It is Sunday evening the 22^nd November 2020 after what was an incredible few days. It all began on Wednesday with the Ordination of Ashwin Acharya, now a Deacon for the Catholic Church here in the Diocese of Rockhampton. The priests and seminarians, family and friends gathered at St Joseph’s Cathedral to celebrate the journey of this young man, who back in 2014 indicated that he wished to be a priest. Now, six years later Ashwin is a Deacon for our Church and looking forward to Ordination next year. Congratulations Deacon Ashwin and may your time in Emerald be a time of rich blessings as you immerse yourself in the pastoral and sacramental work of our church. Together with Father Truc and Father Yon and the whole Parish team may you feel very welcome as you engage and care for God’s people. It was only a few weeks ago I visited the Parish of Emerald and the Parish team of the two Fathers, with Francie and Cathy who coordinate the activities of the Parish office and our three principals – Mark, Tegan and Chris and also with the chairs of the Pastoral and Finance Councils – Bernadette and Jackie. They are looking forward to welcoming Ashwin into the community as he will be appointed to the Parishes across the Central Highlands.

Laying on of Hands

We also on this weekend farewelled Sr Dolores Donnelly rsm who 22 years ago began ministry at the Capricornia Correctional Centre. Sr Dolores was a welcomed visitor to the staff and the inmates of the centre and connecting them with their families offered wonderful pastoral care. Prior to that Sr Dolores was a teacher and had taught since 1958 firstly at Farleigh and then as a Sister of Mercy through many schools throughout our Diocese. As we said farewell to this wonderful lady from our Cathedral, we thank God for the blessings and for the many people whose life she touched. We remember the community St Mary’s where she fondly called home during these past few years as her school and as her parish community. May you rest in peace, Sr Dolores and enjoy the life that God has intended for you. The life with God forever.

Last night at our Cathedral we welcomed those who had been journeying with us to fully enter the Church and had their sacraments postponed due to COVID.  Now on the Feast of Christ the King we welcomed our new people to the Church and Confirmed them as they completed the Sacraments of Initiation and came to the table for the very first time.

Then this morning at our Cathedral, Deacon Ashwin began his preaching ministry as a Deacon in the Church by confidently proclaiming the Word of God and sharing a reflection on the Word of God as this young man opened for us, his faith, the faith of our Church. Well done Deacon Ashwin!

The month of November is a busy month with the end of the school year and also fulfilling some of the postponed commitments of the year. I began in Bundaberg to bless the new kindergarten attached to St Joseph’s Primary School, attended a farewell dinner to honour Kaye Beston and Madonna Davitt who are completing their terms and retiring as principals of our schools in Bundaberg  - St Joseph’s and St Mary’s. They have done an incredible job in Catholic education over the years, leading our young ones in faith and assisting them as they are educated in the Catholic faith.

We also farewelled this month Catherine Dunbar, principal of St Ursula’s College in Yeppoon who for the past fifteen years has led St Ursula’s in an incredible way as Principal. We thank Catherine for her dedication and support of Catholic education and assisting a new generation of young people to achieve their potential. May you enjoy retirement Catherine, together with Kaye and Madonna, after an incredible achievement within our Catholic system.

An evening with Father Stephen Hanly and his Parish community last Friday evening began the journey for Father Stephen as he prepares to spend some time next year in Melbourne undertaking a spirituality course. Father James Ezeocha is ready to step into his shoes and we wish Father Stephen all the best over this time as he prepares for a time of renewal and study in the area of spirituality.

Then a quick lunch at St Paul’s Anglican Cathedral where they began preparing for Christmas with “Come Dressed for Christmas”. Thanks to our friends at St Paul’s and they too are looking forward to welcoming their new Bishop, arriving on the 27^th February 2021, Bishop Peter Grice. We share Christmas and ecumenical greetings to all our brothers and sisters across the Rockhampton Region and Diocese.

One of the joys of belonging to a large family are the occasional cousins who drop in to say hello. One of my cousins, who also turns 70 this year, dropped in with her husband and it was lovely to catch up with Carmel and Tom while they are holidaying on the Capricorn Coast.

And finally, in these days of our young people finishing school we wish them all the very best, keep safe and to you and your families have a blessed Christmas.

Thanks

The celebration of an ordination to the Diaconate for Ashwin was always planned for St Joseph’s Cathedral, where the priests and the people of our Diocese could gather and welcome our new Deacon. Ashwin was ordained in the presence of his family and members of the parish community of the Capricorn Coast who had seen Ashwin grow up in our midst.  We had a wonderful choir and organist, being a mixture of Cathedral Parish members and students from Holy Spirit Seminary.  Members of Holy Spirit Seminary, led by our own Monsignor Grace, were there with of course many, many friends of our very friendly deacon, Ashwin.

Ashwin's parents and family had pride of place and were obviously full of pride and joy.  

Our best wishes and prayers are with you Ashwin, as you begin this new stage of service to the Church of Jesus Christ, here in the Diocese of Rockhampton.

Homily by Bishop Michael for the Ordination

Dear Ashwin, my dear son.

The Review magazine of this Diocese in the early 2015 edition reported the significant events of that year, including the priestly ordination of Fr Andrew.  It also proudly announced that a young man from Yeppoon had entered formation and continued that connection the Rockhampton Diocese has with our seminary, Holy Spirit Seminary.  Ashwin, a teacher from the staff of St Ursula’s, began the journey that today in this cathedral signifies a special moment of history in this cathedral.

My memory of Ashwin was back in 2014 just after I arrived in the Diocese.  There was a group of young students from the colleges of St Ursula’s and St Brendan’s being prepared for the sacraments, and there was Ashwin in the middle of them all, telling them about Jesus Christ.  I blinked and I thought, this is an interesting young man.  After many chats, Ashwin began his formation in 2015.  Here was a young man, ecclesially grounded in the parish community of Sacred Heart, Yeppoon and connected with the mission of the Church through the ministry of Catholic education.  Like the Samuel of today’s first reading, Ashwin heard the call, the call of God, while engaged in the ministry of teaching and the ministry of campus ministry.  There he heard the voice of Eli calling him to something different and new, affirming his gift with young people and invited young Ashwin to consider a vocation in ministry, rather than in mathematics.  And so, the first voice of Eli on this young man’s life.  The voice of Eli continued through the voice of his Parish Priest, who is with us today – Fr Bryan, and these recent years through the formators at Holy Spirit Seminary, and the various parish assignments in this Diocese.  The men and women of our Diocese, the priests, the people of God of this Diocese have assisted Ashwin in his discernment as all of the voices of Eli called him to serve God’s people through leadership as a priest.  Ashwin having heard and been called by God, the Church today through the laying on of hands and the prayer of the Holy Spirit, confirms that call in you and invites you to use your gifts to connect our people with God and with the Church.

