Family, friends and Sisters of Mercy gathered on Saturday 4 May 2019 to celebrate the Golden Jubilee of two Sisters, namely Denise Hinton and Colleen Livermore. Fr Bryan Hanifin VG, together with Frs Noel Milner and Sijo George concelebrated the Eucharist in Our Lady of Good Counsel Chapel, The Range. Later the Sisters and invited guests enjoyed a luncheon where further tributes honoured the Jubilarians.

Though Denise and Colleen have their respective origins in different parts of Australia, they share a call to follow Christ as vowed women religious in the example of our founder, Catherine McAuley. Both Denise and Colleen continue to be involved in vital ministries in their local area, namely South Mackay and Blackwater.

We offer a sincere and heartfelt ‘Congratulations’ to each of these Sisters whose gifts have enriched the lives of many people in our Diocese and beyond, in the places where they have witnessed to Gospel values and a Mercy way of life.

Joanne Molloy RSM

Sr Bev Whitton (Northern Community Leader) with Sr Colleen Livermore,

Fr Bryan Hanifin VG PP and Sr Denise Hinton

Homily from the Jubilee Mass

Fr Bryan Hanifin preached a fine homily at the Jubilee Mass.  This is an excerpt.  The full text can be assessed by the link.

‘Colleen and Denise, like Cleopas and his companion who re-joined Jesus in the breaking of the bread in the gospel story, may you see the constant need, once having re-joined him in your life and work, hasten back whence you came to those words in your Constitutions:

  “We come because we have heard God speak to our hearts.   We have declared our intent to follow Jesus and to live through love   in God’s presence. (Luke 5:11)

  Our gift as Sisters of Mercy is to know God’s loving kindness and to share it with others.   Our name reminds us that God can be mercy for others through us only when we open   ourselves to receive God’s mercy.” ‘

Full text of the homily.

Fr_Bryan_Hanifin_s_homily_for_the_Golden_Jubilee.pdf

Fr_Bryan_Hanifin_s_homily_for_the_Golden_Jubilee _pdf 111.52 KB

Short Biography of Sr Denise Hinton RSM

Denise Mary Hinton, with her twin sister Beverley, was born in the Mater Hospital, Mackay, on 7 May 1943, to Ann and Harold Hinton (both deceased). Denise had an older brother Des (deceased) and a younger sister, Cecily. Denise was educated at St Francis Xavier Primary School, West Mackay and St Patrick’s Convent High School where she completed Year 12.

After working for several years in the office of her father’s business, Hinton’s Fruit Exchange, Denise entered the Rockhampton Sisters of Mercy on 10 April 1966, was received on 22 November 1966 and professed on 21 December 1968. Following her profession, Denise went to Sydney to attend the Xavier Institute of Formation and the North Sydney Catholic Teachers’ College to train as a primary school teacher.

From 1971 to 1987, Denise taught in the following diocesan primary schools:

 1971-1972                            St Mary’s School, South Bundaberg

1973-1974                            St John’s School, Walkerston

1975-1976                            St Anne’s School, Sarina

1976 (Aug-Dec)                     Our Lady’s School, Rockhampton

1977                                       St Joseph’s School, Biloela

1978                                       St Joseph’s School, Barcaldine

1979-1981                            St Mary’s School, North Rockhampton

1982-1985                            St Joseph’s School, Barcaldine

1987                                       St Anne’s School, Sarina

From 1988 to 2005, Denise was involved in St Mary’s School, in various roles: teaching, part-time pastoral care, religious education coordinator and school board member/chaplain. During these years, Denise recognized the need for a ministry to refugees and migrants. With the support of the Sisters of Mercy, Denise dedicated her time and gifts to many families from various ethnic backgrounds and she is well-known and respected within the Mackay community for her commitment to this work. Denise has made life-long friends with many of these families who truly valued the hospitality, compassion and support they received from Denise as they fled from violent situations, seeking a better life for themselves and their families.

From 1996-2001, Denise was a member of the Rockhampton Sisters of Mercy Leadership Team.

In December 2005, Denise’s ministry changed direction and she went to the Mackay Mater Hospital in the role of Pastoral Care and Mission Coordinator, a full-time position she held until 30 June 2011. In 2014, Denise assisted the Pastoral Care Team at the Mackay Mater in a part-time capacity for four months.

