St Mary's Church in Bundaberg was destroyed by fire in the early hours of the morning on Tuesday 11th February.  It is believed the fire started sometime after 3am in the morning and emergency services were called to Barolin Street just before 4am.  It took multiple crews and several hours to put out.  No one was injured during the fire.  A 42 year old Bundaberg man was later charged by police.

In a letter to the Catholic Parish of Bundaberg, Bishop Michael expressed his sadness at the loss of St Mary's Church, "It is very sad when our churches burn down and the church has been a sign to the community that our Catholic Church is present.  It has served many generations of Catholics and our school of St Mary's, when it was co-located on the same site."  The Bishop also expressed his sympathy at this time and offered his prayers for the community.

 That same day Fr Peter Tonti, Parish Priest, called the community together to mourn, remember, reflect and pray.  The church held memories for so many having served the community for nearly 70 years as a place to gather to celebrate Mass, marriages, baptisms and funerals and as a place of learning.

 There will be another meeting of the community on Saturday, 15th February, at 9am to begin discussions about moving forward.

In January, this year, Bishop Michael inaugurated a new model of Pastoring for the Parishes of the Central West.  Over the years the diocese has creatively sought to minister across the vast distances of this area.  Bishop Wallace introduced the use of a light aircraft to access those in remote areas.  Today, Sr Mary Farrelly sm continues this ministry with a Prado and the internet.  In the past twelve months, senior priests of the diocese have taken turns, on a monthly basis, serving the Parish communities.  

Now, something new has begun.  Fathers Raj and Shaiju, Loretta McKeering (the Pastoral Coordinator), the Central West Regional Pastoral Council, through its chair, Andrew Wachtel and Sr Mary will be co-ordinating sacramental and pastoral care through the entire region of the Central West. 

Frs Raj and Shaiju have been appointed in solidum which means that they will work together pastorally and sacramentally for the good of all parishioners.  They will initially reside in Longreach mid-week and on Friday travel to the various communities of the Central West for Eucharist and Baptisms.

This new model has been proposed following extensive consultation with the priests, religious and laity who have worked together to form the Central West Regional Pastoral Council. 

Fr Andrew Hogan has provided the following explanation of this type of ministry as it is offered in Canon Law.

Priests in Solidum

Under normal circumstances a parish is entrusted to a pastor who has all the rights and duties necessary to care for the people of the parish and a pastor only has responsibility for one parish (Canon 526 No.1). Due to a variety of reasons including vast distances to be travelled, financial constraints, and a lack of available clergy this normative arrangement is not always possible.

Further to this, a bishop has the responsibility of ensuring that all the people within his diocese are adequately cared for. When the normal arrangements are not possible, the Church provides, albeit it extraordinary and temporary, other possibilities to ensure the proper pastoral care of the people of God. One avenue available to the bishop is to group multiple parishes and entrust them jointly to a group of priests – in solidum.

When priests are appointed ‘in solidum’ the communities of each parish under their care is entrusted to each of them jointly so that each priest has all the rights and duties necessary to care for the people of the parishes. While in the day to day ministry of the priests, this distinction between priests in solidum and a parish priest and his associate pastor may not be overly evident it is an important distinction that ensures that each priest involved in the particular mission is able to do what is necessary to care for the people of God entrusted to his care. “In solidum they are bound to the duties of teaching, sanctifying, and governing the individual parishes. … In solidum they also are obliged to fulfil the functions which are performed by a pastor and which can be performed by others only with the pastor’s permission” (John P. Beal ed New Commentary on the Code of Canon Law, p 682).

 When priests are appointed in solidum, one of them is nominated as the Moderator. It is the role of the moderator to ‘direct’ the joint action of the priests in a collegial manner and it is him that is responsible and answerable to the bishop.

Fr Andrew Hogan

John Norman Rasmussen was born in Mackay to Arthur and Catherine Rasmussen, the fifth of seven children.  He was educated by the Sisters of Mercy and by the Christian Brothers both in Mackay and at St Joseph’s College, Nudgee.  After seminary training at Banyo, he was ordained in Mackay by the then Bishop Rush on the 28^th June 1963.

Fr John served right across our diocese and in various ministries.  Wherever he went he was loved.  He had that most treasured of gifts: that of being a friend, a good friend.  His priesthood was at the core of his life and wherever he served he became friends both of brother priests and parishioners.

