An invitation was extended by Bishop Michael McCarthy, to all catechumens and candidates in the Diocese of Rockhampton, to participate in the Rite of Election and the Enrolment of Names.  The celebration took place on Saturday 9 March 2019 at St Joseph’s Cathedral during the 6.00 pm Vigil Mass with Bishop Michael presiding.  Fr Bryan Hanifin, Fr John Daly andFr Shaiju Lookose cmi concelebrated the Mass with Bishop Michael.

The celebration of the Rite of Election, which usually coincides with the opening of Lent, also marks the beginning of the period of final, more intense preparation for the sacraments of initiation.

The catechumens were supported by their godparents and families and the candidates by their sponsors and families.  The spirit of hospitality from the assembled congregation gave a warm and loving feeling to the Mass, deepened by the inspiring music reverently shared by the The Cathedral College school community.

The catechumens and candidates received a small gift from Bishop Michael at the end of Mass and were congratulated by the assembly with a round of applause.

 The celebrations were continued with the sharing of a meal at the Red Lion Hotel for those who could attend.  It was a wonderful opportunity for catechumens and candidates from around the Diocese to get to know one another.

 Those who could attend were invited to gather for breakfast at the Mercy Centre at The Cathedral College and then re-assemble at the Cathedral Parish Centre for a mini-retreat the next day.  Fr John Daly was the director of the retreat and he made a beautiful connection of the sacraments from birth to death.  The visual display and the imagery of the sacraments as a ‘bridge’ throughout life connecting us to the outward, tangible touch of God were very powerful.

The gathering was then privileged to be witness to testimonials of two women who had been part of the RCIA in the past.  Kate Lipke was a catechumen and received the sacraments of initiation in the Catholic Church in 2016. The story of her journey and the thoughts and emotions which encouraged her to choose the Catholic faith were thought-provoking and a wonderful witness to the working of the Holy Spirit.  Claire Stitt, a candidate, was baptised in the Church of England as a child and completed the sacraments of initiation in the Catholic Church in 1997.  Claire’s journey began in England, under the guidance of her mother and then on to the Diocese of Rockhampton where, through the years she experienced various parishes and Catholic schools. Both ladies told of heartfelt discernment and of the wonderful people along the way, who, each in their own way, helped them with the decision to become a Catholic.

 Bishop Michael was thanked for making this event possible at a Diocesan level as were all those who accepted the invitation to join the Diocesan family in witnessing the enrolment of names and the presentation of candidates.

Jocelyne Benoit (Diocesan Liturgical Commission)

Sisters of Mercy welcome newly appointed Community Leader

Recently, Sr Helen White completed her three year term of office as Northern Community Leader of the Sisters of Mercy and the newly appointed leader for this community is Sr Bev Whitton. Sr Bev was formally commissioned with a ritual in Brisbane on 3 March and the Sisters of Mercy, together with their co-workers gathered in Rockhampton on Thursday 7 March to warmly welcome Bev to their community.

Sisters of Mercy and co-workers with Sr Bev Whitton, standing furtherest on the left. 

Bev was born in Grafton, New South Wales, the youngest of five children and grew up on a farm on the outskirts of Copmanhurst, on the upper Clarence River. Educated firstly at the local state school, Bev completed her secondary education at St Mary’s College, Grafton, after which she entered the Grafton Sisters of Mercy. Following her profession in 1964, Bev taught in many schools in the Lismore Diocese including a time of ministering at St Joseph’s Children’s Home, Cowper, and then as Principal of a largely Aboriginal school in Bowraville, NSW.

Bev’s experience was broadened when she then spent twelve years in Papua New Guinea, teaching at Mercy College, Yarapos and Maprik High School, along with some initial formation for local women wishing to join the Sisters of Mercy. After study in Chicago and ten years in pastoral ministry in the Casino Parish, Bev worked in Pakistan, returning to Casino to become Pastoral Care Team leader for Southern Cross Care, Northern Rivers, NSW. After her retirement from this position, Bev remained actively involved in parish pastoral care, offering spirituality to women in remote areas and visiting aged people, especially those suffering from dementia.

Sr Bev with Srs Dolores and Gabriel

As Bev moves from Casino, the ‘Beef Capital’ of NSW to the Queensland's ‘Beef Capital’, the Sisters of Mercy thank Bev for graciously accepting this new role and we honour her ongoing commitment to serve and to be caught up anew in God’s mission of Mercy. Bev has a zest for life and is nourished daily by her love for quiet times, art, photography, gardening, the outdoors and ‘home’.