Ashwin your brother priests who are with you today, they too have stood at this altar and the altars of their Dioceses and Cathedrals, and gazed into the future with their Bishop, and God invited them to join with Jesus Christ and engage in his mission.  The Bishop prayed, as today the Bishop will pray a very powerful prayer of the Church over you, as given to us through the Apostles.  This day in the Ordo is set down as the dedication of the basilica’s of St Peter and St Paul, basilicas built on the places where those two Apostles died for their faith.  St Peter, the holder and deposit of faith, and St Paul, who gave the faith a pastoral dimension.  St Paul’s Cathedral Basilica is where my predecessor, Francis Rush, was ordained and celebrated his first Mass after Ordination.  And so we link in with the Bishops of this Diocese who have ordained the priests and the deacons of this Diocese ever since the beginning.  But the prayer of the church that will be prayed over you today, Ashwin, the prayer will go like this – Lord, send forth the Holy Spirit, that Ashwin may be strengthened by the gifts of your seven-fold grace, to carry out faithfully the work of the ministry.  Send forth the Holy Spirit.  Ashwin, you have been consecrated to God through your Baptism, your mother has ensured that, and your Dad supporting her, and strengthened by the gifts of the Holy Spirit through Confirmation, to walk with Jesus as His disciple.  And now the Holy Spirit comes upon you again and through the laying on of hands, strengthens you for the mission ahead.

It is not incidental that we listen to the words of the seasoned pastor Paul, as he speaks to a young Timothy.  Paul knew the family well - his mother, his grandmother, the spiritual pedigree – he knew that family so well, as we know your spiritual pedigree of your family who are here in love and support for you today.  But Paul knew the faith of the family and also the enthusiasm of Timothy and his youthfulness.  May the words of Paul spoken to Timothy find a place with you now, as Paul through the ages, invites you to a ministry of love, in your faith and in your purity.  Like the words that are of a friend that were offered recently to you - saying your greatest strength is creativity, and your greatest challenge is containing it.  That friend, by the way, is with us in prayer today.  And with the Lord, Ashwin, may you scale any walls with energy and enthusiasm.  Building on the words of Paul, the church now invites you to excel in every virtue with the love that is sincere, with a concern for the poor and the sick, with self-discipline and holiness and exemplary conduct, so that you may lead God’s people with energy and with love.  The prayer of the Church, which the Bishop prays over you - may you remain strong and steadfast in Christ, and through Christ give to the world a pure conscience as you imitate Christ.

Ashwin, the ministry is about Christ.  The years at the seminary have built on the pastoral experience, firstly of parish life in Yeppoon, teaching at St Ursula’s and being formed in our parish schools of Sacred Heart and St Brendan’s College.  The heart of the shepherd has been under construction for many years, as you have been formed for God’s people in this Diocese of Central Queensland, and being made ready to go firstly to the parishes of our Central Highlands and to proclaim Jesus Christ.

May God who has begun the good work in you now bring it to fulfillment. Amen

Sister Mary Dolores Donnelly RSM

On Saturday 21 November 2020, the Sisters of Mercy, together with Bishop Michael McCarthy, Fathers Bryan Hanifin, Marcel Kujur and Andrew Hogan, gathered in St Joseph’s Cathedral for the Funeral Mass for Sister Mary Dolores Donnelly. Family members and friends were present as well as many parishioners, staff members and students from St Mary’s, North Rockhampton.

Carmel May Donnelly was born in the Mackay Mater Hospital on 7 May 1936 to parents James and Anne (Russell) and she was a sister to Edward, Bernard and Michael. Growing up in Farleigh, Carmel was educated by the Sisters of Mercy at Farleigh, St Patrick’s (Mackay) and the Range College. After completing Year 12, Carmel attended Kelvin Grove Teachers’ College and returned to teach at the Farleigh State School.

On 21 January 1958, Carmel entered the Rockhampton Sisters of Mercy, was received as Sr M Dolores on 14 December 1958 and professed on 14 January 1961 with Srs M Madonna Watts, Barbara Callaghan (dec’d), Lila Galvin, Bernadette Mary Reece and Mary Della. Dolores chose the motto: Thy will be done!

Dolores taught both primary and secondary pupils in many schools, including St Mary’s, North R’ton (1958, 60, 90-96), Mount Morgan (1961-62, 65-68), The Range College (1963, 1974), Koongal (1964), South Bundaberg (1969), Biloela (1970), Springsure (1971-73), West Mackay (1975-76), South Mackay (1977-81), Sarina (1983-85), Our Lady’s, R’ton (1988), Park Avenue (1989) and lastly back at St Mary’s School, North R’ton where, after retiring in 1996,  she continued to be a Mercy presence and a valued parishioner and confidante to many. While at Koongal, South Bundaberg, Springsure, West Mackay, South Mackay and Sarina, Dolores was school Principal. In the early 1970s, Dolores gained a Diploma of Theology from Banyo Seminary, upgraded her teaching qualifications at McAuley College in the 1980s, assisted at Meteor Park Conference Centre (1986) and enjoyed spiritual renewal time in Sydney (1987).

Words of Remembrance

Dolores joined Sr M Ursula Brown as a member of the Ecumenical Chaplaincy Team at the Capricornia Correctional Centre in 1997, a ministry of support for inmates, their families and the staff. When ill health prevailed, Dolores retired from this ministry in 2019, and was duly recognised for ‘diligent and faithful ministry towards prisoners and their families’. In 2018, Dolores moved to Loreto, then McAuley Place in February 2020 and lastly to Bethany Home on 11 June 2020. She died on 13 November 2020 in the Rockhampton Mater Hospital and following her Funeral Mass, Sister was buried at the Memorial Gardens, Nerimbera. May the strong and caring spirit of Dolores rest in peace.

Just last week, I found a folder of reflections and poems compiled by Dolores. She had a gift for writing and one particular reflection, entitled ‘The picture of my life’ begins in this way and I quote: ‘My life reminds me of a jig-saw puzzle. As one piece fits into another, so my days join together to form the picture of my life.’ The image of completing a jig-saw, piece by piece, and its metaphor for life must have appealed to Dolores. It so happens, jig-saws were one of her favourite past-times. With her dogged determination and an eye for detail, this image makes good sense and is a perfect fit for Dolores. She negotiated life, and death, with her carefully measured and steady manner, her constant but kindly presence. That final jig-saw piece, now placed, completes the picture. The closing sentence of the reflection, written as a prayer, Dolores would have prayed with great sincerity: she wrote: ‘I pray that when the last piece of the puzzle is put into place, what will appear is not a picture of me, but a picture of you, my God’.  Dolores was the face of God for so many children and adults, but, unassuming as she was, Dolores was no ‘pushover’! Keenly intelligent and astute, Dolores ‘didn’t suffer fools gladly’.

