There were a number of anniveraries of ordination in the past month.  Three were 'notable' years.  Fr Terry Stallard celebrated 55 years as a priest and Mgr John Grace and Fr John Daly celebrated their Golden Jubiliee of Ordination.  Given the current restictions, celebrations were different from what would normally occur on such a milestone.  Both Mgr Grace and Fr Daly have shared their experience of over 50 years of service to the Diocese of Rockhamption.

Monsignor John Grace

On Thursday 6^th August, the Holy Spirit Seminary community, together with Archbishop Mark Coleridge and Bishops Brian Heenan, Kenneth Howell and Brian Finnigan, celebrated Fr John Grace’s 50^th Anniversary of Priestly Ordination. This celebration was a surprise to Fr John – a pleasant one in the end, we hope – and a greatly joyous occasion for our Seminary Family. The evening commenced with Mass in Holy Spirit Chapel in ACU before we enjoyed a meal together in Xavier Hall in the Seminary. Members of our community were able to give words of congratulations and blessing to Fr John, which he received with gratitude, his characteristically sharp wit, and much grace. Fr Frank Jones, Vice-Rector, presented a portion of Fr John’s history of his activity in the Diocese of Rockhampton, his studies abroad, and the past 5 years of his life spent as Rector of the Provincial Seminary in Brisbane. Fr John responded with a reflection on his 50 years of Priesthood. We – especially those of us belonging to the Rockhampton Diocese – give thanks for Fr John’s presence which has forever marked our formation journeys towards the Priesthood; this milestone in Fr John’s life is a great encouragement to us as we continue our own vocational journeys in his graced company. 

Ashwin Acharya, Seminarian

6 August 2020

Mgr Grace offered the following reflection.

Occasion of Golden Jubilee of Priesthood

Cassius Clay, a renowned American professional boxer, adopted the name Muhammad Ali when he converted to Islam. One of the significant sports figures of the 20^th century, his memoirs contain several treasured quotes.  This one caught my attention, causing me to reflect in the context of this Ordination Anniversary

“A man who views the world at 50 the same as he did at 20 has wasted 30 years of his life.”

My pondering centres on “What am I viewing from this Ridge – fifty years of ordained priesthood – in my life?”  Fifty is the figure for this occasion. A half century has passed since ordination.  A quarter century preceded it. Three quarters of a century, therefore, have been notched up in my life producing little tangible evidence.  That is both actually and factually true.

Fr John Daly

Fr John Daly celebrated 50 Years of Ordination to the Presbyterate on August 5^th. Fr John had great plans to celebrate his milestone with a Mass, social, and musical concert. Unfortunately, these celebrations had to be cancelled and modified greatly. He’s hoping next year may be the Year of Celebration. In its place the parish acknowledged John’s years of ministry during each Mass, in the presentation of a scrolled version of “The Parable of Wisdom”, written by Norm Whyte, and in a feature-length Church Chat which can be viewed at

Fr John has retired to Bargara but is still active in his ministry. We are truly blessed to have Frs Terry and John in our midst.

Anne Sheehan, Bundaderg

Fr Daly offered the following reflection.

The Golden Anniversary - 50 Years of Blessings

On Wednesday 5^th August this year I was ordained 50 years. The ordination took place in Holy Rosary Church, Bundaberg.  It was planned that I would have a Diocesan Celebration in the Cathedral with John Grace who was also ordained 50 years ago on 6^th August.  Tom Martin was ordained on 7^th August that same year.

A celebration with Mass and a concert was to be held in Bundaberg on 21/22 August when the parish, family and friends would come together. Because of the Covid-19 restrictions this could not happen.  I have had a few small group celebrations including one with family members, another with men my age who went to school with me in Bundaberg. Many people, such as those celebrating 50 years of marriage, have been unable to celebrate their special milestones with family and friends in numbers that they would otherwise have done.

The Sunday after my 50^th Anniversary the parish presented a power-point at the end of each of the Masses.  It presented me in a good light.  So much so it could be sent to Rome after I die for the canonization process to begin!

The Gospel of the day was very appropriate.  It presented Peter and the other disciples in the boat during the storm where the wind and waves buffeted them.  Peter was invited to come to Jesus across the water.  He did so but began to sink when he took his eyes off Jesus. Many times in the past 50 years I have begun to sink.  At times the journey has been a struggle and hard going. Yet at other times I’ve been able to walk on water with my friend Jesus.

I am here after 50 years because of a deep friendship with Jesus Christ and because of the love I’ve received from so many people over those 50 years.

The 50 years has been a wonderful adventure – One travelled with close friends amongst my fellow priests, the religious and laity I have ministered with, and, of course, family.

I have been fortunate to be involved in so many different ministries and been offered so many opportunities.  I am so grateful for the trust placed in me especially when I was asked to study Spirituality. The time was a gift and helped sustain my enthusiasm as a priest and allowed me to develop skills I hadn’t realized I had.

My greatest love has been the people I have ministered with and to in the parish ministry.  I particularly am still challenged and energized in Visitation – in private homes, institutions, hospitals etc. – and in preparing and presenting homilies.  I feel a closeness to the sick and bereaved.  I have always in my pastoral work received much more than I was able to give.  I received a congratulation card from someone who has thanked me for ministering to her family for three generations.  I have been involved with four generations in some families.