From 2013-2016, Denise was a member of the ISMAPNG Resource Group for Refugees and Asylum Seekers. In 2013 and again in 2014, Denise spent three months assisting refugees and asylum seekers at the Curtin Detention Centre WA. Denise maintains pastoral contact with many of the men she met during her time at Curtin.

Denise has been a vital member of St Mary’s Parish and responds to many needs eg various liturgical ministries, taking communion to the housebound, volunteering at Stella Maris Seafarer’s Centre, a member of the Adult Faith Committee and Parish Liturgy Team, presenting inservice on Catherine McAuley and/or Detention Centres to local Catholic schools, church and community groups, namely Catholic Women’s League, St Vincent de Paul Society, Rotary and Probus Clubs.

Sr Colleen and Sr Denise

Short Biography of Se Colleen Livermore RSM

Colleen was born in Albury on 2 September 1943, the fourth of ten children, to Molly and Jack Livermore. Colleen was the fourth daughter and she has six younger brothers. Two of Colleen’s sisters, Berice and Gwenda, entered the Sisters of Mercy also.

 Colleen was educated by the Sisters of Mercy in Albury and then worked in an accountant’s office. During this time, Colleen was very involved with the YCW and greatly influenced by the ideals of its founder, Cardinal Cardijn, and the formation that such a movement offered to its members.

 Colleen entered the novitiate of the Goulburn Congregation of the Sisters of Mercy on 25 April 1966.  After first Profession on 2 January 1969, Colleen went to Sydney to attend the Xavier Institute of Formation and the North Sydney Teachers’ College where she trained as a secondary school teacher. In the following years, Colleen taught in Catholic secondary schools at Albury, Cootamundra and Griffith (sometimes in the role of principal) before joining other Australian Sisters of Mercy in Pakistan in the early 1990s. For sixteen years, Colleen was the principal of a girls’ secondary school in Peshawar.

On returning to Australia, Colleen worked with the older Sisters who were residents at Mt St Joseph’s, an aged-care facility in Young NSW.

In February 2007, Colleen responded to an invitation from Bishop Brian Heenan, then Bishop of Rockhampton Diocese, and came to Blackwater to be the co-pastoral leader of the parish with Sr Carmel Boyle pbvm. Since her arrival in Blackwater, Colleen has involved herself, not only within the Catholic community, but she has become a very respected member of the local Blackwater community.

Firstly, Colleen has responsibility for the administration duties of the parish, and with Sr Carmel, she conducts the catechetical and sacramental programs with the children, visits the local state school weekly as well as weekly visits to Bluff and Dingo State Schools. Over 24 weeks of each year, for two hours on a Sunday afternoon, Colleen conducts ‘Sunday school’ for the Catholic children while Sr Carmel instructs the parents.

Colleen has extensive pastoral outreach within the Blackwater community. On three mornings a week, Colleen collects fresh food from the local Woolworths supermarket, takes the food to the town’s Community Centre where the food is put out for needy people to take. Because of this networking, Colleen knows many of the local people; they place great trust in her ‘down to earth’ presence as they share their worries, troubles and concerns with her.

Colleen involves herself in town affairs and as part of the Australia Day celebrations, she was selected as the 2019 Blackwater Citizen of the Year. Colleen is a valued member of various local committees, including the local hospital committee, and often is asked to be the Treasurer because of her administrative skills.

Together with Carmel, Colleen gives witness to the depth of her own personal faith, nurtured by prayer and fidelity to her commitment to her religious profession.

Reaching out as a Eucharistic Community

- Responding to Easter Sunday bombings in Sri Lanka

On Thursday evening 26^th April in St Patrick’s Church Mackay, the Easter Sunday joyfulness and songs of praise proclaiming the of the glory of the Risen Lord were replaced by a more subdued atmosphere of peaceful clam, reverence and respect. But the hope and belief in the Resurrected Christ remained.

The ordained and the non-ordained gathered as one, representative of the Mackay community from different faith communities – Christian, Islamic, Syro Malabar and maybe of no faith; representative also of the cultural diversity of the Mackay Region.

