New Grotto and Statue at the Mater Hospital.

 On the 25^th September, a special Mercy Day event celebrated at the Rockhampton Mater Hospital was the blessing of the new grotto and statue of Our Lady of Lourdes in the Mater grounds. Fr John Hogan presided at this ceremony to which the Sisters and hospital staff were invited. To understand the significance of this event, one needs to revisit the story of Our Lady of Lourdes and her intercessory role in the history of the Rockhampton Mater Hospital.

Fr John Hogan and Sr Maria Jean Rhule

 In 1858, the Blessed Virgin Mary made several appearances to the young peasant girl, Bernadette Soubirous, near Lourdes, a small French village. During one apparition, Mary asked Bernadette to scrape the ground and a spring of running water began to flow. Today, water continues to flow and millions of pilgrims from all over the world travel to Lourdes to wash in this water in the hope of physical or spiritual healing.

 One hundred years later, in 1958, the centenary year of Lourdes, Sr M Eymard Brosnan, the Superior of the Mater community, decided to seek Our Lady’s intercession in finding a badly needed water supply on the property. A visiting Oblate Father solemnly blessed the spot where previously, a bore had been drilled unsuccessfully, and he placed a Lourdes medal and some Lourdes water therein. That same afternoon, Sr M Eymard visited the site, explaining what had happened earlier in the day to the Sister who accompanied her. It is said that Sr M Eymard shook the pipe and water gushed forth immediately, much to the surprise of the drilling contractor. On 24 September 1958, the feast of Our Lady of Mercy, a bountiful water supply of 5000 gallons per day was found. Up until recent years, this bore was the water source for the extensive gardens on the Mater property.

 On 11 February 1959, the feast of Our Lady of Lourdes, the foundation stone was laid of the new Mater Convent and Chapel in Spencer Street. Later that year, on 1 November 1959, His Grace, Archbishop James Duhig, Archbishop of Brisbane, blessed and opened the new building, dedicated to Our Lady of Lourdes, in the presence of Bishop Andrew Tynan DD, Bishop of Rockhampton.

 To honour these special favours which the Sisters attributed to Our Lady of Lourdes, a grotto was built in the Convent garden. However, the Convent and Chapel were demolished in July 1984 to enable the construction of the Mercy Boyan wing and because of other building projects that have taken place over the years, this shrine has been relocated several times. It is hoped that the grotto and statue have now found a permanent home, enhancing the beautiful environs of the Rockhampton Mater site.   

Sisters of Mercy who gathered (left to right): Joanne Molloy, Dominica Camilleri, Berneice Loch, Margaret Dixon, Justina Bedford, Maria Jean Rhule, Amabile Speranza, Brenda Moss, Mary Wildie and Stancia Cawte.

With the financial backing of generous benefactors and the building skills of Michael McGuire and his workers, this project was the vision and inspiration of Sr Maria Jean Rhule, Mission/Pastoral Care Coordinator at the Mater Rockhampton. It has been Sr Maria Jean’s dream to have the grotto and statue in a place that reflected its significance in the history of the hospital. During the blessing we prayed for all who come to this Mercy health care facility seeking comfort, hope and healing of mind and body.

 Sr Joanne Molloy

During Father Matthias’ time here with us at Saint Mary’s, Clermont he has offered opportunities for the people on properties to celebrate Mass and get together socially.

Father travelled to “Llanarth”, property owned by Terry and Ros Kenny, where he stayed the night and celebrated Eucharist with them.

At “Llanarth”

During the School holidays Father Matthias travelled out to “Recruit” where once again the people from the surrounding properties came and celebrated with Christy and Craig Moller.

He then visited Kay and Steven Mifsud’s property just outside Clermont where, once again people travelled from all around to celebrate Eucharist together.

 At Kay and Steven’s property

Finally, on the 24^th September Father celebrated Mass at “Coovin” with Bernard and Marie Cook, family and friends.

The people who attended these Masses were very grateful to Father for giving them the opportunity to participate and come together to share in the Eucharist and time together afterwards.

On Sunday 13^th October, fifteen children were confirmed and received Eucharist at St Mary’s. Bishop Michael and Father Matthias presided. It was a very happy celebration.

During a get together with the parishioners after Mass, the children cut their celebratory cake which was shared among those present.

Sr Helen Archer

 "Shed Party"

The drought is having a devastating effect on our farmers over a large area of Australia.

