LifeLink Secondary launched, students engage virtually
07 June 2022
Students from Catholic secondary schools gathered virtually on 19 May, for the 2022 LifeLink Day.
The event, which was live streamed this year from the Catholic Education Centre in Leederville, was hosted by the Most Rev Timothy Costelloe SDB, Archbishop of Perth and The Most Rev Donald Sproxton, LifeLink Chairman and Perth Auxiliary Bishop, with Catholic Education Western Australia Executive Director Dr Debra Sayce and CEWA Director of Religious Education Deacon Mark Powell, in attendance.
Each year, Catholic primary and secondary schools organise fundraising events, with money donated to LifeLink funded agencies.
This year, the Catholic Ministry for People who are Deaf and Hard of Hearing, Centacare Employment and Training, Centrecare Inc, Emmaus Community, Identitywa, Daydawn Advocacy Centre, Samaritan Projects, The Shopfront and Catholic Outreach have been selected as beneficiaries.
Archbishop Costelloe delivered a message to students, speaking of Jesus’ earthly mission, His boundless love to humanity and the call’ to continue His works.
“Jesus identified himself with anyone who was in need and told us that, in the end, the way we treat other people is what really counts. ‘I was hungry’ and you gave me something to eat,’ he said. ‘I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was naked and you gave me warm clothes to wear, I was homeless and you provided me with a roof over my head, I was sick and you came to visit me and care for me, I was locked up in prison and you came to spend time with me and comfort me.”
Archbishop Costelloe said each LifeLink agency was built on a desire to respond to this call from Jesus.
“The event also provided students with an opportunity to ask faith and LifeLink-related questions..
In her welcome speech, Dr Sayce commended the continuous contributions of WA Catholic schools, quoting Pope Francis, in acknowledging that Catholic schools “have truly born witness to lighting up the path of those in our society that need help.”
“Catholic school communities together are a constellation that lights up the path of care, support, and love for those in need in the place where we live, in this Archdiocese of Perth,” she said.
Since the establishment of LifeLink Day in 1999, Catholic primary and secondary schools in Western Australia have collaboratively raised over $2.5 million and every dollar has been directed to the service and care of people in need in the community.
“This is a remarkable achievement, and you are all to be congratulated on your efforts. Last year, our schools raised a record amount of $138,363.00 for LifeLink Day,” Dr Sayce said.
“A reminder that whilst LifeLink Day is officially launched today, schools may undertake their fundraising activity any time during the school year,” she said.
The LifeLink launch for primary schools will be held on 8 June, virtually.
The target for this year’s LifeLink Day is $120,000. For more information, go to www.LifeLink.com.au
Feature image: Last year’s LifeLink launch for secondary schools took place at Aranmore Catholic College on 20 May, Photo courtesy of Brightside Live.