Under the leadership of Fr Don White, we had gathered to pray for and remember those killed and all affected by the Easter Sunday bombing in Sri Lanka.  The simplicity of the Liturgy of the Word celebration allowed the presence of Risen Christ in the Tabernacle, the Word and the assembly to draw us together as one united in sorrow, prayer and hope.

An acknowledgement of country was followed by a heartfelt welcome by Fr Don.  Then the opening prayer in which Fr Don prayed for the peace of Easter to be restored and the singing of Dan Schutte’s version of the Beatitudes in Blest are They.  We listened to Paul’s message in Colossians 3:12-17:  Above all clothe yourselves in love which binds everything together in perfect harmony. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called.   Led by the cantors we responded Father I put my life in your hands as Psalm 30 the psalm of the Good Friday liturgy was sung.  The reading of St John’s gospel 13:31-35 reminded us of Jesus’ words I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another.

On his homily Fr Don said   “Easter Sunday here at St. Patrick’s, like many other churches in our area was well attended. About 300 people came to celebrate the Lord’s Resurrection, and it was a Liturgy of great joy in the presence of the Risen Lord. We gathered in peace. But across the seas north of Australia, in Sri Lanka, as we now know, a different experience of Easter was encounter by the people there in three churches and three hotels…….  Now it is time again for good people of every faith or way of life to again stand in solidarity with those so deeply affected. From the calm of our place, far away, we can at least pray for the people of Sri Lanka and continue to do what we can to build a more peaceful world.”

Then followed  a time of silent reflection before the mayor of the Mackay Region Cr Greg Williamson addressed the gathering saying:  “It is very humbling to see so many people in our community come together tonight to share in the grief of our Sri Lankan brothers and sisters. Through the power of prayer, we offer our support to the many Sri Lankans mourning the deaths of their loved ones”

Candles were lit by representatives of the community as we prayed for

1. For those killed or affected by the bomb blasts on Easter Sunday. Candle lit by a member of the Sri Lankan community
2. For the people of Sri Lanka and the work of the security services to bring those responsible to justice. Candle lit by a member of the Syro-Malabar community representing the cultural diversity of Mackay
3. For those assisting the bereaved and helping them to rebuild their lives. Candle lit a member of the wider Catholic community of Mackay
4. For peace in our world. Candle lit by a member of St Patrick’s community the founding Catholic community of Mackay
5. For greater understanding between peoples of faith. Rev John Haire representing Mackay Churches Together

 After the final blessing people were invited to receive a prayer card as they exited the church. 

In bringing this poignant celebration together in a such a short time the gifts among the St Pat’s community were evident. The mutual trust and respect of our collaborative model of pastor and parish leaders working together made the task easier especially with Fr Don travelling to and from Rocky for some of this time.  As chair of the parish council and having the flexibility of being retired I had the privilege of contacting a number of people to be part of this prayer service.   I say privilege because I heard firsthand the overwhelming cooperation and willingness of so many saying yes to making Fr Don’s initial concept a reality.

First the mayor of Mackay Regional Council,  Greg Williamson, who within half and hour of me talking to his secretary was on the phone, very supportive of Fr Don’s proposal, accepting the invitation to be present and to speak and promising the help of the Council’s communication team to promote the prayer service.

And then Rev Julia Pitman, Secretary of Mackay Churches Together also very supportive of this time or prayer who contacted the members of Mackay Churches Together.

Also - the readers, the organist and cantors, the sacristan, the welcomers at the door as people arrived and our cluster secretary –who in the midst of printing the weekend Bulletin printed and folded the booklets.  All who had just given so much time to the celebration of the Tridium and then Anzac Day;

Dr Muneeb Khan secretary of the Mackay Islamic community who was my contact for the Islamic community.

Again support for the event and the promise of contacting his community and the Imran who rang me to confirm that yes members of the Islamic would be present.

 And finally, the small team of Fr Don, Vicki Heggie and myself liturgy co-coordinators and Ashwin (seminarian) who gave shape to Fr Don’s initial outline of the Liturgy.

 There are no photos of this liturgy – it was not the time for taking photos but I am sure each person left with their own image, memory of being there; of being part of a sacred time together as people of faith and aware of the presence of the Risen Christ in our midst.

