Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

I welcome you to the February edition of the Diocesan electronic newsletter.

I invite you to walk with me this year, together as disciples of the Risen Christ and become more and more co-responsible for the Mission of Christ. I wish you all of Gods blessings as we begin this year and this journey together.

On Saturday 13 February 2021, the first person-to-person meeting of the Diocesan Pastoral Council was held. We had met three times last year but via video because of the COVID restrictions.  Members were drawn from all over the five regions of our Diocese; from the West, Central Highlands, Northern, Southern and Central regions. Members came from Jundah, Mackay and Bundaberg and many travelled for over 3 or 4 hours, in fact, coming from Jundah is over one thousand kilometres.  It was a great opportunity meeting with all the members in person this time as they came from the various aspects and pastoral life of our Diocese

The Diocesan Pastoral Council assists the Bishop by investigating, considering and proposing practical conclusions about the things that pertain to the pastoral work of the Diocese. In doing so the Diocesan Pastoral Council forms one of the five councils that assist the Bishop - Finance Council, Education Council, Centacare Council, Priests’ Council and the Pastoral Council. Each of these councils assist the Bishop with governance of the five different areas of life within the Diocese.

The membership of the Diocesan Pastoral Council comes from parishioners who are in full communion with the Catholic church, this includes priests, religious and parishioners from across the Diocese as well as the Directors from our Diocesan agencies – Diocesan Services, Education and Centacare.  Mr Rob Alexander was elected as the Chair for the Pastoral Council, after having assisted as interim Chair, and Mrs Vicki Heggie was elected Vice Chair.  Together with Mrs Catherine Simmonds, Secretary and Ms Joy Philippi, the Executive Officer to the Diocesan Pastoral Council, these four people form the Executive of the Council.

We began the day with a prayer led by students from The Cathedral College. Claire Stitt, Tess Quinn, and Joy Philippi invited our young people to begin our day with the beautiful story of Abraham and Sarah, where Abraham and Sarah opened their tent up to the visitors. We were welcomed to the new space of the Diocesan Pastoral Council and through prayer and music we were invited into God’s space as we began together.

The Acknowledgment of Country followed our prayer and then Mr Steve Lawrence, our guest speaker, was introduced who explored the topic of Missionary Disciples of the Risen Lord, Co-responsible for the Mission. During the day we also looked at Evangelii Gaudium 24 – “What does an evangelising community do?”, very important for the discernment of the Council.  As the reflection continued it centred on how the Catholic Diocese of Rockhampton can embrace evangelization. The Diocesan Pastoral Council received the reports from the Social Justice Group, progress from the Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) and Youth, Family Life & Vocations.  Joy Philippi presented a summary on the various renewal plans that are available to parish communities.

I look forward to the next meeting of the Diocesan Pastoral Council when we gather, like the early church did on the eve of Pentecost, and to discern what the Holy Spirit is saying to us. My congratulations to our new Executives and I thank Rob Alexander and Vicki Heggie for their leadership, together with Joy and Catherine.

This month we saw some changes in the clergy. Father Thadayoose Lazar HGN has returned to India on his way to work in America. We thank him for his 10 years of service to this Diocese and wish him all the very best as he fulfills his dream of working in America. Father Bryan Hanifin has retired as the Administrator of St Joseph’s Cathedral and again we wish you Father Bryan all the best in retirement and trust that you will be able to fulfill your dream of travel and enjoy the rest.  This year, Father Bryan will be ordained 50 years as a priest. Incredible service to our Diocese and we hope to celebrate his anniversary a little later this year.

The month of February brings the opening of the school year - the honour of the leadership of our schools and colleges and also the joyful welcoming of our young people to begin another year of their formal education. The sacramental programs are gearing up and I look forward to celebrating Confirmation around the Diocese this year.  With the retirement of Father Bryan and Father Thadayoose returning home, it has put a little strain on the Diocese however, with the generosity of the priests from Gladstone and the Central region, the Valleys region Parish have supply priests to care for them for the next six months. For St Joseph’s Cathedral, I will be assisting for the next six months. Father Stephen Hanly has travelled to Melbourne to begin a 12 month renewal course in Spirituality and we wish Father Stephen all the very best as he undertakes this very important time for service of our Church in the future. 

On 3 February, I travelled to Mackay to bless and open the new CentacareCQ offices in Sydney Street. The new offices provide a place for all our Centacare staff working in Mackay, and places for them to minister to the various people who require assistance and support. Centacare began here in Rockhampton as Catholic welfare by Father Frank Gilbert and Sister Anne-Marie Kinnane RSM. From there it has grown into an incredible network of Catholic care across our Diocese. From Mackay to Emerald, Longreach, Blackwater and here in Rockhampton, Yeppoon, Gladstone and Bundaberg. Under the leadership of Mr Robert Sims, Director, a great group of people exercise a ministry of the Catholic Diocese of Rockhampton assisting people in their needs. The gospel proclaimed during the blessing and opening was a familiar one of the good Samaritan, who came across a person broken and bashed by society. The Samaritan got down and assisted this person to wholeness. This was the incredible act that we are all invited to be a part of.  There are many people who come to the Catholic Church for assistance and through our ministry of Centacare, people are able to regain confidence to live life again. I believe we are truly blessed in this Diocese with such a great agency as part of our Catholic Church. My prayer for Sydney Street Mackay is it becomes the “inn of hospitality” of Catholic care and for the people of Mackay and beyond.