I am grateful for my ministry with youth (church youth and homeless); aboriginal communities, various chaplaincies.  It has been an honour - a humble one – to minister to clergy as Diocesan Director of Clergy for about 25 years. Yet despite the storms of life the journey called “priesthood” has been a hope-filled adventure.  I have heard many times the voice of Jesus “Courage, it is I.”  I have made mistakes, but have tried to give my best.  As the 19^th Sunday Readings pointed out, “God has been present and close at hand.”                                                                          

For this and the people in my life I say “Thank You.” 

John Daly

Fr Terry Stallard

Fr Terry Stallard celebrated 55 Years of Ordination to the Presbyterate on June 29, the Feast of Sts Peter and Paul. Fr Terry is an active retired priest in our parish and loves being out and about in the parish. He presides at daily and weekend Masses, visits the hospitals and nursing homes when asked, and takes a great interest in the happenings of the parish. He is a regular visitor to the office for a chat and a cup of coffee. We are so grateful Fr Terry “tested the waters” 55 years ago.

His story can be viewed on our Church Chat Youtube site at

Anne Sheehan, Bundaberg

SISTER MARY ANDRINA RYAN RSM

23 September 1928 – 12 August 2020

The Sisters of Mercy recently farewelled another dearly loved member of their community, namely Sister Mary Andrina Ryan. Patricia Jane Ryan was born in Rockhampton on 23 September 1928, the eldest child and only daughter to parents, Philip and Jane (Walsh), and sister to three younger brothers, Philip, John and Peter. After primary schooling at St Mary’s School, North Rockhampton, Patty attended the Range College, completing Junior in 1942 and then assisting in the Infant’s School at the Range before taking a position with Dr J Lynch at his surgery. 

On 27 November 1946, Patty entered the Rockhampton Sisters of Mercy together with two young Irish women who were cousins, namely Sisters M Patrice and Gabriel Kennedy. Received as Sr M Andrina on 20 July 1947, she was professed on 22 January 1950 together with Srs Valerie Schleger, Patrice Kennedy, Anthony Mary Casey, Paulinus Scotney and Michael McRae (all deceased), Gabriel Kennedy and Angela Doheny.  Sr M Andrina chose the motto: Thy kingdom come! 

Initially as a primary school teacher, Andrina taught at Koongal (1950-1953), and Walkerston (1954-1955) where she was also responsible for the care of young boarders. While teaching at the Range College from 1956-1968, Andrina also cared for boarders and this forged a long association with the college and a life-long friendship with so many former Range students. 

Other ministry placements include Our Lady of Mercy College, Mackay (1969), Vocations Director (1970-1974), Administrator at St Joseph’s Home, Neerkol (1975-1978) and then a return to the Range College (1980-1988) where Andrina was the last Sister of Mercy Principal (1985-1988). A change of ministry direction took place in 1989, when Andrina moved to pastoral care, combined with mission coordinator at the Rockhampton Mater Hospital, a role that included travelling to both the Yeppoon & Gladstone Mater Hospitals  until her ‘retirement’ on 26 October 2007. For the next eight years, alert to visiting the sick, Andrina spent one day a week providing pastoral care to patients at the Rockhampton Hospital where her presence was greatly appreciated. 

The Range Village was home to Andrina from 2010-2017, until she moved to McAuley Place (2018) and then to Bethany Home in December 2018 where she died peacefully on 12 August 2020. May the strong and energetic spirit of Andrina rest in peace.

WORDS OF REMEMBRANCE

Today we have gathered to remember and honour our sister, Andrina, and to support each other in our grief. Since her death last Wednesday morning, so many people, young and old, from all walks of life, and from across the country have penned sincere and loving tributes to Andrina. There has been a consistent theme in all of these messages as people attempt to describe the Andrina they knew and loved: energetic, vibrant, enthusiastic, caring, compassionate, generous, professional, much-loved, respected, influential, encouraging, inquisitive and always giving 110%. It’s true, Andrina was an embodiment of all of these qualities; but for us, her Sisters, she was the person in our midst who took to heart the commitment, made on her behalf, on the day of her baptism at St Mary’s Church, North Rockhampton. Her commitment to God was unwavering, her commitment to the Sisters of Mercy was undeniable, her concern for and interest in each one of us was tangible. The words from our Constitutions, ‘The tender mercy of God has given us one another’, were often underlined in Andrina’s reflections but more importantly, they were etched deeply in her heart.

Each one of us is shaped by many factors: family, nature, nurture, experience and circumstance. What shaped, influenced or helped Andrina to become the person she was? Born in 1928, just before the Great Depression,  Andrina often spoke of simple family life at 227 Lakes Creek Road, the home she shared with her mum and dad, Philip and Jane, and her three younger brothers, Philip, John and Peter. The Kalka area of North Rockhampton was home to other Ryan families so a close and lasting bond developed among grand-parents, aunts, uncles and cousins.  Philip and Jane Ryan knew hard times but their firm and unwavering love for each other and their children set the pattern where church attendance, good manners, neat appearance, hard-work, honesty, loyalty, hospitality and gratitude were instilled and observed. Andrina could tick all these boxes. She once wrote “I have lasting admiration for my dad, the strong blacksmith with the big, grateful heart. My parents taught the boys and me to ‘always be thankful’, and I have made gratitude my own.”

These formative years, together with an education at St Mary’s School, North Rockhampton and then at the Range College, further set the pattern for the young Patricia Jane Ryan. Even though her family did not fully understand or support her desire at that time, she entered our Congregation in November 1946 with Sisters Patrice and Gabriel, joined shortly after by other young women, including her close school friend, Angela Doheny. Of their large profession group, Gabriel and Angela are still with us and we want you both to know that we are keenly aware of the sadness you have in your heart at this time.

