The need to walk faithfully in the footsteps of the Good Shepherd was the central message Perth Archbishop Timothy Costelloe this week reinforced, as he paid thanks to those who have participated and contributed to the development of the new Archdiocesan Plan.

No topic was off limits for Catholic education stakeholders as they discussed the secularisation of schools, same-sex marriage and the impact of the Royal Commission at a special Q&A panel discussion in Perth last week.

Archbishop Timothy Costelloe has last week described Catholic education in Australia as a precious gift that must be protected, with Christ placed at its centre.

Visiting Hondouran Cardinal Rodriguez Maradiaga, – who was invited to Perth for the National Catholic Education Commission (NCEC) Conference, – has called for a return to Catholic values in the education system and spoken of the need for action on climate change at two separate events.

Cardinal Oscar Andres Rodriguez Maradiaga SDB returned to his teaching roots during a visit to St Norbert College in Queens Park.

Letting go of preconceptions about what people can and can’t do is at the forefront of the philosophy of the Emmanuel Centre.

With the 2016 Federal election scheduled for this Saturday 2 July, The eRecord is this week re-publishing the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference statement regarding the election, entitled, A Voice for the Voiceless.

A dramatic storm the previous day was not enough to keep away attendees at St Vincent de Paul’s recent ‘Welcome to WA’ picnic for refugees. The event, held at Carine Open Space on 22 May, attracted around 150 people who gathered to enjoy a shared meal and musical entertainment provided by DJ Felix.

 Agencies and individuals in the Catholic community can play a key role in supporting newly arrived refugees, according to Edmund Rice Centre Director, Steve Bowman.

Many Christians may feel as if they are currently under attack in Australia but, according to Catholic philosopher, John Haldane, they can take solace in the patterns of history.

Focused on the theme, Lead to Faith, Faith to Lead, representatives from the Catholic Education sector across Australia this week came together to explore, reflect and engage at the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre. Perth Archbishop Timothy Costelloe gave the opening speech.

In a busy community, people often need extra support with little things like getting from place to place or planning meals and, at Our Lady of the Rosary Parish in Doubleview, one group of volunteers has spent more than twenty years providing such support to locals.

The Wheatbelt Church of St Joseph in Trayning last month celebrated a significant milestone with a Mass that jointly recalled 90 years of history and commemorated the life of local girl Sister Irene McCormack, who died in Peru in 1991.

Perth’s Vietnamese Catholic Community has this month welcomed the opening and blessing of a new Presbytery and Community Centre in Westminster, which it hopes will boost cultural and faith activities by providing more space for the Parish groups to meet.

Archdiocese of Perth Auxiliary Bishop, Don Sproxton, and Aboriginal Catholic Ministry staff have been inspired by their recent trip to the inaugural National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Catholic Council (NATSICC) Spirituality and Formation Retreat in Alice Springs.

Twenty years after it was established as a place of accommodation and support for people who were homeless or suffering poor mental health, the Emmaus Community is still going strong, with a building project under way which is set to increase its living space.

After only two years since its introduction, an engagement and intervention program in Perth’s south-eastern suburbs has yielded success for Centacare Employment and Training (Centacare) and the young people who are involved. By Caroline Smith

The new liturgical worship book launched by the Bishops of Australia in April will provide a single resource that parishes can use as the basis for music programs that reflect the spirit of the post-Vatican II liturgy, according to Archdiocesan Centre for Liturgy Director, Sister Kerry Willison.

St John of God Murdoch Hospital has unveiled its new Chapel and renovated foyer at a blessing ceremony led by Archdiocese of Perth Auxiliary Bishop Don Sproxton.

Memories are an important part of Geoff Scott’s life. His ability to remember numerous life events in detail says much about how dearly he holds on to them. He has, in fact, channelled his skills as an accomplished artist to create an awe-inspiring painting composed of more than 100 panels representing different stages in his life. The painting, quite fittingly, is titled Memories. By Marco Ceccarelli

Six-hundred students from 74 Catholic Primary Schools came together this week Wednesday 8 June, to create a powerful visual display at Lake Monger Reserve to celebrate the official launch of the Archbishop’s 2016 LifeLink Day. By Jamie O’Brien

The first in a series of mini-seminars looking at ways to better understand and support asylum seekers and refugees will take place this month.

Not-for-profit organisation, MercyCare, has last week unveiled its Aboriginal Pathway Strategy at a special event during National Reconciliation Week, outlining progressive new plans to engage with Aboriginal communities.

Identitywa has this week been presented with a certificate from Lotterywest as part of a successful grant application.

Ask the people who visit Daydawn Advocacy Centre what makes it so special and there is one word that keeps coming up. Trust. By Rachel Curry

Young Indigenous leaders and a noted member of Australia’s military and diplomatic community, the Governor General, His Excellency, Sir Peter Cosgrove, have recently come together at Clontarf Aboriginal College in Waterford. By Caroline Smith