In the words of our Constitutions, we pray that all of us, together with Bev, our new Northern Community Leader, will continue to create bonds of unity and help each other to grow in fidelity to our community’s life and its mission.

Sr Joanne Molloy RSM

Caring for our Common Home, Pope Francis’ environmental message to the people of the world, was the basis of this year’s Bishop’s Inservice Days (BID) held during February for all staff in Catholic Kindergartens, Primary Schools and Colleges throughout the Diocese of Rockhampton.

Inservice days were held in Barcaldine, Emerald, Mackay, Bundaberg, Gladstone and Rockhampton with staff from other Diocesan Agencies also invited to attend in each of the centres.

Bishop Michael McCarthy provided the keynote address which explored Pope Francis’s Encyclical Laudato Si dedicated to the environment and ecology.

Plenary Session speakers Leesa Jeffcoat, Bishop Michael and Professor Peta Goldberg from ACU.

McCarthy drew attention to the document’s reference to the interconnectedness of social, economic and environmental justice and the need for an integrated approach to combating poverty, restoring dignity to the excluded and protecting nature.

Rockhampton Catholic Education Director Leesa Jeffcoat said the Bishop’s Inservice Days provided valuable professional development and networking, and a particular opportunity in 2019 for all staff working for Catholic Education to renew their commitment to environmental sustainability.  Miss Jeffcoat also commended the organisation and coordination of the days by Ms Di-Anne Rowan (Assistant Director: Mission).  “It is a massive undertaking providing such wonderful formation opportunities for over 3,400 staff across our vast Diocese,” Miss Jeffcoat said.

“Through a range of initiatives and daily practices we are endeavouring to become even more sustainable in our care for and awareness of the environment. Our staff, students and all in our school communities commit to a clear and conscious effort to care for our surroundings, our local communities and our planet,” Miss Jeffcoat said.

Inservice attendees were also able to attend a wide variety of workshops to further enhance and enrich the day’s environmental focus. 

Rockhampton Catholic Education Director Leesa Jeffcoat delivers her address at the BID at Emmaus College, Rockhampton.

“Our guest speakers and workshop presenters provided very inspirational and reflective sessions. Participants have indicated in their feedback that they walked away with a renewed commitment to work together in their local communities across this vast diocese to better care for our common home,” Miss Jeffcoat said.

Fiona Dyball leads attendees in a hymn at the BID Emmaus College.

2019 marked the 40^th year of the annual Bishop’s Inservice Days which commenced in the Diocese of Rockhampton under the guidance of the Most Reverend Bernard Wallace in 1979.

Ash Wednesday

Ash Wednesday at St Joseph’s Cathedral began with a Eucharistic celebration participated in by students and teachers from The Cathedral College, various staff from the Catholic Education Office, the Centacare CQ as well as the Bishop’s Office. 

Bishop Michael with Centacare Staff

Bishop Michael reiterated the importance of the day, which marks the beginning of Lent and invited the congregation to observe a Christian holy day of prayer, fasting and repentance.

Diocese rolls out Safeguarding Children and Vulnerable Adults Training

Judy Pidcock, Manager of Professional Standards and Safeguarding of the Catholic Diocese of Rockhampton leds the implementation of the Diocesan Safeguarding training program in all the parishes and agencies, including the Catholic Education Office, Centacare CQ and the Bishop’s Office.

The objective of the program is to understand Safeguarding as a Diocesan Ministry, its policy, highlighting Integrity in the service of the Church; safe activities within the Church; strategies in dealing with incidents, disclosures, allegations, concerns and reporting.

Safeguarding is first and foremost responsibility of the Church to ensure the safety and protection of children and those most vulnerable within our community.

There were smiles all round at Our Lady’s Catholic Primary School on Monday (February 11) as the community celebrated the official Blessing and Opening of the school’s major redevelopments completed over the past 12 months.

The Most Reverend Michael McCarty DD, Catholic Bishop of Rockhampton conducted the blessing and Rockhampton Catholic Education Director Leesa Jeffcoat opened the new facilities with Parish Priest, Fr Bill Senn, also in attendance together with members of the school and wider community.

Fr Bill Senn (Parish Priest), Mrs Tanya Lambley (Principal), Miss Leesa Jeffcoat (Diocesan Director – Catholic Education), Sr Rita Cussack (PBVM), Sr Patsy Grundy (PBVM) and Bishop Michael McCarthy.

“Photo courtesy of The Longreach Leader”

The ceremony celebrated the culmination of the three-stage project which saw initial planning commence at the end of 2015 and the first demolition works underway in December 2017.

