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2018 LIFELINK CHRISTMAS APPEAL: “We must bring what little we have to Jesus”: Archbishop Costelloe

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As part of the liturgical celebration, guests were also given the privilege of listening to music performed by the African choir of Nollamara Parish, Our Lady of Lourdes Church. Photo: Ron Tan.

By Jamie O’Brien

“By placing God exactly where he belongs in our lives as individuals, as families and as Christian communities, we will find our hearts expanded, our eyes opened and our fears and hesitations transformed into boldness and determination.”

These were the words of Perth Archbishop Timothy Costelloe SDB at this year’s Liturgical Launch of the 2018 LifeLink Christmas Appeal.

In the presence of more than 120 representatives from parishes and agencies across the Archdiocese at St Mary’s Cathedral on Tuesday 6 November, Archbishop Costelloe proclaimed we are called to reach out with generosity and large-heartedness.

“But among the things we can do, and I would say must do if we wish to succeed, we must bring what little we have to Jesus, recognising our limitations, and place everything confidently in his hands, trusting that, in his own time and in his own way he will transform the little that we offer into an abundance which can meet the needs of God’s people,” Archbishop Costelloe said.

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Diana Alteri from Catholic Education Western Australia, carries the book of scripture to the lectern, before proclaiming the Gospel passages. Photo: Ron Tan.

Archbishop Costelloe was joined for the occasion by LifeLink Chairman and Auxiliary Bishop Don Sproxton. As part of the liturgical celebration, guests were also given the privilege of listening to music performed by the African choir of Nollamara Parish, Our Lady of Lourdes Church. Diana Alteri from Catholic Education Western Australia also proclaimed the Gospel passages.

“As we launch this year’s Christmas LifeLink appeal, let us pray for each other, and for all our brothers and sisters in the Archdiocese of Perth, that we can see with the eyes of Jesus, listen with the ears of Jesus, speak with the voice of Jesus and love with the heart of Jesus,” Archbishop Costelloe proclaimed.

“And if we can, then no-one need go hungry, or thirsty or naked. No one need be abandoned in prison, or left in a hospital or nursing home with no one to visit them.

“No one need feel harassed or dejected, forgotten or abandoned.  Through our efforts for Lifelink this year, let us equip the army of people in our Church who reach out to those in need with all that they need to bring the practical love of Christ into the lives of anyone who needs to experience this love at this holy time,” he said.

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Archbishop Timothy Costelloe SDB at the 2018 LifeLink Christmas Appeal Liturgical Launch on Tuesday 6 November at St Mary’s Cathedral. Photo: Ron Tan.

This year’s LifeLink Christmas Appeal, which will be launched in parishes this weekend, 17 and 18 November, takes a focus on Archdiocesan agency, The Shopfront.

The Shopfront, which is based in Maylands, aims to provide and offer mutual help, assistance and act as a referral to visitors who may be experiencing difficulties dealing with problems in their life such as homelessness, budgeting, depression, hunger, loneliness, addictions, violence.

Manager of LifeLink Brett Mendez, who thanked representatives for their significant contribution to supporting the work of LifeLink, also highlighted the incredible story of Murray, a regular visitor to the Shopfront, published in a special issue of LifeLinks newsletter.

He courageously agreed to share with us his personal experience of heartbreaking loss, depression and pain, so that we might better understand the wonderful work of The Shopfront, and the positive impact it has had on his life, and the lives of so many people in need within the community,” Mr Mendez said.

 

Donate to the 2018 LifeLink Christmas Appeal by Clicking Here

Watch Archbishop Costelloe’s 2018 Christmas Appeal for LifeLink Video by Clicking Here

Click Here to read the Special Edition of LifeLinks newsletter