How does the Catholic Church respond to people in need within Western Australia?

It would be fair to suggest that the community, in general terms, is largely unaware of the significant contribution the Church makes to helping people in need.

Many of our Archdiocesan welfare agencies are not automatically recognisable by name as being “Church Agencies”, yet they have served our community for more than 30 years in some cases. This situation arises, in part, because the work of our agencies is conducted in a low-key, confidential and respectful manner.

The fact is that ever since the Catholic Church was first established here in Perth, it has led the way in providing for the community and its people – schools, hospitals, health and aged care services, welfare and emergency relief programs.

It was for this reason that, in 1994, I decided to establish a new organisation – LifeLink.

LifeLink is an “umbrella organisation” charged with the responsibility for helping to appropriately fund and support thirteen of the Archdiocese of Perth’s social service agencies.

LifeLink is a recognisable name promoting the wonderful work of our social service agencies - It serves to collate all of the "independent agencies" under "one identifiable banner".

LifeLink is a Brand, one identifying "Church based welfare" delivery throughout the state.

LifeLink ensure the ongoing provision of appropriate financial support for all LifeLink designated agencies, so they may continue on their “mission of care” for the benefit of the entire community.

LifeLink achieves this through professional and ethical fundraising.

LifeLink agencies provide direct assistance, service and support to over 35,000 Western Australian families and individuals each year, right across the State.

LifeLink agencies deliver $35 million in professional programs and services to people in need.

Thankfully, much of this funding is provided through various Australian Government and Western Australian State Government funding grants and service contracts, and with the generous support of Lotterywest.

We are indeed grateful for this tremendous support. Of course, Governments have long recognised that services established by the Church operate at the highest level of performance, are professionally managed and conduct their business in a responsible and ethical manner.

LifeLink must meet the Challenge of providing approximately $1 million for the agencies’ work, each and every year.

It is only with the ongoing assistance of so many generous people, businesses and organisations through your support of our fundraising campaigns that LifeLink continues to provide for the needs of the 13 agencies.

I extend my sincere thanks to you all – please know that every dollar your provide in support of my various appeals is directed wholly to the work of our LifeLink agencies.

One final point I would like to make is this. “Church based welfare” does not mean that assistance in only provided to those who share our Faith.

LifeLink agencies provide service to anyone who is in need and asks for help. Irrespective of creed, colour or circumstance, LifeLink agencies respond to those in need. There is no question that this act of reaching out when asked is “a practical and powerful demonstration of Catholic Faith in Action”.

Some years ago, I prepared a special “Prayer for Charity” – a copy of this Prayer Card may be downloaded by clicking HERE

There is a line in this prayer which sums up how I feel about the act of helping and why, irrespective of beliefs, we could all do so. “Let us recognise in those we meet, the face of Jesus your son”.

When confronted by the challenge of reaching out to help someone in need, I try to imagine that the person in front of me is Jesus himself, and I ask myself “How would I respond if it was Jesus standing before me asking for help?”

My dear people, I hope you will recognise the face of Jesus in those you meet, and that you will respond with love, understanding and compassion.