His funeral was celebrated in Mackay on the 17^th of January.

Christmas isn’t Over

The Christmas season has come and gone for another year. Our parish’s liturgical celebrations were well-attended and joyful, especially the Mass with Children celebrated on Christmas Eve in Holy Rosary Church. This is a great family Mass and very popular. We recognised faces that we haven’t seen since last Christmas, come home to be with family.

Yet Christmas isn’t over.

When the song of the angels is stilled,

When the star in the sky is gone,

When the kings and princes are home,

When the shepherds are back with their flock,

The work of Christmas begins:

To find the lost,

To heal the broken,

To feed the hungry,

To release the prisoner,

To rebuild the nations,

To bring peace among others,

To make music in the heart.

Howard Thurman, African-American mystic

View from the Office

Since mid-July 2019 our office has overlooked the building progress of the new St Joseph’s School Kindy. It’s exciting times for the school who are looking forward to a full enrolment of young ones, learning and playing in and around their new building. The Kindy flows into the existing school grounds where their closest neighbours are the Prep-Year 2 students. The view from our back window has changed significantly in this time from bulldozers, carpenters, painters and landscapers to sandpits, water ponds and green grass. The antics of little ones at play makes for amusing conversations. Congratulations to the St Joseph’s School family.

Farewells and Welcomes!

As is expected at the beginning of the year people in all sorts of positions are on the move with transfers. Bundaberg’s two newest priests, Fr Jomon Poothara and Fr Ronaldo Rodriguez, were farewelled during the parish’s Australia Day celebrations, Sunday 26^th January. Fr Jomon has been with us for 18 months and in that time built a close relationship with the Indian families and befriended many parishioners with his big smile and quiet nature. Fr Ronaldo did likewise with the Filipino community, and both experienced the diversity of a city parish community and team ministry.

We’re expecting big things from Fr Gasper Peruvelil as he replaces “two for one”! I’m sure the people of the parish will welcome him and help him in his new home.

During the celebrations we also farewelled Mrs Denise Tuzes from her role as Pastoral Visitation Co-ordinator. Denise has retired from her employed position after 13 years. In that time the visitation ministry has grown to over 40 volunteer ministers who visit the hospitals, aged-care facilities, sick and housebound. Denise was thanked for her commitment to and compassion for the frail and housebound. We wish her well in retirement.

With Denise’s retirement we welcomed Mrs Marcia Sharp to our Parish Team. Marcia moved to Burnett Heads from the Gold Coast with her husband, Ray, to enjoy a quiet life in retirement. The Spirit prodded her, or was that her fellow parishioner, to apply for the casual position of Pastoral Visitation Co-ordinator. She looks forward to meeting many new parishioners as well as becoming familiar with the ins-and-outs of the parish.

Our Parish Safeguarding Officer, Mrs Anne Carlsen, was also thanked for her massive effort in the last year for ensuring all in ministry in any capacity have current Blue Card requirements up-to-date. This role has now been taken over by Mrs Jan Aplin who will maintain the Safeguarding files as Anne enjoys her retirement.

Australia Day

We are a people of great resilience. Our diocese, along with much of Australia, has sweltered in the extreme heat of summer. Mateship and empathy came to the fore during the Masses on Australia Day with over $10,000 collected for the Vinnies Bushfire Appeal.

The parish celebration of all things Australian was to be held after the 9.00am Mass in Mary McKillop Hall attached to St Joseph’s School. The memo about the power being cut to the school and hall by Ergon Energy on Sunday 26^th January failed to reach the principal in time. No power meant no cuppa, no microphone, no live music in a spacious environment.

Being resourceful, the celebrations were moved to the small hall behind Holy Rosary Church. In cramped and noisy conditions, with air-conditioning units that couldn’t keep up with the crowded space, the Parish Team led by Fr Peter heartily led the singing of “I Am Australian”. We said our farewells and welcomes and enjoyed each other’s company and food. Fr Ronaldo sang “Beautiful Sunday” and the priests of the parish sang the Blessing Song over all there. We do so love a good cuppa and scone in the heat!

Commissioning of Parish Stewardship Council Members

New members to the Parish Stewardship Council were commissioned for a new 2-year term during the Masses on the weekend of 8/9 February. They have accepted the responsibility of leadership in the parish and will strive to listen to and be conscious of the needs of the parishioners.