Our Lady’s Principal Mrs Tanya Lambley said the educational needs of current and future students had been very well catered for and the extensive project had provided a well-needed boost to the whole Longreach community during very difficult times.

“This extensive project represents a significant investment in the future of our school and our town. At a time of great uncertainty and hardship for so many in our community, our brand new facilities have provided a sense of stability and a great avenue of hope,” Mrs Lambley said.

The project was completed on time by Emerald based company, Cardav Construction together with local contractors to deliver modern educational teaching facilities for a full one stream primary school from Prep through to Year 6.

“The design is very much future focussed. It features a technology rich environment to support curriculum delivery and flexible learning opportunities. We have beautiful landscaped surrounds and shaded outdoor learning and gathering spaces. Major refurbishments to the library, multipurpose centre and Administration centre have also been completed,” Mrs Lambley said.

Rockhampton Catholic Education Director Leesa Jeffcoat said this latest investment consolidated Our Lady’s future and ensured the continuation of Catholic schooling in the community which commenced well over a century ago.

“We would like to take this opportunity to thank the Longreach community for their ongoing support for Our Lady’s Catholic Primary School and the many organisations and individuals who partnered with us to deliver this significant capital project for the school, parish and Longreach district,” Miss Jeffcoat said.

Catholic Education commenced in Longreach in 1900 with the arrival of the Presentation Sisters who opened a church-school and then two years later opened Our Lady’s College as a High School for local pupils.

In 1986 Our Lady’s College began operations as a Year 1-10 school with the Secondary closing at the end of 1994. The preschool opened in 1992 and 10 years later the school became known as Our Lady’s School. Now a Prep to Year 6 School it operates under the name, Our Lady’s Catholic Primary School.

Welcome New Parishioners

On Friday, 1^st March, the Parish Team and Parish Stewardship Council hosted the annual New Parishioners Welcome soiree.  Name tags were affixed to “lost -looking” souls and introductions made, drinks and finger food were served, and conversations started. This is a great way for the brave new parishioners to meet a small group of locals and become familiar with parish people and activities. They shared their experiences of parish to date as well as a brief portrayal of themselves, their families, their town or country of origin, and the skills they have that may be offered as gift to our parish. We have gained several very good cooks, three ukulele players, a singer-songwriter, a karaoke champ, a tennis player who loves a beer, a keyboard player, a guitarist, and some singers, and a young family. We see them now at Mass and can say “hello”.

100 Years Celebration of the Christian Brothers in Bundaberg

 The weekend of February 23^rd & 24^th was set aside on the “old boys’” calendars for this celebration of great achievement by a group of dedicated Christian Brothers 100 years ago. The brothers founded the Bundaberg school in February 1919, offering boys education from grade 5 through 12, until they merged with the girls' Loyola College in 1984 to create what we now know as Shalom College. The first four principals of Shalom were Christian Brothers, with the longest standing brother, Br Rochford, remaining on staff until the end of last year.

To celebrate Shalom College hosted a dinner inviting Brothers, past students and staff of Bundaberg Christian College and Shalom College, with Mass the following morning at Holy Rosary Church.  All the guests at the dinner enjoyed looking through the old hand written enrolment book from Bundaberg Christian Brothers as well as photos, newspaper clippings and memorabilia from the 100 years.

Remembering Mrs Margaret Murphy

Saturday 16^th February was certainly a day of affirmation when it came to the Spirit of St Joey’s and OLHC faith community joining as one to firstly celebrate the life of Mrs Margaret Murphy a long time parent, employee and devoted friend to many.

It was evident by the number of past teaching staff who attended the prayerful service, then followed by  a morning tea supplied by parents of the school and a time to engage with immediate family of Margaret’s who also attended St Joey’s in their early lives.  The comments from the family who saw for the first time the expansion and new facilities that the school enjoys now were truly amazing.

Community Gathering

On the same day, a celebration of the first Children’s led liturgy for 2019 at the Vigil Mass was very well attended.

The Park Avenue faith community welcomed back returning families as well as new families to OLHC Church and the school community.

Following the Mass, the faith community  enjoyed  a shared BBQ by courteousy of St Joey’s School parents.

Fr Marcel welcomed everyone and highlighted the joy that is shared by both parish and school communities here at Park Avenue.

Kevin Hogan

Beginning Lent in the Schools

Students, teachers, parents and parish communities all came together to celebrate the start of the School year.   Opening School Masses were held at Emmaus, St Mary’s, Our Lady Help of Christians and Holy Family.  Bishop Michael joined with the Emmaus community for their celebration.  We thank him for his support and Blessing on the School Year.  All Masses were well attended and very special occasions.