God bless you all.

Bon Voyage Fr Bryan Hanifin

"The world looks to the priest, because it looks to Jesus! No one can see Christ; but everyone sees the priest, and through him they wish to catch a glimpse of the Lord!" - Pope Saint John Paul II.

It has been a little while since Fr Bryan Hanifin retired as Parish Priest and Administrator of the Cathedral Parish of St Joseph and his absence has been well and truly felt.

Over the last six years, Fr Bryan faced many challenges with the most recent being the COVID-19 crisis. His ability to navigate the rapidly changing government restrictions while still finding time to connect with parishioners through what became his very popular weekly articles (something the parish office wishes to continue) was an amazing feat.

Fr Bryan was very dedicated to his role as Parish Priest. Regardless of how early one of the administration team arrived at the office, Fr Bryan would already be working. Fr Bryan would also often be the last to leave of a day. Despite this busyness, Fr Bryan was always approachable and did his best to find the humour in things, something that has been missed since his retirement.

While we miss Fr Bryan, we are glad to hear that he is thoroughly enjoying his well-deserved retirement. In Fr Bryan's absence Fr Matthias has been working extremely hard and adapting well to his expanded role within the Parish.

At his farewell celebration Mass from St Joseph's Cathedral on Sunday 24 January, Bishop Michael shared these words:

"This morning, we will hear a few tributes to Fr Bryan as we thank him for 50 years of priestly service to this diocese. Fr Bryan was close to retirement six years ago when I invited him to leave the coast and come to Rockhampton. His incredibly generous spirit was answered with an enthusiastic yes. It wasn’t, 'I will think about it'… but yes, he gave to Christ who called him from the banks of the Thompson River as young person…like the young Simon and Andrew of the gospel today…to the ordained priesthood.

In these 50 years, some of the years being very challenging appointments, Fr Bryan remained a man close to God through his prayer and took many of his important decisions, like Jesus to prayer. But there is a deep generosity in him as he looked beyond the Diocese and offered himself to humbly serve God as a missionary disciple of the Risen Christ. He has worked alongside the priests of this Diocese and waited very patiently in some of his appointments. A great strength and incredible spirituality which occasionally is allowed to sneak out when we hear him praying with St Mary of the Cross Mackillop.

Today, we honour Fr Bryan.

The Capricorn Coast is a parish still dear to him. On an occasion of his ordination anniversary, these words were spoken;

• • He quietly serves others with no fanfare or need for recognition. He is there for people selflessly when he is needed.
  • He draws out the gifts of others, encouraging us to be responsible for each other and the mission of our church.
  • His sister Joy; His calling is his whole life, He is a giver not a taker…and so very kind.

Fr Bryan, may you now enjoy what you like best, reading and travelling and hopefully, we will move beyond this COVID era and allow you to enjoy."

In the weeks leading up to Fr Bryan's official retirement as Parish Priest, the parish office received a great number of words of congratulations, some of which can be read below.

"Congratulations on your retirement Fr Bryan. Thank you for your gentle witness to God’s great love in our College community, illuminating His word in our hearts and minds. Your sure and steadfast presence will be missed. May God bless you always, from the Students, Staff and Families of The Cathedral College."

The Cathedral College

"Wishing you all the best for your retirement, thank you for your priesthood, friendship and presence to our Parish and the Diocese. Many blessings to you, from all the Cap Coast."

Capricorn Coast Catholic Parish

"I heartily salute Father Bryan Hanifin as he enters a new phase of priestly life and ministry - eased from a range of important responsibilities. For several years he impressively carried the burden of ill health with gracious dignity. Bryan is a very talented priest whose private nature has skillfully masked his various gifts and abilities. He is remarkably hospitable, liturgically he shines with creativity and is an enviable communicator and relator. He cares pastorally with thoughtful respect. He brings a fine mind to his administrative tasks. All of the above issue from a genuine spirituality. I thank Fr Bryan for his friendship over the past fifty-six years since he entered the Seminary at Banyo where is a affectionately remembered."

Monsignor John Grace - Rector at Holy Spirit Seminary

"On behalf of the St Joseph’s Wandal community, we thank Father Bryan for the spiritual, pastoral and practical support he has extended to us over the past six years. It can be said that schools are microcosms of the society in which they exist, and just like the ‘real’ world, experience periods of great joys, but also challenges and sadness at times too. Father Bryan, through his leadership, has supported our school families and staff through such times and has made an indelible impression on all those who have experienced his generosity, his listening ear or his healthy sense of humour. Father Bryan, may God reward you with abundant blessings and great joy. May your retirement be filled with fond memories and new adventures"

Kellie Jenkinson and the community of St Joseph’s Wandal

"On behalf of all in Catholic Education I offer our most heartfelt thanks and deep appreciation to you Fr Bryan for your outstanding support, leadership and wisdom shared with catholic schools over many years. Wherever you have served in Parish life across our Diocese you have been a great source of support to the Principals and Staff of the Catholic school communities. You have influenced the lives of so many, our students, their families, our staff and our wider school and parish communities, sharing the Gospel message through your words and actions. We wish you every blessing as you retire as Parish Priest and know that you will always been in our thoughts and prayers. Thank you Fr Bryan."

