched in parishes on 14 and 15 November.

To donate to LifeLink, go to www.lifelink.com.au.

Full Text available at www.therecord.com.au

Petra has found a family, hope and a new beginning within the Emmaus Community in Queens Park.

PHOTO: MARK REIDY

3

First visas for refugees a positive step forward, says Archbishop Costelloe

By Jamie O’Brien ARCHBISHOP Timothy Costelloe has this week responded to the news from the Federal Government announcing the distribution of visas to refugees in Syria.

The announcement regarding the visas from Federal Immigration Minister Peter Dutton, who was in Jordan for the occasion last week Tuesday 3 November, is a positive way forward, Archbishop Costelloe said.

“I am currently having a number of discussions with our community-based social outreach agencies about how we can best make plans to ensure that we are ready to provide assistance on the ground as generously and as practically as possible when the arrival of the first refugees from Syria takes place,” he said.

“There are numerous factors we must, and are, taking into consideration and we look forward to continuing to work in a coordinated manner with State and Federal Government on this delicate but most vital task of helping the arriving refugees to rebuild their lives.”

Upon their arrival, refugees will be assisted in the immediate term by Federal Government agencies, Communicare and/or the North Metropolitan Migrant Resource Centre, which will include meeting people at the airport and helping them find immediate accommodation for up to six to 12 months.

It is during this time that Catholic organisations such

Refugees listen to a translator as they arrive at a transit camp in Idomeni, Greece, on the border of Macedonia, on 19 October. Thousands of refugees are arriving into Greece from Syria, Afghanistan, Iraq and other countries and then travelling further into Europe.

PHOTO: CNS

as St Vincent De Paul Society and the Edmund Rice Centre Mirrabooka (ERC) are on hand – albeit even in a small way initially – to provide assistance and support.

“As a Catholic community, we stand ready to do more - and to respond with the generosity, compassion and practical assistance called for by Pope Francis - and to remember that, as Christians, we are followers of the One who Himself took refuge in Egypt, together with His mother Mary and her husband Joseph, when their lives were threatened by King Herod,” the Archbishop said.

“This refugee child would grow into the man who told the story of the Good Samaritan, the stranger who could not turn away when he was confronted by someone who was in desperate need,” he said.

St Vincent De Paul Society (SVDP) CEO Mark Fitzgerald and ERC Director Stephen Bowman echoed the words of the Archbishop. Both organisations are key stakeholders in the work of assisting newly arrived

refugees, while also working with the Archdiocese to understand what, how, why and where support is needed.

“The St Vincent de Paul Society will help on a number of fronts, working with the Metropolitan Migrant Resource Centre to assist newly arrived migrants, initially supporting their housing by providing household items for them once a house is found,” Mr Fitzgerald said.

“Our conferences and Mig ra nt a nd Ref ugee Committee also support refugees through introducing them to services, supporting their awareness of different aspects of life in Australia, providing them with friendship and conducting home visits which help them with necessities of life,” he said.

Mr Fitzgerald went on to explain that, unfortunately, over the last year or so, the Federal Government has implemented policies that have seen a fall in the number of refugees arriving to Australia through the Humanitarian Settlement Service.

THE e-RECORD IS PRODUCED BY THE Archdiocese of Perth Communication and Media Office 21 Victoria Square, Perth WA 6000 | Ph: 9220 5900 Email: communications.media@perthcatholic.org.au

This has meant that the additional refugees who will now call Australia home will only bolster those numbers to a level slightly higher than were once supported by the SVDP Society.

“We believe that a country like Australia has the capacity to support more refugees,” Mr Fitzgerald said.

“We need to open our policies, minds and hearts to people from all walks of life and stop the language and stigma given to people legitimately wanting to create a better life in our wonderful country.”

ERC Director Stephen Bowman also talked about the role the ERC plays assisting newly arrived refugees settle into Australia.

Enquiries regarding assistance and support for the refugees can be directed to Manager of Catholic Services Development, Renay Grech, via email to renayg@archdioces-perth.com.au.