As a Sister of Mercy, Andrina, was totally committed. However, in truth, there were times when she could be a little unsure or hesitant, self-effacing to the point of putting her own needs ‘on hold’, almost to the detriment of her own health and well-being. This was the pattern of her life:  teaching young children and caring for boarders at Koongal and Walkerston, coming to her beloved Range College, where she taught all day and cared for boarders. Andrina lived mostly in the old Coolock building, not the most spacious of living conditions, but this was where Andrina forged enduring trust, respect and lasting friendships with so many Range girls even though there would have been times when Andrina, with firm demeanour, showed her intolerance of any inappropriate behaviour. 

Andrina brought this same total commitment to her appointment as Vocations Director in the early 1970s, a ministry that necessitated her learning to drive a car. Perhaps a most challenging task for Andrina was as administrator to St Joseph’s Home in 1975, a time when the best options for children in institutional care were being reviewed and radical changes would occur. Through the pain and anxieties of this time, the faith-filled Andrina made many friends, not only with the former Neerkol residents but with the parishioners and with the Vietnamese families who made Neerkol their home after the children moved to family group homes. 

After a year of renewal, Andrina came back to the Range College in 1980, where once again with great enthusiasm, she resumed her involvement in secondary education, boarding supervision and the education of young indigenous students at Woorabinda. This was a time of educational changes and challenges at the College and it culminated with Andrina being the last Sister of Mercy in the role of Principal. Thus 1988 marked the end of a long tradition for the Sisters of Mercy and a gracious ‘handing over’ of the role to Barbara Pearson, a loyal past pupil and trusted colleague. However, this didn’t signal the end of Andrina’s involvement in the life of the Range College – I think it gave her the freedom for even greater involvement as we all know of her devotion to and love for Range College reunions. Whether the gathering was in Rockhampton or Brisbane, Andrina was synonymous with all things ‘Blue and Gold’ and she always came home from reunions with rejuvenated energy after seeing ‘the girls’ and renewing friendships. 

‘Retirement’ wasn’t a word with which Andrina was familiar and so it was in 1989 that her ministry took her to a new place of influence, that of pastoral carer at the Rockhampton Mater Hospital, with the role later encompassing Mission Coordinator, requiring her to visit Yeppoon and Gladstone Mater Hospitals regularly. Again, Andrina’s love of people, her compassionate heart and commitment to mission proved a suitable fit for this ministry. Even after official retirement in 2007, Andrina’s weekly visits to the sick at the Rockhampton Hospital and south side parishioners were warmly appreciated.  

It was a source of great joy to Andrina that The Cathedral College chose to name one of its new Houses in her honour as the last Sister of Mercy Principal of the Range College. ‘Ryan House’ came into being in 2009 and Andrina, as its ‘living’ Patron, offered great support to the House Dean, donning her hat, purple ribbon and badge, rarely missing a swimming carnival, house assembly, music evening, opening of school Mass, TCC day, awards presentation or graduation ceremony. This purposeful connection to TCC renewed and deepened Andrina’s appreciation for the giftedness of young people; it also gave her the opportunity to see the fruits of her labours and the legacy we have handed on to those who now work in our Catholic schools. Because of her deteriorating health in the final three years of her life, this close relationship with TCC ceased for Andrina. Her presence at school events was deeply missed but fondly remembered.  

Our founder, Catherine McAuley, wrote: ‘There are three things that 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.’  Andrina, always ‘on mission’, took these words to heart. We pray that Andrina is now among the blessed for she was a sincere woman of faith and hope, a woman of welcome, a woman of prayer, a woman of mercy. May Andrina live for ever in communion with the God she served so faithfully. 

Joanne Molloy RSM

View from my Window

A few weeks ago, we looked out the back window of the Parish Office building to see trucks, diggers, and workmen dismantling St Joseph’s School’s Junior Unit play area. Last year we saw the construction of their new Kindy and now it looks like the Junior School outdoor area is having a revamp. We look forward with interest to see what’s in store for the young ones. The children in our schools are very fortunate to have leaders who want the best for their students in all areas of learning.

Hour of Power

The Youth Ministry Team held their first Hour of Power in July, an hour of praise and worship in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament. This will become a monthly feature on our worship calendar. The young ones and all who were present enjoyed moments of beautiful singing, silence, and prayer. Even with restrictions the Hour was well attended. We are thankful for our Youth Ministry co-ordinators, Lizzie and Maddie, who are doing great things in an effort to draw young people to God.

Their four Youth groups are also coming along. They have learnt that it’s not about quantity (numbers) but quality. Young ones are making youth group part of their weekly calendar. Chaos for the upper primary-aged children, is living up to its name. The Shalom Youth are meeting in the lunch time, happy to listen to cool music, play games and talk about school life. Blaze High School group meet every Friday and Salt, Young Adults, every Wednesday evening. I hear this week they took gnomes for a walk through our CBD on a “Gnome Your Bible Scavenger Hunt” where the clues were taken from scripture. Gnomes appeared near “living water” and “light of the world.” Sounds like a lot of fun and relationship-building are happening amongst the younger set.

The Summit 1

Fr Peter his invited all parishioners to the first of a series of Summit Meetings to be held at Shalom College on Saturday, 29th August from 9.00am to 11.00am. At this meeting, Craig Farmer, who has been facilitating our Revitalisation project to address the future of our Parish, would like to hear the response of parishioners to the initial stages of the project. It is hoped that most parishioners will attend. We look at where we have come from and identify the significant changes that have shaped our present and would hold us in good stead for the future.

