Greetings from Fort Kochi in the beautiful state of Kerala. I am here visiting Bishop Joseph Kariyil, the Bishop of Fathers Jomon and Alex, and soon Father Gasper. The Diocese of Cochin is second oldest Diocese in India followed by Goa where Francis Xavier when setting sail for Malacca and eventually arriving at San Juan, off the coast of China where he died. Cochin was the first resting place of the great Portuguese explorer, Vasco de Gama. My visit here is to meet the many people of the Diocese and the families of our priests and thank them on your behalf for the gift of their priests and sons. Sunday will be the final leg of this trip up to Rome. The first few days in Rome will be on retreat and on 24 June 2019, we all meet Pope Francis and then follow with meetings with various Vatican departments. I will also be catching up with our two priests, Fr Andrew Chase who has completed his doctorate and will join us shortly in the Diocese after six years of study at the Gregorian University, and Fr Andrew Hogan and his family as he begins to wend his way home after completing the first part of his studies in Canon Law. I am looking forward to having Fathers Andrew and Andrew home in the Diocese. Fr Andrew Hogan will be continuing his studies full-time for this next phase of his studies and assisting us here. I am hopeful that with his presence, the profile of the Matrimonial Tribunal will be extended throughout the Diocese through this pastoral activity of the Church.

The recent Diocesan Assembly was a marvellous event in the life of the Rockhampton Church. I was delighted that over the period of the three years since I began listening to you throughout the Diocese, I would have heard collectively the ideas of over 3000 members of the Diocesan family. The first round began in 2015 when I sat with the Parish Pastoral and Finance Councils of the Diocese and listened to their achievements, their challenges and hopes for the future. This was followed up by listening rounds in each of the five regions and the ideas captured were fed back through the various Task Groups to refine the actions. The second round in 2018, built up a composite picture of the future needs of the Diocese and worked towards a pastoral plan. The Diocesan Assembly consolidated and focused the direction for the future.

During these next few months Joy Philippi, who has joined my Office, will be working with each of the five regions to bring together Regional Pastoral Councils. It is my dream that in each Region, a Council will assist with the coordination of the pastoral work across the Region and achieve better use of physical and human resources. The Regional Pastoral Councils would work co-responsibly with priests and parishioners for the mission of the Church. Many of the themes arising through the assembly process can easily be initiated through the local parish communities and through the Regional Pastoral Councils.

Through my five years with you, I have had one objective…to share with you a passion for the mission of Jesus.

At the assembly, I spoke about renewal for our Diocese and I encourage every Catholic and Parish Community to undertake renewal beginning this coming year. There are many programs that are available, including Stewardship, Alpha, Café, Ignatian Retreats, Charismatic Renewal and so on. I would ask that you contact Joy in my Office for the many programs that are available.

Confirmation at Springsure

The Confirmations of our young people have commenced and it is a great privilege for me to visit the various parish communities and celebrate with our next generation of believers. This year, the Confirmations began in Bundaberg, then Blackall and Tambo, North Rockhampton, Valleys Parishes, Emerald and Springsure. Upon my return from Rome, the Parishes of Mackay, Capricorn Coast and Gladstone await and finally Peak Downs Cluster and Blackwater. An early dose of the flu required the Vicar General, Father Bryan to cover for one of the first causalities of the season.

Well, I am looking forward to meeting with Pope Francis and I will remember you when with all the Australian Bishops, I celebrate mass all at the Tombs of the Apostles, Peter and Paul.

God bless

On Sunday 26th May, members of Rockhampton Churches Together and the Ministers Fellowship - Peace Community, (Rockhampton and Mount Morgan) Rock Covenant Love Ministries, Christian Outreach Church, Uniting, Baptist, Anglican, Lutheran and Catholic denominations - gathered in St Joseph’s Cathedral to celebrate as one in our loving God an Ecumenical Service in anticipation of the annual Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, this year being the 2nd – 9th June.  

The Service was written by Christians of Indonesia and published by the Pontifical Council of Christian Unity and the World Council of Churches.  This was then adapted to suit the local scene.  The theme ‘Justice and only justice, you shall pursue’ was inspired by writings in the Book of Deuteronomy, (Dt 16:18-20). It was organised here in Rockhampton by Sr Beryl Amedee in consultation with an Ecumenical planning committee.  The music was outstanding with an ecumenical choir of approximately fifty, drawn from the various denominations and conducted by the gifted Di-Anne Rowan.  Special mention must go the members of the Youth Group from Peace Church in Thozet Rd.  Their singing and instrumentation were excellent, and they lead us all into joyous prayer.  A group from the Rock Covenant Love Ministries (South Sea Islanders) lead the congregation in a beautiful four-part harmony of the Alleluia before the Gospel.  Bishop Michael warmly welcomed all to St Joseph’s Cathedral and delivered a fine sermon, drawing on his own experience of Christian unity from earlier in his life.