Full Text available at www.therecord.com.au

PANORAMA What’s happening around the Archdiocese

THURSDAYS, 5 - 19 NOVEMBER THE LOWDOWN ON THE ON-HIGH FOR PARENTS This short, user-friendly online course explores with parents questions of life, faith and meaning. This course can be taken individually or with a group of friends. Presented by Fr Charles Waddell, Thursdays, 5-19 November, from 8-8.30pm.

Cost: 3 sessions $20. Further info and to register: Centre for Faith Enrichment, 08 9241 5221, cfe@perthcatholic.org.au, www.cfe.org.au.

THURSDAYS, 5 - 26 NOVEMBER A QUICK TOUR OF THE NEW TESTAMENT This online course offers an overview of the Scriptures that formed and came out of the very beginnings of the Church. We will come to appreciate the New Testament anew as a vital means of encountering Jesus, who is the same yesterday, today and forever. Presented by Fr Charles Waddell, Thursdays, 5-26 November from 11am-12pm. Cost: 4 sessions $25.

Further info and to register: Centre for Faith Enrichment, 08 9241 5221, cfe@ perthcatholic.org.au, www.cfe.org.au.

FRIDAY, 6 NOVEMBER Mater Christi Primary School 25th Anniversary We will be celebrating 25 years of Mater Christi history beginning with a 9am Mass in the Mater Christi Church at 340 Yangebup Rd, Yangebup followed by morning tea and a memory walk. We welcome all past staff and community members to join us for this special celebration. Further info: 08 9417 5756; admin@mcps.wa.edu.au.

FRIDAY, 6 - SUNDAY, 8 NOVEMBER

Thomas Merton and Contemplative Prayer To celebrate 100 years since Thomas Merton’s birth, the Institute for Benedictine Studies is offering a retreat reflecting on and praying with Merton’s wisdom.

Merton’s writings on contemplative prayer appealed to people of all walks of life when they first appeared back in the 1950s and 60s. With their distinctive insistence on the melding of prayer with action in the world, Merton’s words still resonant with the issues of our times and our desires to journey deeply into God. This weekend will be led by Dr Carmel Posa SGS.

1

EDITION #56 | 5 November 2015

Recommended cost: $260. Further info: Dr Carmel Posa SGS, 08 9654 8371, carmel. posa@newnorcia.wa.edu.au.

SATURDAY, 7 NOVEMBER 800 Years Jubilee Celebrations 1216-2016 All are invited to the celebrations which begin throughout the world for the Dominican Order of Friars, Nuns, Sisters and Laity and thousands associated through universities, parishes and schools.

This will be in combination with the Year of Mercy. Held at Our Lady of the Rosary Parish, Woodlands, for Mass at 6pm to be concelebrated by our Prior Provincial Father Kevin Saunders, OP from Melbourne and parish priest, Father Peter Nguyen, OP, followed by a dinner (for dinner bookings please phone: Mr Kevin Susai, OP 08 9285 0298). Further info: Ms June Ross, OP. june. ross99@gmail.com Quiz Night Fundraiser A Fundraising Quiz Night for the Embrace the Grace Youth Conference will be held at 67 Howe St, Osborne Park at 7pm. Come along for a night of trivia, entertainment and the chance to win great prizes. Tickets $20. Proceeds will subsidise registration fees to enable young people to attend Embrace the Grace. Further info or to register: admin@cym.com.au, 08 9422 7912.

Installation Mass of Relics of three Saints The parish of St Anthony at 96 Innamincka Rd, Greenmount, will receive the installation of relics of St Anthony of Padua, St John Paul II and St Mary of the Cross MacKillop on Saturday, 7 November at 6pm by Archbishop Timothy Costelloe SDB. Spiritual preparation, led by Bishop Justin Bianchini, will begin in the parish with Masses over the weekend of 24/25 October and evening Masses on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday 26, 27 and 28 October, commencing at 7pm.

WEDNESDAY, 18 NOVEMBER IMAGINATIVE MEDITATION ON GOSPEL SCENES AND NEUROSCIENCE Science says that our thoughts and choices impact our physical brain and body, our mental health and our spiritual development. Based on the meditation

method used by St Ignatius of Loyola in his classic ‘The Spiritual Exercises’, this four week course looks at the benefits of Imaginative Meditation according to Neuroscience. Presented by Norma Woodcock. Held Wednesdays, 11 and 18 November from 7.30pm-8.30pm at St Benedict’s Church, cnr Canning Highway & Ardross St, Ardross. Cost: collection. Further info: 08 9487 1772, norma@normawoodcock.com, www. normawoodcock.com.