Our schools and communities have come together again to celebrate Ash Wednesday Masses and the start of Lent.   Students had the support of their parents and grandparents on this occasion too. 

 Emmaus and St Anthony’s have joined together to create a Lenten display in the foyer of Holy Family.  Students have written Lenten promises and prayers including   “I hope to be the best person I can be”, “I hope to help people in need”, and “I promise to work harder at school work”….

Our parishes’ Lenten small group will gather during Lent. At their first gathering they will consider the Gospel for the first Sunday of Lent.  They will meet weekly with a focus on the Gospels as they journey towards Easter.

Over the past month a lot has happened in our Parish and I will briefly try to share a few of these events.

On February 11^th, both sides of our Parish came together once again to share stories, a few laughs and of course a coffee. This happened amidst the beautiful surroundings of the Marina and with wonderful company. I think this is a great opportunity to grow friendships and share our faith in a relaxed atmosphere.

February 24^th rolled around and we had a formal farewell for Briona McKone, our Parish Secretary.  We gathered after 9am Mass for Morning Tea, where John Halberstater and Fr Matthew Moloney both thanked Briona for her tireless dedication to her role as Secretary over the past ten years.  We also took this opportunity to welcome our new Parish Secretary Vanessa Ramswarup and our current Assistant Secretary Sonia Cunningham.

March 1^st had us gathering for an ecumenical World Day of Prayer, prepared by the women of Slovenia. We gathered at the Anglican Church in Lammermoor, Yeppoon and also in the Anglican Church, Emu Park where about twenty five people attended. These events provide a wonderful opportunity for ecumenical fellowship.

Our monthly shared breakfast was held at Mary Immaculate Church, Emu Park on March 3^rd. Every time we gather for our shared breakfast we appreciate the blessing of our covered area. On this occasion I asked our altar boys Jesse McWhinney and Charlie Kidd if I could take a photo of our “Angels” (at least at Sunday Mass they are}!! These boys keep an eye on Fr Matthew to make sure he is doing the right thing. We lost Jesse and his family for twelve months when they moved south, but we are privileged that Jesse and his beautiful family – Blair, Catherine, Xavier, Max and Sadie, have moved back to Emu Park once again.

Charlie is heavily into Surf Life Saving and is competing in the State championship at Burleigh Heads on March 9/10^th. Charlie is competing in - 1km run, Sprints, Board relay, Board Rescue, Flags, Beach relay and Cameron relay. I am sure Charlie, Mum and Dad, will all sleep well after this weekend.

Our revamped St Vincent de Paul shop in Yeppoon will reopen tomorrow morning March 9^th at 8.30am. The shop has been completely emptied, refitted and restocked over many, many hours of hard work by the wonderful staff and many volunteers. Thank you all for the great support you give to our community. May you be richly blessed.

We also start a continuation of our “Listening in Lent” process which will begin tomorrow March 9^th followed by praying the Stations of the Cross.  We will gather as a parish community for input after a short article to read and discuss. This will lead us over the next couple of months into discerning a Parish Leadership group who will then look at where our Parish goes from here. 

 Finally, we farewell a dear friend and parishioner - Helen McConville. Helen passed from this life on March 5^th.  Helen was born in Gracemere and became a nurse when she left school. This was to nurture her already caring nature. She met her husband Kevin while nursing in Springsure. Kevin was kind enough to drop pumpkins off to the nurse’s home so he could ask Helen out on a date. They were married on December 16, 1972 and lived in Capella. Helen’s love for the beach saw them purchase a beach house in Emu Park. They finally sold the beach house and moved across the road from it about six years ago. We have had the privilege of Kevin and Helen living full time with us from then. Helen will be sadly missed by her family and all who knew her.

Rest in peace Helen.

 As we journey through Lent, may we open our eyes to the ways that God wants to bless us and draw us closer to Him.

Helen McIntyre

On Friday 22^nd February the School and Sports Captains were announced during Liturgy. Their badges were blessed and presented to the Captains and also to the School Leaders.

The Mackay Catholic Mens Dinner Club met on Monday 25^th February. An enjoyable night was held with 37 men attending.

Guest speaker was George Christensen MP Federal Member for Dawson. George gave a most informative and enjoyable talk. The coverage of the seat of Dawson stretches from South Mackay to South Townsville. George spoke about his role representing his constituents and told us about the happenings in Parliament.

