ARCHBISHOP COSTELLOE 2022 CHRISTMAS MESSAGE: GOD WANTS TO BE SO CLOSE TO US, THAT HE BECOMES ONE OF US
God wants to be so close to us, that he becomes one of us, sharing in everything that is ours as human beings, except sin of course, Perth Archbishop Timothy Costelloe SDB has said.
Speaking in his 2022 Christmas Message, Archbishop Costelloe highlights that God in invites us to share in everything that is his.
“This is why, in Matthew’s Gospel, the newborn child is given the name “Emmanuel”, a name which means “God is with us” (Matthew 1:23),” Archbishop Costelloe said.
Archbishop Costelloe continued by saying that as we celebrate Christmas this year, he invites the Perth Catholic community to gaze with wonder on this helpless baby, lying in a manger.
“Recognise in him the extraordinary
love God has for you.
“Allow that love to be the foundation of your lives, a source of strength and hope in times of struggle and sorrow, and an inspiration for that reaching out to others with compassion and care which is the defining characteristic of life lived to the full, of life lived as a disciple of Jesus,” Archbishop Costelloe explained.
BISHOP MICHAEL MORRISSEY 2022 CHRISTMAS MESSAGE: DO WE PONDER IN FAITH LIKE MARY AND JOSEPH IN HOW WE LIVE AND WORK?
“As for Mary, she treasured all these things and pondered them in her heart”.
Travelling through the Australian bush often gives me a sense of God’s presence.
It causes me to ponder about many things in life and in the world.
In a recent visit to the Catholic community of Christ the King, in Djarindjin Lombadina, I was shown human footprints encrusted in Pindan soil and, as I pondered them, I felt a deep sense of awe and wonder at how they were there before Jesus Christ was born and yet Jesus knew the person who created the footprint.
‘To Ponder’ means to think carefully about things. Not to hasten our decisions but take time to consider everything and understand more deeply. To reflect deeply.
In this season, we find there’s much to ponder about the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem.
Thoughts around ‘Why did Mary, heavily pregnant, and Joseph, have to travel to Bethlehem at such a difficult time?’ or ‘Why did no one seem to
care about their situation and plight when they reached Bethlehem?’
Following the birth of Jesus, Mary may have pondered, why me? Why here? Why shepherds and kings? I am sure Joseph also had much to ponder about, with everything that was going on in the stable that night. ‘Why was this happening to them?’ Mary and Joseph’s deep faith would have guided their ponderings.
To see with the eyes of faith and know, that even though they may not have understood everything, they trusted God in all that was taking place.
They were not frightened by the mystery of God’s presence unfolding around them, nor of their visitors rejoicing in the birth of their son.
In this season of Advent, we find there’s much to ponder about the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem, writes Broome Administrator and Geraldton Bishop Michael Morrissey. PHOTO: ACBC.
NEIGHBOURLY LOVE AND CARE A TOP PRIORITY FOR EMPLOYEE AND VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR AWARD RECIPIENTS
Former director of Stella Maris Seafarers Centre, Deacon Patrick Moore has taken out the Catholic Social Services Employee of the Year Award, while Catholic Outreach Volunteer Dorothy Johnston the Volunteer of the Year Award.
The Employee and Volunteer of the Year Awards is an annual ceremony to recognise the good works of CSSWA members, employees and volunteers, who witness the four pillars of Catholic Social Teaching in their respective agencies.
The awards were formally presented at a special ceremony, Friday 25 November, at St Mary’s Cathedral Parish Hall by Perth Archbishop Timothy Costelloe SDB, Auxiliary Bishop Don Sproxton, Archbishop Emeritus Barry Hickey and members of the Tranter Family.
In announcing the Employee of the Year Award, WA Catholic Migrant and Refugee Office Director, Deacon Greg Lowe, noted that Deacon Patrick led the Stella Maris Seafarer’s Centre from 2007.
During his time at Stella Maris, Deacon Patrick prioritised internet access for seafarers to visually communicate with their loved ones.
This, explained, Deacon Greg, had a profound effect on the well-being of those who sought assistance from the Seafarers Centre.
“The space and place offered onshore have also allowed for a moment of much-needed respite for some of the seafarers and aided the mental health of all onshore visitors,” Deacon Lowe explained.
“Dcn Patrick has ensured that the small premises are welcoming, replete with a billiards table.
“Visitors have always had access to food and clothing and various occasions have been celebrated which created a sense of community among those gathered,” Deacon Greg explained.
Deacon Greg continued by explaining that during the initial phase of the pandemic when no disembarkation from the ships was allowed, Dcn Patrick co-ordinated permission to go on board and provide muchneeded food and clothing items for the seafarers.
“Deacon Patrick's longevity of service in a difficult ministry, often with little support available, has been inspiring and is a testament to his perseverance and persistence for the
sake of vulnerable others,” Deacon Greg highlighted.
“It has been a gracious act of neighbour love,” he said.
St Pat’s Community Centre CEO Michael Piu – whose building neighbours the Stella Maris Seafarers Centre, seconded Deacon Patrick’s dedication and passion for seafarers.
“I often see him after hours or late in the evening helping seafarers in their free time due to shipping activity,”
Mr Piu said.
Catholic Outreach Director, Marietta Russo led the announcement of Volunteer of the Year Award for Dorothy Johnston.