For me my memory is of the Sri Lankan family that I was introduced to.  Before I had time to ask them to light the first candle, they had moved to the very back seat in the side aisle.  When I approached them and asked if they would light the candle the mother’s immediate reply was, “We are not catholic but we just wanted to be here.” Once reassured they were happy to move towards the front of the church.  The father and elder son came forward to light the first candle and from the privileged position of reading the prayers I have a wonderful memory of the look of pure delight on the little boy’s face as his father light the candle and flame arose.

Mary Anne Baillie

Easter Triduum: The Three Great Days 2019

A celebration - of one three-day-long-liturgy - or of one liturgy with three different moments

Holy Thursday

The Community gathered in the Cathedral on Holy Thursday 18^th April to focus on the Story of the Washing of the Feet – a reading from John’s Gospel; on a Ritual foot-washing; on Celebration of Eucharist – the solemn transfer of the Holy Eucharist - and leaving in silence.

  Unity in diversity was evidenced as members from the Filipino, African, Indian, PNG and Australian communities had their feet washed -including the Elect and Candidate. 

“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another:

just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another.”

(John 13:34)

 Good Friday

At 3.00 pm The Cathedral was filled with members of the community who gathered to listen to the Proclamation of the Passion of the Lord from the Gospel of John proclaimed by Andrew Lamb Narrator, Father Bryan Hanifin Jesus, and Michael Stockall.  

Veneration of the Cross

The cross was carried in procession by Father Sijo (Indian), Linda Esguerra (Filipino) and Shingi Padya (African).  Father Sijo intoned “Behold the Wood of the Cross.”  Once in place, the Cross was venerated by the congregation.

Holy Communion:

On Good Friday we received Holy Communion.   Through Communion we were helped to appreciate the unity of the Triduum because communion links the Good Friday Liturgy with the Holy Thursday Mass of the Lord’s Supper and looks forward to the great Eucharist of the Easter Vigil.  The celebration finished with the prayer over the people who then departed in silence.

This is the Night: the Easter Vigil

The climax of the Triduum was the Easter Vigil, the ‘night of nights’.  The Christian community gathered to ‘remember, celebrate and believe’ the dying and rising of Jesus – the Paschal Mystery in which we share through Baptism and Eucharist.

 The celebration began outside the church in darkness. With great solemnity the light was kindled, the darkness vanished, and the resurrection was proclaimed: it is Easter, Passover.
We processed into the church and listened to the readings from scripture interspersed with psalm responses. The next movement was to the baptismal font for the initiation of the elect and the renewal of our baptismal promises.

Finally, the climax – the Easter banquet – as bread is broken and wine is poured out. There was the wonderful flow and rhythm to the Easter Vigil.

 Light

The power of darkness must be felt so that the light of Christ in the Easter candle can be truly appreciated. 

Word

The liturgy of the word for the Easter Vigil included stories that made this night what it was – stories about creation, Abraham and Isaac, the escape of the Israelites through the parted waters, the prophet’s vision of the union of earth and heaven, the empty tomb. .

 Water

Central to the Easter Vigil was the initiation of a new member into the community through the waters of Baptism.

“Stephanie, I Baptise you in the name of the father, and of the son and of the holy Spirit”.  Stephanie responded “My yes to Jesus” 

 Baptised Christians were also welcomed and received into the Catholic Church through the Profession of Faith.

   Helen: “I believe and profess all that the Holy Catholic Church believes, teaches and proclaims to be revealed by God”.

Table

 The culmination of the initiation process was the moment when, for the first time, the newly initiated approached the table of the Eucharist.  

Stephanie, Helen and Trent “the body of Christ”

 Through light, word, water and table, we entered the celebration of the Paschal Mystery, a joyful celebration which continues for the entire 50 days of the Easter season.

"We are an Easter people and 'Alleluia' is our song."  St Augustine

On April 25^th as people from around Australia gathered for services to mark Anzac Day, so too we gathered in the town of Muttaburra at 5am. I had been asked to participate in this service. Muttaburra with its population of 85 people would, I think be one of the smallest towns in the Diocese of Rockhampton. The Church shares the same patrom as the Cathedral: St. Joseph.

 On April 24^th I had a lesson (preparing three little boys to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation) in Aramac which is north of here and just under 90km east of Muttaburra. So after my lesson I drove west and stayed the night with Pearl Langdon who for many years has been the Catholic contact person in town. Some people may be aware that Pearl’s husband Doug (deceased) discovered Muttaburrasaurus langdoni on their property.