13 - 15 NOVEMBER

3 DAY LIVE-IN HEALING RETREAT Presented by the Vincentian Retreat Centre - Perth, at Epiphany Retreat Centre, 50 Fifth Ave , Rossmoyne. Cost: $230. The Retreat will be led by Fr Varghese Parackal VC and Fr Rojan VC, anointed priests who have the gift of preaching and healing.

Join us for a life-changing experience. All welcome. Further info and to register: Lin 0419 041 188.

SATURDAY, 14 NOVEMBER Sisters of the Good Samaritan Rural Outeach Fundraiser A fundraiser afternoon tea will be held at Pater Noster Parish Hall, 460 Marmion St, Myaree, from 2-4.30pm. Entry is by donation to raise funds for this important outreach to rural and remote people.

Please come along and bring a friend and enjoy the entertainment, Christmas gifts table, raffles, lucky door prizes and much more and you will be supporting: Boarding and education of Aboriginal Students at Nagle College Geraldton; Motivation programs for primary school attendance; Retreats and programs for rural and remote women and communities. Further info: Penny Carroll 0419 709 437, the. penny.carroll@gmail.com.

SUNDAY, 15 NOVEMBER TAIZÉ MEDITATIVE PRAYER The Ministry of the Sisters of Saint Joseph of the Sacred Heart invite you to a relaxing Taizé Meditative Prayer session, on the theme Praying for the Holy Souls, at St Joseph’s Chapel, Mary MacKillop Centre, 16 York Street, South Perth, from 7-8pm.

Please bring a small plate to share. Further info: Sr Maree Riddler rsj, 0414 683 926, mriddler@sosjwa.org.au.

SUNDAYS, 15 AND 22 NOVEMBER DARK NIGHTS: FOR AN ELITE OR FOR EVERYONE? Dark Night of the Soul? “That’s out of my league” – perhaps a reaction of many people, but should it be? This course explores how authors of today and yesterday help us make sense of this mysterious process where, in being led by a loving God in ‘luminous darkness’, we find our true selves. Held at the Newman Siena Centre, 33 Williamstown Rd, Doubleview, Sundays 15 and 22 November, 2-4pm. Cost: 2 sessions $10. Presented by Fr Tom Ryan SM (live from Brisbane). Further info and to register: Centre for Faith Enrichment, 08 9241 5221, cfe@perthcatholic.org.au, www.cfe.org.au.

SATURDAY, 21 NOVEMBER SONGS FOR THE JUBILEE YEAR OF MERCY WORKSHOP This workshop will present music appropriate for celebrations during the Jubilee Year of Mercy, based on the theology of Pope Francis’ encyclical Misericordiae Vultus. To be held at Holy Family Catholic Church, 45 Thelma St, Como, 10.30am–12.30pm. Cost: $10.

Futher info and to register: Centre for Liturgy 08 9207 3350, registrations cfl@ perthcatholic.org.au.

SATURDAY, 21 NOVEMBER ANNUAL MASS OF THE LEGION OF MARY The Annual Mass of the Legion of Mary will be held on Saturday, 21 November at St Joachim’s Church, Shepperton Rd, Victoria Park, 10.30am – Legion prayers and rosary followed by 11am Mass. Main celebrant will be Fr Andre Maria FFI. After Mass there will be a luncheon and Annual General Reunion with carol singing and a celebration of “Mother of Sorrows”, Joondanna 3000th meeting. Please bring a plate of finger food to share. Auxilliaries, family and friends are most welcome.

WEDNESDAYS, 18 AND 25 NOVEMBER ARCHDIOCESAN LAUDATO SI’

EXPLORATION

OF

The Centre for Faith Enrichment, in collaboration with the Justice, Ecology and Development Office, Caritas, Catholic

Mission, Catholic Earthcare and the Redemptorist Community, invites all to explore Pope Francis’ latest encyclical Laudato Si – “On Care for Our Common Home”. 7pm-8.30pm, at the Redemptorist Retreat Centre, 190 Vincent Street, North Perth. Cost: $5 per session. Further info and to register: 08 9241 5221, cfe@ perthcatholic.org.au.