Leesa Jeffcoat

Fr Bryan you inspired us to always be our best and do our best to serve people of the Cathedral Parish of St Joseph and for this we give you our heartfelt thanks. You will be missed.

Cathedral Parish of St Joseph Office Staff

 Matthew Pettett

Pope Francis on December 8, 2020 published an Apostolic Letter Patris corde (With a Father’s Heart), commemorating the 150th anniversary of the declaration of Saint Joseph as Patron of the Universal Church. To mark the occasion, the Holy Father has proclaimed a “Year of St Joseph”, running from December 8, 2020 to December 8, 2021.

A number of resources are being developed to encourage and support the celebration of the Year of St Joseph. Those resources will be posted online and can be accessed by the link below. They will include: 

• Monthly reflections on various aspects of St Joseph's life and character;
• Prayers for various settings;
• Images and social media graphics.

My name is Peter Doherty.

I am a third-year seminarian for the Diocese of Rockhampton. My journey to the seminary is best described as “an early sense of a vocation, but long delayed.”

I grew up in Bundaberg where my grandparents and family ran sugar cane farms for many years. My own parents were teachers, and they still reside in Bundaberg. When I was very young, we lived in Gladstone for two years. I attended St Mary’s Primary School, South Bundaberg and then attended Shalom College, the local Catholic high school.

After high school, I studied at The University of Queensland and resided at St Leo’s College. After graduation, I worked in a variety of executive and management roles in the finance and then later, construction, industries. During this time, I worked closely with many people from a broad cross-section of cultural and national backgrounds, including a period where I was given the opportunity to work in India.

I have been involved in many diverse aspects of Parish Life, including RCIA, Parish Pastoral Council, Hospitality Ministry and various other local ministries. Prior to entering the Seminary, I was on the Board of the St Leo’s College Foundation, which offered university scholarships for young people across Queensland, including the Diocese of Rockhampton.

I have been blessed to have had positive encounters with Diocesan, Jesuit, Franciscan and Carmelite spiritualities. An increasing awareness of the early lives of many saints, but especially St Augustine, has assisted me in appreciating the context and contours of my own narrative and life journey.

I greatly enjoyed my visits in 2018 to the communities of Longreach, Barcaldine, Blackall, Emerald, Tambo, Aramac, Clermont, Moranbah, Mackay, Sarina, Farleigh Walkerston, Finch Hatton, Mirani and Marian. My recent pastoral placements in Yeppoon and Bundaberg, as well as my visits to Rockhampton, Gladstone and Baffle Creek have further served to impress upon me the unique challenges and opportunities for mission in different parts of the Diocese. It has been for me wonderful to recognise the gifts, talents and faith which are generously shared across so many communities. It is for me a happy reminder that there are as many paths to God in our Diocese as there are people. It is the generous sharing of gifts, talents, time and faith that binds, knits and stitches our own journeys into the common Diocesan and wider Australian journey which is shaped and moved by the presence of the Holy Spirit among us.

I am humbled to have been considered and now appointed to be a Plenary Council Delegate for the Diocese of Rockhampton. My hope is that the Plenary Council serves not simply, or only, as a vehicle which looks at the exterior procedural architecture and structures of the Church in Australia. To listen to what the Spirit is saying to the Church in Australia must include that discernment as to what the Spirit is saying to us in the sanctuary of our own hearts. I therefore also hope that the Plenary Council becomes a catalyst for the renewal of our own interior, personal relationship with the God who companions us on our journey. It is this renewal, to be first ourselves evangelised, or, re-evangelised, which having in us begun, becomes that nourishment to fuel and propel the mission which all of us can share with all those others whom we encounter, going out to the spiritual, social, economic, relational and pedagogical peripheries of our communities.

I welcome your engagement with me and the broader Plenary Council process as we head towards the first session in October 2021.

May God bless you, your families and all those dear to you.

The Assembled School Leaders

On February 11^th  2021, the Student Leadership Network of the Rockhampton and Capricorn Coast regions was welcomed at St. Joseph’s Cathedral by Bishop Michael for their Induction Ceremony of 2021.  

Each year the elected student leaders of these regions come together, at the collective invitation of their Principals and Headmasters to be recognised, inducted and called upon to make a commitment to work together.  Although this ceremony takes place each year, this was the the first year in which all Principals and Headmasters were able to attend.

Leaders making their Committment    The Induction Committment

The ceremony creates a strong sense of collaboration, responsibility, and companionship amongst the participants and is unique in the State of Queensland.

Claire Stitt, Deputy Principal: Mission, The Cathedral College, and one of the ceremony organisers said that we recognised the need to gather all the student leaders together in a way that underscores “the valuable role they will play within their own school or college”. 