What was different and special about this Anzac Day service was the unveiling and prayer for blessing of a plaque and symbolic representation to remember those military and civilian men and women who have taken their own lives as a result of the trauma which they experienced. In each of the five towns within the Barcaldine Shire a similar memorial was unveiled this year. A white poppy has been adopted as the symbol. “Respected and Remembered”: these words head the dedication. The suicide of a mate several weeks after the longest battle (May 12 – June 6, 1968) and many years later, the derogatory letter to his mate’s family from a military officer, prompted Clarence Ormsby, a NZ Vietnam veteran whose unit operated with an Australian Task Force, to respond in this way. He has been instrumental in the project which seems to be slowly spreading e.g. the unveiling in Budgewoi, NSW. The overarching hope is to focus on mental health and to prevent suicide. I felt privileged to be invited to be present and to participate, the more because of the death of my cousin in the Vietnam War, as well as experiencing the terrible grief of those whose loved ones have taken their own lives. May they rest in peace and may we all grow in sensitivity to each other’s struggles and sadness.

More information is available on the internet.

 Sr. Mary Farrelly, Western Pastoral Ministry

In a recent bulletin reflection Joe McCorley wrote of one Easter Sunday Mass experience he had while in Brisbane, with a visiting priest presiding. After surveying the people closely, the priest roared, “There are two types of people in the world; the Dead and the Resurrected! And I don’t see many resurrected people here this morning!” Talk about an Easter challenge!

After the Holy Week celebrations in Bundaberg I would hope that we have more resurrected people than not. Our churches were full. People could feel the joy of resurrection and praise of the Risen Christ during the Easter Vigil and Easter Sunday Masses, we hope. The liturgies were the culmination of a week of prayerful build-up to the empty tomb.

Palm Sunday processions were held at all Mass centres. A small but skilful group of parishioners met to make palm crosses for each Mass centre on the Thursday before.  Fr Jomon came along and stayed for quite awhile learning how to make the crosses and adding to the pile.  His presence and contribution were greatly appreciated.

During the week all those involved in the Triduum liturgies came together for rehearsals. Our young altar servers were remarkable in remembering their roles for each of the liturgies.  Learning how to use a thurible on these occasions is a big achievement. The behind-the-scenes effort that is put into the Triduum is massive, as many of you would know and appreciate. It’s all worth it though to see the paschal mystery unfold over three days, in our time, through the use of ritual and symbol.

Offerings for the poor were brought up in procession during the presentation of gifts at the Holy Thursday Mass of the Lord’s Supper. During Lent parishioners were asked to donate non-perishable food items or gift vouchers for St Vincent de Paul to distribute after Easter. Items were brought along to Sunday Mass each week and left in baskets. Between Project Compassion and the St Vincent de Paul donations our parishioners were generous in their offerings for the poor.

The ritual and symbolism of the Easter Vigil is simply magnificent. We were fortunate to have two young adults and five children initiated into the Catholic Church during the Vigil. The darkness and light came together, the rain held off, the water flowed, the oil, bread and wine became something bigger in meaning for each of the candidates, and the singing was beautiful. A 2½ hour liturgy, done well, flies by! Admittedly it was a bit longer this year than last, but...

            Ayla Duffy                                              Will Mizzi 

Fr John’s Easter Vigil homily made mention of the nine people that we farewelled through the Funeral Rites in the week leading up to the Triduum, many of them long-standing, good and faithful parishioners. We felt the grief of their families but, in one sense, coming so close to Easter, we could rejoice more easily in the hope of resurrection and eternal life that was to come.

We wish all our diocesan “resurrected” brothers and sisters a joy-filled Easter season! Alleluia!

Anne Sheehan

Every Good Friday, the Churches of Clermont combine to remember the crucifixion and death of Jesus. The Ecumenical Service begins at the Anglican Church where the reading of the Passion of Jesus starts with the Agony in the Garden. The rugged cross is carried by the men of the community with the people following, from the Anglican Church to the Uniting Church where the Passion of Jesus continues with reflection and prayer. Finally, the cross is carried to St Mary’s where it is placed in the front of the altar and the red cloth, crown of thorns are put on the cross.

