In Morley, something quietly beautiful is unfolding.

For more than 35 years, Personal Advocacy Service (PAS), an agency of the Catholic Archdiocese of Perth, has nurtured a simple but profound belief: every person has inherent dignity and a rightful place in the life of the community. Through friendship, faith, and connection, PAS has supported adults with intellectual disabilities to be seen, heard, and valued.

Today, that mission continues to grow – opening its doors even wider – welcoming people who are Deaf and Hard of Hearing to belong.

A Living Legacy of Welcome

Since 2025, PAS has become home to the ministry and community life long fostered through Deaf Ministry, continuing a legacy that began at the Emmanuel Centre in 1981 – the International Year of Disabled Persons.

Established through the vision of Catholic volunteers and the support of Archbishop Goody, the Emmanuel Centre was created as a place of belonging for people with intellectual disability and their families. For over 40 years, it provided opportunities for connection, support, and community life, and dedicated faith formation.

That spirit continues today within PAS – bringing together people of intellectual and developmental disabilities in one welcoming and inclusive space.

PAS is delighted to welcome Geoff Scott, a long-time volunteer with the Archdiocese’s Deaf Ministry, who now supports the community as a Deaf Community Support Worker, ensuring the monthly Deaf Social Nights – now housed at PAS – remain a place of connection and familiarity.

Equally, the PAS team will continue to deliver the Deaf Ministry’s weekly Gospel in Auslan via YouTube – helping ensure that faith resources remain accessible to the Deaf community and beyond.

One Mission, Many Ways to Belong

At PAS, belonging is expressed in many ways.

Through the long-term SPRED program (Special Religious Development), adults with intellectual disabilities – known as “Friends” – are supported in one-on-one relationships with “Advocates,” fostering friendship, confidence, and spiritual growth.

This sits alongside a broader range of opportunities for connection and participation.

The Monthly Adapted Liturgy at the Morley Parish offers a welcoming Sunday Mass where Friends with intellectual disability help lead parts of the Mass, including the Entrance Procession, Psalm and Offertory, fostering confidence, belonging and joy while reminding the whole community that everyone has gifts to share.

We are also working to support inclusive liturgical opportunities for the Deaf community, with discussions underway for community Mass gatherings to be held once or twice a year alongside Deaf Social Nights, including a combined end-of-year Mass and Christmas celebration.

Throughout the week, the Morley centre is alive with activity. Social programs – including dance fitness classes and arts and craft classes – create opportunities for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities to connect, express themselves, and build friendships.

The monthly Deaf Social Nights – now housed at PAS – bring together members of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community and volunteers to share meals, social activities, and conversation – all in a warm and welcoming environment.

The PAS Community Garden, a new initiative, offers a shared space where people of all abilities, volunteers and supporters can come together – growing not only plants, but also relationships, confidence, and a sense of belonging.

Community events, such as the Willetton Friends Group’s Art Exhibition in 2025 that we at PAS supported further celebrate the gifts, talents, and contributions of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

An Invitation to the Wider Community

At its heart, this growing mission reflects the values at the centre of Catholic Social Teaching: human dignity, inclusion, participation, and the importance of community.

PAS is a place where people of all abilities – and all faiths – are welcome.

There are many ways to be involved – whether as an Advocate in the SPRED program, a volunteer supporting social activities or Deaf Social Nights, or by joining an Adapted Liturgy or community event.

Through the dedication of staff, volunteers, families, and supporters, PAS continues to foster belonging, friendship, and opportunity for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

And there is always room for more. Please get in touch with us for opportunity to get involved.