The young Carmel Donnelly learnt about God from the example of her faith-filled parents, James and Anne, growing up in rural Farleigh with her brothers, Eddie, Bernard and Michael. She also learnt the simple but time-honoured values that shaped her stance and her response to life. Hard work, honesty, loyalty, courtesy, kindness, caring about family and friends, and church involvement were the order of the day. Carmel loved you all, her family, and her close connection to many cousins. She proudly claimed her Farleigh origins, and the fact that she had been educated by our own Sisters of Mercy, beginning at St Brigid’s, Farleigh. After her teacher training in Brisbane and following in her mother’s footsteps, Carmel returned to teach at Farleigh State School. However, a deeper call to religious life was beckoning her and Carmel entered our then Rockhampton Congregation in January 1958. Our Novice Mistress, Mother Patrick, would have been delighted to welcome a trained teacher to the Novitiate. It would be on a par with winning Gold Lotto!  

At her reception later that year, Carmel was given the religious name ‘Dolores’ – a name that honours Mary, Mother of Sorrows; but many of us fondly referred to her as ‘Dolly’. I would like to acknowledge Sisters Madonna, Bernadette Mary and Mary Della, three members of the same profession group who are with us today. We are aware of the sadness that you have in your heart at this time and especially that Lila Galvin, another member of the group, is in Mackay and unable to be here because of ill health but we can be certain that Lila is with us in spirit, hopefully watching the livestream.

Dolores’ years in education spanned the length and breadth of our diocese, where she taught both primary and secondary grades in rural towns and the larger coastal cities, often being the Principal in many of these schools. Looking at her ministry placements, you would notice there are very few centres where Dolores hasn’t lived. After-school activities included teaching speech, visiting families and Dolores attended more than her share of meetings: firstly, Parents & Friends and then the introduction of School Boards. To Dolores, being a member of the School Board was a very serious responsibility. Many of us can testify that Dolly worked very hard wherever she was: especially in the days when school resources were scarce, classes were large, good teachers were hard to find and funding limited. I don’t think Dolores ever asked a staff member to do a task that she wasn’t prepared to do herself. During her lifetime, Dolores saw many educational changes and improvements within our schools, especially witnessing the transition from schools staffed totally by religious to the employment of lay teachers, followed by the appointment of lay principals, many of whom she mentored in the role. True to form, Dolores happily returned to classroom teaching after fifteen years of being a Principal. It was fitting then, that in July 2011, Dolores was a nominee for the ‘Spirit of Catholic Education’ Award, citing her unswerving commitment to Catholic Education in our Diocese. Dolores took absolute delight in being able to make her weekly visits to her beloved St Mary’s, North Rockhampton, where she was that faithful and kindly Mercy presence.  Thank you to the various Principals and staff members who encouraged and made this experience possible for Dolores. To the whole St Mary’s Parish community, your friendship, care and concern for Dolores was remarkable. You were her friends, and we take this opportunity to acknowledge and thank you most sincerely. Thank you to the students and staff for being here with us today to honour Dolores, on a very warm Saturday morning in your school uniforms. Sister would have been so proud of you. In recent days, the support of St Mary’s, through Jennie, has been invaluable.

Dolores wasn’t familiar with the word ‘Retirement’. As we know, in 1997, Dolores joined the Ecumenical Chaplaincy Team at the Capricornia Correctional Centre – a ministry which took Dolores to a new place of influence where she gained as much as she gave, namely wholehearted respect, admiration and love. Many words and tributes honour this time in her life, but perhaps Dolores’ own words express best of all what this ministry meant for her. She said: I am daily convinced that the ministry in which I am engaged enables me to live out my Baptismal call to bear witness to the person of Jesus. It is evangelisation in action! Just as Jesus befriended and ministered to the marginalised, I too, work with and support similar people who are frowned on by society. Part of Jesus' final teaching was, “I was in prison and you visited me.” (end of quote) To mark her 20 years of dedication to Prison Chaplaincy, Dolores was honoured at a ceremony in Brisbane in March 2018; she loved that event, soaking up the accolades, so rightfully deserved. Then last year, the local ecumenical prison chaplaincy team marked her retirement with the presentation of a specially engraved plaque which we used earlier in our funeral liturgy.

While I have focussed mainly on her involvement in education and prison ministry, we all know that Dolores, in her own inimitable way, touched the lives of countless people; stories abound of these sacred encounters.  With grateful hearts, let us cherish our own personal memories of her. In one of our publications, Dolores wrote: ‘To me, Mercy has always meant compassion, tolerance, kindness, understanding, love, forgiveness and a willingness to offer my time when it is needed’. These are the Catherine McAuley and Christ-like qualities that Dolores embodied and which in turn, gave shape, colour, depth and meaning to that unique picture of her life, now complete. May Dolores enjoy this completeness in communion with the God she loved and served so faithfully.

Joanne Molloy RSM

21 November 2020

Bishop Michael's Homily

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ

Welcome as we gather, gather as the family of Sr Dolores to say farewell.

The prophet Isaiah writes “I have called you by name and you are mine”.  This was chosen by Sr Dolores, Sister of Mercy.  Choosing these words of our God reinforces the beautiful relationship that Dolores enjoyed with her God.

It was just after I arrived in the Diocese and was informed that the people who look after the ministry to the jail were coming to deliver their annual report.  One of the group was Paul Worthington, whose words are in today’s funeral brochure and are his reflection of her ministry and especially how Sr Dolores ministered at the jail.  After receiving their report, this very inexperienced Bishop asked the question “Do you have a plan, a succession plan Sr Dolores?” and I was left in no doubt there was no succession plan in place and that Sr Dolores answered for the group and said “We will always be visiting the jail Bishop”.  So, I got my first experience of Sr Dolores.  Ok, I thought to myself, should I ask another question or just say thank you.  The latter was the better course of action and I knew I wouldn’t be getting any more answers from her.  I think that, for me, just encapsulated who Dolores was.  Really what I did glean from the encounter was just how much she enjoyed every moment of the ministry, wasn’t going to let it go, the people inside and outside the jail knew her so well and loved her and they all sought a visit from her.

Over the years I would still pose the question, the same question, and Dolores began to realise what was happening and would just smile back at me and keeping thinking - this inexperienced Bishop, he just doesn’t  know what he’s doing.  And yet Sr Dolores, after the heart of Jesus, embodied mercy as she brought the heart of Jesus to all of those who loved her, and she loved them.

Sr Dolores began, as Sr Joanne so beautifully outlined that lovely story of her life and we hope that Sr Lila is watching today and joining us from Mackay, in the Farleigh State School as a teacher and then entered the Sisters, but continued teaching as her main apostolate and always seemed to have a soft spot for St Mary’s, she began there and finished there.  Sr Dolores then joined the chaplaincy team in 1997 out at the Capricornia Correctional Centre and continued there until quite recently.

There was more to Sr Dolores as she taught in our many schools of the Diocese and touched the many people, as per the comments still coming in.  Little comments like - “she visited my Father” and “thank you Dolly”, and all those lovely little comments that I’ve watched come into our office.