The Passion of Jesus concludes with reading of the crucifixion and veneration of the cross.

On Wednesday 10^th April Father Matthias travelled to the property of Christy and Craig Moller, “Recruit” to celebrate Mass with the people of the surrounding properties. About thirty-five people came to participate in the Mass and share lunch afterwards. This is the first of three more visits to the properties around Clermont.

Fundraiser for SMARDS

 Friday 3^rd May the students and teachers participated in a Pie Challenge Fundraiser for SMARDS (a form of Muscular Dystrophy that affects infants). The students voted for the teacher they would like to have a pie smashed in the face with cream by putting money into the box with the teacher’s picture on it. The students wore blue for SMARDS and brought in a gold coin.

Stations of the Cross

The Year 6 class presented the Stations of the Cross to the whole school. It was led by two Year 6 presenters and acted out by the rest of the class.

Fr Terry Loth’s Birthday Celebrations.

On Friday morning 3^rd of May Fr Terry Loth joined with the Year 2 from St Brigid’s School together with Year 6, Prep Maroon, Prep Blue, Prep Green from St Patrick’s School coming together with parishioners from the Parish to celebrated 9am Mass. Following Mass Fr Terry joined with everyone to celebrate his 79^th Birthday.

 It was a wonderful morning with a representative from St Brigid’s school presenting Fr Terry with a box of chocolates. The Parish provided morning tea and a cake on the lawn to celebrate this wonderful occasion.

Fr Terry is currently relieving in the Central Highlands while Fr Raj is on annual leave.

Cathy Chapman

We started the month on April 8^th with our two monthly get together, held in the middle of both sides of our Parish, at the Waterline Café at Rosslyn Bay Marina. We had to add about an extra ten chairs for our gathering this time, which usually gathers about 20 to 24 parishioners. So then we had to take a photo from each end so as not to miss anyone’s beautiful face. We had a wonderful time gathering and sharing as we enjoyed God’s beautiful nature which surrounded us. See you all again next time on June 10^th at 10am

.

Then we commenced our faith filled and inspiring Easter ceremonies.

Palm Sunday had  us lifting our palms to be blessed as we remembered Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem. Later during Mass, we reflected on Jesus’ Passion as the gospel was read.

Holy Thursday had us gather to recall the Last Supper, when Jesus first gave us His Body and Blood. The Holy Oils comprising of The Oil of the Sick, The Oil of Catechumens and The Oil of Chrism, were processed in by parishioners. These Holy Oils were blessed at The Chrism Mass held on March 28^th at St Joseph’s Cathedral, Rockhampton by Bishop Michael McCarthy.

On Good Friday we joined together with our Anglican friends at Mary Immaculate Church, for the Stations of the Cross. We then followed on with our Walk of Reflection to the Singing Ship, joined along the way by our Uniting Church friends.

The afternoon brought us together for The Lord’s Passion Service, where we entered into this sacred silence. As we gazed at the crucifix, we felt the pure and selfless love of Jesus.

The Easter Vigil had us walk through salvation history if we read all seven of the Old Testament readings. St Paul then brought us all into this glorious salvation history through our baptism, when we were given a new life in Christ. We also welcomed seven candidates into full reception of the Church. What a glorious time!

Then Sunday morning we gathered to celebrate the Resurrection of the Lord. Let us run to Jesus with hearts filled with hope, as Peter and John ran to the tomb on Easter morning.

 The small children of our parish also ran to receive their sign of new life from our altar servers.

Have a good month, filled with God’s richest blessings.

Helen McIntyre

The Happenings at Easter in the Mackay Southern Cluster Parishes.

 Following the happenings of Holy Saturday night Father Don White reflected in his Easter Sunday Homily that ‘A refreshing breeze had entered the Church in Mackay’s Southern Cluster” after eight RCIA participants were received into the church.  Three of these had been Catechumens who were baptised on Holy Saturday night as well.

After months of journeying together, studying, praying, reflecting, singing and sharing, the group opted to become full members of the church at Easter.

Following the Easter Ceremonies a shared dinner was held in the school hall which was attended by over 60 people.  A congratulatory cake was cut during the night with much celebration and jubilation. 