The acknowledgement of country was given by Principal of The Cathedral College, Mr Rob Alexander; and then Principals and Headmasters were invited by Mrs Claire Stitt and Mrs Aine Toman, Assistant Principal: Mission - Emmaus College, to introduce their Student leaders to the community.

Before each principal introduced their leaders by name, they read out their school motto and explained how this could be used to encourage all those present as leaders in 2021.

Mount Morgan State High School

    Glenmore State High School           Yeppoon State High School

Mrs. Stitt said, ‘one of the best guides to being good leaders can be found in the school mottos and mission statements. We hope that in light of this ceremony the students will have a better appreciation of this’.

The Principal of St Ursula’s College, Mrs Ryan, inspired all those present with their motto, “Perfect our Steps”. She went on to say, “As leaders, we are conscious that our example to others is often our greatest influence. We are called to do our best and support each other to walk and learn together in a spirit of faith, hope and love”. 

Glenmore State High School’s motto encouraged all to be “Inspiring growth, positive well-being and quality outcomes for all”, which their Principal, Mr Shannon said, “Good leaders understand that success is not a destination. Nor is failure. How we work together is as important as what we will achieve. The quality of our relationships with staff and students will be a mark of our success for the year”. 

Learning to lead by example, striving for excellence, responding to others' needs, and knowing when to ask for help were some of the key themes of the ceremony. After which, all the students proceeded to stand and read out an induction statement where they recognised and accepted the responsibilities of their positions.

The concluding words of the service was made by Mrs. Stitt quoting the words of Nelson Mandela:

“Student leaders of 2021 go forth and let your spirit light shine because in doing so you will unconsciously give other people permission to do the same”. 

To the student leaders of the Student Leadership Network, we say well done on your appointment. We recognise you and commend you to your mottos and mission statements as you serve your communities and our region in 2021.

Isabella Pilcher

CentacareCQ has moved to newly refurbished offices located in the heart of the Mackay Central Business District, with the goal of being better positioned to serve the community.

The purchase and refurbishment of the offices at 58 Sydney Street represents a substantial investment in and commitment to the community, allowing the organisation to both continue to offer and have the scope to expand services to assist even more people in the region.

Of the renovation, CentacareCQ’s Health and Wellbeing General Manager Flavia Prospero said;

“We simply outgrew our office in Milton Street! Our new location features many improvements, all tailored to enhance our service delivery capabilities. The interior has been custom designed to make your experience of attending counselling or mediation consultations much more comfortable, with the creation of nine private consultation rooms and a large group meeting room.” 

On Wednesday 3^rd February Bishop Michael McCarthy blessed and officially opened the new office as part of a liturgy with staff and some community gathered. 

Bishop Michael McCarthy said while referencing the Good Samaritan story during the opening; “The reading reflects the work of CentacareCQ, a ministry of the Catholic Diocese of Rockhampton, . . . . .   This is core business for this outreach of the Catholic Church in its caring for all who fall by the wayside.  Not being selective, but being the heart of mercy.  As Jesus told this story, it was an instruction to his disciples, this is your core ministry”.

“The person lying on the side of the road was stripped of his dignity, his life and there the Samaritan was able to assist with his rebuilding.  Here our CentacareCQ assists in the rebuilding of people’s lives through supporting people with counselling, advice, assisting with social security, rebuilding people after a change in life situations, through assisting our elderly with the NDIS, and being a support for those whose lives have been affected by sexual abuse, domestic violence, mental illness, inability to find work . . . this Sydney Street building becomes the inn of hospitality of Catholic care.”

Robert Sims, CentacareCQ Director in addressing those gathered said;

“We have always been really committed to assisting the Mackay community. With our new offices we are now easier to find, easier to get to and better equipped to assist those that need our aged care, counselling, NDIS and Family Relationship Centre services.”

CentacareCQ has been a leading social, clinical and community services provider in the Central Queensland region since 1974. More information about the organisation can be found on their website: www.centacarecq.com

 CentacareCQ moved into the new office in early December 2020, however the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic meant that the official office opening ceremony had to be pushed back until 2021.

Erbil, Iraq is one of the places that Pope Francis will visit next month on his historic trip to that troubled nation.  This newsletter from the Chaldean Catholic Archbishop gives some background to his diocese and the challenges that the Church faces in that land.

A Unique Christmas Celebration 

Christmas celebration in 2020 was different due to the tough and uncertain times.

The Volunteers Without Borders whose annual Christmas Banquet for the less fortunate members of the community in Rockhampton had to be changed following COVID-19 protocol, especially for some of the regular guests who may be more vulnerable to the virus. The Christmas Banquet this year at St Joseph’s Cathedral Corso was called off, as social distancing rules meant there should be no crowds. There was no gathering around the tables, where everyone shared the festive offerings, exchanged pleasantries, enjoyed the atmosphere of camaraderie, meeting new friends and renewing acquaintances.

Preparation of the packages of groceries and packed lunches with the members of Volunteers Without Borders, together with Vicar General Fr Bryan Hanifin.