We gather on the eve of the last Sunday of the liturgical year, the Feast of Christ the King, and the Gospel we read is the one of this funeral Mass.  Sometimes I think of these coincidences, that tonight’s Gospel is exactly the same as what we read today.  I wonder if Sr Dolores really realised she would be celebrating her funeral on the last day of the liturgical year.  Matthew gathered together the sayings of Jesus and remembered what he said.  Then buried into that Gospel are the words of Jesus, the prime motivation for this Sister of Mercy as she followed Jesus, “in prison you came to see me”.  But there is more to this disciple of the Risen Lord as she lived a life bringing the merciful heart of Jesus through her connection with young people and all people alike.  We probably can never quantify the works of her mercy, but we certainly enjoyed its quality.

Today as we draw into our prayers, her family, those who join us from heaven – her parents and brother Edward, and those here today – Michael and Bernard and your families, and also the group that Sr Dolores entered the Sisters of Mercy with, we recall the invitation “Come you who my Father has blessed, take for your heritage the kingdom prepared for you since the foundation of the world”.  This is the invitation to all of us.  Now Sr Dolores has taken up that invitation and taken her place prepared for her, the place of eternal life with Him.  As a true disciple of the Risen Lord, accompanied through her works of mercy as a teacher, jail visitor, parishioner and friend, Jesus now calls Sr Dolores to a new way of living within the merciful heart of our God.

Goodbye dear Carmel, as I came to know her as Carmel, may you enjoy the reward that is yours, the reward of living a good and faithful life.  May your soul and the souls of all the faithful departed rest in the peace of Christ.  Amen.

Sr Dolores' Prison Ministry

It was my pleasure and privilege to work in prison ministry with Sr Dolores for around 13 years until she broke her hip in the jail and had to give away this calling which she dearly loved.

Sr Dolores was a great mentor for me as I went through my training, adjusting to the physical environment behind the razor wire and learning how to be pastorally present with a prisoner. She was well known by both staff and many of the inmates. The presence of a religious within the jail meant she was considered somewhat unique as a chaplain. Older, longer serving prisoners treated her with great respect and would chastise younger offenders who used profanities around her. Although steeped in her Catholic faith Sister worked comfortably in the ecumenical team of chaplains across the decades.

She would encounter men who would say “do you remember me from the old jail Sister” or “do you remember me from school”. It was true that she had a great capacity for remembering past pupils and what school they were from. Many inmates would ask her to pray for them as they faced various life issues, facing court, having a new child or dealing with an illness. A staff member who was unable to be present at the funeral of a loved one asked Sister to conduct a memorial service at the time of the funeral. This was a treasured memory for her. She also conducted several memorial services for inmates who died. As she moved about the prison Sister treated each person, staff or inmate, with respect, kindness and gentleness. The only exception was if we were conducting Sunday services and the men were becoming unruly or talking instead of listening. A fearsome teacher/principal would suddenly surface to get proceedings back in order.

Last Sunday (15^th) I conveyed the news of Sister’s passing to the inmates at Sunday services. Those who knew her were saddened by the news. In their world, that is often chaotic and unstable, Sr Dolores was a gentle presence and a reminder of a God who loves them despite their circumstances.

Sister would witness to her calling to chaplaincy when this verse from Matthew 25:36 “I was in prison and you came to visit me.’ kept coming to her during a retreat. Although a hesitant starter she responded to God’s call in such a magnificent way that I’m sure verse 34 is now a reality for her “‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world”.

Rest in peace Sister

Paul Worthington

Sr Dolores' School Ministry

My first impressions of Sr Dolores were not of the gentle and compassionate Sister I came to know later in life.  As a Year 2 student at Sacred Heart Catholic Primary School, Mount Morgan, in the mid-1960’s, Dolores as Principal was someone of whom I was very much in awe and someone who should not be crossed.  During one lunch time, some friends and I rocked the wooden form so hard that it landed on my ankle with the other boys on top.  My first thoughts as Mum took me to the hospital for x-rays were not of the pain in my leg, but the dressing down I was going to get on my return to school.  But it never eventuated.  I saw very early on the gentle, considerate and merciful side of Dolores that characterised her relationships with others throughout her life.

My next encounter with Sr Dolores was in 1990 when she joined the staff of St Mary’s Catholic Primary School, North Rockhampton where I was the APRE. ‘Dolly’, as she was affectionately known by the staff at St Mary’s, worked her magic with a number of children, particularly boys, who thrived under her firm, but gentle and patient ways.  Her successes with the boys extended to taking under her wing, young male teachers with whom she worked at various schools over the years and to the principals to whom she was mentor, sounding board and counsel.  It was not unusual to see someone from another school coming to visit, perhaps to seek her wisdom in making an important career choice, but who would know because Dolores understood confidentiality perfectly.

It was in retirement that I think Dolores worked harder than ever, if that was at all possible, because her work ethic was solid throughout her life.  During my time as Principal of St Mary’s, Sr Dolores was our connection with and face of Mercy, in our school.  ‘Thy will be done’ was lived out every Thursday as she attended to her regular ‘jobs’: updating the enrolment registers, sorting and delivering the mail, proof-reading documents, maintaining Board member folders and of course in the lead-up to the Parish Fair, writing out the rides tickets that had been sold during the week - diligently and meticulously doing whatever was asked of her.  She was our resident ‘Grammar Cop’.  She took her role on the School Board seriously.  Without fail, Sr Dolores was prepared with a prayer that was relevant and topical to close our meetings.  She was an abundant source of corporate knowledge over many years of involvement.

With Dolly’s passing comes the end of her 30-year connection to the St Mary’s Catholic Primary School community.  Her gift and her big lesson for us was how to ‘mercy’.  What we do with that gift and knowledge only time will tell.

Mike Kelso

Hi. My name is Loretta McKeering and I live on a cattle station between Barcaldine & Aramac, in the Central West.  I grew up here, before heading to boarding school in Yeppoon, then University in Toowoomba, followed by a few years working in water engineering and irrigation research in Brisbane and Toowoomba before returning home about 11 years ago.   As well as working on the property, this year I began working part time as the Pastoral Coordinator for the Parishes in the Western part of our Diocese. 

Thanks to Sr Mary Farrelly I have been following the journey of the Plenary Council since its announcement.  When it was first announced I was pleased and quite excited that this was happening in my lifetime - that the Church in Australia could come together, explore the issues holding us back, and have a voice.  Over time, the reality of the enormity of the Catholic Church in Australia began to sink in and I feared that the voices of those I interact with would be lost in the sea of contributions.  I thought the delegates would be all 'high flyers' - Bishops, Vicar-Generals and other people in positions of authority; I thought that the people in the pews, and the people on the streets, would not have a seat at the table.  Then at the Diocesan Assembly in 2019 it dawned on me that the delegates from our Diocese would likely be people present at the Assembly; that two of them would probably be regular people, not scholarly and devout people with limited understanding of 'everyday people'.  I never realistically thought that one of the delegates could be me, but I was so excited to think that they might be someone whom I had met and that they might be able to truly represent the people in our communities.  When I was told that I would be a delegate for the Plenary Council I was totally shocked and so very very excited.  This has now been tempered with a healthy dose of anxiety and a sense of burden - I do not want us, as the Church, to squander this opportunity.  I now want to be able to contribute not just as a person on the street, but also from a base of knowledge and prayer, for naive enthusiasm is a wonderful thing but understanding and wisdom are also needed if the Church is going to rise to the challenge of being both relevant and reverent. 