 To show our moral support and to let them know we are thinking of them and praying for life-giving rains, the Biloela Catholic community organised a “Shed Party” on a property in our area.  Terry and Megan Dunne graciously provided the venue and invited farmers from around their area to gather at their place. A bus load of parishioners travelled three-quarters of an hour out to the property over bitumen and some dry, corrugated dirt road.

 A wonderful evening of chatter sitting out under the heavens was enjoyed by everyone.  Fr. Thadayoose prayed for farmers that rain would fall on their properties, said Grace, and then we tucked into food provided.  Thanks to the Lions Club for contributing to the cost of meat and the Parishioners for providing salad and dessert.

 One lady farmer commented how she appreciated this initiative from the Church to get together socially with farmers around the area. It is something that doesn’t normally happen, but in times like this when persistent dry conditions rule a farmer’s life, a good chat and a laugh helps.   

Candidates and Parish prepares for Reconciliation

 During the Masses of the first weekend of November, the First Reconciliation candidates from across the parish received their Sorry Prayer Card.  These are copies of the Act of Contrition.  Parishioners were invited to sponsor and formally pray for a candidate and their name was written on the back of the Prayer Card which the candidates have as a keepsake.

Fr Bernie McFadyen sm, a former Parish Priest of Gladstone, returned to care for the Parish while Fr Kevin was on holidays.  

Fundraising for the Missions

The missions were very much part of our community life this past month.  Sr Noreen spoke at our Masses.  Drawing on her life experience in the missions, she was able to tell us of the work that our donations enable. 

At Star of the Sea School, the children drew posters to show how they raised money for the missions. They also held a ‘Sock it to Poverty’ fundraiser.

Lorrie-Ann Columbus

Parishes of North Mackay and Farleigh

Bucasia Orphans Memorial Unveiling and Blessing.

Descendant of the orphans, Rod Welch, unveils the memorial plaque and stone.

A considerable crowd, over 200 people, gathered at Bucasia for the unveiling and blessing of the orphans’ memorial on Sunday, October 20. The memorial stone and plaque commemorate the orphans who died in the 1880s while at the orphanage established by Fr Pierre Bucas and who are buried at an unknown site.

Neridah Kaddatz relates the story of Fr Pierre Bucas.

Neridah Kaddatz related the story of the French born priest and how he came to Queensland and Mackay after some time in New Zealand. Doug Petersen continued with the orphans’ story, and a descendant of the surviving orphans, Rod Welch, performed the unveiling.

Three students from Holy Spirit College, Mt Pleasant, sang before Meechan Philpott related the obituaries of the 33 orphans who had died.  Fr James Ezeocha of St Joseph’s blessed the memorial plaque and stone.

Fr James Ezeocha performs the blessing of the memorial.

Tegan Philpott was the master of ceremony for the occasion and Uncle Philip Kemp gave the welcome to country for the indigenous owners of the land.

Paul Vanderloos

Mackay Catholic Mens Club Dinner

 On Monday 28^th October the Mackay Catholic Mens Club held the monthly dinner at the City Bowls club. For this particular monthly dinner Ladies are invited.

A good crowd was entertained by Sam and Joe Camilleri with their guitar music.

After the prayer to Mary McKillop was read by all, Sister Grace Bartolo did the Reflection. She spoke about the history and work done by the Sisters of mercy. Her story was most interesting. Seminarian Ashwin Acharya said Grace.

Our guest speaker for the night was Bishop Michael who spoke about his Ad Limina visit to Rome. On the way to Rome he broke the journey and went to Fort Kochie in India and met many people of the Diocese and the families of Fr Alex, Fr Jomon and Fr Gasper. Bishop Michael captured the event with film and on the screen showed us the families and places he was taken to in Kochi.

At Rome with the Australian Bishops he was kept busy with meetings with various departments at the Vatican. The part of the journey which was most precious was the individual meeting with Pope Francis also group meetings by the Aussie Priests with the Pope.

Bishop Michael passed on as much information as he could with his visit. Many questions were posed to the Bishop.

The dinner was most enjoyable and a wonderful night was had by all who attended.

The next dinner on Monday 25^th November 6.30pm for 7pm start is at the Boomerang Hotel.

Food and Song Festival

Lucille Gott entertains at the Food & Song morning.

 Our parish is becoming quite diverse in culture. We celebrate together each Sunday united in our faith. To mark this diversity, to celebrate a belated Multicultural Sunday, and as an excuse to come together socially before the end-of-year breakup parties begin, a morning of food and song was held on Sunday, October 20, in Mary MacKillop Hall, St Joseph’s school hall.