The Volunteers Without Borders, through the support of Bishop Michael McCarthy and Fr Bryan Hanifin, and regular private and business patrons and donors, took on another approach to share the bounty of the Season, through a simple offering of packed lunches and drinks for those living alone, the homeless and families who are struggling to go through their daily lives, let alone on Christmas Day.

Distribution centre attended by Bishop Michael

and members of Volunteers Without Borders

The 2020 Christmas celebration was unique, although memorable for those who came and joined us and savoured the opportunity to share the joy of giving, the joy of receiving and the joy of togetherness in the face of COVID-19.

Linda Esguerra

Here it is already, one month gone, and 2021 is already taking on its own momentum. Christmas in Covid times has come and gone, the schools are back in full swing, and Lent is just around the corner. Let’s hope that our Church’s liturgical life will be back to normal by next Christmas!

Fr Gasper with St Joseph’s school leaders

QR Codes

What did we ever do without them? Everywhere you go, a QR code pops up in front of you! They have finally found there way to the entrances of our churches and are easing the registration process greatly.

Australia Day

Team Tweeters sing “Shelter”                         Fr Gasper leads the Indian National Anthem.

This was our first social function for the year. A Mass to place our nation at the forefront of our thoughts & prayers followed by a covid-safe gathering in St Patrick’s hall was arranged. Seminarian Peter Doherty was our guest MC. The Team Tweeters and backing band, otherwise known as the Parish Team, began the celebrations with their rendition of "Shelter", (apologies to Eric Bogle). Then came a ballad written by Fr Peter, jokes, the national anthem of India, Waltzing Matilda, green, gold, eucalyptus branches, flags, and good company.

Holy Rosary Cooling

Work being carried out on Holy Rosary Church

From the last Sunday in January, Holy Rosary church has been closed while work on installing air conditioning takes place. All Masses in town are now held in St Patrick’s church. All being well this phase of the installation will be finished by the end of February.

St Mary's Anniversary

The future of the St Mary’s site discussed

The 11^th February was remembered as the first anniversary of the loss of St Mary’s church by fire. A gathering was held on Sunday, 7^th February, to discuss the future of the St Mary’s church site. Some creative and thoughtful suggestions for the site were put forward, all expressing a great desire to maintain the Catholic presence & identity of the site. Next step, compilation of all ideas and the formation of a consultative group to take some of the suggestions forward for consideration.

Parish Summit #2

Mr Craig Farmer leads discussions at Summit #2

Who are we and where are we going? Those are the questions we’re asking our parishioners to look at and discuss as part of our Parish Planning. On Saturday, 13^th February, parishioners were invited to a morning of information and formation with Craig Farmer, facilitator of this process, who could finally be with us from Sydney. Members of the Parish Planning Group and Stewardship Council stayed for a few more hours of discussion around the two questions that were posed.

The next step will be to focus on the question: If this is who we are and this is where we want our parish to be in five years’ time, how do we get there? What needs to happen in order to be the parish we envisage? Summit #3 in the near future will see parishioners attempt to answer those questions.

May this year be fruitful for us all.

Anne Sheehan

Last week, we had a rather busy and knowledge-filled week as we welcomed Fr Noel Milner and Sr. Kym as guests amongst us.

On the two evenings of Wednesday and Thursday Fr Noel shared and imparted his knowledge on the history, geographic background of the Holy land with snippets of the different cultures in Israel, which led us into a deeper understanding of the Parables that Jesus told.

As we reflected on the week that was, the knowledge acquired, the challenges we face individually and collectively and the faith we profess as a church here are some insights on some of the things attendees had to say;

“It encouraged me to go back and read the parables again, reflect on my walk with God, to listen to what he is saying to me on a personal level”

“The simple stories came alive with detailed information that Fr Noel explained. A very enjoyable night.”

“A great gift of knowledge and wisdom. I really appreciated how Fr Noel brought the stories to life and how to apply them to everyday living.”

“Loved Fr Noel’s deep and simple explanation of scripture. Brought back memories of my visit to the Holy land. Thank you for expressing the everyday life in the word of God.”  

“I like the historical backgrounds of his talk, the behavioural patterns of the people in that period; the geographical features of Israel and how it affected their ministry; the Roman Empire’s influence and how it affected the disciples’ way of presenting their preaching; the in-depth teaching of parables”

“The need to keep our relationship with God and the understanding that it is a personal matter. I cannot rely on someone else’s faith for no one will enter heaven by association or affiliation to a group of people. To have an introspection and be prepared for I do not know the time and day that I will be called.”

On Sunday, we held a women’s breakfast where Sr. Kym accepted to come and speak with women who shared her faith, and to encourage us on our journey. She delved into the Gospel of Mark and how it tells the story of Jesus and his encounters with individuals. She read stories from Mark and gave us some examples of stories from our time and our world and how individuals responded to their situations.