SUNDAY, 22 - SUNDAY, 23 NOVEMBER RESPONDING TO PEOPLE SEEKING ASYLUM IN AUSTRALIA: ETHICAL AND LEGAL CHALLENGES, ALTERNATIVE APPROACHES Option 1: Sunday, 22 November, 3pm.

Christchurch Chapel, cnr Queenslea Dr and Stirling Hwy, Claremont. (Free event).

Option 2: Monday, 23 November, 1.303pm. John XXIII College, Gonzaga Barry Lecture Theatre. All sessions presented

by Fr Frank Brennan SJ. Register: http:// www.trybooking.com/158477. (Free event: unreserved seating.)

TUESDAY, 24 NOVEMBER SHAKESPEARE’S RELIGION

The Dawson Society for Philosophy and Culture will be holding their final forum for 2015, titled Shakespeare’s Religion. Presented by Prof. Chris Wortham, Professor of Theatre Studies and English Literature (UNDA). At Rosie O’Grady’s, 205 James St, Northbridge, on Tuesday, 24 November. Arrive 6.30pm, dinner will be at 7pm followed by presentation and discussion. Cost: $30 online at www.trybooking.com/JOHK or $35 at the door. Further info: Thomas Gourlay 0434 402 884, thomas@ dawsonsociety.com.au.

SATURDAY, 28 NOVEMBER PILGRIMAGE AND REFLECTION DAY IN CHITTERING The Secular Franciscan Order invites all to join them on a Pilgrimage to Chittering to the beautiful bushland setting of Peace Be Still for a reflection day commencing at 10am. There will be three talks presented

by Fr Roy Pereira on “A journey in Advent through the scriptures and God’s creation”. Mass at 2.30pm will conclude the day. Further info and to register: Angela 08 9275 5658, 0408 801 215, angelmich@bigpond.com.

THURSDAY, 3 - SATURDAY, 5 DECEMBER Australian Catholic Youth Festival The Australian Catholic Youth Festival is a national gathering of Catholic young

2

EDITION #56 | 5 November 2015

people established by the ACBC. Join thousands of young people in Adelaide to experience a deeper relationship with Jesus and be empowered to be disciples in the world today. Young people from Year 9 to young adults 25 years of age are invited. Further info: www. youthfestival.catholic.org.au.

THE HEART OF CIVILISATION CATHOLIC WOMEN’S FORUM This forum will explore how the church affirms the dignity of womanhood, seeing femininity as an empowering foundation of women’s vocation. Hear how women are the heart of civilisation building up society through the feminine genius. Anima Women’s Network aims to enrich the lives and faith of Catholic women. Guest speaker, Anna Krohn from Melbourne, Founder of Anima Women’s Network. Saturday, 28 November, 9am-12.30pm at the Catholic Pastoral Centre, 40A Mary St, Highgate. Free event. Further info and to register: 08 9422 7999, www.trybooking.com/ JOXS. TEUSDAYS, 1 - 8 DEC AN ADVENT JOURNEY WITH THE DESERT FATHERS AND MOTHERS

This short course will explore the lives and spirituality of some of the Desert Fathers and Mothers of the early Church, and contemplate the spiritual wisdom they have to offer ordinary Christians of the 21st century. A great way to enter into the season of Advent. Held at St Brigid’s Parish, 69B Morrison Rd, Midland, Tuesdays, 1 and 8 December, 10am-12pm.

Cost: 2 sessions $10. Presented by Dr Carmel Posa SGS. Further info and to register: Centre for Faith Enrichment, 08 9241 5221, cfe@perthcatholic.org. au, www.cfe.org.au.

MONDAY, 7 DECEMBER Emmanuel Centre’s Christmas Party All are warmly invited to the Emmanuel Centre’s Christmas celebrations from 11am - 2pm. Beginning with our muchloved Christmas carol singing followed by lunch and sharing. Please bring a small plate of finger food to share. RSVP: by 2 December. Further info: Barbara 08 9328 8113, emmanuelcentre@westnet. com.au.