I have been asked a few times lately what my passion is and the answer is, I don't know.  I do know that I want each person to know about, and be able to, develop a relationship with the triune God.  For this reason, I think it's important to continually reach out and share God's message and God's love in ways that are relevant to people, regardless of whether they are regular parishioners or not.  I also think ecumenism is important; Christian denominations have so much in common and by working together we can use our resources to bring people (ourselves included) closer to God.  At the risk of alienating people, I also have a desire for people to see themselves as the Church - as the hands and the feet of Christ, as being responsible for the Church rather than mere participants in a program or attendees at a show.  I recognise that for some people physical contributions of time, talents or finances aren't possible, but I believe that most of us are able to be the Church in some way - by our prayers, by our treatment of others, by our example to others.  I truly believe that we (the Church) is a body made up of many parts, with each part required to contribute in their own way to the whole.

Loretta McKeering

One of the better sayings that usually emerges around this time of the year is “Let’s put Christ back into Christmas.” We could extend this saying to the celebration of funerals and coin the phrase “Let’s put Christ back into Christian funerals.” 

The aims of a Christian Funeral are simple but also ambitious. No. 7 of the Introduction to the Funeral Rite says, that “The celebration of the Christian funeral brings hope and consolation to the living. While proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ and witnessing to Christian hope in the resurrection, the funeral rites also recall to all who take part in them God's mercy and judgment and meet the human need to turn always to God in times of crisis.” It sounds a big ask but by adhering to a few sound principles found in the Church’s Rite of Funerals, we can enable people to leave the funeral both inspired and consoled by Christ and filled with hope that comes from His death and resurrection.

To achieve this takes time and effort and a good dose of sensitivity on the part of our parish communities and those who support the bereaved in funeral preparation. We do not do it by ourselves and no family need stand alone in time of grief. As No. 9 of the Introduction points out, “The responsibility for the ministry of consolation rests with the believing community, which heeds the words and example of the Lord Jesus: 'Blessed are they who mourn; they shall be consoled' (Matthew 5:3). Each Christian shares in this ministry according to the various gifts and offices in the Church.”

However, there can be moments of tension within the funeral ministry. In No.16 the Rite of Funerals encourages us to listen sensitively to the needs of the family and to allow the circumstances of the deceased person’s life and death to influence the celebration. This can be the most difficult aspect of the funeral preparation ministry. There can be stressful moments like the desire of the family to “deliver” a “Eulogy” (not actually permitted by the Rite, see no. 27) not only in words but also using slides or images. We have probably witnessed the stress in people when the Words of Remembrance goes far too long, or when it becomes a rambling collection of memories that means little to anyone other than a few people. Then there is desire on the part of so many to use secular songs. All these stress points can lead the Funeral Liturgy away from its primary purpose of proclaiming hope in the death and resurrection of Christ and giving people comfort. If we are not careful these can also be tipping points in the relationship between the family and the church, turning people away from a Liturgy that is meant to help them in being touched by God in such a challenging time.

Somehow a balance must be reached, but if we can reach the balance by sensitively guiding the bereaved family in the funeral preparation, then the Liturgy itself on the day will soar! It can lift people from despair to hope. We can make a difference in supporting the family to choose appropriate Scripture readings or meaningful hymns; but it is important to remember that the ministry of funeral preparation is not only about tasks of choosing this or that for the Liturgy. It is about both the priest and his co-workers connecting with bereaved people in their hour of need. There is no substitute for knowing what the Rite of Funeral says about all these matters. It is worth the attention of the whole parish community, for whoever we are in the Christian community we are called to have a special concern for those who carry the heavy burden of the loss of a loved one. In all these matters, perhaps the general principle of keeping Christ central in a Christian funeral, both in its preparation and the Liturgy is our best starting point.

Fr. Don White, Parish Priest, cluster of the Mackay South parishes.

As the weather warms up, it appears that the people of the West are coming out of hibernation! During mid-September to mid-November our priests, Fr Raj & Fr Shaiju, were consecutively able to take a well-earned break.  With no relieving priests available, this meant only one priest for our Cluster of Parishes during this time.  Thank you to all those in our communities who stepped up to plan and lead Liturgy of the Word with Communion and other prayer services when regular Masses were unable to be held.  Both priests are now back in the West and working hard with many end of year school events, a school Feast Day, baptisms and even a wedding!

With the gradual easing of COVID restrictions, and the assistance and encouragement of local governments, a number of parishes were able to hold their annual Christmas Fairs and Fetes.  Many people in these towns were grateful for the opportunity to come together in a COVID safe way and enjoy the various entertainment and activities.  Congratulations to the Barcaldine and Blackall Fair Committees for hosting two wonderful community events. 

Earlier this year a new pastoral approach was implemented in the West - two priests sharing a residence and working in solidum, along with a part-time Pastoral Coordinator, Sr Mary in Western Pastoral Ministry and the Regional Pastoral Council.  The people of the West were grateful for the recent opportunity to review this model by providing feedback and ideas to Sr Noreen Dunne.  In a very short space of time, Sr Noreen gathered the information and then presented the findings to Bishop Michael and the Regional Pastoral Council.  The recommendations of the review are being investigated and, where possible, implemented by the respective personnel.  We would all very much like to thank Sr Noreen who gave up so much of her time, at very short notice, to coordinate and conduct the review.

Loretta McKeering
Pastoral Coordinator Central West

How the Review took place

On Thursday, October 29^th travelling west “on a mission” Sr Noreen stopped at Alpha to meet with Trish Mahon and Sharon Wilson, leaders in the little community of St. John’s. Bishop Michael had asked Sister to visit communities in the western part of the Diocese so that they could respond to three questions framed as a means towards evaluating the new model of ministry which he had put in place early this year (see the Catholic Leader, 23rd February).  Late that afternoon 137 km further on, Sister met with representatives of Sacred Heart parish in Barcaldine posing the same questions to them:

* What has worked well over these past nine months?

* What have been the challenges?

* What do you envisage for the future?

Some of the Longreach Gathering

The next gathering was not until Saturday morning at Longreach (St. Brigid’s parish) and so on Friday there was time to collate notes and record them on the laptop. It was also an opportunity for the three Sisters in town (Noreen, Rita and Mary) to have lunch together, to share thoughts and to enjoy each others’ company. Other meetings in Sr Noreen’s schedule were at Longreach on Saturday morning, after Mass at Tambo (Our Lady of Victories) on Sunday morning and mid afternoon at Blackall (St. Patrick’s) that same day. On Monday morning began the long return journey! Everyone appreciated the opportunity to share with Sr Noreen and so to provide feedback to Bishop Michael.

Sr Mary (Western Pastoral Ministry)

Liz Crowley Addresses the Mens Club Dinner

The Mackay Mens Dinner Club met on Monday 26^th October, Guest Speaker Anne Crowley gave a very interesting talk about the new OzCare Aged Care Facility at West Mackay.

