Two prominent Catholic Perth agencies supporting people with disabilities united for an Advent Celebration Mass and Christmas Afternoon Tea on 4 December.
The joint event was hosted by IdentityWA and Personal Advocacy Service (PAS) at Our Lady Queen of Apostles Parish in Riverton and attended by more than 350 people, including those supported by the agencies and their family and friends.
The Mass was celebrated by Archbishop Timothy Costelloe SDB along with Frs Ryszard Sadowski, Daniel Boyd, Paul Manickathan and Thai Vu and included a Liturgical interpretation through movement, performed by members of PAS.
IdentityWA CEO, Marina Re, said the performance was appreciated by those in attendance and the enthusiasm carried into the afternoon tea gathering where all participants enjoyed the celebrations together.
Chairman of IdentityWA, Graeme Mander, said both agencies were proud to be part of the Archdiocese of Perth and were committed to supporting people with disabilities to lead a fulfilled life.
“The Mass is how we celebrate our heritage and our deep connection to the Church,” he said. “It was a joyous occasion and the Christmas carols are always a favourite part of this annual event.”
Regional Coordinator of PAS, Annabelle May, was also pleased with the combined event, which promoted the vision of inclusion central to both agencies.
The occasion was an ideal follow on from PAS’ recent Count Me In event which was held at Sts John and Paul Parish in Willetton on 6 December and attended by 150 members, families, friends and parishioners.
“Count Me In is an initiative of the Disability Services Commission and this was the first time it had been held in a parish,” Ms May said.
“The event was definitely very inclusive, with people with disabilities being involved with planning the event, setting up, lighting the advent candles, altar serving, proclaiming the Word, serving as Eucharistic ministers, as well as cooking sausages at the gathering after Mass.”
The day also included a display of the artistic and sporting talents of people with disabilities, including an exhibition of painting, photography, writing and ceramic creations.
Andrea Carlos, one of the event organisers, said she felt privileged to be part of such a wonderful celebration. “I was able to share a small insight into the lives of families, carers and people with disabilities,” she said. “They are a special gift to us and we have a lot to learn from them.”
For more information on IdentityWA, go to www.identitywa.com.au.
For more information on Personal Advocacy Service, go to www.paswa.org.au