Anne Sheehan

As the children at Saint Joseph’s School in Clermont are skipping their little hearts out they are asked to think about all the people they are helping by fund raising for the Heart Foundation through Jump Rope for Heart.  As of Week 6 the students are close to hitting $12 000. The big day for the skip off is 16^th September.

Each class is continuing to keep in touch with the lovely residents at Mont Cler. This coming week the Year 2 class will have the privilege of sending greetings to Mont Cler. Every little article is gratefully received. 

Sr Helen Archer rsj

Fr Yon and the Baptism of Winter McEwen

The people of Emerald continue to pray for our Nation and the world as our leaders manage the crisis of living with a pandemic. We are particularly grateful that Queensland seems relatively free of infections at the time of writing our message. We are saddened that our brothers and sisters in the Southern states are experiencing Coronavirus cases and we send our heartfelt prayers.

From closing our church in March to holding our first weekend mass in June, what has risen from this catastrophic crisis is that people still seek God in their lives. There is a noticeable change in those seeking weddings, baptisms and funeral services. Restrictions to numbers has brought forward the sacrament they seek and pushed back the commercial frills, that these days, have attached themselves as a priority in order that an event is successful. An example of comments: “Family matters”, “Just our family and people important to us”, “I just want to marry you, not the 150 guests who were invited”, “Please include a prayer for those affected by Covid”.

Our faith community has reacted quickly and with great patience. They now register to attend Mass, keep their distance and the endless sanitising of hands is the norm. As we slowly get back to pre-Covid Mass numbers, it is such a joy when a parishioner returns to service for the first time. It feels like your family reuniting.

It is a delight to see the return of school liturgies in the church. As the children sit 1.5m from each other, a comment from a teacher found a positive in Covid, “This is the best they’ve behaved.”

We are reminded, the diversity and generosity of our community embodies the loving example of Jesus in his ministry. Life moves forward, with patience, in Emerald.

The Emerald Team

How wonderful it is, to be able to gather once again as community and family, to worship our loving God!

I am still missing my hugs though, as we practise social distancing and related Covid restrictions.

Fr Matthew Moloney is on holidays at the moment, and yesterday we had a surprise visit from Bishop Michael, who visited Mary Immaculate Church in Emu Park, to celebrate Mass with us. Thank you Bishop Michael!!   Fr Matthias celebrated Mass at Sacred Heart Church, Yeppoon this morning. Thank you Fr Matthias!!  Thank you also to Fr Andrew Hogan who will be celebrating Mass with us over the next two weekends.

Our wonderful IT expert – Denis Murphy, has been keeping us up and running with zoom meetings and live streaming Masses every day. We have been meeting for conversation hours to just keep in touch when unable to gather. We have been and still are, meeting for gospel readings and discussion every Saturday, as well as praying the Rosary before live streaming the Mass on certain days of the week. 

The Parish Leadership Group and Finance Committee are also still meeting via Zoom. Thank you to all the parishioners involved in these groups, as well as Fr Matthew, who are keeping our Parish moving forward. We have added a much needed shade sail out from the community room and have painted outside the church and presbytery.

Two more people who are hard at work keeping the parish running are Vanessa Ramswarup and Andrea Canavan. These ladies have a majority of our parishioners, now receiving the parish bulletin via email, and Vanessa worked very hard keeping us informed while in lock down. The parish office is now back up and running - thank you ladies for all your hard work.

How beautiful does the restored Tabernacle at Sacred Heart Church look? The Paschal Candle stand is also being restored at the moment by Lance Cook Restorers from Brisbane.   I believe this Tabernacle is approximately 100 years old. It may have been in the original church which commenced under St Ursula’s College in 1918, but was certainly part of the church in John Street which opened on August 18, 1929. When this church was destroyed by cyclone David in 1976, it was moved to the new church which was completed in 1978/79.   It then moved to the present site of Sacred Heart Church at Lammermoor in 1995.

A big thank you must also go the Sisters of Mercy for their generous gift of double seated pews, and other church items from the chapel at Loretto, which have been a great addition to our church. Thank you to Sr Joanne Molloy for organising this donation to our Parish.

St Vincent de Paul Update

Vinnies remains very active on the coast during the COVID-19 pandemic. After being shut initially, the Yeppoon and Emu Park shops re-opened in May with normal hours of operation, though under COVID hygiene/distancing regulations. Assistance to disadvantaged families on the coast continues, also with rules regarding social-distancing. Case-loads were initially down due to the doubling of the unemployment benefit under the Jobseeker program. Expectation is that when the Jobseeker/Jobkeeper schemes are wound back there will be a surge in requests for aid. Society members and volunteers are doing all they can to maintain their level of care for those in need in our coastal community. Vinnies charity work is the major response by the Church to the poor among us. Please think of the Society’s purpose and be generous in donations of furniture and clothing to our centres of charity and financial aid via the poor box.

 Helen McIntyre

State Government Funding Announced for new Catholic College Mackay 

The State Government has announced funding support for the proposed new Catholic Secondary school in South Mackay allowing planned development to proceed.

The Hon Grace Grace, Minister for Education and Minister for Industrial Relations was in Mackay to make the announcement during a recent visit to the proposed site for the new Catholic school at the former Sugar Research Institute on Nebo Road.