Tom Ryan, Anne Crowley, Margaret Ryan and Bernice Wright

Anne is a Mackay local and highly qualified for the position of Facility Manager. She went to local schools and then trained and became a Registered Nurse with 31 years in the Mackay Hospital and Health Service. Anne worked as a Midwife and then onto various positions in mental health and family health. Anne also has a Master of Business Administration, and a Master of Mental Health Nursing.

At every October dinner ladies are invited and a good crowd listened to Anne talk about various aspects of the facility including what OzCare is all about. 'To live the gospel message by serving Christ in the poor with love, respect, justice, hope and joy, and by working to shape a more just and compassionate society'. The purpose at the facility is to improve the clients quality of life through the delivery of personalised health and human services in the spirit of the St Vincent De Paul Society.

Anne commenced in the role in March 2020, coinciding with the Covid-19 pandemic which has had such severe implications for the aged care sector. Anne spoke about the staffing and plans for the future. The activity plan for residents was quite interesting, something for everyone to become involved, the kitchen and café menu was explained and very inviting.

Moving into an Aged Care Facility can be a difficult decision, Anne explained the options and procedures in depth and costs in a way which was easily understood.

Jean Bugeja, Angie Camilleri, and Vic Camilleri

Our elderly members and ladies were blessed and thankful with the presence of Anne Crowley, she was such a good speaker and gave up her time to explain what we all want to know for the future.

Graham Featherstone

CentacareCQ is Moving

Some exciting news! Our CentacareCQ & Family Relationship Centre teams in Mackay are relocating to new offices.

We have outgrown our current office space in Milton Street. This office will be closed from Friday 20th November. From Tuesday 24th November all services will be conducted from our newly renovated office at 58 Sydney Street, in the heart of Mackay’s CBD.

Our new location features many improvements, all tailored to enhance our service delivery capabilities. It has been custom designed to make your experience of attending consultations much more comfortable, with the creation of nine private consultation rooms and a large group meeting room.

We look forward to assisting you in and from our new home at 58 Sydney Street on Tuesday 24th November.

Tamara McKenzie

Announcement of Foundation Principal – Catherine McAuley College

The Foundation Principal of Mackay’s new Catholic secondary school, Catherine McAuley College, has been announced.

Director of Catholic Education Diocese of Rockhampton Leesa Jeffcoat AM said Mr James (Jim) Ford, current Principal of Mercy College, Mackay, will lead the new college taking up his role at the beginning of the 2021 school year.

“On behalf of Bishop Michael McCarthy – Bishop of Rockhampton, I am delighted to advise the Catholic School Community in Mackay of Jim’s appointment as Foundation Principal in this next exciting milestone in the formation and development of Catherine McAuley College,” Miss Jeffcoat said.

“Jim is a highly respected educator and leader who has forged strong links with colleagues, the Parish and the wider Mackay community. He brings to the role a depth of experience in leadership and a commitment to creating a contemporary learning environment founded on Gospel values and the principles of life-long learning for all,” Miss Jeffcoat said.

“There will be extensive preparation and planning prior to welcoming students and families to the college in 2022 and Jim will work closely with Catholic Education and the College Steering Committee over the next 12 months to ensure all is in readiness,” Miss Jeffcoat said.

Miss Jeffcoat said there had been strong enrolment enquiry for Catherine McAuley College for its commencement year in 2022 and well beyond.

“This is an exciting new chapter for Catholic Education, and we are delighted to respond to the needs of parents and families in the Mackay and wider community,” Miss Jeffcoat said.

On Saturday 14 November at St Patrick’s Church in Emerald, six members of staff from our Catholic schools in Emerald – Marist College, St Brigid’s Catholic Primary School and St Patrick’s Catholic Primary School – were received into the Church by Fr Truc Phan SVD, with special permission from Bishop Michael McCarthy.

In 2019, Joseph Kelly (AP Mission at Marist) suggested running an RCIA program specifically for staff in our Catholic schools to then parish priest, Fr Raj.  Interest surpassed expectations and the course started in February, with eight candidates who all completed the course (two of the group are hoping to be received into the Church next year).  Timings of meetings were planned to fit in with our busy teacher’s timeframes.

On Saturday evening, two of the catechumens were baptised – Rose Dale (Marist) and Teagan Newton (St Patrick’s).

Many thanks to our Principals: Mark Green (Marist), Tegan Green (St Brigid’s) and Chris Ferguson (St Patrick’s) for all their support with the program and their staff.

Both our new priests – Fr Truc and Fr Yon have assisted with the program and it has had a strong school community feel, as all the sponsors also came from our Catholic schools.

Congratulations to all the new members of the Catholic faith – we wish you well on your journey ahead.

Pictured left to right in the photograph:  Joseph Kelly (Course leader - AP Mission Marist), Nikki Scott (Newly received – Teacher Marist), Natalie McCosker (Sponsor – APRE St Patrick’s), Melissa Magnussen (Newly received – Teacher St Patrick’s), Kylie Heinemann (Sponsor – Deputy Principal St Patrick’s), Fr Truc Phan SVD, Sophie Basford (Sponsor – HOD Marist), Kellie Lerch (Newly received – Teacher St Patrick’s), Patrick McDermott (Sponsor – HOH Marist), Rose Dale (Newly received – Teacher Marist), Helen Smale (Sponsor – Teacher St Patrick’s), Michael Smale (Counsellor – all three schools), Anthea Adams (Sponsor – Teacher St Patrick’s), Teagan Newton (Newly received – Teacher St Patrick’s)

On Friday 6 and Saturday 7 November, the students from St Joseph’s Barcaldine performed Beauty and the Beast Jr at the Shire Hall. There were 45 students in the musical ranging from 4-11 years of age. It was a community effort as we were able to employ locals to make props and costumes and to help with sound, lighting, photography, and videography. The students worked exceptionally hard to learn their lines and the songs and we are so very proud of them. They were outstanding!

This is what the Mayor, Sean Dillon wrote.

Friday evening I was extremely fortunate to attend the St Joseph’s School Musical presentation of Beauty and the Beast along with my wife Sarah, daughter Kacee and my lovely mother Elsie. This presentation was simply outstanding and an unbelievable credit to the entire staff, students, families and supporting personnel. With incredible voices, humour and dance, as well as costumes and set, the production had it all. Fantastic to see the return of locally produced cultural activities as we attempt to return to some sort of normal level of social activities.

Anne Wachtel

St Peter’s Catholic Primary School Rockhampton Excelling In Sustainability

Earlier this year, St Peter’s Catholic Primary School entered the Rockhampton Regional Council’s Living Sustainably Schools Calendar Competition.  In recognition of the school’s reduction in the number of single use plastics and introducing Nude Food Days, St Peter’s will now feature in the 2021 Regional Sustainability Calendar.

This recognition also means that the school has won $200 from the Rockhampton Regional Council to put towards another sustainability project, a bee hotel, some insulated water bottles to distribute as part of the BYOB (Bring Your Own Bottle) campaign, and a great selection of books for the school library including teacher resource books.