A vast array of foods from across the nations was offered and song, dance, and poetry items from our Indian, Filipino, Tongan, Italian and Australian parishioners were performed. The members of NET sang their national anthems: Canadian, American, and Australian. Fr Peter led some communal singing and others were coaxed to come forward and learn a Scottish folk dance. Had there been more time I’m sure we would have heard from our Zimbabwean, Scottish, Dutch, Kenyan, Sri Lankan, Maltese and Croatian friends. Maybe next year.

 Parish Stewardship Council. 

Joe McCorley leads the Stewardship Council discernment evening

 Nominations for new members to the parish Stewardship Council were called for in August to replace retiring members. It was heartening to see 70 parishioners nominated for the retiring positions. Those who accepted the nominations were invited to an evening of information and discernment on October 17, led by Mr Joe McCorley. Working through the process, six people were elected to the Council.  We welcome Ben Galea, Emily Obst, Colleen Oberle, Mick Gerrard, Michael Walker and Nadia Fregonese to the Council. All Council members will be commissioned during Sunday Mass on the Feast of Christ the King, ready for the new year.

Sacramental Preparation

 Sacramental Preparation has begun for the young children of our parish with, at this stage, nearly 60 children registered. More will come as the word spreads. The young parents of our parish come from a variety of backgrounds, religious affiliations, and faith experiences. Not all who have registered are Catholic. Not all of them come to regular Sunday Mass. Some are familiar faces among us. However, the one thing they all have in common is the love for their child and a desire to do the best for them in all aspects of their lives, including their faith life.

Ritual of Remembering Baptism

The process began on the weekend of November 9/10^th with a Ritual of Remembering Baptism. The sacrament of Baptism is where our life in Jesus Christ begins and so we return to the sacrament in order to go forward with the preparation for the sacraments of Penance, Confirmation and Eucharist.

 Farewell NET Ministries 

Net Team farewelled by the young people of the parish

After four years of having NET Ministries Australia present in our parish, we farewelled our 2019 Team on Sunday, 10^th November, during the 5.30pm youth-led Mass, and after in the Novakoski Centre.  We are so grateful for the time, talent, and generosity of the five young people who, each year, have given nearly a year of their life to youth evangelisation in our schools and parish. This year’s team included Gerry Vytilingam (Melbourne), John Lysaght (U.S.A), Rachel Obrien (Canada), David Anderson (Canada) and Bridgette Rueff (U.S.A). Their youthful presence in the office, schools, and church was a breath of fresh air, maybe Spirit-filled? They have left us with a strong group of enthusiastic young leaders. Thank you, dear young ones.

Anne Sheehan

 Parish life in the western parts of the diocese has been rather different in recent months. Some readers from east of the Range will be aware of this to the extent that their own parish life has been curtailed. These parishioners have been without all or at least some of the celebrations which are a normal part of their community. This is because for a month, their parish priest has been absent; he has taken a turn to supply, to minister here in the rural and remote areas of the diocese. The people of the west – from 400 kilometres on to further inland – are very grateful for the presence of the priests and for the sacrifice of those of you who have gone without.

While there is no permanent pastor based at Longreach, Fr. Jayanthi has continued as parish priest in Blackall, ministering particularly to the people of Blackall and Tambo which is 100 km down the road. Once a month he visits Isisford (120 km) for Sunday Mass; once a month he goes up the road 106 km to Barcaldine, staying overnight so that he can travel 85 km east next morning to Jericho and then on another 54 km to Alpha for a second Mass. It is the parish communities west of Barcaldine who have befitted most from the monthly rotation which has brought Fathers Bryan Hanifin, Don White, Matthew Moloney, Stephen Hanley and now Peter Tonti to these parts. The visiting priests have all stayed in the presbytery at Longreach. Consequently, as well as provision of the Sacraments in the larger towns of Barcaldine, Alpha and Longreach, the small communities have been able to have a monthly (Aramac and Ilfracombe) or two monthly Mass (Jundah and Morella) on a regular basis. It has been most welcome. 

I suspect it might be true to say that for most of the visiting priests, there is some aspect of novelty in a first visit to this part of the diocese or at least in a prolonged stay. Not so of course for Fr. Matthew Moloney, born and bred on a property out of Longreach and who spent some years as pastor in Blackall and Longreach. For some visitors and I include myself on first arriving back in 2006, the idea of travelling 100 km more or less - more often more - whether for pleasure or business or medical or just to get to the next town seems excessive. However, along with the accompanying disadvantages (time, energy, and expense) that’s the reality – a requirement of living here. I couldn’t help smiling when Fr. Jayanthi brought his superior general to Isisford Mass, along with Fr. Raj. The three men from a country that is highly populated by comparison with anywhere in Australia were somewhat in awe of distances to be travelled in order to celebrate Mass for a local community. A learning experience! 

