SPECIAL REPORT: Archbishop’s 2019 LifeLink Christmas Appeal highlights need to support the poor
Perth Archbishop Timothy Costelloe SDB last week launched his Christmas Appeal for LifeLink 2019, emphasising to those present the importance of ‘putting flesh on the bones of what we say as Christians.’ Photo: Ron Tan.
By Jamie O’Brien
Perth Archbishop Timothy Costelloe SDB last week held a special Liturgical Service for Parish Priests and Appeal Representatives, in advance of the official launch of his annual Christmas Appeal for LifeLink in parishes throughout the Archdiocese this weekend.
In his welcoming address, the Archbishop emphasised to those present the importance of ‘putting flesh on the bones of what we say as Christians.’
“I take the opportunity this evening simply to thank you for your presence here tonight and for what it represents: your desire to be a part of this Archdiocese and to reach out in whatever ways we can to assist those in any type of need,” Archbishop Costelloe said.
CEWA Deputy Executive Director Peter Yensch reads a scripture reading at the 2019 Christmas Appeal for LifeLink Launch on Tuesday 5 December at St Mary’s Cathedral. Photo: Ron Tan.
“So tonight, we gather to commit ourselves to this task, to pray for each other and, most importantly, to pray for those in need,” he said.
The (pre-appeal) liturgical service took place at St Mary’s Cathedral on Tuesday 5 November and was presided by Archbishop Costelloe, who was accompanied by Auxiliary Bishop and LifeLink Chairman, Don Sproxton. Vicar General, the Very Rev Fr Peter Whitely VG and Cathedral Dean Rev Dr Sean Fernandez were also present for the occasion.
Centre for Liturgy Director Sr Kerry Willison RSM reads during the 2019 Christmas Appeal for LifeLink Launch on Tuesday 5 December at St Mary’s Cathedral. Photo: Ron Tan.
More than 150 Priests and parish appeal representatives attended the liturgical service, which was also an opportunity to highlight the important work of the LifeLink agencies across the Perth community. Each year, the Church’s LifeLink agencies reach out to provide practical care and compassionate support to more than 34,000 families and individuals struggling and in real need within the community.
The Archbishop’s 2019 Christmas Appeal for LifeLink is aiming to raise a minimum of $650,000 for people in need across Western Australia.
In a special appeal letter distributed through all parishes last weekend, Archbishop Costelloe spoke about World Day of the Poor, as inaugurated by Pope Francis three years ago.
Perth Archbishop Timothy Costelloe SDB last week launched his Christmas Appeal for LifeLink 2019, emphasising to those present the importance of ‘putting flesh on the bones of what we say as Christians.’ Photo: Ron Tan.
“In his message for World Day of the Poor, Pope Francis speaks of the necessity for us to ‘live our Faith’ by reaching out and providing hope and comfort to people in need - the poor, the abused, the lonely, the sick, the hungry and the homeless. Not just on this one day of the year, but every day!” Archbishop Costelloe wrote.
“When we do so, he reminds us that only then can we truly be “a people walking in the footsteps of the Good Shepherd.” As Pope Francis writes, ‘The poor save us, because they enable us to encounter the face of Jesus Christ’.
The Archbishop’s 2019 Christmas Appeal this year focuses on the work of LifeLink’s homeless support agency -The Shopfront - which is currently based in Maylands.
Every year, The Shopfront welcomes more than 25,000 ‘visitors’ who are homeless or struggling with addiction or mental health issues or are in financial crisis. It continues to respond to these calls for help, thanks largely to your generous support of the Archbishop’s Christmas Appeal for LifeLink.
The Archbishop’s 2019 Christmas Appeal for LifeLink will be officially launched in all parishes this weekend, and a special collection will be held at each Mass.
To donate to LifeLink, go to www.lifelink.com.au
Read the Archbishop’s Letter by Clicking Here
Watch the 2019 Christmas Appeal for LifeLink Video by Clicking Here