Dr Peter Christofides

Peter holds an Honours degree in Theology (Practical Theology) from the University of South Africa (UNISA) and has worked at the YMCA in Johannesburg amongst street children. He went on to complete an MA (Biblical Studies) from the University of Johannesburg, where he also undertook a Doctorate (D. Litt et Phil) on peace and reconciliation. Peter has worked at the South African Broadcasting Corporation as a television producer in the Religious Department. He has been a lecturer and Dean of Students at the Baptist Theological College of Southern Africa in Johannesburg where he headed up the Missions Department as well as the Biblical Languages Department. He also went on to complete a second doctorate (PhD) on the “rediscovery of the role of the laity in the mission of the church”.

Dr Carmel Suart - Director of Office of Christian Initiation

Carmel Suart is the Director of the Office of Christian Initiation for the Archdiocese of Perth and has been a member of the Catechist Service Team at Catholic Education WA for 28 years. Her main area of expertise is family catechesis – a work which has taken her to parishes and dioceses across Australia to engage with parent groups, teachers, catechists, priests and bishops in devising strategies that support families nurture the faith of children within family life. Carmel has a background in primary teaching, holding a Bachelor of Education degree and a Masters in Religious Education, both from Edith Cowan University. In 2007, she completed her doctoral studies at the University of Notre Dame in the area of family catechesis: an area which has always been very dear to her. She is married with two daughters, one son and a beautiful grandson.

Mr Joe Tedesco

Though originally schooled in Computer and Information Science, completing a Bachelor of Science degree in 1998, Joe Tedesco turned to theological studies soon after, completing bachelor and masters level degrees in theology from UNDA and Murdoch University. These studies focused on various areas of theology including theological anthropology and biblical theology. While studying, Joe was involved in various ministry programs that allowed him to exercise his passion in faith formation aimed primarily at youth and young adults – presenting various talks and seminars at conferences and in parish settings. More recently, Joe has been involved in teaching introductory level theology at the University of Notre Dame to students of various ages and backgrounds, something he has now been involved in for 10 years. Currently he is also working on a thesis focusing on ‘Wisdom Literature’ and its relationship to moral theology. Along with his wife of 16 years and two young children, his life remains very vibrant and full.

Dr Marco Ceccarelli

Dr Marco Ceccarelli is the Director of the Centre for Faith Enrichment.

Marco is committed to offering people an educational experience that allows them to draw on the richness of the Catholic tradition. He is currently an Adjunct Lecturer at the University of Notre Dame Australia and has taught European history and literature at The University of Western Australia. He holds a PhD in History/European studies (Jesuit studies) and an MA in European literature.

Marco is a former Journalist and Assistant Editor for the Archdiocesan Communications Office.

Dr Margaret Scharf, OP

Dr Margaret Scharf is a member of the Dominican Sisters of WA and is currently the director of the Dominican Institute for Spirituality. Recently returned to Perth after 17 years in the United States, she is a Retreat guide and spiritual director, including the formation of Spiritual directors, and presenter of adult faith formation programmes to parish groups and school staff. Her past ministries include primary education and administration, Motor Mission, and training of catechists in the Western Province of the Solomon Islands. She has a D.Min in Spiritual Direction (GTF, Indiana), MA in Spirituality (Gonzaga University), M.Ed in Religious Studies (ECU Perth), and a GDA Intercultural Studies-Aboriginal(ECU Perth). With publications in Australia and the USA, she continues to compose liturgical music.

Ms Natalie Thomas

Natalie is a Theology tutor with the University of Notre Dame’s School of Theology and Philosophy. She holds a Masters of Theology from the John Paul II Institute for Marriage and Family Studies in Melbourne and a Masters of Philosophy by Research from the University of Notre Dame Australia in Fremantle. She has provided numerous presentations, and workshops to young people in the Archdioceses of Perth and Melbourne. Natalie has an interest in how a relationship with God impacts our every day life and our deepest relationships and is passionate about others in personal growth and formation.

Ms Natalie Thomas

Natalie is a Theology tutor with the University of Notre Dame’s School of Theology and Philosophy. She holds a Masters of Theology from the John Paul II Institute for Marriage and Family Studies in Melbourne and a Masters of Philosophy by Research from the University of Notre Dame Australia in Fremantle. She has provided numerous presentations, and workshops to young people in the Archdioceses of Perth and Melbourne. Natalie has an interest in how a relationship with God impacts our every day life and our deepest relationships and is passionate about others in personal growth and formation.

Rev. Dr Charles Waddell

Fr Charles is a priest of the Archdiocese of Perth. He has recently published Jesus Matters (St Paul’s Publications). Fr Charles holds a PhD (USA) and an STL (Rome). He shares his life with a blind dog named Prego.