Catholic Education – Diocese of Rockhampton was very appreciative of the funding support towards this new and exciting project, according to Diocesan Director Leesa Jeffcoat.

“We very much welcome this announcement and with the support of the State Government, Catholic Education is delighted to move forward with plans for this new Catholic school which will provide modern educational facilities and opportunities for local families while preserving the history and significance of the building for Mackay and the surrounding region,” Miss Jeffcoat said.

Miss Jeffcoat said the site, purchased in 2016 by Catholic Education, was known for many years as a place of learning and scientific research, and the new college would continue this proud tradition by educating future generations of students in Mackay.

The sugar industry paved the way for development and progress in the Mackay region echoing historic links with Catholic Education.

A great patron of the Catholic Church in Mackay, Irish sugar planter, T.H. Fitzgerald, and pioneering Catholic priest, Fr Pierre Marie Bucas worked together to establish the town’s first Catholic school in 1869, with the Sisters of St Joseph arriving to take charge in 1872, followed by the Sisters of Mercy in 1880.

Catholic Bishop of Rockhampton, Most Rev Michael McCarthy said that, “It is very appropriate and fitting that such a milestone is taking place in the city of Mackay where the community has been supporting Catholic education for almost 150 years thanks to the pioneering efforts of Fr Bucas and the local Catholic community.”

Site preparation was underway ready for Stage 1 development to commence with the first cohort of Year 7 students expected to be welcomed in 2022.

Miss Jeffcoat said Catholic Education - Diocese of Rockhampton was delighted to be able to provide a new Catholic school for the Mackay community and she looked forward to providing ongoing updates about the project through the steering committee.

Masses have been a rewarding experience for all.  It was so good to reconnect on a physical and spiritual level with other parishioners and clergy and religious.

With church seats being booked out,  people are happy to be accommodated outside within social distancing laws. We are blessed to be able to function at this level as I understand that it is not this way across the country.  Whilst my family live streams mass in Melbourne, I truly value being physically present with our Lord.

Here are some things happening at parish:

1. Genesis to Jesus formation. This programme is being enjoyed by the parishioners as it helps in understanding the scriptures, and to build connections between Old and New Testament and our Sacred Mass.

2. Children's liturgy continues over YouTube with parishioners leading the children through Sunday's reading. We are blessed to have committed catechists participating in this.

3. The Men's Gathering was a great success, with a number sharing in the national call to men. This will be followed up by another event.

Bernadette Ariens

If you turn west from Rockhampton and then drive for 673 km, you will come to Longreach, the biggest of the western towns in this Diocese. A turn to the south and a journey of 215 km will bring you to the little town of Jundah. Although it feels as if you’ve driven in a straight line for that couple of hours, a check of the map shows that rather than being due south of Longreach, Jundah is a further 100 km to the west. On Sunday, Fr Raj made the journey from Longreach (where he lives with Fr Shaiju) to celebrate the Mass.

Living through these months of the Covid-19 pandemic, one of the major outcomes for all of us was the closure of our churches not only preventing us from going for private prayer, but even from gathering for the celebration of Sunday Mass. What a relief and joy it was as there was a gradual relaxation! The restrictions in numbers, the need to record details, the social distancing and requirements around sanitization, personal and place, these were challenging but something which we were happy to manage if it meant that we (at least some of us) could once again come for the celebration of the Mass, the reception of the Eucharist.

On Sunday, the little community who gathered at Jundah fulfilled the necessary (Covid) requirements. It had been two months since their last Mass with Fr. Shaiju. However, this was not unusual. Sunday Mass isn’t a weekly event but is scheduled for once every two months. Given that there are only two priests in the central west where in years past (more like twenty years ago) there were priests in a number of the little towns this isn’t as surprising as it may sound. Over the years since I have been in the western pastoral ministry (2006) it has not been unusual for one of the Masses to be cancelled for a good reason. In such years, there would have been just five even four Masses over the twelve months. 

It is always good to come together even on days when there may only be four people present. Yesterday there were ten of us and three people sent apologies. Not everyone who comes is Catholic. As I’ve written elsewhere in the past, ecumenism is significant in rural areas, especially in those places that are more remote. If a Christian minister comes to a little town (or a property) for a service, Christians are glad to come together to worship, to share their faith. I have no doubt that Jesus would approve!

Sr. Mary Farrelly SM

In a time where many people are facing loneliness and isolation the North Rockhampton Catholic Community are reaching out to stay connected with our community. 

The Mass has returned to all three Parishes but with many changes.  We now must book a seat to attend Mass.  When we arrive, our attendance is recorded and then we sanitise our hands as we enter the Church. 

Our pews are very distant apart, and we sit three to a seat unless we are family and can sit together.  At the sign of peace, we greet each other with a smile and a wave. 

We receive communion in groups being careful not to cross paths with our fellow parishioners.  After Mass members of our community join to clean the Church so that we meet our COVID Safe obligations and get to come back next week.  All changes are to help keep each other safe.

During August we have welcomed into our Faith Community six newly Baptised children.  With the restrictions on numbers allowed in a Place of Worship Baptisms have currently been at Holy Family only.  Even Baptism has some changes.  The water is blessed in a jug and poured over the candidate into the font.  Again, to keep everyone safe.

On the weekend of August 15 and 16, The Feast of the Assumption Mass was celebrated at St Mary’s, and a Mass in Vietnamese was celebrated at Holy Family for our Vietnamese Community on the Sunday.  Bishop Michael and Fr Marcel joined Fr Truc from the Emerald Community for this celebration.