The Stewardship Council members are: Bev Walker, Trish Mears, Mick Gerrard, Colleen Oberle, Emily Obst, Jennifer Obst, Maddison Devine, Leandra Maltby, Lynelle McAtee, Vince Habermann, Preshy Varghese, Mark Cullinan, and Michael Walker.

From Mackay to Rome

From Mackay to Rome

On the evening of Wednesday  29^th January parishioners from St Patrick’s Mackay, St Mary’s South Mackay, St Francis Xavier West Mackay, St Michael’s Sarina, St John’s Walkerston, Holy Rosary Marian, Immaculate Conception Mirani and St Francis de Sale Finch Hatton, gathered in St Patrick’s College Hall on the bank of the Pioneer River to wish Fr Don well as he departed for 12 months study leave in Rome.   Yes, these are all the parishes of which Fr Don is Parish Priest/Administrator. We were also joined by Fr Stephen Hanly our Dean and parishioners from the Northside.

People recognised that for 3 years Fr Don has worked tirelessly among our different faith communities sharing his wisdom, his love of God and his blessed mother and his gentle prayerful celebration of the Sunday Eucharist with us. Pope Francis in quoting St Bonaventure in On The Call to Holiness says The greatest possible wisdom is to share fruitfully what we have been given (#46) and Fr Don most certainly has done that.  People are happy to hit the pause button while Fr Don takes time for renewal and refreshment.

 There was no formal agenda other than a short speech and a time to pray and bless Fr Don.  As we shared finger food and wine it was an opportunity to enjoy one another’s company and individually and then communally to send Fr Don on his way with our blessings and prayer. As one person remarked it was great to gather as the faith communities of Mackay. 

 In paying tribute to Fr Don for his as yet unfinished work among us, Mary Anne Baillie acknowledged Fr Don's gifts of being with people. She said  all your undertakings are about one thing – being with the people of God; the people entrusted to your care, to walk with us, guide us, lead us in prayer and worship so that together we live out our baptismal call.  She added, Another of your pastoral strengths is visitation. You have a time set aside each week especially for visiting the house bound. As well as taking your turn to be on call for the hospital emergencies an important part of your pastoral care is to the sick and dying.  She went on to say. You have listened to people and from those listening meetings you have established parish pastoral councils to work with you in discerning and meeting the ongoing needs and concerns of our faith communities.  We appreciate your collaborative approach to ministry – working with people.  In conclusion Mary Anne, noting that Pope Francis in speaking of Eucharist and Sabbath in Laudato si  wrote: Rest is another way of working, which forms part of our very essence. (LS #237) said: Fr Don your time of study will be another way of working – but one where you will have to concentrate on only one thing. You go with our prayers and blessing.  May it also be a time of refreshment and renewal and enjoyment. 

Elspit Mulherin secretary of St Patrick’s presented Fr Don with a monetary gift from the parishioners and wished him well for his time away. 

 Fr Don thanked everyone for their attendance and generosity, their support and work over the past three years.  Fr Don expressed his gratitude to Bishop Michael for the opportunity to study in Rome, and to Fr Alex for stepping up to the role of Administrator. In acknowledging his confidence in Fr Alex, Fr Don also acknowledged his confidence in the support that Fr Alex would receive from the people.  Fr Don assured us he would be back to continue his ministry with us. 

 The evening concluded with prayer.  A litany to Mary, the praying of Psalm 121 for Fr Don’s safe going and returning and with everyone raising their hands in blessing over Fr Don while praying the blessing from the Book of Numbers:

 The Lord bless you and keep you;
 the Lord make his face to shine upon you, and be gracious to you;
the Lord lift up his countenance upon you, and give you peace.

Numbers 6:24-26

Mary Anne Baillie

Letter from Fr Don

Fr Don with Marc Pitson who is a seminarian for the Diocese of Leeds, England on the rooftop terrace of the College.

Outside the temperature has just reached 1 degree Celsius on a bright sunny Saturday morning here in Rome. It is just one week since I left Australia and arrived at the Venerable English College to begin my study leave, undertaking a post-graduate course in Moral Theology at the Dominican university called The Angelicum - just a twenty-minute walk from the College. Having finalised enrolment details, the courses at the University in this first Semester will cover some current issues that we are facing in Australia including the Catholic principles in Bioethics, the Dignity of Human life, Family Life and the moral perspectives in the teaching of the last three Popes, with an emphasis on Laudato Si and Amoris Laetitia. I am fortunate to be residing at the English College which is a Seminary for the Dioceses of England and Wales having a 400-year-old tradition of forming priests for parishes there. In recent years, it includes students from Scandinavian countries and student priests like myself from Australia. From just this first week, I can already appreciate how study in Rome gives an amazing sense of the Universal Church. People come from all over the world to Rome to engage with the Church in all sorts of ways. Being here also gives a renewed appreciation of one’s local Church where our faith and ministry are lived out daily. I am grateful to Bishop Michael and the Diocese for this opportunity to study and the insights and experiences this year will bring….