As a group, we were encouraged to listen to the Gospel of Mark as if we were hearing the stories for the very first time.  The breakfast and the fellowship was enjoyed by all who attended and they had this to say:

“No matter who you are or what you become in life, God’s plans for you never change”

“Now I really understand about the gospel of Mark. The miracles that Jesus performed and the faith that those individuals had, it encourages and reaffirms my faith “

“A reminder that the gifts and talents we receive are meant to be shared with others. We are channels of God’s grace. Do not hold on to your gifts”

“Just like Jesus came to serve, we too are called to a life of service”

“For me it was very lovely, well organised women’s breakfast setting. Kym’s talk on Mark’s gospel was uplifting and inspirational. She reminded us to be aware of the emotional and spiritual challenges that we face in our lives. Deep and simplicity of faith.”

We greatly appreciate the time and talents that Fr Noel and Sr Kym shared and gave to our faith community. Thank you!

Florence Chauraya

Youth ministry plan and action at SOS Gladstone

We invited, they were ignited, the young people delighted…

The buses were boarded heading to Ignite Summer Camp with a mix of apprehension, uncertainty, and excitement.

24 of the young people from Gladstone parish, Chanel and local state schools were led by Father Andrew and myself and joined by 18 young people and 3 leaders from the remaining areas of Rockhampton.

Together we met as families before the camp to work though questions and plans and to get to know each other.

The camp offered a variety of experiences and over the 4 days the young people and leaders experienced some awesome fun, prayerful and worship moments, daily mass, and small groups. Apart from meeting 200 other young people and 65 other leaders it would be an understatement to say it was truly memorable.

Ignite has set off the flame for our youth ministry plan. With a youth steering committee in place and identified roles of parents and leaders, we have begun the journey of sustainable youth ministry at Gladstone parish. The young people and parents shared of their experience at our Tell all night for parishioners.

Our Youth launch pizza night was a way to engage a variety of young people form those who attended camp and those who did not and find out what and when about our youth plan.

Training has been set up for our leaders in late February and we hope to kick off our youth group in March sometime.

Our ministry is wholistic with family connections strongly influencing our plan and implementation.

Gladstone Men’s network update

The Gladstone SOS Parish Men’s Network has had their first meeting for the year. We gather on the first Friday of every month to pray for the intentions of our families, our parish and the wider Church.  A range of activities are being planned with the focus on building solidarity around the parish’s mission through prayer, social gatherings and faith formation and support for our priests, including handyman jobs to assist the maintenance of parish buildings and infrastructure.  

Bernadette Ariens

St Joseph’s Opening School Mass was celebrated on Wednesday 10^th February during which Father Jomon blessed the Leaders’ Badges, and the staff of St Joseph’s renewed their commitment to the vocation of teaching.

School leaders of St Joseph’s School for 2021  School and Sports Captains of St Joseph’s for 2021

On Friday a special Liturgy was held where the School and Sports Captains were announced and presented with their leadership badges. The Year Six Class also received their leadership badges for 2021.  During the liturgy the children, staff and parents prayed a special blessing over them.

The first meeting for the Peak Downs Cluster was held on 7^th February at Capella. Those present worked out Mass times for Ash Wednesday and for Easter among other things. The next meeting will be held at Clermont in May.

Sr Helen Parker rsj

Farewell to Fr Thadayoose Lazar h.g.n.   [Fr. T]

Sunday 24^th January 2021, the parishioners of the Valleys Region (St. Therese’s, Monto) farewelled Fr T Lazar.  A thanksgiving Mass was celebrated at 6.00 p.m. followed by the planting of a tree in appreciation of Fr T’s four and a half years as Parish Priest.  Sr Anne Baxter smsm blessed the tree, Sr Marie Lamerand smsm prayed over the tree, then Fr T. planted the tree – a Leopard tree – aided by Mr Allen Schulke.  A plaque, set into a stone, was placed at the base of the tree.  Bar-b-que meal, accompanied by delicious desserts prepared by the women of the parish, then followed. 

As the evening drew to its conclusion, Fr T was given a wallet (with cash) presented by Mrs Bridie Quinn, and a fabric wall hanging hand-crafted by Mrs Marian Schulke and presented by Mr Allen Schulke.  The wall hanging depicted a map of Queensland in which the parish of the Valleys Region was represented and Monto was highlighted.  Members of the St Therese's community signed the hanging.  Following each presentation, Fr T responded warmly and gratefully.  Master of Ceremonies was ably performed by Mr Colin List.

We are very grateful to Fr T for his years of zealous and generous service to us as a herald of God’s Good News, and wish him well for his holiday and future ministry.

Sr Anne Baxter smsm

At the beginning of last year Bishop Michael appointed two priests (Frs Shaiju and Raj) to work in solidum (together) across the vast region of the West.  During 2020 both priests resided in Longreach, travelling extensively each weekend to various places.  At a meeting of the Regional Pastoral Council late last year, it was decided to trial something quite different for the West.  The two priests are separately rotating their weekday residence through the three largest towns, namely Longreach, Barcaldine and Blackall.  This will hopefully facilitate more opportunities for the priests and parishioners to get to know one another and for the priests to provide pastoral support to the Catholic schools and the nursing homes.  This is a significant change for our clergy and despite reducing the kilometres they will be travelling each month, the strain of living in three homes is a concern.  This 'rotation roster' is being trialled for a three month period, after which time it will be reviewed and assessed based on feedback from the priests and parishioners. 