Sr Kerry Willison RSM

Sr Kerry Willson is the Director of Liturgy for the Archdiocese of Perth.
Sr Kerry is a member of the Sisters of Mercy Congregation. After completing a teaching degree and Graduate Diploma of Religious Education Sr Kerry spent five years at St Gerard’s Primary school as a classroom teacher and RE Coordinator. She then completed studies to teach English as a Second Language and moved to Aranmore Catholic College as Head of Department for Religious Education for a further five years. The next move was to the USA for three years where she studied at Boston College, completing a Master’s in Pastoral Ministry with a focus on Eucharistic Theology and a year of Clinical Pastoral Education. She has recently spent some time in Belgium.

Mr Joe Tedesco

Though originally schooled in Computer and Information Science, completing a Bachelor of Science degree in 1998, Joe Tedesco turned to theological studies soon after, completing bachelor and masters level degrees in theology from UNDA and Murdoch University. These studies focused on various areas of theology including theological anthropology and biblical theology. While studying, Joe was involved in various ministry programs that allowed him to exercise his passion in faith formation aimed primarily at youth and young adults – presenting various talks and seminars at conferences and in parish settings. More recently, Joe has been involved in teaching introductory level theology at the University of Notre Dame to students of various ages and backgrounds, something he has now been involved in for 10 years. Currently he is also working on a thesis focusing on ‘Wisdom Literature’ and its relationship to moral theology. Along with his wife of 16 years and two young children, his life remains very vibrant and full.

Deacon Greg Lowe (WA Catholic Migrant Refugee Office)

Deacon Gregory Lowe is the inaugural Director of the new Western Australian Catholic Migrant and Refugee Office (WACMRO). WACMRO seeks to promote the acceptance and settlement of migrants and refugees into Australia. It aspires to support migrants and refugees in a manner that upholds their dignity to enable them to feel a sense of welcome and belonging in the parish and broader community. Rev. Gregory was ordained deacon by Archbishop Hickey in 2006 for the Perth Archdiocese. Currently, he is the Parish Deacon in the Innaloo / Karrinyup parish where he conducts baptisms, marriages,
funerals and assists at the Sunday Mass.

Ms Donella Brown - (Director- Aboriginal Catholic Ministry)

Deacon Greg Lowe (WA Catholic Migrant Refugee Office)

Deacon Gregory Lowe is the inaugural Director of the new Western Australian Catholic Migrant and Refugee Office (WACMRO). WACMRO seeks to promote the acceptance and settlement of migrants and refugees into Australia. It aspires to support migrants and refugees in a manner that upholds their dignity to enable them to feel a sense of welcome and belonging in the parish and broader community. Rev. Gregory was ordained deacon by Archbishop Hickey in 2006 for the Perth Archdiocese. Currently, he is the Parish Deacon in the Innaloo / Karrinyup parish where he conducts baptisms, marriages,
funerals and assists at the Sunday Mass.

Dr Margaret Scharf, OP

Dr Margaret Scharf is a member of the Dominican Sisters of WA and is currently the director of the Dominican Institute for Spirituality. Recently returned to Perth after 17 years in the United States, she is a Retreat guide and spiritual director, including the formation of Spiritual directors, and presenter of adult faith formation programmes to parish groups and school staff. Her past ministries include primary education and administration, Motor Mission, and training of catechists in the Western Province of the Solomon Islands. She has a D.Min in Spiritual Direction (GTF, Indiana), MA in Spirituality (Gonzaga University), M.Ed in Religious Studies (ECU Perth), and a GDA Intercultural Studies-Aboriginal(ECU Perth). With publications in Australia and the USA, she continues to compose liturgical music.

Deacon Greg Lowe (WA Catholic Migrant Refugee Office)

Deacon Gregory Lowe is the inaugural Director of the new Western Australian Catholic Migrant and Refugee Office (WACMRO). WACMRO seeks to promote the acceptance and settlement of migrants and refugees into Australia. It aspires to support migrants and refugees in a manner that upholds their dignity to enable them to feel a sense of welcome and belonging in the parish and broader community. Rev. Gregory was ordained deacon by Archbishop Hickey in 2006 for the Perth Archdiocese. Currently, he is the Parish Deacon in the Innaloo / Karrinyup parish where he conducts baptisms, marriages,
funerals and assists at the Sunday Mass.

Dr Margaret Scharf, OP

Dr Margaret Scharf is a member of the Dominican Sisters of WA and is currently the director of the Dominican Institute for Spirituality. Recently returned to Perth after 17 years in the United States, she is a Retreat guide and spiritual director, including the formation of Spiritual directors, and presenter of adult faith formation programmes to parish groups and school staff. Her past ministries include primary education and administration, Motor Mission, and training of catechists in the Western Province of the Solomon Islands. She has a D.Min in Spiritual Direction (GTF, Indiana), MA in Spirituality (Gonzaga University), M.Ed in Religious Studies (ECU Perth), and a GDA Intercultural Studies-Aboriginal(ECU Perth). With publications in Australia and the USA, she continues to compose liturgical music.