Fr Don White

Sam Camilleri RIP

On the 3^rd January, an 89 year old gentleman, Sam Camilleri from the our Parish of Walkerston died suddenly. What is so special about Sam is how he led his life.

 As long as I have known Sam each Saturday Night at mass he took up the collection. He sat behind me in the same spot for the last 28 years.  He was dedicated and involved with the Mass.  Afterwards, he would assist in closing the church.

 Socially he and his brother (Joe 86 yearsr old) played the guitar and played for numerous functions, free of charge, in fact they played at October dinner when our Bishop was guest speaker.  They loved music.

 He loved coming to our Men’s Dinner a round trip of 40 KM, he was a member for over 30 years and enjoyed the camaraderie with other members.

 Sam was involved in growing sugar cane and the cattle industry, he worked hard and was still working up to his death, he never married and with his brother (Joe) and sister (Ann) never missed Mass.  He was an inspiration to all who knew him and will be sadly missed.

Graham Featherstone

St Joseph’s Cathedral’s Lights of Christmas

St Joseph’s Cathedral’s Lights of Christmas returned in 2019 for the third year.  The previous two years have seen over 20,000 thousand people each year and it was previously recognized by a national award for Best Small Event at the Australian Event Awards in 2018.

Nationally recognized company Illuminart were once again engaged to design a new animated art show for 2019 using the façade of St Joseph’s Cathedral.  The first section of the show was based on Charles Dickens’ short story of The Christmas Tree with the second part being Christmas-themed slides featuring images from the Cathedral’s own stained glass windows and this year Bishop Michael meeting with Pope Francis.  Also as a first this year the video featured the voices of The Cathedral College’s own Vocal Ensemble.

Many people worked to provide the logistics for the event with the team from Illuminart doing set-up and testing in the days before the show started and many staff from The Cathedral College helping out with local arrangements such as power, technical requirements, closure of one block of William Street to allow people to gather, seating, security, volunteers collecting donations for the bushfire appeal and all the small parts that helped make it such a successful event again.

 The show has been embraced by the locals and has become an iconic part of Christmas celebrations in the region. The 2019 show was made possible by many local supporters including Rockhampton Regional Council, Catholic Education Office, The Cathedral College, Emmaus College, Swanwick Murray & Roche Lawyers, GEM Energy, Australia Catholic Super and Catholic Church Insurances.

Shaun Pettett

ABC Capricornia Facebook coverage with video

Commemoration of Santo Nino 19 January 2020

On 19 January at the 9.30am Mass at which Bishop Michael presided - a Feast that is most revered wherever there are Filipinos throughout the world was commemorated viz Santo Nino. 

 Sinulog (water movement) is the Filipino term given to the celebration of the Feast of the Child Jesus or Santo Niño, commemorating the introduction of Christianity to the Philippines by Ferdinand Magellan, a Portuguese navigator commissioned by then King Phillip of Spain.  Magellan landed in the shores of Cebu in Central Visayas of the Philippine Archipelago on the 16th March 1521. Cebu was then under the rule of Rajah Humabon, who along with his wife Hara Amihan and their subjects, agreed to be baptized and converted to the Christian Faith.

As a gift for the occasion, Ferdinand Magellan gave the image of Santo Niño to the couple. The same image of Santo Niño, together with the Cross that was erected as a symbol of Christianity in the Island, are still held and venerated at the Basilica Menore in Cebu City, Philippines.

 Following the collection, a procession of the statue of the Child Jesus was accompanied by drum music and a dance from members of the Filipino community. The statue was placed on a small table to the right of the altar.  Other members of the Filipino community carried forward their own statues and these were placed around the larger statue on the table and on the ground.

After communion a group from the Filipino community sang Bato Balani sa Gugma "Magnet of Love".