Loretta McKeering

From January 13^th to 18^th, I had the privilege of travelling with 43 high school students from our diocese to Mapleton in the Sunshine Coast hinterland for Ignite Summer Camp. As our group had a long drive to get to the campsite, we decided to travel down by bus a day early and spend an extra night at the campsite as a Diocesan group. This gave us a great opportunity to get to know each other as a group first and start the camp rested and refreshed the next morning before being joined by almost 200 other young people.

After a year of cancelled events and isolation, it was such a blessing for our young people to be able to travel to an event like this and to meet heaps of new friends. There were plenty of opportunities for fun and friendship, with live music, large outdoor activities, swimming, art and drama. All the young people were also put in a small group with other people their own age and gender. These small groups met throughout the camp and provided a place to share and discuss with other Catholics their age. 

One of the great things about the camp is that all the young people hand in their phones on the first day and have them returned to them at the end. With so much going on, the young people don’t have time to miss their phones, and many of them expressed that it was enjoyable and freeing to be without their phones for a few days. Nevertheless, it was still a joyful reunion when the phones were finally returned. 

There were opportunities to encounter God throughout the camp, including Mass, adoration, worship music, reconciliation, inspiring speakers, and the opportunity to be prayed with by some of the leaders. While some of these experiences were new for many of our group, they entered into these spiritual moments with openness and positivity. Some students from our group who had never been to adoration before commented that it was the highlight of the whole event for them.

It was a joyful and close-knit group that travelled home in the buses, with many young people already talking about wanting to return in 2022. Thanks must go to all the parents who supported their children in attending the camp. Also, the trip would not have been possible without the efforts of our volunteer leaders and bus drivers and the generosity of The Cathedral College and Chanel College for allowing us to use their buses.

If you’re interested in knowing about youth events that are happening in our Diocese, get in touch with me at youth@rok.catholic.net.au

Michael Otto

St Ursula’s College, Yeppoon, officially welcomes new Principal, Mrs Deborah Ryan, to the campus, and to the Capricorn Coast.

Mrs Ryan, formerly the Assistant Principal – Identity and Culture at St Ursula’sCollege Toowoomba, was appointed by the College Board to commence as Principal in 2021, after the retirement of the College’s long-serving Principal, Mrs Catherine Dunbar, in 2020.

Mrs Ryan said she was honoured to have the opportunity to lead St Ursula’s, well-known as the only all girls Catholic Boarding and Day Secondary College in Central Queensland, with rich tradition and heritage in the Presentation charism.

“This year, St Ursula’s will focus on the value of Compassion, and our theme for the year will be, ‘When compassion meets action, lives change.’”

“Along with the teachers and staff of the College, I will work diligently to continue the legacy of success established by the Presentation Sisters,” Mrs Ryan said.

“I thank Mrs Catherine Dunbar for her extraordinary leadership of the College.”

Mrs Ryan and her husband, Brendan, relocated to Yeppoon during the Christmas/New Year period, after spending the past 13 years in Toowoomba.

“I look forward to fostering, in collaboration with students, staff and families, an environment where personal spirituality is developed in order to nurture young women who are strong and confident in being change agents in their world.”

“At St Ursula’s College, students feel comfortable, self-assured and supported in their learning, and grow as young women of the 21^st century; students and staff are encouraged to be bold in their choices and aspirations, and are nurtured to develop a positive growth mindset to achieve personal excellence,” Mrs Ryan said.

Mrs Ryan said her vision for the staff and students of the College was to foster an environment that empowered students to engage authentically in the learning process.

Mrs Ryan understands the importance of being a lifelong learner and holds a Bachelor of Education (Hons) and Master of Education from USQ, a Bachelor of Applied Science (Hons) UQ, and is currently completing her studies in a Master of Theology and Leadership at the Broken Bay Institute.

“In 2021, I encourage the College community to look beyond ourselves and strive to develop a sense of concern for others and a spirit of service,” Mrs Ryan said.

“May we personally and collectively take to heart the values and strengths of Nano Nagle as we venture forward, continuing to live, love, learn and lead with her vision guiding us.”

Over 3000 staff welcomed back around 17,000 students enrolled in Catholic Education Diocese of Rockhampton (CEDR) kindergartens, primary schools, and colleges to commence the 2021 school year.

CEDR Diocesan Director Leesa Jeffcoat AM said there has been a great sense of excitement and anticipation heading back to school this year.

“Our teachers and staff, refreshed by the Christmas holiday period after a very challenging 2020, had been very much looking forward to welcoming students and families back to our school communities,” Miss Jeffcoat said.

“Everyone is very positive about the year ahead and eager to get teaching and learning underway,”

Miss Jeffcoat said.

This year Catholic Education celebrates 200 years in Australia marking the bicentenary of the first Catholic school which opened in Parramatta in greater western Sydney.