An inaugural Rosary Care Coordinator, Ms Johnston has also been a member of the Parish Council, a facilitator in Parish Renewal retreats, and has also co-ordinated two Seasons for Growth at Doubleview Parish.
“In her role as a Rosary Care coordinator, she has encouraged parishioners to become volunteers and brought volunteers together to meet the needs of the parish,” Ms Russo explained.
Deacon Patrick Moore and Dorothy Johnston with their awards. PHOTO:MICHELLE TAN..
MODERN SLAVERY FEATURED IN PERTH CHRISTMAS CONCERT - 10 DECEMBER 2022
The Perth Catholic community have last weekend Saturday 10 December come together at the Chapel of St Thomas Aquinas, Aquinas College for an evening of beautiful music and to reflect on the current reality of modern slavery in Australia and our world.
The event, “Leaning Towards the Light – A Christmas Reflection on Modern Slavery” was hosted by Catholic Mission with the aim of raising funds for projects that prevent human trafficking in Ethiopia and Thailand.
Perth Archbishop Timothy Costelloe SDB delivered the final blessing for the occasion.
As part of the occasion, a panel of experts participated in a preconcert symposium to help attendees gain an understanding of how modern slavery impacts individuals, communities, and society.
The symposium included a discussion of how businesses and Catholic organisations must assess and address the risks of modern slavery in their supply chains and operations to comply with the Modern Slavery Act 2018.
The symposium was moderated by Dr Fiona McGaughey from the University of Western Australia who also gave a compelling keynote reflection as part of the concert program.
Other panellists included Jenny Stanger representing the Australian Catholic Anti-slavery Network (ACAN), Dr Martijn Boersma, Associate Professor of Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking at the University of Notre Dame Australia and Shaeron Yapp, Principal Adviser for Human Rights at Rio Tinto.
The event also coincided with United Nations International Human Rights Day, which falls on 10 December every year.
Attendees were treated to a professional musical program featuring international star tenor Paul O’Neill, organist Alessandro Pittorino and the Aquinas College Schola Cantorum choir conducted by Hugh Lydon.
A live stream of the program was beamed across the world to a global audience.
“It was privilege to represent ACAN at this event which uniquely combined music and words to create awareness about modern slavery and also action to support prevention programs on the ground,” said Jenny Stanger. “I commend the organisers for making a multi-year commitment to these projects,” she said. The event was made possible by the following major sponsors: Good Shepherd Australia New Zealand, Crimestoppers WA, the University of Notre Dame Australia and the
West Australian Catholic Migrant and Refugee Office (WACMRO).
WA Catholic Migrant and Refugee Office, Director Deacon Greg Lowe said the event reminds us to face the social sin of modern slavery with courage.
“And with God’s grace, to eliminate it for the good of those people and their families who are impacted by it in Australia and in our region,” Deacon Greg said.
Catholic Mission WA Director, Francis Leong thanked Archbishop Timothy Costelloe SDB, for attending, as well as the event partners, sponsors and supporters.
“Further, I warmly invite the whole Catholic community to consider participating in 2023,” Mr Leong said. Donations can still be made from anywhere across Australia by visiting the Catholic Mission website.
Dr Fiona McGaughey’s Christmas Reflection can also be viewed here: https://www.acan.org.au/acan-blog/ christmas-keynote-reflection-10december-2022- aquinas-collegeperth
The event will take place again in 2023 as part of a five-year fundraising commitment to the projects overseas.
For more information, contact Francis Leong at director.cm@perthcatholic. org.au
Before the Job Ready program, Nageena gained two university degrees, including a Bachelor of Arts (Anthropology & History) and a Graduate Certificate in Human Resources. PHOTO: SUPPLIED.
GENEROSITY POURS IN FOR WAR-TORN UKRAINE
By Dr Andrew Thomas Kania
Tremendous support has poured in for a special project working to assist the people of war-torn Ukraine.
Aquinas College Director of Spirituality, Dr Andrew Kania told The Record he has witnessed a significant amount of generosity by the Perth Catholic community and beyond.
“I have seen first-hand an Australian Tennis great, the winner of 24 Grand Slam Singles titles – collect in the space of one week, five tonnes of clothing,” Dr Kania said.
“I have seen a local Roman Rite
Catholic Parish community loan out their old Parish Church as a warehouse to store items,
“I have seen a Chaplain of an Anglican School in Perth, collect so many items of clothing that he lined the entire walls of his Chapel with boxes of items awaiting collection for Ukraine, Dr Kania also highlighted that many Australian parents and their families have cancelled holidays and birthday parties in order to donate for the freight costs of consignments.
“Support has poured in from rural areas with grandmothers knitting socks on farms in the South-West; country pharmacies donating medical supplies and children sending in
their unopened presents to donate as Christmas gifts for Ukrainian orphanages.
“In another case, 35 Kindergarten students at a Catholic School in Perth, grew fruit and vegetables in a small patch given to them at their school,” Dr Kania explained. Dr Kania explained that the children –watered their garden every day, and later sold their crop at the Famer’s Market – raising just shy of $200. A teacher of a Year Four Class encouraged his students in a fundraising venture – collecting nearly $5000.
A woman in Ukraine receives items of clothing donated through the Aquinas College project. PHOTO: SUPPLIED.