Marg Hallinan

Central Highlands Farewells Fr Raj

On the weekend of February, 25^th and 26^th St Patrick’s Parish Emerald farewelled Fr Raj Kodavatikanti.

Fr Raj was appointed Administrator to the parishes of Emerald, Anakie and Springsure and joined our communities on January 5^th, 2017, replacing Fr Matthew Moloney. He quickly familiarised himself with the Central Highlands and showed a keen interest in the farming families in our surrounds, being one of six siblings born to farming parents. Just a few short months into Fr Raj’s appointment, Fr Raj was to return to India whilst Visa requirements were completed. Some six months later, Fr Raj returned much to the relief of our parishes and Fr Raj. There were rumours abound that wasn’t it a coincidence that Raj’s departure coincided with the Indian Cricket Teams’ international season!

Raj quickly re-established himself back in Australia and during his tenure has achieved many of his dreams on his ‘wish list’ for our region and offered up challenges and supported our communities in their spiritual growth.

Fr Raj wrote in his first article for our church bulletin,

“I feel fortunate to be part of this fantastic community. As we experience the ups and downs of life together, I hope we can be joyful at all times. ….. I know you will miss Fr Matthew, but I hope that together we can do something beautiful for God. The Cowboy has gone to Rockhampton and the Indian has come to the Central Highlands!”

Emerald, Anakie and Springsure feel very blessed to have had Fr Raj as our spiritual leader.

We began the year welcoming Fr Andrew Chase as our new Parish Priest and welcoming back Fr Simeon Uchendu.  Fr Andrew has hit the ground running.  The Parish Council has explored its vision for 2020 and is implementing these goals: the development of an RCIA program, and the expansion of our sacramental team to foster family and welcome ministry.

Love Lives Here 2020 event is set for Sunday 26^th July , the  beginning of Catholic Education Week.

The parish has a Playgroup that runs from one of the parish schools (St Francis, Tannum Sands) on Fridays mornings for 0 to 5 years. It is on the school site and is outdoors with access to the prep playground and gardens.

Bernadette Ariens and Christine Holman

Maurie Webb RIP

Maurice Degielle Webb, originally from Clermont, was in the first group of students at St Brendan’s College in 1940.  His love of and enthusiasm as an Old Boy lasted all his life.  He would proudly go to school events wearing the school blazer and enjoy sharing jokes and stories with the boys. 

He lived a varied and rich life, especially on the Capricorn Coast.  Over a period of 30 years, he was a councillor for 15 years. At one stage he was involved in 14 different community associations.  He passionately loved Rugby League, coaching both at St Brendan’s and the local Seagulls teams.  Their grounds are proudly named the Maurie Webb Park. For some time he taught manual arts at St Brendan’s and worked as a pastoral carer there – he had a soft spot for the boarders who suffered from homesickness.

He was awarded the Order of Australia Medal for his services to the local community. 

Maurie’s faith sustained his generous life.  As a close friend who knew him well in his days at the Council said, God was at the centre of all he did.  He wrote poetry and in every poem, God was mentioned.  He would sometimes read one of these at parish events.  He served on the parish financial committee.

Maurie was predeceased by his beloved wife, Alma, and his son Laurence.  Our condolences go to his children, Kathryn, Peter and Gerard.

His funeral was at Sacred Heart Church, Yeppoon on the 2nd January.

At the Mass for the Opening of the School Year, teachers who had served a number of years within Catholic Education Roakchamption were honoured for their years of service.  Amongst them was a contingent from the Coast.

With Leesa Jeffocat and Fr Matthew are Louise O’Shaughnessy, Peter O’Shaughnessy, Jennifer Williamson, Mary Schick, Gabrielle Barker.

Baptisms at Emu Park

On December 29^th, the Feast of the Holy Family, we enjoyed celebrating the Sacrament of Baptism with three beautiful families home for Christmas. Humphrey Hewitt, Edward Buckley and Ada Cross were welcomed into God’s family by the whole congregation at 7am Mass at Mary Immaculate Church, Emu Park.

I read recently that Forgiveness is what keeps a family together for the long haul.

“Jesus, give us the humility to ask for forgiveness and the mercy to grant it”

As we begin 2020, may we remember the words of the Bible no matter what happens during the year – “The joy of the Lord is your strength”.