I am often reminded of stories that I grew up with, true stories of the pastors who travelled on horseback to their communities and of the early settlers in Sydney who were without the ministry of a priest for a long period of time. Those men and women kept the faith alive just the same.  As I have said people here are truly grateful. At the same time I hope that we are all enriched in the giving and receiving of ministry, even in the forgoing of ministry. May we grow in a sense of being church for each other. May we all be inspired!

 Sister Mary (Western Pastoral Ministry)

On Friday 11^th October, parishioners from the various churches in Emu Park gathered at the Anglican Church. This was to celebrate the Australian Church Women’s “Community Prayer Day”.  We were treated to an inspiring talk delivered by Alison Leech. Gwyn Davis gave an interesting account of the foundation of the “Fellowship of the Least Coin”. The camaraderie between the churches was apparent as always, as we chattered over a delicious morning tea. This was served by our hosts, ladies from the Anglican Church. The morning was voted by all as successful, prayerful and pleasant.

Monday 14^th October, had both sides of our Parish come together once again at The Waterline Café at the Marina. We gather for coffee, cake, wonderful companionship, magnificent scenery and peaceful surroundings.  Please feel free to join us if you are ever visiting the area. Second Monday of every second month at ten o’clock. We would love to have you join us.

Tuesday 5^th November we were sharing a delicious Melbourne Cup Luncheon, held in the community room at Sacred Heart Church, Lammermoor. Tess Beard, Kathy Simpson and a small band of workers did a lovely job of organising, catering, and entertaining. Mary Loch was our compere for the day and kept the day running smoothly amidst many draws in the multi-draw raffle. We were also delighted by a fashion parade provided by a local business. Thank you ladies for a great day.

St Ursula’s College Presentation Evening:  a Celebration of Excellence

St Ursula’s College, Yeppoon, Year 12 student, Yasmin Craggs, received the Prix d’Honneur (Bishop’s Prize) on Friday night at the College’s annual awards celebration, Presentation Evening, along with an incredible seven other accolades. Yasmin, 18, a talented flautist, was acknowledged with the Senior School Public Speaking Award, Senior School Music Award, and Public Performance Award for her skills.

The Presentation Sisters’ Service Award, Caltex All Rounder and Australian Defence Force Leadership Award were presented to Yasmin for her demonstration of service to others; the latter was also awarded to Year 10 student, Stella Kenny.

Yasmin Craggs           Bella Weinart

Year 12 student and College Captain, Bella Weinert, was named College Dux, and also received the Edward Huttley RSL Bursary for her achievements in Mathematics, as well as the CQUniversity Award for English.

Bella and Yasmin were recipients of the Principal’s Award for Academic Excellence, which was also presented to fellow Senior students, Emily Gleeson, and Yvonne Drejer.

Emily, a Boarding student from Alpha, was recognised with the P&F Conscientious Student Award for her commitment to studies, while Yvonne was awarded the ICON Dental Bursary for Excellence in the Sciences.

Year 12 student, Michaella Armstrong, was recognised with the CQUniversity Award for the highest aggregate achievement in the Humanities subjects, as well as the Music Teachers’ Commitment to Music Award.

Year 12 student and Shiel House Captain, Mileon Mau, was awarded the Jenny Stanton Boarding Student Leadership prize; Boarding Captain, Portia Baldwin, received the Indigenous Student Leadership Award.

Brittney Foster, Year 12, was recognised with the Vocational Education Student Award and the CQUniversity Outstanding Vocational Student Year 12 Award, while Year 11 students, Zali Walker and Eden-Rose Oldham, were acknowledged for their Vocational Education efforts with the CQUniversity Outstanding Vocational Student Year 11 awards.

Year 11 student, Tahlia Mortimer, received the CQUniversity SUN or VETIS Rockhampton Award for her achievements in commencing University studies. Tahlia was named Overall Academic Achiever for Year 11, alongside classmate Meghan Fallis.

Ariarn Mann, Renee McKeering, Ella Hayes and Tiahna Humphries received Overall Academic Achiever awards for their respective Year Levels.

Year 9 student, Hayley Eden, received the College’s Music Award, while Sage Foster, also in Year 9, received the Public Speaking Award.