Our new Catholics reflected on their experience in the following ways:

‘It moved me more than I could have expected”

“The journey was so wonderful and I am so proud to be a full Catholic and look forward to what the future has in store with my new found faith.”

“I have thoroughly enjoyed every minute of this journey and feel lucky to have had you all by my side.”

“Thank you for all the support I have received leading up to this special time.  I will never forget it.”

Back Row: J. Dunn, J Watson, J Emalay

Second Row:  M Crisp, A Bunker, H Saye

Front Row:  M Huggers, D Bettington, Fr Don White

Mackay Regional Catholic Women’s League Fundraiser.

The annual Mackay Regional Catholic Women’s League’s “Combined Afternoon” fundraiser was an outstanding success to say the least. On Saturday 16^th March 138 ladies (and a few children) attended the afternoon’s festivities at a local Bowls Club.

The theme of the afternoon was “Brides of Yesteryear” with the proceeds to go to SVDP Flood and Drought appeal.  Each branch was asked to “supply” two dresses and models for the parade.  The function was advertised in all parish bulletins in the district and caught the attention of a few parishioners who asked if they could show their bridal dress or that of their late mother – some were made in the early 1950s and are still in perfect condition.

 As there were a number of size 8 dresses the biggest problem was to find models to wear them.  Problem solved – once again a number of Mercy College students answered the call for volunteers to give up their Saturday afternoon to, not only serve the afternoon tea, but also for three or four girls to model bridal dresses.                                                                                   

The work ethic shown by these students are a credit to their parents and to their College. They not only served the afternoon tea but worked untiringly in the kitchen and as “runners” during the drawing of the Cent Sale.

 A number of CWL branches have already donated to the Townsville Flood Appeal and we were very pleased to be able to contribute to this worthy cause. A cheque for $2500.00 being the proceeds from this function was presented to the Mackay Regional President of SVDP, Mr. Frank Gilbert by Doris McSherry.

 Doris McSherry

President (Mackay Regional CWL)

Boyne Tannum Benaraby Family Group

The weather was perfect for our April Fools Party at Canoe Point. I guess the joke was on us as it wasn’t actually April Fools day. The code of dress was definitely PARTY!! Maxine won the most outlandish, with an amazing blaze of colour with long rainbow wig and technicoloured top. Noreen was spectacular in long pink wig. Julie would have given Marilyn Munroe a run for her money in her dizzy blond wig. The men were resplendent in bright coloured shirts. The game Finskas was played and was new to most of the people. It was a great game and lots of laughs were had. The overall winner was Noreen who was presented with the coveted prize of a bite size snickers bar. We were packed up and on our way home by six o’clock before any of the bites came out to play. Our next family fun day is in May at a date and venue to be announced.

St Brendan’s College made a strong statement against domestic and family violence on Friday 3 May, holding its third annual Walk Against Domestic Violence along the streets and beaches of Yeppoon as part of its Edmund Rice Feast Day activities.

The 2019 Year 7 students marked out the symbol

for the anti-violence message on Yeppoon beachfront

as part of their Walk Against Domestic Violence - 'the white ribbon'.

 This year, in an even stronger statement, the college had called on parents and significant SBC Old Boy community to walk in solidarity with their 700 students and staff contingent, to ensure the anti-violence message is taken from the school yard, home and into the community.

Assistant Principal Identity, Shane Peers, Fr Matthew Moloney,

CQ Capras representatives and guest speakers Lionel Harbin and David Faiumu

with Principal Robert Corboy and SBC Old Boys representative Cale Dendle.

Students attended Mass at the College before hearing from guest speakers, CQ Capras representatives, Head Coach David Faiumu and Wellbeing Officer Lionel Harbin on respect, good choices, healthy relationships and personal branding, and then walked en masse in their purple ‘Not Now, Not Ever’ shirts to the Beachfront for the annual walk along Main Beach Yeppoon.

St Brendan’s College Principal Mr Robert Corboy said the College was proud to educate sons, brothers, future husbands and fathers at St Brendan’s College about respect and zero tolerance for violence, and applauded the stance taken by the SBC Old Boy community to come on board to support the college and keep this message alive for past students as well. 

“We celebrate the feast day of Edmund Rice today, whose mission of supporting the poor and marginalized is the basis of a St Brendan’s College education, and our walk is a tangible example of standing in solidarity with people in our community impacted by family and domestic violence, as well as living the message that violence will not be tolerated in our community,” Mr Corboy said.