The NRCC has continued with the Staying Connected email.  It has the Parish Bulletin, Sr Kym’s Take 2, and any other parish news we need to pass on, attached.  The email reaches more than 300 email addresses and is shared further amongst our community.  With Fr Marcel’s strong leadership, we are meeting the challenge of keeping our Community safe and connected.

Ros McDougall

The Pen Pal Project: St Anthony's School reaches out

Students at St Anthony’s Catholic Primary School, North Rockhampton were enthusiastic participants in a local initiative connecting local schools with elderly residents at Aged Care Homes under pandemic lockdown.

The Pen Pal Project gave students the opportunity to write letters to the elderly and share some news about themselves, what was happening at their school and to let residents know students were thinking of them during this difficult time.

Eagerly taking up the challenge, Year 4 students put pen to paper to scribe their letters and also completed colourful drawings and artworks to accompany their writings. The letters were then mailed to participating Aged Care facilities.

St Anthony’s Principal Michael Roach said it was a great opportunity for students to support vulnerable and isolated members of their local community.

“Part of our Catholic ethos is to reach out and look to help others where we can and this project was a great opportunity for students to connect with the elderly in our community and hopefully spread some joy and bring a smile to residents’ faces during a very isolated time,” Mr Roach said.

“Normally we take students on regular visits to Aged Care homes as part of our Social Justice program, but due to COVID-19 restrictions on visitors we’ve been unable to do that, so this was the perfect way for us to continue our outreach,” Mr Roach said.

The project also provided a valuable educational opportunity for students to improve their communication and written skills.

“Writing is one of our whole School Improvement Priorities for 2020 and this initiative was a great stimulus for purposeful writing. Students were writing for a target audience, knowing that someone would be receiving their letter in the mail and reading their work, which brings a real practical element to their writing,” Mr Roach said.

Mr Roach said the project had been highly successful and he had received some wonderful feedback from students and letter recipients about how much they had enjoyed participating.

Neil McDonald

Teacher at St Anthony’s Catholic Primary School North Rockhampton Kaylene Vonhof assists Year 4 students Natasha Stitt and Mitchel Simmonds finalise letters to send to isolated elderly residents of local Aged Care homes as part of the Pen Pal Project.

Kindy Acts of Kindness at Springsure

Spread kindness, was the message from students at Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Catholic Kindergarten, Springsure as Catholic kindergartens, primary schools and colleges in the Diocese of Rockhampton joined Catholic Education Week celebrations across Queensland recently.

After reading the book Reach Out and Give by Cheri J Meiners, Our Lady’s kindy students made jars of confetti labelled ‘Sprinkle Kindness like Confetti’ and chose someone to present their gift to as an Act of Kindness for Catholic Education Week.

Kindergarten Director Belinda Smith said the students loved the idea of giving and fully embraced the notion of kindness being contagious.

“We discussed how giving is like a circle, when you do something for someone that person might go and help someone else and the kindness may even come back to you,” Mrs Smith said.

“The children loved the idea of making people’s faces light up and seeing how happy it makes someone feel,” she said.

The Act of Kindness, a time-honoured tradition during Catholic Education Week, was an opportunity to reach out to the community and share Jesus’ message of hope and love for the world, according to Diocesan Director of Catholic Education, Diocese of Rockhampton, Leesa Jeffcoat.

“Even though distancing restrictions imposed some limitations, our Catholic Education communities found creative and innovative ways to participate in this aspect of Catholic Education Week, none more so than in our Catholic kindergartens,” Miss Jeffcoat said.

Mackay Kindergartens

Miss Jeffcoat said students at Emmanuel Catholic Kindergarten in Mackay discussed Pope Francis’ environmental encyclical Laudato si and wrote a beautiful thank you prayer for the gifts of creation to share with their community. 

“Other activities undertaken by our students included baking treats and making cards for local businesses and organisations thanking them for their hard work and support including special outreach to medical personnel thanking them for their care during the pandemic,” Miss Jeffcoat said.

Recognition of Outstanding Service

Catholic Education Week also saw recognition of the outstanding efforts of staff in the diocese.

A record number of staff were nominated from the Diocese of Rockhampton for the statewide Spirit of Catholic Education Awards to be announced at the end of term and long-serving leaders were also presented with commemorative plaques.

“We had 45 staff nominated for Spirit Awards and plaques were presented to 17 long-serving leaders who had served over 20 years in leadership roles in Catholic Education. That is quite a testimony to the depth of talent, commitment and dedication within our Catholic Education family and Catholic Education Week is the perfect opportunity to acknowledge this wonderful service,” Miss Jeffcoat said.

Catholic Education Week is marked annually across Queensland’s 307 Catholic schools to celebrate and promote their distinctive mission and ethos as they seek to make a difference in the lives of those in their schools and wider community.

Just five short years ago in 2015, Mercy Aged Care Services celebrated 75 years of providing Aged Care services on the Bethany site in Rockhampton. During those celebrations, Mercy Aged Care Services Executive Officer, Lesley Schneider gave the following commitment “we will continue to develop and upgrade our facilities in the years ahead to further improve the comfort and care we offer to all whom we are privileged to serve”.

That commitment came to fruition to Thursday 13 August with the Blessing and Opening of a new Community Centre on the Bethany site. The Blessing Ceremony was performed by Bishop Michael McCarthy and featured a beautiful Liturgy prepared by Bethany Pastoral Care Coordinator, Caroline Humphreys. 