Cadence Phillips and Vicky Brieffies were named P&F Junior and Middle School All Rounders, respectively, while Tahlia Austin was awarded the Middle School Sportswoman of the Year, and Year 9 student, Charley Lalor, was recognised with the Excellence in Community Sport award for her Equestrian skills.

The Jones’ sisters, Chelsea and Paige, received the Senior and Junior Sportswoman of the Year awards respectively, after their stunning sporting achievements across multiple codes.

Year 12 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students celebrated the end of their formal education with an Indigenous Celebration Mass at St Joseph’s Cathedral, Rockhampton on October 23. Indigenous students from Catholic colleges across the diocese gathered at St Joseph’s Cathedral along with staff and families to celebrate their educational journey with Catholic Education – Diocese of Rockhampton.  Bishop Michael McCarthy presided at the Mass. 

The Diocese took a group of 26 young people by bus to Brisbane for the Ignite Youth Conference in the September school holidays.  Quite a number of the group were return attendees with the others coming along to experience it for the first time.  We had young people from Mackay, Rockhampton, Emerald, Blackwater and Bundaberg in the group, as well as some others travelling individually.   We were very fortunate to have had Fr Andrew Hogan and Fr Gasper Peruvelil accompany the group and to have Bishop Michael join us on arrival for the first evening of the conference.

 The conference theme for 2019 was “New Again”.  The conference is a chance for young people to find out more about their faith and develop it further, to see how it is relevant in our lives today and to see there are other young people living it out.  Their mission is to develop a Church passionate about discovering a real, present God and gathering a generation to be on fire for Jesus.  There were around 1300 young people at the Brisbane conference who took part in engaging workshops, rallies, Masses and other events led by local and overseas presenters.

Here are some comments from our own young people who attended this year:

 “New again in how I approach my faith journey, focussing on my goals and resetting the compass to all for a new change, a new chapter and new renewal of faith as a Christian.”

• “I really enjoyed the friendships, especially among our group.  The Adoration was a very moving experience for me and the workshops, keynotes and rallies were excellent.  Amazing experience that I want to share with others.”
• “My experience of Ignite was that of encouragement, joy and hope.  I had the wonderful opportunity to be a volunteer at the event and through the services I was able to encounter many of the youth and see how deeply Jesus was working in their lives”
• “Four days of worship, these days proved to me that Jesus could empower people.  Personally, I asked for courage and openness of my heart.  I encountered Jesus in every person I met . . . . Ignite has change my life every time for the last four times having been.”
• “Ignite was an excellent experience to learn about God an dhow to help him guide our lives to achieve our fullest potential. . . . . it is excellent to know that whenever we fall short of being perfect, God will love us regardless.”
• “Ignite was a great way to meet other people of similar ages and share the faith, and to deepen / strengthen our relationship with God.
• “Ignite helped me to receive the Holy Spirit and understand my calling”
• “Ignite was such a great opportunity for me to reconnect with Jesus and heal from my past and sins and to be forgiven and reminded that God will always love us, no matter what.”
• “Ignite is a good way to meet new people that share my faith”
• “Ignite hit the homerun for me because it was moving, inspirational and I felt Jesus’ love from the NET team, the people who came and through the donations to the Ugandan people, and it made me float.”
• “My experience at Ignite this year was very exciting.  I really enjoyed praise and worship and Adoration.”
• “It was unlike any other Catholic event I have ever been to and it felt good to know that I am not alone in my faith.”

Keep an eye out for Ignite Conference trip 2020 – “Unleash” 24^th to 27^th September (during the school holidays) in Brisbane: https://igniteyouth.com/conference20

National Catholic Education Commission Executive Director, Jacinta Collins, recently visited Rockhampton. Jacinta visited St Anthony’s Catholic Kindergarten, St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School Wandal and The Cathedral College, while also attending the Emmaus College Academic Awards Evening.

All Principals had the opportunity to meet with Jacinta and to hear her share her overview on current issues impacting Catholic Education nationally. Jacinta is a passionate advocate for Catholic Education and we very much appreciate her generously giving of her time to visit our diocese and to gain a first-hand insight of the opportunities and challenges facing our Catholic kindergartens, schools and colleges today and into the future. 

The Catholic Bishops of Australia have announced a National Prayer Campaign for Drought to take place during November. People across the country are encouraged to pray for the gift of rain, for people affected by the drought and to provide practical support, where possible. The Bishops note that large parts of the country are directly affected by the drought, but the impact is national – and so should the response be national. Access resources and find out more at: www.catholic.org.au/drought