SPECIAL REPORT: POPE FRANCIS CHOOSES ARCHBISHOP COSTELLOE FOR KEY SYNOD OF BISHOPS ROLE
Archbishop Timothy Costelloe SDB says he is honoured to be chosen by Pope Francis as one of nine president-delegates for the sessions of the upcoming Synod on Synodality, calling it a “great privilege”.
Archbishop Costelloe, who is President of the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference and has served on the Synod of Bishops’ preparatory commission, was one of hundreds of people confirmed on July 7 as participants in the Synod sessions in October this year and October next year.
He was appointed one of the Synod’s president-delegates, who take turns presiding over Synod sessions on behalf of the Holy Father.
They are responsible for guiding the work of the Synod and assigning special tasks to certain members, when necessary, so that the assembly proceeds efficiently.
Among the other president-delegates are the head of the Synod of the Coptic Catholic Church, bishops from Mexico, Ecuador, the United States and Mozambique, an Italian priest, a Mexican religious sister and a Japanese consecrated laywoman. “It is a great privilege to be able to contribute to this process of renewal, under the guiding presence of the Holy Spirit,” Archbishop Costelloe said.
“As with the broader membership of the Synod, those invited to assist Pope Francis with presiding represent
the global Church and a Church that is welcoming a diverse group of people into positions of influence.”
Archbishop Costelloe said the Synod of Synodality “offers the Church a precious opportunity to re-discover an essential dimension of its identity which has become somewhat obscured over the centuries”.
“Inspired by Pope Francis’ vision of a ‘missionary option’, the Synod invites us all, as baptised members of the Church, to recognise our common call to form, together, a community of disciples who proclaim the mighty works of God (1 Peter 2:9) by what we say and by what we do: to become, together, signs and bearers of God’s love for all people.”
Archbishop Costelloe with youth from the Ballajura Parish. PHOTO: JAMIE O'BRIEN.
MARONITES BREATHE NEW LIFE INTO EAST CANNINGTON CHURCH
The Maronite community in Western Australia is overjoyed following the opening of the first Maronite Catholic Church in Western Australia, and the consecration of the altar at St Charbel’s Church. Formerly known as St Francis Catholic Church of Queens Part/ East Cannington Parish, the sacred space has been meticulously and lovingly renovated to meet the spiritual needs of the Maronite community in Perth, who had been eagerly anticipating a spiritual home in their State.
The Church re-opening and consecration of the new altar is a momentous occasion that holds great significance for the Maronite Eparchy in Australia, as it coincides with the Golden Jubilee of its official establishment as a diocese in this great land, as well as the upcoming Feast of the Church’s beloved patron St Charbel on Sunday 16 July. In his homily for the occasion, Maronite Eparchy of Australia, New Zealand and Oceania, Bishop
Antoine-Charbel Tarabay said the dedication and commitment of those who made the dream of a Maronite Church in Western Australia a reality will ensure its spiritual, theological and liturgical heritage is kept alive, especially for future generations.
“This sacred space we now stand in, St Charbel's Church, is not merely a building of bricks and mortar but a holy space that nurtures a strong sense of community, and that will inspire the Maronite community's faith journey,” Bishop Tarabay said. Bishop Tarabay also expressed his gratitude to all those who dedicated their time, talents, and resources to make St Charbel’s Church East Cannington a reality.
“I want to acknowledge and thank, in particular, the Archdiocese of Perth and its esteemed Archbishop Timothy Costelloe, for the invaluable support throughout the restoration process,” Bishop Taraby continued.
“My heartfelt appreciation to Father Tony Moussa, Parish Administrator
of St Charbels and everyone who played a role in establishing a Maronite Parish in Western Australia,” he said.
The official opening of the Church of St Charbel was preceded by a special welcoming procession of the relics of Maronite and Australian Saints who have been visiting parishes all around the countrySt Maroun, the Maronites’ spiritual father, St Charbel, St Rafqa, St Nehmetallah, and St Mary MacKillop - in a reliquary specially designed on the occasion of the Golden Jubilee of the Maronite Eparchy of Australia.
The newly renovated Church of St Charbel stands as a symbol of the unwavering dedication of the Maronite community of Western Australia to faith, heritage, and unity. It is a place where the community will come together to celebrate the Divine Liturgy in the Maronite tradition, partake in sacraments, and foster a strong sense of fellowship, strengthening their faith community.
The official opening of the Church of St Charbel was preceded by a special welcoming procession of the relics of Maronite and Australian Saints who have been visiting parishes all around the country - St Maroun, the Maronites’ spiritual father, St Charbel, St Rafqa, St Nehmetallah, and St Mary MacKillop - in a reliquary specially designed on the occasion of the Golden Jubilee of the Maronite Eparchy of Australia.
PHOTO:JAMIE O'BRIEN.