In his Homily, Bishop Michael paid a very fitting tribute to the Sisters of Mercy for their dedication and commitment to providing caring and compassionate Health and Aged Care Services for the local community over many years.   

The Opening was carried out by Member for Capricornia, Michelle Landry, as the Commonwealth Government partly funded the building of the new Community Centre through its Building Better Regions Fund. The multi-purpose nature of the Centre ensures it will do much to enrich the lives of the residents of Bethany and of all in the wider Rockhampton community who will visit the Centre in the years to come.      

The Community Centre was named the Sr Patricia Hayes Community Centre in honour of the late Sister of Mercy, Sr Patricia Hayes who passed away in 2016. It was wonderful that a number of the Sisters of Mercy were able to be present to see Sr Pat remembered through the naming of the new Centre. 

For almost 20 years from 1978 when the Sisters of Mercy Health Services Board was formed to provide Governance for the Aged Care and Health Care Ministries, Sr Pat either chaired the Board or was the Executive Director of Mercy Health Services. Sr Pat was also a former Congregation Leader of the Rockhampton Sisters of Mercy. 

In an address at the Blessing and Opening Ceremony, Mr Gerard Houlihan, who is currently a Director on the Mater Misericordiae Limited Board that provides Governance for Mercy Aged Care Services, paid a heartfelt tribute to Sr Pat.

Gerard said that Sr Pat was a strong, courageous and determined leader who had made the most amazing, selfless and significant contribution to the Health and Aged Care Ministry of the Sisters of Mercy here in Central Queensland. Gerard concluded by saying he could think of no one more fitting for the Community Centre to be named in honour of than Sr Pat Hayes.

The Blessing and Opening Ceremony for the Sr Patricia Hayes Community Centre concluded with a tour of the Centre and a lovely morning tea that was enjoyed by all. 

Students at St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School in Barcaldine were excited to learn their playground would soon feature an inclusive wheelchair friendly swing thanks to funds received through the Sisters of Mercy Range Endowment Fund.

The swing will make a big difference to student Elsa Nichols who will soon be able to play with her friends on the new equipment as it will accommodate her wheelchair.

Principal Anne Wachtel said the school had looked for ways to create an inclusive play setting to support activities for all abilities of students.

“In particular, we wanted to provide Elsa the opportunity to have fun and interact with her peers in the playground,” Mrs Wachtel said.

“The Sisters of Mercy founded St Joseph’s in 1896 and they are still supporting us today. Sr Rita Connor rsm is a treasured member of our school community and we are extremely grateful to the Sisters for the donation to purchase this new equipment,” Mrs Wachtel said.

Other schools in the diocese receiving Endowment funds this year were St Mary’s Catholic Primary School North Rockhampton, St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School Biloela and Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Catholic Primary School Springsure.

St Mary’s have used the funds to commission signage detailing the significance of school buildings including Coolock Court and Mercy and McAuley Wings as well as the construction of an outdoor stage area.

St Joseph’s have purchase tricycles to support development of motor skills and coordination and a range of giant-sized outdoor games including Jenga, Connect 4, Chess and Checkers, Pick-up Sticks, and noughts and crosses to promote social communication and interaction and develop thinking skills.

Our Lady of the Sacred Heart have ordered highly anticipated library resources including new user-friendly bookshelves to house picture books and early readers, a selection of new books and a calming canoe, which is a fun alternative seating option for reading nooks where students can sit, relax and read.

Catholic prison ministry is part of an ecumenical team who go into the Capricornia Correctional Centre under the auspices of the State Chaplaincy Board (SCB). The prison ministry provides spiritual and pastoral care to prisoners by chaplains from a multi-denominational background. The primary purpose of the prison chaplain’s role is to provide spiritual and pastoral care to people who are serving a custodial sentence in Queensland’s correctional centres.

The role is to reach out to prisoners, offering consolation and encouragement, irrespective of their condition, their faith background, or their crimes, and without prejudice, judgement, or proselytising. The aim is to support prisoners through their own faith journey, regardless of what that faith is. Each chaplain is an active member of a multi-denominational team and is rostered to attend the prison on a weekly basis and conduct an ecumenical Chapel Service every six weeks.

When Jesus came into the world: Hope entered. Chaplains are the custodians of that hope and have the task of maintaining the gift of Jesus through person to person conversations.

This is an expanding opportunity the Lord provides for chaplains to bring “Hope” to a place where there can be a sense of hopelessness. The concept of “Hope” can keep us going when everything around us seems to be crumbling and falling apart. Hope is the expectations that even though life might be a real challenge right now, somehow, somewhere, down the track, everything will just be fine again. When hope is lost, everything else seems too hard to handle and we feel caught up in the grip of an unending nightmare. The practice of bringing hope to people who are incarcerated in prison is the role of the prison ministry.

The chaplain needs to reflect the teachings and person of Christ in the Correctional Centre through listening without interrupting, praying with the prisoner if they seek and/or agree to this, loving unconditionally and without judgement, and respecting the right of others to hold different views and beliefs.

There as been recent changes in prison ministry around the role of welfare. The chaplain is not able to arrange housing or contact outside of the prison nor follow up with prisoner’s family on the outside because of the changes in the domestic violence laws. Overall, this outreach ministry is complex and rewarding as the inmates are often seeking an excuse to validate their idea of reconciling their past behaviour. They are seeking someone to have a conversation about their emotional experience and how to go about accepting a change in their behaviour and outlook.

