Open your homes to refugees: Bishop

Bunbury's Catholic Bishop has called for people to consider accommodating refugees after distributing an expression of interest form to the region's congregation.

Bishop Gerard Holohan has written a letter to parishioners and parents at Catholic schools, encouraging people to "consider welcoming refugees into their homes on a temporary basis".

"We see crowds of refugees on boats and trains, as well as those in camps, and realise how shocking must be their home situations that they see the choice to flee as the only option," Bishop Holohan said.

"Fortunately, Australia now is going to offer safe refuge to thousands. However, these thousands are going to need care and places to live."

His call echoes comments by Collie shire president Wayne Sanford, who last week told the _Bunbury Herald _the town was again willing to accept refugees.

Mr Sanford's call was backed up by Collie-Preston MLA Mick Murray, who believed Collie had several locations that could accommodate refugees.

Premier Colin Barnett announced earlier this month that WA could accommodate 1000 Syrian refugees, who would be housed across the State.

Bishop Holohan acknowledged hosting refugees would not be logistically possible for all Catholics for "perfectly understandable reasons", such as work or sickness.

He hoped his diocese - which covers 63,000 people from Mandurah to Esperance who identified as Catholic at the 2011 Australian census - would show compassion.

"The Catholic community is much larger than parishioners who take part regularly in the worship and life of their parishes," Bishop Holohan said.

"So this invitation is extended to all Catholics - including those whose only current connection with the church is that their children are in a Catholic school."

Bishop Holohan said people who completed the expression of interest form would be contacted only if help was needed "once the situation becomes clearer".