The congregation gathered out on the forecourt for afternoon tea, supplied by the Cathedral Parish.  Our thanks go to Fr Bryan Hanifin, Dean of the Cathedral for his generous hospitality.

St Theresa's church at Monto had a weekend of celebrations on the weekend of the 31st May - 2nd June.

Sister Anne Baxter celebrated her Golden Jubilee of vowed life as a Marist Missionary Sister on Friday the 31st May.

As she renewed her vows taken 50 years ago, she was joined by (from L to R in photo) Sr Jennifer Clarke, Regional Superior of the smsm sisters, Sr Noreen Dunne resident at Tannum Sands, Sr Marie Lamerand, in community with Anne in Monto and at far right the jubilarian, Sr Anne Baxter.

Sr Anne's family and friends gathered from far and wide and joined with the people of St Theresa's community to celebrate with Mass presided over by Bishop Michael and concelebrated by Fr Thaddeus Lazar pp of the Valley cluster and Fr Kevin Redmond SM who travelled from Gladstone to represent another branch of the Marist family.

The celebration was followed by a wonderful BBQ with delicious "sides" to go with the local meat. Thanks to all the people who worked so hard to make the night a success.

On the same day after the jubilee mass, the people of Monto planted a leopard tree near the church to commemorate the coming of the sisters to the area.

 One parishioner said, “The sisters have put the heart back into our community". The tree was prepared by the community and was planted and blessed by Bishop Michael and Sisters Anne and Marie.

The weekend was "topped off" by a confirmation ceremony on Sunday night, 2nd June. After the confirmation the Bishop was invited to partake of a meal with Fr Thaddeus and the parishioners at a local Indian restaurant. A wonderful weekend of celebration in Monto!!  Cool weather but warm hearts.!!!!

Family, friends and Sisters of Mercy gathered on Saturday 25 May 2019 to honour the Jubilees of two Sisters, namely the Platinum Jubilee (70 years) of Sister Anne-Marie Kinnane and the Diamond Jubilee (60 years) of Sister Amabile Speranza. Bishop Michael McCarthy, together with Frs Frank Gilbert, Terry Loth, Marcel Kujur, Sijo George and Shaiju Lookose concelebrated the Eucharist in Our Lady of Good Counsel Chapel, The Range. Later the Sisters and invited guests enjoyed a light luncheon in the adjoining function room ‘Stoneleigh’ where further tributes honoured Sisters Anne-Marie and Amabile.

Bishop Michael with Sr Amabile and Sr Anne-Marie

Both Sisters entered the former Rockhampton Congregation with Sister Anne-Marie professed on 23 January 1949 and Sister Amabile professed on 31 May 1959. Anne-Marie and Amabile have ministered extensively in the Rockhampton Diocese and beyond, living out the call to follow Christ as vowed women religious in the example of our founder, Catherine McAuley.

Fr Frank Gilbert with Sr Anne-Marie

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

Diamond Wedding Anniversary

On Saturday 25 May at the 6.00pm Mass, Kevin & Consilii Harris were presented with a papal blessing by Father Bryan Hanifin VG PP on celebrating 60 years of marriage.

Thank you Consilii and Kevin for your fidelity to the Sacrament of Marriage and your generosity to the Cathedral Parish of St Joseph.

Celebrating 120 years of Marriage -Pentecost Sunday 2019

Edmund and Maureen Hanrahan & Rita and Don Hutton receiving a blessings from Father Bryan Hanifin VG PP

At the Vigil Mass for Pentecost Sunday, family and friends gathered to celebrate the 60^th wedding anniversary for Maureen and Edmund Hanrahan and Rita and Don Hutton.

Father Bryan PP prayed a blessing asking the Lord to continue to bless them in their dedication to married life. Thanks Maureen, Edmund, Rita and Don for your generosity and wisdom and your tremendous contribution to the Cathedral Parish of St Joseph.

Lost Property to Woorabinda with Love

Some time ago Fr. Raj mentioned that Woorabinda, an indigenous community west of Rockhampton, needed help with household and clothing items.  I responded by sending a large plastic bag of items gratefully received by Sr. Cecilia Prest, who serves the whole community.   Time passed and one day at my Aqua class I noticed a bulging Lost Property basket/ my brain took over and decided that these items could find a new home. Margaret, the complex owner, gave me the Lost Property which started a chain of events.  Margaret’s first contribution was beautiful children’s swimwear.  Next I went to my gym and was given a bagful of towels/ a great hit at Woorabinda.  Word got around and friends and strangers brought me loads of items.  One plastic bag has increased to three with full bags going to Woorabinda and being sent back to Rocky to be refilled. 