Chris Delaney

Social Justice Sunday was celebrated across parishes nationally on 30th August 2020. It coincides with a yearly release of a Social Justice statement from the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference. This day and their annual statements remind the faithful, 'of the social dimension of the mission of the church' and 'contribute to the development of local catholic social teaching'. One local manifestation of this teaching in the Rockhampton Diocese has been the creation of a Diocesan Social Justice Group. At the Bishop's direction, Sr. Pat Wood rsm gathered together a group of seven other people, including Derek Worden, a local educator. The group have developed a workshop that teaches people 'how to do justice'. Sr. Pat said, 'sometimes we point to injustice out there, somewhere else. We forget that injustice is in our backyard'.

Derek Worden said that what they are developing is a program that can engage not just parishioners in the churches, but students as well. He said, 'It will help young people to work as a team, and in this day and age, social justice is one of the significant gateways that connects young people to the message of Jesus'.

Sr. Pat's experience of empowering people to do justice is full of rewarding stories. She spoke of one wheelchair user who loved fishing, but the best fishing spots had no suitable access. He came to Sr. Pat for advice. Instead of trying to solve his problem herself, Sr. Pat taught him a methodology, that the new workshop also teaches, of how to do justice, the necessary steps to create a plan and the method of working with people to create change. So, he gathered three other people who shared this same issue of accessibility. They created a proposal which led to a council grant to hire someone as their driver to survey various fishing locations. They submitted a final report on the chosen site, the work needed to make it amenable to wheelchair access, and they got their ramp.

Sr. Pat said the course is for 'anyone and anything' and will empower participants practically to address injustice in their backyard. Sr. Pat said the workshop shows participants how to practically embody the Church’s rich teaching on justice by passing on the 'methodology of how to do justice in our families, workplaces, schools, and communities'. They have now engaged participants for the workshop's first trial, and due to COVID, are making plans to offer the course through online means.

“My role is to assist early career teachers in the first two years of their profession to ensure a smooth transitioning from graduation to full registration,” Mrs Roach said. “Catholic Education recognises that beginning teachers face a steep learning curve and the better supported they are in their roles, the more effective they can be in the classroom,” Mrs Roach said.

Some of the ways in which Mrs Roach supports new teachers include assistance with planning, modelling lessons, co-teaching and providing support with positive behavioural approaches in the classroom.

“We may also discuss the widely varying needs of different learners in their class and how to best meet those needs effectively,” Mrs Roach said.

Mrs Roach is also working with schools to build internal mentoring capacity and implement structures that support the professional development and growth of teachers.

“Pastoral support is also very important. Some young teachers may be in their first full-time employment and may have moved away from home and their established support structures, which can add to the emotional and psychological impact of being a first or second year teacher,” Mrs Roach said.

Catholic Education Assistant Director: Teaching and Learning, Carmel Kriz, said supporting teachers through the early years of their careers was important to help facilitate a positive experience and a desire to continue progressing their career.

“We value teachers who have a genuine love of their profession. It’s important that we nurture and support our new teachers to give them every chance of reaching their potential. This enables Catholic Education to continue to grow our network of highly capable, confident teachers to staff each of our school communities,” Mrs Kriz said.

Because of the pandemic of Covid 19 the general assemblies of the Plenary council which were to begin in October this year have been postponed. The new dates are as follows.

The two assemblies for the Fifth Plenary Council of Australia will be held

 in Adelaide from October 3-10, 2021,

 and in Sydney from July 4-9, 2022. 

The writing groups have been busy at work and have completed their first task. Each of the themes has been prayed over, all submissions have been addressed and then the writing took place. These thematic texts are available from the Plenary Council website.

Also the parishes have been contacted and through them it has been suggested that throughout the Diocese, a particular theme be taken for each week for consideration by all in the Diocesan family.

There are six themes on which the writing groups worked.

The writing papers are available for download from the website.

The Bathurst Diocese has provided the materials in audio form. These are also accessible from the website. However, to give you a taste, we have included here a thumbnail of the importance of each theme.

Please access the materials available and keep the ongoing process for the Plenary Council in your prayer.

Sr Noreen Dunne smsm

“The President General, Brother Renato Lima de Oliveira, of the International St Vincent de Paul Society asked that: “on September 9th, 2020 (Liturgical Feast of Blessed Antoine-Frederic Ozanam), a Holy Mass be celebrated in all the parishes where there is a Vincentian Conference, for all those who died for Covid-19, especially the people we visit, our fellow members, the members of the Vincentian Family and the relatives of our members who also died because of the pandemic.”

We ask that parishioners would remember this in your prayers on September 9^th or at any mass throughout the Diocese.

A Litany in Honor of Blessed Frederic Ozanam

Frederic Ozanam, defender of faith, pray for us.

Frederic Ozanam, promoter of hope, pray for us.

Frederic Ozanam, apostle of charity, pray for us.

Frederic Ozanam, exemplary husband and father, pray for us.

Frederic Ozanam, lover of poverty and the poor, pray for us.

Frederic Ozanam, advocate of the dignity of the human person, pray for us.

Frederic Ozanam, servant of the truth, pray for us.

Frederic Ozanam, model for Catholic teachers and professors, pray for us.

Frederic Ozanam, disciple of St. Vincent De Paul, pray for us.

Frederic Ozanam, faithful son of the Church, pray for us.

Frederic Ozanam, our intercessor at the throne of God, pray for us. Amen

(https://famvin.org/en/2016/09/06/vincentian-gospel-reflections-feast-blessed-frederic-ozanam/)