25 February 2016
www.therecord.com.au
Edition #70
CEOWA Commissioning Masses: Staff take on “awesome responsibility” of Catholic education By Rachel Curry
MORE THAN 400 new staff have been commissioned to serve as “the face of Jesus” in Perth Catholic schools – as powerfully described by Archbishop Timothy Costelloe – in a number of Masses held throughout the Archdiocese this month. The 11 Eucharistic celebrations were attended by almost 5,500 people and offered an opportunity for old and new Catholic Education WA staff to pray together, give thanks and acknowledge their important role in the intellectual and spiritual formation of children. At the beginning of each Mass, new staff were asked to come to the front of the church to be commissioned and blessed by Archbishop Costelloe or one of his delegates: Auxiliary Bishop
Archbishop Timothy Costelloe commissions staff working in Catholic schools in the Archdiocese of Perth during Mass at St Mary’s Cathedral on 16 February. PHOTO: RON TAN
Don Sproxton, Emeritus Archbishop Barry Hickey, Monsignor Brian O’Loughlin, Mgr Kevin Long, Vicar General Father Peter Whitely, Fr Joseph Parkinson and Fr Greg Donovan. The new staff promised to diligently fulfill their roles by
witnessing to the teachings of the Gospel, committing to serving the needs of the students in their care, and seeking to contribute to the wellbeing of all who belong to the school community. During his homily at the Commissioning Mass
at St Mary’s Cathedral on 16 February, Archbishop Costelloe paid tribute to the crucial role of educators in our Church and in our society. Full Text available at
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Perth Catholics called to unite in reconciliation for Year of Mercy By Jamie O’Brien
CATHOLICS ACROSS the Archdiocese will next month be given a unique opportunity to experience the Sacrament of Reconciliation at a special liturgy for the Year of Mercy. The special liturgical celebration, which will include the second rite of reconciliation, will be held on Tuesday, 15 March at St Mary’s Cathedral at 6pm with Archbishop Timothy Costelloe and priests from across Perth. Chairperson for the Year of Mercy Committee, Father Greg Donovan, said he hopes all members of the Archdiocese
can feel welcome for this occasion. “Each one of us is very much loved by God and the Sacrament of Reconciliation is a perfect time to be reminded of this,” Fr Donovan said. “All too often, the pressures of family life, work and money lead us to forget the immense happiness that God is calling us to. “However, in this Jubilee Year of Mercy, we can unite together in this special liturgy and hear and be reminded that, by putting God first, we can grow more and more into the people He is calling us to be,” he said. Fr Donovan went on to recall the homily of Archbishop Costelloe at
the Opening of the Holy Door on 12 December 2015, when he spoke about salvation. Fr Donovan also extended a warm welcome especially to those who may not have been to the Sacrament of Reconciliation for some time. “Don’t be afraid to be a witness to the real mercy of God in this Jubilee Year,” he said. For more information, contact the Communications Office on 08 9220 5900 or email communications.media@ perthcatholic.org.au. Full Text available at
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