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It's with joy; I say 'Hello' to you all.
Bear with me as I tell you about myself in what, for now, must be a one-sided conversation! We'll rectify that when our paths cross.
After being smuggled across the northern NSW border at 18mths old; I grew up under the assumption that being a QLD maroons' supporter was in my blood. I've been praising God for the excellent sense of my parents ever since!
My ties to Queensland strengthened in 2016 by marrying one of Brisbane's exceptional teachers, Ruth Irons, born in Rockhampton and bred in Yeppoon. We resettled here with our 2yr old son, Jerusalem, at the invitation of Bishop Michael in March of this year.
My role will specifically focus on coordinating different appeals throughout the Diocese and connecting with all those who take these causes and 'our collective work' to heart.
This truth of 'our collective work' was planted deep in my heart when I travelled to Iraq in 2018. I was there visiting Christian communities who faced persecution for their faith in Jesus. I was inspired by many I met there. A Bishop whose faith had withstood the likelihood of an impending execution by terrorists. A woman who spoke of the strengthening of her faith after surviving a bombing against Christians – many of her friends did not. A businessman who despite having lost everything, after fleeing his city in the middle of the night, talked to me of the goodness of God.
An Iraqi Priest asked me to pass on a message to those Australians, who I represented; and, whose donation had helped the Iraqi church minister to the needs of those in their home region, 'tell them they are like an elder brother to us … because an elder brother always takes care of the vulnerable siblings'. The way we reach out to our region together, in Central QLD: the giver, the administrator of the donation, the pastoral worker on the ground; and, even the recipient of the gift are all interconnected and are a part of the one work, 'our work'.
Goodbye for now, until we meet face-to-face.
Nathan Harding
Update on the Capricorn Coast Parish
- In these times of “the big weird” as heard it called on radio this morning, we are finding new ways to connect and share what is going on in the parish. There have been several groups and meetings on the forum ‘zoom’ which people are finding very positive. There have had groups of various sizes of up to 22 so far and people have found it a great option. Prayer gatherings, leadership groups, RCIA, parish finance committee and this weekend a Divine Mercy prayer group have used this method with great success. Not everyone has the use of the internet and the phone has been used also by many to keep in touch.
- At both our churches there are places to pick-up bulletins and resources which are available as well and many have used this.
- Facebook has also been a very important way to reach out and share information and things that are happening. Each of the letters from Bishop Michael, daily Scripture readings, prayers, resources, happenings and events locally from schools and local council briefings, the Catholic Education Office and many other things are ‘posted’ and ‘shared’.
- There is a Parish Website which all information, resources and updates are put online and with the Diocesan Website events have been advertised and shared.
- Bishop Michael celebrates Mass daily on YouTube. As a parish we have promoted this as our way of being in communion with each other. When Fr Matthew celebrates Mass he has the YouTube service of the Bishop playing at the same time to hear the readings and to offer his prayers and thoughts for our parish and world as well.
- On Facebook there are daily photos of the local churches as a small way of connection and seeing what is happening. For each of the major services over the Easter period symbols in the church and liturgical colours have been posted as well. Palms for collection, bowl and towel, the red cross, the Easter Candles and the rising sun on Easter morn.
- A weekly bulletin goes out on email, and parish Facebook and website.
- Over these next weeks as a way of connecting with people in a different way, an invitation to our community is being given to submit: recipes/activities, for a cookbook/craft work/ knitting activities, gardening and anything else people are doing book, to be collated and put together. This is a work in progress but lots of imaginative things are possible. It might be our community diary of what has, is and going to happen during this time of opportunity.
A big thank you to the many people reaching out to each other and making connections with those in our community,
Keep going with this very important part of life and ministry.
We all look to find new ways of discovering the Risen Christ with us, in our midst and in our hearts.
To the many health care workers and families who are keeping us all safe, thank you.
We continue to pray for the many suffering in our world and who have died.
Fr Matthew Moloney
Capricorn Coast Catholic Parish
The Exsultet in Igbo In North Mackay
Many different things have happened across the diocese since Covid-19 impacted on us.
For probably the first time, the Exsultet was sung in Igbo. At North Mackay Fr James took this opportunity to sing this greatest of Christian songs in his native tongue. This is the beginning.
What is Happening to the Collection
A few people have been asking how they can still contribute to their parish collections while churches can’t take up a physical weekly collection at our church buildings.
For those still wanting to give you can contact your local parish for directions on how to give a contribution during this COVID 19 period. Alternatively, you can contact the Diocesan office and request a “Direct Debit Request” form be sent for you to fill out in which you can designate your parish, the amount you would like to give and how regularly you would like to make it.
If you should wish to donate to one of our appeals, the Diocesan office is also able to provide you with the appropriate appeal donation envelope for your gift.
An electronic transfer or direct debit is a safe way to donate as the Diocese ensures that your personal information is stored securely at all times. You can change or cancel the agreement at any time by contacting us or your bank.
Call Nathan Harding at the Diocesan Office who will provide you with what’s necessary for your electronic transfer:
T: 07 4887 3091
E: Nathan.harding@rok.catholic.net.au
For the Subscibers to The Leader
Dear valued subscriber,
The Catholic Leader dated 12th April 2020 digital edition is now available here
The flipbook is downloadable in PDF and printable. First, enter fullscreen mode by clicking the ‘fullscreen’ button in the centre of the pages. Using the icons above the newspaper, you can select print or download. Please find instructions attached or watch this video for a step-by-step guide.
The Catholic Leader digital editions are full of interactive features and we encourage you to explore the links and videos on offer. To find out what sections are interactive, simply hover over an image or link if it highlights with a grey box, click away for more information.
Enjoy!
Please note: The Catholic Leader digital edition is emailed to subscribers by 3pm Thursday every week. If you have not received your email link by this time please phone (07) 3324 3555.
If you have trouble viewing the link to the digital edition, please click the following link: http://catholicleader.com.au/flipbook/tcl_12042020/