THE ROAD TO BETHLEHEM The Road to Bethlehem is an Advent liturgy in preparation for Christmas. The story of Christian Redemption - from the Fall to the Birth of our Saviour - is narrated in 9 readings and carols held at St Thomas the Apostle Parish, Claremont

commencing at 7pm. All welcome.

MONTH

WEDNESDAY, 9 - SUNDAY, 13 DECEMBER

Catholic Faith Renewal

EMBRACE THE GRACE YOUTH CONFERENCE ‘Embrace the Grace’ (ETG) is a not to be missed annual youth conference on 9-13 December in New Norcia for 16-30 year olds. At ETG you will explore faith and life’s greatest questions through dynamic talks, workshops, music, drama and prayer. There will also be a mini-Olympics and a dinner dance. (If you would like to help with a donation toward sponsorship to assist a young person to attend, please contact CYM). Further info: Catholic Youth Ministry 08 9422 7912, admin@cym. com.au, or register at www.cym.com. au/embracethegrace.

Pinetree Gully Road, Willetton. Songs of

SUNDAY, 13 DECEMBER

meetings held every 2nd Thursday. Enq:

Our Lady, Help of Christians, 80th Anniversary The parish of Our Lady Help of Christians, East Victoria Park invites past community members, together with those who served in the parish and school for a special 80th Anniversary celebration Mass and morning tea, held on Sunday, 13 December, 9.30am, at 43 Camberwell St, East Victoria Park. (Parking near Fraser Park, Balmoral St, East Vic Park). Main celebrant: Most Rev Donald Sproxton, Auxiliary Bishop of Perth. Further info and RSVP by 20 Nov: Dennis 08 9361 5135, denniskelly@live.com.au; Jaya, j.earnest@curtin.edu.au.

EVERY SECOND WEDNESDAY OF THE MONTH Chaplets of the Divine Mercy A powerful, prayerful, sung devotion held at St Thomas More Catholic Church, Dean Road Bateman, on the second Wednesday of each month commencing at 7.30 pm. z It will be accompanied by Exposition and followed by Benediction and Annointing.

If you have not been before, why don’t you come along and be uplifted? Enquiries to George Lopez on 9310 9493(h) or 6242 0702(w).

EVERY FIRST AND THIRD THURSDAY OF THE MONTH Young Adults Cenacle Group The Young Adults Cenacle Group invites young people aged 18-40 to St Bernadette’s Church, Jugan St, Glendalough on the 1st & 3rd Thursday of each month at 8pm. The evening includes a cenacle rosary, followed by a reflection by a visiting priest and fellowship. Any queries phone Viviana on 0413 432 025.

EVERY FIRST FRIDAY OF THE

7.30pm at St John and Paul’s Parish, Praise, sharing by a Priest, Thanksgiving Mass and light refreshments after Mass.

All welcome to attend and we encourage you to bring your family and friends. Enq: Ann 0412 166 164, Ivan 0428 898 833.

EVERY SATURDAY Commencing February 28 at 9am, The Instinct to Heal’ Holistic Health (24 sessions). From 10.30am -1pm, Internalize principles of successful relationships and use emotional intelligence and communication skills. For couples, singles, parents and families. Prayer Eva 0409 405 585 or 9418 1439; rcpd. net.au

GENERAL FRANCISCAN FRIARS MISSION FUNDS The Franciscan Friars of the Immaculate have recently moved their Australian mission to the friary in Toodyay. This being the case, the plan to build a church on the Munster property has been halted indefinitely. Some funds raised for the building chapel were raised through two raffles. All money therefore, that has been raised from the two raffles, will now be used for the upkeep for the friary in Toodyay and also to assist our missions in the poorer parts of the world. Many thanks to our generous benefactors over the years. Be assured of our prayers for you all. For any queries please contact the Friars on 08 9574 5204, or franciscan. friars@perthcatholic.org.au.

E-RECORD NEWSLETTER UPDATE Local news from across our parishes, agencies, schools and organisations can be delivered weekly directly to your inbox via the e-Record e-newsletter. It contains the latest news, events and photos from the Archdiocese. Parishes receive a PDF copy of the e-newsletter to print off and distribute for those who don’t have or don’t use email. Subscribe to the e-newsletter by sending details to communications.media@ perthcatholic.org.au. Further info: Jamie O’Brien 08 9220 5900.