The SBC community is also using the month of May – Domestic and Family Violence Awareness Month – to fundraise for the Rockhampton Women’s Shelter; an organization which has benefitted over many years from the collection of handbags and sanitary items by SBC students and families.

This year the College aims to raise $3,000 to buy tangible items to assist women and families in need and is urging their SBC community to assist if they can via the following link https://www.gofundme.com/sbcwalkagainstdomesticviolence

The College acknowledges the generous support of the Queensland Government, Livingstone Shire Council and the St Brendan’s College P&F to support the Walk Against Domestic Violence.

The Cathedral Parish of St Joseph’s will be hosting the Ecumenical Service for the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity on Sunday 26th May at 2.30pm. Bishop Michael will be the presider at this Service. All are invited.

Mystagogy - The next step

Congratulations to all the catechumens and candidates in the diocese who received sacraments during the Easter Vigil.  Now begins the period of mystagogy for the neophytes.  Yes, another name and another period.

This may be one of the most difficult periods of the learning journey in the Catholic faith.  For many Catholics the reception of the sacraments of initiation indicates that the journey and the work is done. However, in essence it is just beginning.

The period of mystagogy is an important part of the learning journey for those who have accepted to be part of the mission of the Catholic church.  Mystagogy is a time when the meaning of the Sacraments is explained to those who have newly received them.

“This is the time, usually the Easter season, following the celebration of initiation, during which the newly initiated experience being fully a part of the Christian community by means of both pertinent catechesis and particularly by participation with all the faithful in the Sunday eucharistic celebration.” RCIA p14

This excerpt from Busted Halo https://bustedhalo.com/ministry-resources/what-is-mystagogy is another excellent source of information on the topic.

The Association for Catechumenal Ministry also has a downloadable PDF on the subject https://acmrcia.org/blog/mystagogy

If this is a new concept and not currently as part of the RCIA program in the parish, more information is available at http://teamrcia.com/  There is a free newsletter with very interesting information for anyone accompanying adults, young adults or children on their learning journey in the Catholic faith.

Children of catechetical age within the diocese will be preparing for the reception of Confirmation and Eucharist in the near future.  It is important that as a parish family careful consideration is given to how these children and their families will be supported as they continue the learning journey in the Catholic faith. How does the period of mystagogy apply to them?  I would encourage people involved in this aspect of sacramental preparation to consider this question and engage with the above articles and websites.

How do we help these people new to the Catholic faith, returning to the faith, or embracing the journey with their families, to feel welcome and to feel comfortable in the Catholic tradition?

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

Jocelyne Benoit (Sacraments’ Resource Contact-Diocese of Rockhampton)

Mercy Health and Aged Care Central Queensland Limited (“MH&ACCQL”) is seeking applications for a Pastoral Care Assistant position at Mater Misericordiae Hospital – Rockhampton.

 The Pastoral Care Assistant will contribute to the provision of high quality pastoral care for patients and their families. We are seeking a compassionate candidate who is able to work closely and independently in a team and places emphasis on the qualities of sensitivity, listening and awareness. This is a permanent part-time position.  

 To learn more about the position, and/or to apply please go online to https://www.mercycq.com/mh/careers.  Any enquiries about the position can be directed to Carolyn Humphreys, Corporate Pastoral Care Coordinator, during business hours on (07) 4931 7646.

 Applications close 17 May 2019.

 www.mercycq.com

 “We are an equal opportunity Employer”

St Ursula’s Past Students Toowoomba is being reformed.  All Past Students are invited to rejoin the Association by contacting the College.

Date claimer:     The first function will be a dinner evening at the College on Friday 26^th July 2019. Cost of dinner will be $25 p/p

 The new Committee would love to see as many Past Students as possible at this function thereby supporting the restart of the Past Students Association.

 The new Principal – Mrs Tanya Appleby is very supportive of the move to reform the Past Pupils Association and your support to achieving this goal would be much appreciated by all concerned.

Please contact the College on 46327611 or email on :- stursulaspsaa@gmail.com re attending the first function on Friday 26^th July.

 Also check out St Ursula’s College Toowoomba Past Students & Associates on Facebook