Helen McIntyre

In April 2018 I became a member of the Orange Sky Australia (OSA) team here in Mackay. OSA is the world’s first free mobile laundry service for people experiencing homelessness – an idea founded in a Brisbane garage by two 20-year-old mates over five years ago. Nic Marchesi and Lucas Patchett installed a couple of washing machines and dryers in the back of their old van, visiting parks in Brisbane to wash and dry clothes for free. With an aim to improve hygiene standards and restore dignity to people doing it tough, they stumbled on something much bigger and more significant – the power of a conversation.  

  When starting out, Nic and Lucas were so focused on making the machines work, that they had not considered what would follow. After getting the washing machines and dryers going, they found that there was nothing else to do but chat with the friends waiting for their clothes. This is where the magic of Orange Sky really started to happen. In the hour it takes to wash and dry clothes, we sit and talk with our friends. It is no longer about the laundry. It is about the genuine and non-judgmental conversations we have about everyday things. This is why the most important thing in our van isn’t the washing machines, dryers, generator or water tanks. It’s the six orange chairs. It is on these chairs, that our mission to Positively Connect Communities was born.

 The song, Orange Sky by Alexi Murdoch has been a major inspiration behind this project. "In your love, my salvation lies" and "I had a dream I stood beneath an orange sky, with my brother standing by" are lyrics from the song. The entire message of the song is about helping our brothers and sisters. These values are imperative to Orange Sky and central to the project.

Orange Sky relies on the community to fund everything we do from washing and drying our friends’ laundry, to the capital costs of getting an Orange Sky van out on the road. Of course, OSA could not operate without the support of volunteers and people kindly donating their time and skills. At every Service Location, volunteers donate their time on shift and ensure that the van and service is operational.

There are 27 Vans, including hybrid and shower vans, operating in 23 cities across Australia and New Zealand. All the vans have on-board clean and grey water storage, along with a power generator. Over the past few years, OSA has been able to respond to a number of major weather events/natural disasters and help people experiencing temporary homelessness. We have washed and dried more than 12 tonnes of free laundry in locations from the Great Ocean Road in Victoria up to Bowen in North Queensland.

 Since Orange Sky came to Mackay in October 2017, 628 shifts have operated and the team of volunteers have completed over 1,375 washes. The Mackay van has two 10kg washers and dryers that allow 20kg of washing every hour and it’s during this time Orange Sky can make its biggest impact by fostering non-judgemental conversations. At the moment the Mackay Orange Sky team operate 6 shifts a week.  Each shift runs for 2 -3 hours and at present all but one shift operates in the morning.  Service locations include Sarina Neighbourhood Centre, Slade Point Medical Centre, CASA (Community Accommodation and Support Agency), George Street Neighbourhood Centre, St Vincent de Paul, Juliet Street and ADRA Op Shop in Milton Street.

 While the service offers much needed practical assistance to those who have fallen on tough times, I have been humbled by the way the people who use the service are so open in sharing their struggles. Each time I am on shift I can’t help but think of the words of Catherine McAuley, foundress of the Sisters of Mercy, – “There are things the poor prize more highly than gold, tho’ they cost the donor nothing; among these are the kind word, the gentle, compassionate look, and the patient hearing of their sorrows”.

 Orange Sky has a social media presence on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn. We encourage people to follow us and to engage with us in these forums. This is a great way to continue to follow the work that we do and also to start or continue a conversation with your friends, family and colleagues about Orange Sky and our Friends. If you would like to know a little more about OSA visit our website: https://orangesky.org.au

Sr Kerry-Anne Sullivan rsm

“Let the little children come to me”
On Saturday February 8 R I instructors, Ministers and Congregations came together at the Rockhampton Baptist Tabernacle to pray for all those involved in the ministry of Religious Instruction in State Schools for the 2020 school year. During the service it was reiterated that throughout Queensland R I Instructors can spend thirty minutes every week spreading the Good News to the children whose parents (250,000) have agreed that their children can engage in these weekly lessons. Is this real yes! 750 State schools throughout Queensland engage in Religious Instruction - and 165,000 students benefit from the effective values education which 3500 accredited representatives of recognised faith groups make as part of a holistic approach to education.
The lessons that the children receive help them explore the Bible and Christian life so that they can make up their own minds. The content is such that it is presented in a contemporary and relevant way. The children experience activities which helps them experience and love in the learning environment while pointing to Jesus and developing a relationship with Jesus- which gives hope beyond the world.

