October 16, 2014
Your news from across the Archdiocese of Perth
Edition #3
Church Staff called to reflect on God-given gifts THE A N N UA L Commissioning Mass for agencies and organisations from across the Archdiocese took place this week on Wednesday October 16, on the feast of St Theresa of Avila. Auxiliary Bishop Don Sproxton was principal celebrant for the occasion, which was held at St Mary’s Cathedral, accompanied by Deacon Parick Moore from Stella Maris, with more than 150 staff from across the Archdiocese in attendance. Bishop Don Sproxton thanked all staff, on behalf of Archbishop Timothy Costelloe for all the great work they do for the Archdiocese. In his homily for the occasion, Bishop Don began by recalling how in 1968, at the instalment Mass of Archbishop
Bishop Don Sproxton was the main celebrant at the Annual Commissioning Mass for Agencies and Organisations at St Mary’s Cathedral on October 16. PHOTO: SUPLLIED
Goody, a fire destroyed the Church Offices on St George’s Terrace – a time during which most of the
work of the Church was undertaken by priests and religious. “Lay members of the Church are now mostly
in positions of leadership – this a very good thing,” he said. “Lay involvement [in the work of the Church] provides a lay voice for the Church.” Also drawing on the current Synod of the Family, Bishop Don said that the work of the laity means the Church has the opportunity to listen to the various Christian communities , their insights into family and family life, so that appropriate responses can be formed. Bishop Don encouraged those in attendance to pray for the work of the Synod. The day was also the Feast of St Theresa of Avila, who is founder of the Discalced Carmelites, as well as the Carmelite Fathers. Full Text available at
www.therecord.com.au
Support needed to stop Catastrophe THE SCOURGE of prostitution is destroying the lives of Perth women and their families more than ever before according to Linda Watson, the founder of Linda’s House of Hope, and she is desperately worried that dwindling donations will force her to close her ministry to those seeking to exit the insidious industry. Ms Watson began providing avenues of escape EDITION #3 | OCTOBER 16, 2014
from the cycle of prostitution and drugs in 1999, with the support of Emeritus Archbishop Barry Hickey, and has since assisted hundreds of people each year. However as she prepares for this year’s Christmas Appeal - where she will endeavour to provide more than 200 families with food hampers, vouchers and other means of assistance - she is seeking donations to ensure as many effected
families as possible can be reached. Ms Watson said that most people would not understand the broader ramifications on the families of those women caught up in this industry, who, according to Ms Watson, are the hidden victims of the current rampant social catastrophe - emotionally, mentally and financially drained by their involuntary involvement.
Donations for the Christmas Appeal can be made by Money Order or Cheque (Payable to Linda’s House of Hope) and sent to GPO Box 5640, St George’s Tce, Perth, 6831 or via Visa, Mastercard by phoning 9358 2544 or 0439 401 009. Assistance with repair of the bathroom would also be greatly appreciated. Full Text available at
www.therecord.com.au