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Proposed WA law to force priests to report confessions

The State Government of WA has introduced legislation which will require priests to report any information of child sexual abuse arising from the sacrament of Reconciliation (or Confession). This is contrary to the long established teaching and practice of the Roman Catholic church.

In response to a call by the Minister, Ms Simone McGurk, for the Archbishop to state the Perth Catholic position on the matter, the Perth Archbishop, Timothy Costelloe SDB has issued a detailed statement. The full text can be found HERE.

The text should be read in its entirety to fully appreciate the situation, but in simple terms, Archbishop Costelloe points out that it is false to say that the church must place either child safety or church teaching first. The church in faith and in practice does both, in that child safety is embedded in the very teachings and practice of the church, particularly in Western Australia.

Take the opportunity to read and understand the Archbishop’s reasons and be prepared to counter any simplistic criticism of the sacrament.

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Bulletin for Ascension Sunday 2020

The parish Bulletin for the weekend of 23/24 May 2020 can be found HERE.

The Bulletin is indispensable for keeping abreast of the changing guides for returning to our St Aloysius’ church. Daily mass will resume from Monday 25 May with many health safety restrictions. Attendance will be by ‘booking’ a place among the 20 permitted, and bookings are being handled by John and Trish by calling or texting to 0438 507 050.

Father Manoj has planned for the first Weekend’s masses to be next weekend, Saturday 30 May and Sunday 31 May. Because we are still limited to a maximum of 20, ‘bookings’ will be needed for convenience of everyone, again by calling or texting John at 0438 507 050 by FRIDAY NIGHT 29th MAY

The Bulletin has all the readings for the Sunday mass as well as encouraging news from Father Manoj.

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Archbishop Costelloe gives Guidance on Restoring Church Activity

The Archbishop of Perth, Timothy Costelloe, has released a detailed guide for the phased return to parish activity following the 8 weeks of enforced lockdown. The full text can be found HERE. Further information can be found at http://www.perthcatholic.org.au/COVID19.htm.

For our St Aloysius parish, the church will be open from Monday 18th May, with daily mass (NOT Sunday mass yet) from Monday 25th May. In both cases there will be many restrictions to numbers attending and measures to ensure virus hygiene. Look for further steps in the parish Bulletin (6th Sunday of Easter) which can be found under ‘Resources’ tab above.

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Parish Bulletin for 6th Sunday of Easter, and new changes

With the relaxation of isolation guidelines by the government, the Archbishop has authorised re-opening the church with several restrictions. The church of St Aloysius will be open from Monday 25th May and daily morning mass will be accessible to a maximum of 20 pre-booked parishioners.

The full details are included in the the weekly Bulletin for the 6th Sunday of Easter, as are the week’s readings. Refer to them HERE

This is a date for cautious celebration, and we must thank God in our prayers for this easing of the lockdown. Thanks also to our parish priests who have been constant in caring for our community.

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Sunday Offerings Continue Being Made

While our mass together is still to be restored, parishioners are continuing their weekly offerings. Support for our priests (customarily through the first Sunday Collection) and contribution to the ongoing costs of the parish (the Second Sunday Collection) is needed. It is easier for parishioners to make their offerings regularly than to defer finding a lump sum when we are again free to gather to celebrate the Eucharist.

Some have arranged for regular Direct Deposit and many transfer funds via Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT). Last Sunday saw some parishioners who prefer to use cash gifts come by the church at mass time (09.30am) on the first Sunday of the month. This will be repeated on the 7th June, if you find it convenient.

Thanks go to those who make the sacrifice in these uncertain times. God Bless You.

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Each May is the Month of Mother Mary

Father Manoj and Pope Francis urge Catholics to pray the Rosary each day of May, in honour of Mary and for the good of all the world.

This week’s Bulletin has the prayers which make up the Rosary each day as well as the Pope’s Intentions for the month, and special prayers the Pope has added in order to increase the focus of your Rosary reflections.

The Rosary is a wonderful prayer for small (and large) groups, and it is a great help to “tell your beads” with others, even two people. If you cannot find your beads, use your fingers to keep count, but do say the Rosary.