Margaret Hallinan

(L-R) Rev Fr Shaiju Lookose, Priest in Solidum, providing pastoral and sacramental care to the people of Central West Region; Rev Fr Alex Varghese, Administrator of the Parish Communities of the Southern Cluster of Mackay; Bishop Michael McCarthy; Rev Fr Jomon Poothara, Administrator of the Parishes of the Peak Downs Cluster; and Rev Fr Raj Kodavatikanti, Priest Moderator in Solidum for the Parishes of the Central West, including St Brigid’s Longreach;  Sacred Heart Ilfracombe;  the communities of Morella, Stonehenge and Good Shepherd, Bedourie;  St Joseph’s Isisford ;  St Peter’s Jundah;  the community of Yaraka; Sacred Heart, Barcaldine; St Patrick’s Blackall and Our Lady of Victories, Tambo;  St John’s , Aramac and Muttaburra ; St John the Evanglist, Alpha; and St Finnian’s, Jericho.

Linda Esguerra

More than 1000 kids helped back to school

More than 1000 kids helped back to school in the wake of back to school, the School Savvy CQ team wishes every child a happy and successful new school year.

 More than 600 families across Central Queensland have benefited from some financial relief during the week of School Savvy CQ’s pop-up shops.

Parents, grandparents, guardians and children from across Rockhampton, Bundaberg, Capricorn Coast and Mount Morgan attended the shops which featured low-cost stationery and pre-loved uniforms kindly donated by the local community.

 Local hair stylists also donated their time to provide free haircuts to the children to help them look and feel great for their first day back at school.

 School Savvy CQ assistant coordinator Danielle Mitchell said the whole week was an amazing success, helping local families give their kids the best chance for a great education and future.

“We saw wonderful gestures of gratitude shared throughout the week. People were very appreciative, expressing their thanks for helping to get their child get ready for the school year – at times it was quite emotional,” she said,   “The project has helped more than 1450 people across Rockhampton, the Capricorn Coast and Mount Morgan with more than 500 students assisted for the start of the school year.

“The Spirit of School Savvy is well and truly alive in the region. It’s great to see that the community wants to give every child the opportunity to optimise their education.

Although the shops are now closed for the 2020 year, the team are already looking to the future to prepare for the 2021 back to school period.

Bundaberg’s first ever School Savvy CQ proved a great success with more than 1370 people in attendance helping more than 300 families and more than 550 children in the region.  Danielle explained the need for this initiative is motivation for the project to grow and expand to other regions in 2021.

“We have a lot of work to do in the interim – discussing how we can improve the initiative and help the community for next year. Every child deserves an education – it’s a basic human right that we can provide to them at a community level.

 Danielle said the School Savvy CQ team wished to thank their sponsors, local businesses and the wider community for the generosity and support in getting behind the School Savvy initiative. 

 “It’s quite overwhelming to see so many people wishing to help the struggling families within their local community,” she said.

The members of the Multicultural Youth Forum laid out their plan of activities for 2020.  Inspired by the Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament led by the Most Reverend Bishop Michael McCarthy, the youth agreed to pursue in gaining more knowledge about the Scripture through monthly prayer meetings, which will provide an opportunity for all the members to understand the deeper meaning of the Scripture.

On the invitation of Bishop Michael McCarthy, the Youth & Networking Coordinator for the St Columbans Mission Society, Ryan Epondulan, spoke with the young people of the Diocese about having a voice and role to play in today’s Church. The young people identified three elements that will make their presence in Church more meaningful, namely, music, relevant youth activities and youth Liturgy.

 His Excellency, Papal Nuncio Adolfo Tito Yllana, during his brief visit in the Diocese, shared his insights on the importance of one’s presence in a Church community and the contribution that each individual can make and flourish in our Church.

 A Core Group was designated to encourage more members of the young people from diversified background to attend the monthly Prayer meeting. A Reflection meeting at the Haven is also scheduled for March 2020.

Linda Esguerra

The community Christmas Banquet, coordinated by Volunteers Without Borders, was well attended where hundreds gathered at St Joseph’s Cathedral Corso on Christmas Day, to honour the birth of our Lord and share the gaiety and friendship. Donors and sponsors made sure the homeless, those living alone, the elders, new migrants and refugees, members of the police and firies who were rostered to work on the day, the Paramedics who provided medical attendance and advice for those in need enjoyed and shared all the festive food.

The volunteers worked tirelessly to ensure a joyous Christmas for all.

Linda Esguerra