Fr .Sijo George, who celebratesmass twice a month at Woorabinda, is the courier for which I am grateful.

Sr Cecilia Prest, Fr Sijo George, Shirley Hopkins

 Sr. Cecilia created a shop and does a great job with sorting, giving some items to needy families, while other items are sold for a small sum and the money accumulated buys needed items.  Margaret has just given me another two bags of winter clothes.  Items collected are from a coffee plunger to flippers and loads of clothes.  Sister and I are very grateful to all the donors.  She is still in need of preloved sheets, curtains and doonas.   If you would like to donate, ring me 07/49364792   with message bank or Email: shirleyz.au@gmail.com

Lost Property and Friends are sending love to the people of Woorabinda.

Shirley Hopkins, the plastic bag lady May 2019

Central Highlands Celebrates

The Holy Spirit was alive during our Pentecost Celebrations on the weekend with Bishop Michael arriving in Emerald on Saturday for a very busy time.  Bishop Michael and Fr Raj celebrated Confirmation at St Patrick’s Church in Emerald with 36 of our young people over the weekend.

Saturday evening 20 children joined with Bishop Michael, Fr Raj, parents, friends and fellow Parishioners to celebrate their Confirmation. It was a truly beautiful celebration with the Holy Spirit sending down his power and love.

Bishop Michael spoke with the children during Mass and thanked their parents, Sacramental teachers and the whole community for preparing our young people for this special occasion. Cutting of the Confirmation cake was carried out towards the end of Mass with the children standing around with Bishop and Fr Raj. Bishop Michael enjoy speaking with the families and having photos with the children after Mass.

 Following Mass parishioners joined with Bishop Michael and Fr Raj for dinner at the Le Porte Rosse.

Sunday morning 16 children came together to join with Bishop Michael and Fr Raj and the community to celebrate their special morning. Confirmation cake was cut during Mass then following proceedings children joined with their families and parishioners to celebrate outside on the lawn with a beautiful Morning Tea provider by St Patrick’s parishioners.

Bishop Michael and Fr Raj joined with the Rolleston community to celebrate Mass on Sunday morning and then on to Springsure Sunday evening where he celebrated Confirmation with their community.

 Thank you to Bishop Michael, Fr Raj and our Sacramental Team for making our Confirmation Ceremonies a wonderful experience for our children.

Cathy Chapman

Parish Secretary

The community of Our Lady of the Sacred Heart, Springsure, warmly welcomed Bishop Michael last Sunday night for our annual Confirmation ceremony.  Seven young people were encouraged by Bishop Michael to acknowledge and share their gifts of the Spirit throughout their lives.  Following Mass, the parish community, including all the newly-confirmed, joined in a wholesome shared meal.  We have also recently welcomed Fr Raj again after returning from his holidays in India where he joined in celebrating at the ordination of his cousin. Thanks to Fr Terry Loth who looked after us in Fr Raj’s absence!

Confirmation and First Holy Communion

Bishop Michael was with us on the weekend of the 11/12th May to celebrate the sacraments of Confirmation and Eucharist with the children who had been preparing for many months.  Saturday morning was the conferral of Confirmation on 55 children in Holy Rosary Church.  It was a very relaxed morning with the Bishop, and the children and their families very excited. The weather was perfect for such an occasion.  Afterwards we gathered at St Joseph’s school for the official cutting-of-the-cake and social.

That night began the first of three Masses over the weekend in which the children received their first holy communion. This is always an exciting time for families and parishioners as we remember our own first communion day. Maybe next year we’ll try to avoid Mothers’ Day weekend!

We thank Bishop Michael greatly for the effort he made in order to be with us for the weekend; arriving from Rockhampton just before Confirmation and leaving after the Sunday afternoon Mass to drive home.

Sacramental Preparation

The Sacramental Team breathes a heavy sigh of relief after the Confirmation and Eucharist celebrations are behind them. Already we have met to review this year’s preparation and to suggest changes for the next program.  Our greatest desire is, as the Bishop repeatedly reinforced in his homily, to see the children and their families coming back again and again to the Table of the Word and Eucharist. We can only pray that the Spirit works in and through the parents to allow this to happen.

