The Archbishop’s LifeLink Day Launch for Secondary Schools
The Archbishop’s Official LifeLink Day Launch for Secondary Schools was a significant event where Archbishop Costelloe urged us and our fellow students to embrace a ‘mission of care’ for those in need. LifeLink, an organisation representing various Catholic caring agencies in Western Australia, plays a crucial role in addressing the pressing needs of our community. LifeLink oversees the work of Identitywa, The Shopfront, Centrecare Inc, Catholic Ministry for People Who Are Deaf or Hearing Impaired, Catholic Outreach, Emmanuel Centre, Daydawn Advocacy Centre, Emmaus Community, Centacare Employment & Training, and Samaritan Projects.
The Launch, which took place at Aranmore Catholic College, involved eight Year 9 students from our school, who were accompanied by staff members Elizabeth Van Der Zanden and Melissa Trolio. This occasion allowed students from different Perth Catholic secondary schools to come together and demonstrate their support for the Church’s social service agencies. These agencies tirelessly extend practical care and direct assistance to thousands of people in need every year.
The theme of the 2023 forum, as presented by the Archbishop, was ‘Synodality,’ which aligns with Pope Francis’ vision for the Church in the 21st century. The Archbishop highlighted three key elements of a synodal church: communion, participation, and mission.
- Communion emphasises the importance of belonging together and prioritising the wellbeing of people over institutional concerns.
- Participation encourages active involvement and collaborative efforts to ensure the flourishing of all individuals.
- Mission reminds us that the Church exists to share the good news of God’s love, mercy, and compassion through the person of Jesus.
Inspired by these components, we are motivated to raise awareness and funds each year to support LifeLink’s Catholic caring agencies. In addition to our ongoing Winter Appeal, where we collect food items, toiletries, and funds, we will also make a donation to LifeLink. LifeLink hopes to raise $130,000 this year.
We sincerely appreciate the continued efforts and support of our families in extending a helping hand to those in need within our local communities.
We enjoyed the opportunity to talk with other schools and hear their opinions about the questions.
Year 9 student Amelia Cobley shared her experience. “We were challenged by the questions, as they required us to expand on our prior knowledge and think outside the box. We met new people and heard their opinions about the questions we were asked. Something important I learnt was the importance of mission, participation, and communion in the catholic church.”
Click here to learn more about LifeLink and what they do.
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Author: Santa Maria College
Santa Maria College is a vibrant girls school with a growing local presence and reputation. Our Mission is to educate young Mercy women who act with courage and compassion to enrich our world. Santa Maria College is located in Attadale in Western Australia, 16 km from the Perth CBD. We offer a Catholic education for girls in Years 5 – 12 and have 1300 students, including 152 boarders.
