HISTORIC UPDATE
Built in the 1850s the Archbishop’s Palace, as it is often called, is a unique part of Perth’s Catholic history. As St Mary’s Cathedral draws within sight of completion across the road, the ‘Palace’ is also being lovingly renovated - Page 4
THE RECORD
“Be indefatigable in your purpose and with undaunted spirit resist iniquity and try to conquer evil with good, having before your eyes the reward of those who combat for Christ.” -Bishop Matthew Gibney 1874
the Parish. the Nation. the World.
Western Australia’s award-winning Catholic newspaper since 1874 - Wednesday February 18 2009
www.therecord.com.au
Perth, Western Australia $2
Archbishop Denis Hart’s message to devastated Victorians:
We will help you rise from the ashes
Searing scene: Anglican minister Stephen Holmes of St Peter’s Anglican Church searches through the remains of his church in the fire-ravaged town of Kinglake, about 46 kilometres northeast of PHOTO: CNS/TREVOR PINDER, REUTERS Melbourne, on February 9. The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Melbourne has begun implementing a statewide plan to aid victims.
The archdiocese of Melbourne will be the Catholic Church’s gateway for aid to devastated Victorian towns, regions. ■ By Anthony Barich
THE Archdiocese of Melbourne has prepared an almost unprecedented mobilisation of its resources to help victims of the Victoria firestorm. In a letter to all priests in the Archdiocese last week laying out the blueprint for helping fellow Victorians, Vicar General Monsignor Les Tomlinson appealed for priests to assist
with counselling and chaplaincy services; the Church expects to be overwhelmed with demand once devastated towns are opened up and people start rebuilding their lives. “The parish priests and pastoral teams in the areas of greatest needs have indicated that they were managing at the moment; but as the affected areas are opened up and as people seek to resettle into some sort of normal life, many material, emotional and pastoral needs are likely to emerge,” Mgr Tomlinson said early last week. Melbourne Archbishop Denis Hart has appointed Fr Greg Bourke, parish priest of St Peter the Apostle in Hoppers Crossing, to the newly-created position of Bushfire Recovery Chaplain. Fr Thang Vu, supported by Father Continued - Page 6
Total destruction: The remains of St Andrew’s Catholic Church are seen after it was destroyed by fire in Kinglake on February 9.
THE YEAR OF THE OX
LENT...
Archbishop Barry Hickey and Perth priests joined with Chinese Catholics to welcome the lunar New Year Vista 4
is almost here! Read Archbishop Barry Hickey’s Pastoral Letter on Vista 4 Caritas - how you can give Page 10