“It’s quite a significant milestone and we are very excited to join with Catholic school communities around the nation to celebrate the great story of Catholic Education in Australia,” Miss Jeffcoat said.

Under the theme Faith in our Future, national celebrations include an official launch in each state, territory and diocese in the week commencing February 22, and a National Mass to be celebrated simultaneously on the Feast of Our Lady Help of Christians on May 24.

“There are many great inspirational stories of sacrifice, dedication and commitment that have contributed to the continued growth and development of Catholic Education in Australia and in our own diocese which has led to Catholic Education becoming the single largest non-government school sector,” Miss Jeffcoat said.

“As we reflect on the achievements of the past, we will also look to the future for ways we can continually improve our delivery of an excellent faith-based education that serves the needs of families in our communities,” Miss Jeffcoat said.

Catholic Education Diocese of Rockhampton comprises 10 kindergartens, 31 primary schools and 8 colleges in regional and rural centres from Mackay to Bundaberg and west to Longreach.

Anton Schick was a man full of faith, whose love of God was integral to all in his life: his family, his friends, his parish communities, firstly in Rockhampton and then on the Capricorn Coast, and with the wider community.  He was a teacher at heart.  Having worked as a teacher, he continued in retirement to share his faith in so many ways.  As a lover of music, he also shared this passion within the community, regularly going to the Aged Care Facilities and entertaining the elderly.  We share with his beloved wife, Joan, and the family our prayers for this man who has now entered into the fullness of God's life and love. 

From the Eulogy given by Daniel Schick

As Teresa so eloquently expressed in a recent email via TeamSchick, Dad was ready to be with God. His unshakeable faith helped him to be ready. I’m so grateful that with the wonders of modern medicine his pain was tolerable and not extended. Despite some cognitive difficulty, his true self was mostly there for us to see until very recently. Just three weeks ago we sat and laughed together at the antics of Basil Faulty like we had done decades ago.

From the Homily given by Fr Tony Schick

In the days after Dad’s death, that smile was the focus of a lot of my prayer, and I felt like I was getting in touch with the Resurrection in a whole new way, because of that smile.  I’m not trying to convince anyone else of anything, here, but just to share what seemed to be my experience: I felt like the Resurrection of the dead had become a whole lot more real and tangible and present, for me, than ever before.

Heaven, and the resurrection—we believe in it, we look forward to it, but it does tend to be a bit “theoretical” and distant, the subject of hope for the future, and not terribly practical and “real” in the present.  This can be true even for us “religious” types.  I think as I pondered that smile of Dad’s, I felt a bit like the disciples must have felt when they touched and ate with the risen Jesus: heaven has broken into this world, and is a concrete, physical reality here and now.  I say this because I think Dad must have begun to see something of heaven, in that moment of dying.

Peter Bartlett was a significant figure, not only on the Capricorn Coast, but across the region.  For thirty years, he worked at St Brendan's and had a positive impact on so many students, especially the Indigenous students.  The St Brendan's community are to be commended for holding such an inclusive funeral service for so many while keeping the Covid restrictions.  Live streamed across a number of places in the school, to the local football oval, and joined in prayer by parishioners at Sacred Heart Parish, it was a wonderful tribute to such a great man.  

From the Eulogy given by Cara Bartlett, Peter's wife

He was forever grateful to Gerard Keating and Dan McMahon for giving him the chance.  Pete went on to work for St Brendan’s until the day of his diagnosis in August 2019.  I know for a fact that next to his family and friends, St Brendan’s College was the greatest love of his life.  He held a number of positions within the school in his nearly 30 years including, Head of PE x 2, House Dean, Deputy Head of Residence, Head of Residence, Head of Boarding but his most loved roll and his last was Head of Indigenous Education.  Whilst I do not feel that I am the best person to speak about this I know he had a huge impact on many if not most of the boys that he taught, especially the indigenous boys.  He clearly demonstrated that despite the struggles of being an indigenous young man in Australian society with hard work, commitment, pride in your culture and a generosity of time and spirit, they could achieve anything.  Wunyungar Djadja (Alwyn) was a perfect example of the impact that Pete had on these young men and we as a family will be forever grateful to Alwyn.  We have received so many amazing messages about Pete’s impact on his students but I would also love to hear some of the Old Boys get up and speak at the wake about what Pete meant to them.

For each of you who knew him, many much better than I, we have glimpsed a man of faith, a man who loved his family, Cara, Emily and Caleb and cared deeply for those around him, he especially loved and cared for his boys from this place of St Brendan’s. He led and loved each of you with a spirit held deeply within him as a proud indigenous man of this land and its culture.

As our first reading proclaims if we die with Christ, we shall surely live with him…death no longer has power over him. Death no longer has power over Peter and we pray that he now enjoys the eternal love of his God who he made present in this world in so many ways.

In our Gospel we hear the teachings of Jesus and they are words and a way of life Peter tried to live out and make real. These teachings of Christ call each of us forward into each and every day and called Peter into his life and now eternal life with God.

He wasn’t perfect, but he was perfectly Peter.

Eternal rest grant unto him O Lord, may perpetual light shine upon him and may he rest in peace. Amen.