St Peter’s has also been advised that after a recent submission to the Rockhampton Regional Council they have been awarded a $3000 grant to put towards a recycling project at the school.

This money will be used to purchase various bins for sorting rubbish and once sorted it can then be directed to the correct place for disposal or recycling.

St Peter’s aims to significantly reduce the amount of general waste wheelie bins used at the school. With the assistance of the Rockhampton Regional Council, St Peter’s Catholic Primary School is sure that with these funds and plans for sustainability education in 2021 and the goal of being a Sustainable Primary School is surely achievable. 

Sacramental Journeys Take a Twist

The Rite of Reception into Full Communion of the Catholic Church for several baptised candidates was able to be celebrated in October, having been delayed since the Easter season. Gail Norris and Christian Taylor were confirmed and received Holy Communion for the first time with their Shalom College community during the Wednesday morning Mass, 21^st October. Then during the following weekend’s Masses, we welcomed Miranda, Glen and Grayson Kirkland, and Jodi and Cooper Herwig.

 Glen & Miranda Kirkland and their little family               Jodi and Cooper Herwig

On the feast of Christ the King, last Sunday, our Easter sacraments of initiation could finally be celebrated. The candidates were so excited to be able to celebrate this huge step with their family and friends. We congratulated Adibah Rajali, Noah Picaro, Jaxon Turner, Nadil Dean and Riley Martin. It was a great celebration, full of anticipation and joy, because of the length of time some of our candidates had been on their journey. The journey continues into mystagogy.

Holy Rosary Church Upgrades

After many months of working to gain the approval of the Bundaberg Regional Council, the air conditioning installation at Holy Rosary began in October. The peripheral work in preparation for arrival and installation of the motors is being done, scheduled for February and March next year.

In November, we completed the installation of live streaming equipment at Holy Rosary. This provides the opportunity to view some of our celebrations to anyone who is housebound, or who cannot attend a funeral/wedding etc in person. We’re hoping to have a weekend Mass regularly livestreamed for those who cannot attend.

Some of the contingent from the Capricorn Coast celebrating Ashwin's Diaconate Ordination

On November 18^th, some of the parishioners from Capricorn Coast Parish had the privilege of being present to celebrate the Rite of Ordination to the Diaconate for Ashwin Acharya. It was very moving to be part of this ceremony as Monsignor John Grace addressed Bishop Michael McCarthy, giving testimony to Ashwin’s worthiness for Ordination.

The Acharya family – Raj, Angela, Rajat and Ashwin, moved to Yeppoon in 1996 where they have been a very active part of our parish. Congratulations to Ashwin and all his family.

As a parish family, we are very proud to see our young ones grow and mature in their faith and go on to become instruments of God.  We will keep you in our prayers Ashwin, as you continue your walk with God.

Celebrating Sacraments of Initiation, at last!

The Feast of Christ the King, at Sacred Heart Church, Yeppoon, our Parish Catechumen, Gordon Gauld, received the Sacraments of Initiation.  It has been a long journey for Gordon – all set to receive the Sacraments at Easter, Covid intervened and so he patiently waited for his day.  Gordon was born in Scotland, grew up in South Africa, migrated to Australia as an adult.  He and his wife, Brenda, and son, Aden, moved to Yeppoon a few years ago.  Gordon works at the Prison as an Education Officer and witnessed the Prison Chaplaincy Programme in action.  He decided to pursue his long-held desire to know more about the Catholic faith and began his journey with the Parish RCIA team last August.  Gordon took the Confirmation name of Adrian – Saint Adrian of Nicomedia is the Patron Saint of prison guards and soldiers.  We warmly welcome Gordon into full communion with the Parish community and the Church as a whole. 

We also celebrated with Luke Shepherd as he received the sacraments of Confirmation and First Holy Communion, before his family moves south in the next few weeks. Safe travelling Shepherd family!!

Lakey Nash and Chelsea Panochini were also presented by their parents to celebrate the sacrament of Baptism. Welcome to the Family!!  

Once again we wish all our Grade 12 students the very best for the future and we pray for God’s richest blessings on you all.

Helen McIntyre

Francis Bacon, the 17^th Century English Philosopher and author once wrote, “A garden is the purest of human pleasures.  It is the greatest refreshment to the spirit……….. indeed, planting a garden is as creative as it is deeply satisfying, and watching a garden grow affirms and reaffirms the renewal of life.”

Not everybody sees or experiences a garden in this way.  For me my garden arouses gratefulness, as I see plants grow and display their beauty.  In my garden beauty shows itself in a variety of ways --- fruit trees, vegetables, herbs, flowers, multi-coloured and multi-shaped succulents, shrubs and trees.  Birds, butterflies, frogs, frilly lizards, goannas, and even possums and snakes visit the garden. (The last two are not so welcome).

It is the place where I find plenty of exercise; a place to share with friends; an invitation to the spiritual where I can pray and reflect and conduct parish reflection days.  It’s where I gather friends for a glass of wine or two and get family together to celebrate birthdays, anniversaries and for no special reason at all.

The art of gardening is a gift from my father who was a nursery man and encouraged us to plant and grow citrus, bananas, strawberries, all sorts of vegetables, roses, dahlias and many other things.  Our back yard was covered with life.  As we grew older, the back yard became our source of pocket money as we sold the fruits of the garden to neighbours.

Francis Bacon rightly observed that “watching a garden grow affirms and reaffirms the renewal of life.”  A garden also renews one inwardly, slowly melting away tensions and anxiety.

Perhaps a healthy garden is a good image for a healthy Church!

John Daly

New Principal St Mary’s Catholic Primary School Bundaberg 2021

Catholic Education – Diocese of Rockhampton has announced that Mr Bill Goodwin has been appointed the new Principal of St Mary’s Catholic Primary School, Bundaberg, commencing in 2021.

Mr Goodwin is currently Principal of St Francis Catholic Primary School, Ayr. He has extensive school leadership experience having worked as Principal of St John Bosco Catholic Primary School, Collinsville and held Assistant Principal positions in a number of Catholic Primary Schools within the Archdiocese of Brisbane. 

Director of Catholic Education – Diocese of Rockhampton, Miss Leesa Jeffcoat AM said that, “Bill has a relational style and seeks to make a real, positive difference to the learning outcomes students in the school community. He is known for working collaboratively, encourages the use of data and seeks to enable staff to provide the best possible learning experiences for students.”

Mr Goodwin is looking forward to working with the school community of St Mary’s Catholic Primary School. He and his wife Sharon are also very excited and looking forward to the move to Bundaberg.

When asked about his appointment, Mr Goodwin said that having started his teaching career in the Diocese of Rockhampton many years ago, it almost feels like a coming home with this appointment to St Mary’s.

New Principal St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School Bundaberg 2021

St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School Bundaberg has a new Principal commencing January 2021. Mrs Monica White, current Principal of St Therese’s Catholic Primary School, Monto will take up the position next year.