Tony Vella, Visitor, Hon. George Christensen MP, Ashwin Acharya, Seminarian

George invited Questions and responded suitably with interesting and in-depth replies. Des Crowe thanked George for giving up his busy schedule to be us tonight.

Our next dinner is at the Boomerang Hotel on Monday 25^th March 6.30pm for 7pm start. Visitors are welcome.

Graham Featherstone

(This story should have appeared last year. My apologies for the delay - Sr Kym)

About 224 km west of Emerald is the little town of Jericho. According to the 2011 census the population - in the town itself and on properties in the district - came to something like 350 inhabitants. However, by this September I have no doubt that the number was even less. Earlier in the year the last little shop closed. I know from experience that there is no commercial venue where you can buy a cup of coffee. With the drought as in much of western Queensland, graziers (whether owners or managers) have been struggling to retain breeding stock.

Although it can mean running up debts enough to give nightmares or at least to disturb sleep, keeping reduced herds alive requires feeding supplements such as hay, molasses, cotton seed and a range of other additives. With widespread demand, supplies are becoming more difficult to obtain and increasingly expensive both to pay for and to transport. This story, this reality has received increased media attention in the last couple of months and people around the country have been responding in so many ways.

The weekend of September 15^th – 16^th, was a wonderful time in Jericho! The population swelled when a convoy of trucks and other vehicles arrived: Lions coming from Emerald, Tewantin and Townsville, St. Ursula’s ‘Old Girls’ and members of Bundy to the Farm. They will probably never know just how much their gifts of time, money, goods and presence meant to this little community – although several told me of tears they saw in the eyes of men reluctant though grateful to accept what was given: hay bales, dog food, horse food, licks, fruit (great strawberries included!), fresh groceries, household goods and  personal items. There was even free ice cream and a jumping castle and face-painting for the children. With donations from the Men’s Shed and elsewhere, the locals themselves prepared and served food for everyone from Friday night to Sunday afternoon.

On Sunday morning we gathered under the trees, for an ecumenical service. This was led by Steve Cavell, the flying pastor who is well known across the central west, together with “Chappy” Tony from Alpha, Reverend Graham (Anglican) and the Salvation Army all from Longreach. Taking Church to the people is how I often think of such occasions. It always makes me think of Jesus going out to the people of his day, sitting down with them wherever they were, using everyday examples from their own lives as he talked with them.

Unlike most other towns where there are businesses and shopkeepers who are also struggling to survive, because there is no local shop at all, bringing in goods rather than buying them from local sources, did not result in the unfortunately negative effect brought about in some places. The donations were most welcome and new caring relationships have been established. Although the crisis has not passed for this little community, the lift to their spirits has been great.

 Sr Mary

Western Pastoral Ministry

The National Evangelisation Teams Ministries, known as NET Australia, commissioned 48 young people to go out and spread the Good News to the people of Australia and, for the first time, South Africa.

Rockhampton Bishop Michael McCarthy commissioned the NET missionaries at a Commissioning Mass at Sacred Heart Church, Paddington on Saturday, February 23.

Photo courtesy of the Archdiocese of Brisbane

Hello, my name is Jocelyne Benoit and I have been in the part time role of sacraments resource person for the last couple of years in addition to my role as education consultant in religion for the Catholic Education Office.  I am a member of  the Diocesan Liturgical Commission and the role supports our families of the Diocese. I am part of the pastoral ministries of the Diocese and am appointed by Bishop Michael.

The main task has been to review the diocesan policy on sacraments and this is a work in progress.  I have also conducted a review of the resources available to the diocese for sacraments for school aged children, namely; Liturgy Brisbane, Evangelisation Brisbane, Garrett Publishing, Broken Bay and the MacKillop Sacramental Programme. Note: Liturgy Brisbane has revised p18 of the Penance book.

Dynamic Catholic also has an online free programme available at https://dynamiccatholic.com/blessed The student book and teacher guide are free to download, and the videos are accessible to all. Please contact me regarding any queries.

Confirmation dates have been set and information regarding readings (outside of Mass) for Year C will be forthcoming from the Bishop’s Office. 

Please feel free to contact me regarding any queries concerning sacramental preparation for school aged children. (phone 4994 8104).

Twenty-Four Hours for the Lord will take place throughout the Diocese on 22/23 March 2019. Each parish/parish cluster is invited to mark the occasion by scheduling special prayers and celebrations, especially Adoration before the Blessed Sacrament, during that time to suit their particular circumstances. The Diocesan Liturgical Commission is preparing a booklet of resources (in both hard and digital copy) which parishes may wish to use during this special time. These resources are expected to be available in early February.