NEW EDUCATION AND TRAINING INITIATIVE ADDRESS UNIQUE NEEDS AND CHALLENGES
A groundbreaking initiative has been launched by Centacare Employment and Training with the aim of supporting migrants and humanitarian entrants to integrate into the West Australian community.
The Connecting Up Program was launched last Wednesday 5 July with special guests, key stakeholders including Minister for Training, Water and Youth, the Honourable Simone McGurk MLA.
The free program is a collaborative effort between Centacare Employment and Training and the Western Australian Catholic Migrant and Refugee Office (WACMRO) and aims to empower participants by addressing their unique needs and challenges through individualised mentoring and practical guidance.
The event commenced with a heartfelt Welcome to Country address delivered by Brett Collard, setting the tone for an occasion promoting inclusivity, collaboration, and cultural understanding.
In launching the initiative, Centacare CEO Lee-Anne Phillips highlighted the program’s significance and
expressed her gratitude to the partners, stakeholders, and supporters who had contributed to its conception.
Centacare’s Connecting Up Program Coordinator, Donna Stones, talked about Centacare’s commitment to empowering individuals and fostering a sense of belonging within the community.
In attending the launch, the Hon McGurk presented Centacare with a certificate from Lotterywest— demonstrating its commitment to investing in initiatives that promote social cohesion, education, and integration.
By providing access to language training, vocational support, and cultural orientation, the program equips migrants and humanitarian entrants with the tools they need to build a solid foundation for their new lives in Australia.
One of the key objectives of the Connecting Up Program is to create a welcoming and inclusive environment where participants feel supported and encouraged to engage with the community actively.
By offering a range of services, such as assistance with employment, education, and social connections, the program helps individuals navigate the often-complex process of settling into a new country.
The launch event was an invaluable opportunity for stakeholders to gain firsthand insight into the program’s objectives, benefits, and alignment with Centacare’s broader mission.
It provided a platform for meaningful conversations, collaboration, and networking among attendees who share the goal of promoting diversity, social inclusion, and empowerment.
With the support of the Minister, Lotterywest, WACMRO, Red Cross, and the wider community, the Connecting Up Program has the potential to make a significant and lasting impact on the lives of migrants and humanitarian entrants, fostering a more inclusive and cohesive society in Western Australia.
For more information about the Connecting Up program or to register your interest, Click Here.
In launching the initiative, Centacare CEO Lee-Anne Phillips highlighted the program’s significance and expressed her gratitude to the partners, stakeholders, and supporters who had contributed to its conception. PHOTO: SUPPLIED / CENTACARE.
NOTRE DAME YOUNG SOROPTIMIST'S PUBLIC SPEAKING TRIUMPH
Notre Dame student Kiara Gormlie claimed victory at the highly anticipated Young Soroptimist's Public Speaking Grand Final Competition, held on Sunday, May 21st.
The event, which featured finalists from several universities, centred on topics related to the empowerment and enablement of women, showcasing the exceptional talents and remarkable dedication of the participating students.
Renowned for her esteemed legal career, the Hon Justice Pritchard of the Supreme Court of Western Australia brought her expertise and discerning eye to evaluate the participants' speeches.
The competition attracted a diverse and enthusiastic audience, including the families and friends of the contestants, as well as the Fremantle Soroptimists, who are committed to empowering women in the community.
The Soroptimist Region of Western Australia generously sponsored a cash prize of $500 for the winner of the final, further enhancing the
significance of the competition. This contribution not only recognises the exceptional talent and dedication of the participants but also symbolises the ongoing support for women's empowerment within the community. The speech content was evaluated based on its informativeness, persuasiveness, and convincing nature, aligning with Soroptimist International's objective of increasing advocacy at a global level.
Soroptimist International, founded in 1921, is a global volunteer movement with a network of over 72,000 club members in 121 countries.
Committed to advocating for human rights and gender equality, the organisation's work across seven United Nations (UN) Centres ensures that the voices of women and girls are heard.
Through grassroots projects, Soroptimist International's membership actively supports women and girls in achieving their individual and collective potential, realising aspirations, and having an equal voice in communities
worldwide. Each Soroptimist club belongs to one of the five Soroptimist International Federations within Africa, Great Britain & Ireland, Europe, The Americas, and South East Asia Pacific.
Committee member of the Notre Dame Young Soroptimist's Club, Mignon Du Plessis, expressed her excitement about the club's progress after facing engagement challenges in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic.
"It's very exciting to see such keen interest from female students already and just goes to show how desperate the women of Notre Dame were for a space and a club to connect with other women,” Mignon said.
“We have a full committee now selected, and Semester 2 planning is already beginning. Big things are to come for the women of Notre Dame, and I couldn't be prouder to lead with them!'
Notre Dame student Kiara Gormlie claimed victory at the highly anticipated Young Soroptimist's Public Speaking Grand Final Competition, held on Sunday 21 May. PHOTO: SUPPLIED /UNDA.