When asked about her new appointment, Mrs White said, “I am very much looking forward to moving with my family to Bundaberg to take up my new position as Principal of St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School. St Joseph’s has a long and proud tradition of providing quality education to the families of Bundaberg.”

In announcing the appointment, Director of Catholic Education – Diocese of Rockhampton, Leesa Jeffcoat AM said, “Mrs White has a deep knowledge of curriculum and the teaching and learning process with a passion to assist children achieve their full potential. She works very hard to provide a positive learning atmosphere for both staff and students alike.”

Miss Jeffcoat went on to say that, “Mrs White has provided great pastoral leadership for her current school community through working closely and communicating effectively with staff, parents and students.”

Mrs White commenced with Catholic Education – Diocese of Rockhampton in 1991 at St Anthony’s Catholic Primary School, North Rockhampton, moving to Gladstone in 2001 and taking up the position of Assistant Principal: Curriculum at Star of the Sea Catholic Primary School Gladstone in 2007. In 2018 Mrs White was appointed to her current position of Principal at St Therese’s Catholic Primary School Monto.

“I am very appreciative of my time as Principal of St Therese’s Catholic Primary School in Monto and feel well-prepared and supported to continue the excellent teaching and learning journey that has been occurring at St Joseph’s,” Mrs White said.

“I believe that it is important to support my school to enable staff to use high quality teaching practices to provide learning opportunities for children to achieve their personal best,” Mrs White said.

New Principal St Therese’s Catholic Primary School Monto 2021

St Therese’s Catholic Primary School Monto has a new Principal commencing in January 2021. Ms Doiya Knapman, currently on staff at St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School, Bundaberg has been appointed to the position.

“I am very excited about my appointment as this is a community that I already have connections with through family members who have been in the area for many years,” Ms Knapman said.

In announcing the appointment, Director of Catholic Education – Diocese of Rockhampton, Leesa Jeffcoat said that as an experienced teacher and leader, Doiya seeks to inspire and encourage others to reach their full potential. She has a deep knowledge of curriculum and the teaching and learning process which will enable the continuation of developments at St Therese’s Catholic Primary School, Monto.

Throughout her career, Ms Knapman has had a clear focus on the importance of relationships and working collaboratively with everyone within her school community.

Ms Knapman commenced her career with Catholic Education – Diocese of Rockhampton at St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School Wandal in Rockhampton and after working in a number of Catholic Primary Schools in Rockhampton was appointed to a teaching position at St Patrick’s Catholic Primary School Bundaberg in 2008 , moving to a leadership position at St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School Bundaberg in 2012.

“I have a passion for leadership and education and a desire to make a difference in the lives of all students,” Ms Knapman said.

When asked about her appointment as Principal to St Therese’s Catholic Primary School Monto, Ms Knapman said that, “ I am excited to be taking on this new position and look forward to providing the ideal learning environment for all students and teachers and with the community, a strong successful partnership.”

Ms Knapman is looking forward to the opportunity of working with the members of the St Therese’s Catholic Primary School staff, the wonderfully supportive school community and being part of the wider Monto community.

New Principal St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School Blackall 2021

Samantha Suthers is returning to the school of her first teaching appointment when she steps into the role of Principal at St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School, Blackall in 2021. 

With a rural background, teaching distance education as a governess on remote properties throughout Central and North Queensland, studying remotely with CQU (Bachelor of Learning Management- Early Childhood), Mrs Suthers brings personal experience to this appointment and a commitment to excellence for students in Catholic schools in the western region of the Diocese.  

In making the announcement, Miss Leesa Jeffcoat AM, Director of Catholic Education, Diocese of Rockhampton, said, “ As a leader, Samantha demonstrates a personal and approachable style and a love for teaching and learning that is obvious to the students, parents and her colleagues. Samantha has a passion for student learning and helping children achieve their potential.”

Miss Jeffcoat went on to say that,  “Samantha has a significant level of expertise in curriculum leadership and her exceptional Information Technology skills have been of great benefit to student learning in the challenging times that we have experienced this year due to the impact on our schools of COVID-19. Samantha grew up and attended school in rural areas prior to commencing her teaching career in Blackall and continues to demonstrate a clear commitment to working in rural and regional schools.”

Mrs Suthers commenced with Catholic Education – Diocese of Rockhampton in 2006 moving into a full-time position at St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School, Blackall in 2007. In 2009 she moved to Sacred Heart Catholic Primary School, Yeppoon, where she has held a number of positions including her current role of Assistant Principal: Curriculum, a position she has held since 2016.

When asked about her appointment, Mrs Suthers said that, she and her husband Stuart and young family are very excited about their move from the coast to the bush and are looking forward to being involved in the community of Blackall.

We are still pushing for more applicants from your region/s.  If you could push this material as far and wide as you can to ensure all residents have the opportunity to see it and apply that would be fantastic.  Thank you all for any time you have spent on this project and all efforts to spread the word!

DROUGHT COMMUNITY SUPPORT INITIATIVE (DCSI) ROUND 2 IS STILL OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS

The Australian Government have awarded the St Vincent De Paul Society National Council of Australia and The Salvation Army $15 million each in drought relief funding under the Drought Community Support Initiative – Round 2 (DCSI). 

The Government has identified eligible Local Government Areas (LGAs) across New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania and Victoria.  These have been divided between the Society and The Salvation Army so that there will only be one provider in each LGA.  A list of LGAs by provider is attached for your reference.  The eligible LGAs have been specified by the Australian Government, based on information provided by the Bureau of Meteorology.

Eligible applicants to the DCSI can receive a one-off cash payment of $3,000 into their bank account.  To be eligible, an applicant must:

• Derive their primary income from being a farmer, farm worker or farm supplier/contractor
• Live or work in an eligible LGA
• Be experiencing hardship as a result of the drought
• Be over 18 years of age
• Be an Australian Citizen or Permanent Resident

If you think you may be eligible, and fall within the LGA assigned to St Vincent De Paul, please apply by going to our online application form, which can be found at www.vinnies.org.au/droughthelp.

The application form is easy to complete and should take approximately 10-15 minutes using a computer, tablet or mobile phone.  You will receive a confirmation email telling you when you can expect to see payment.  

We also invite farming community members to call us on 1300 846 643 (1300 VINNIES) if you need assistance with the form or are unable to apply online.

For those of you who are located in LGAs serviced by The Salvation Army, please go to www.salvationarmy.org.au/drought or call 1300 551 030.

The current drought has been impacting some communities now for 8 years, and we are thankful that the DCSI funding will continue the work that the Society has been delivering for drought affected communities.

Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions, I am more than happy to help where I can.

Kind Regards,

Amanda Cowan  I  Administration Manager  I  St Vincent de Paul Society Queensland

P.07 4430 4002  M: 0429 448 290 E amanda.cowan@svdpqld.org.au www.vinnies.org.au
22 – 26 Echlin St, West End – Townsville QLD 4810  / PO Box 5692, Townsville QLD 4810