Pentecost Mass with Children

Having completed their initiation through the sacraments of Confirmation and Eucharist at the beginning of the Easter season the sacramental children were invited to a Mass with Children on Pentecost Sunday. This was to encourage them in their new roles as disciples of Jesus, going out on mission, mentioned in their preparation. All children of all ages of course were encouraged to attend with their families.  The NET Team, young adults and children led the music ministry and children took on ministerial roles of proclamation and gift bearing. A Mass with Children is always a joyful, simple expression of our faith.

Pentecost Church Crawl

What a wonderful expression of Christian unity was seen during this walk (or drive) that took place on Pentecost Sunday afternoon.  We began at the Uniting Church, walked a block or two to Holy Rosary Catholic Church, then onto the Anglican Church just up another block.  At each church a Pentecost Sunday reading was proclaimed, reflected upon, prayers were prayed, and a song was sung. We finished the day in fellowship at the Anglican Church hall.

We thank the three pastors of each church for this initiative and look forward to seeing a sea of red walk and pray more closely together next Pentecost Sunday.

Bundaberg ‘United Hearts’ Charismatic Prayer Group

Every Tuesday evening for the past 8 weeks an enthusiastic group of people arrive at the Parish Office for a time of prayer and praise followed by a DVD presentation.  This year Fr Dave’s Wild Goose DVD Series was used for the group’s annual Life in the Spirit Seminar.  The ‘Wild Goose’ was a term that the ancient Celts had for the Holy Spirit.

In this professionally filmed and stunning series, Fr Dave speaks on an attribute of the Holy Spirit, a practical application on how to respond to the Holy Spirit and testimonies of people whose lives have been impacted by the Spirit of God, the Spirit who desires a relationship with us that will take us on the greatest adventure imaginable; a journey to the very heart of God.

Such is the power of the Wild Goose!

A Night in Nigeria

 St Joseph’s parish centre, North Mackay, was filled with keen parishioners to hear the associate pastor of the parish, Fr James Ezeocha, speak about his life in Nigeria. Parish priest, Fr Stephen Hanly, fired questions at Fr James who answered cheerfully.

Fr James was wearing a native dress of his country as he outlined the lifestyle in his home city in east Nigeria and the variations between the states in the north and south of the country. He was one of nine children in his family but lost two brothers to accidents. His parents have been married for 51 years this year. There belated 50^th anniversary celebration will be held later this year when Fr James returns to join them.

He said he had other plans for his life when he was younger, and priesthood was not his intended path. However, he changed his mind when in his senior secondary two class (Year 11) and decided to attend the Sons of Mary missionary school, which entailed a 100 km bike ride from his home. He went on to the Missionaries of Divine Mercy in northern Nigeria before returning to his home parish to study for the priesthood at Pope Paul II Seminary.

Fr James said there are so many young Nigerian men wanting to answer the call of vocation that the church there has introduced a rigorous process of study that takes more than 10 years before they are able to become a priest or Marist brother. Despite this, there is still a boom in vocation.

At some stage seminarians set out to work in the community for six weeks and stay in people’s houses. Fr James’ own family home has a room set aside for visiting seminarians.

In the south-eastern part of the country where Fr James grew up, it is almost all Christian while Muslims dominate the northern areas. His own family pray the rosary every night, and children regularly gather in the streets to pray and sing sacred songs.

Since coming to the Rockhampton diocese, he has attended parishes in Yeppoon, Gracemere, Mt Morgan, Biloela, and now St Joseph’s in North Mackay. Fr James said he finds Australian people quite friendly and cheerful and is not challenged by the different culture here. His relaxation time is spent listening to the news and watching soccer and wrestling. Fr Hanly said that Fr James really shares in the parish ministry.

Paul Vander Loos

On May 25^th, parishioners came together to pray the “Living Rosary” at Sacred Heart Church, Yeppoon.  A Living Rosary is when people are used to represent each bead of the rosary. Each person leads one prayer of the rosary. The aim of the Living Rosary is to unite people as one through prayer, and is widely practised all over the world. This was followed by joining together for afternoon tea and great fellowship.

The RCIA group who travelled the journey to Easter together, came together on June 2^nd to celebrate over lunch.

On June 9^th, we celebrated the feast of Pentecost, the birthday of the Church. At our Vigil Mass, we were invited to bring along a special candle (Baptismal, Wedding, Family) to place in the Sanctuary Prayer Space. With dimmed lights and all the candles alight, it was a special sight to behold and to help us reflect, as we celebrated Eucharist. It called to mind what the disciples must have experienced when the Holy Spirit descended on them and filled them with his gifts. The Holy Spirit waits on us today, to seek these very same gifts.

The weekend of May 25^th and 26^th the North Rockhampton Catholic Community welcomed Bishop Michael McCarthy to our Northside Parishes.  

Bishop Michael presided at each of our Masses that weekend and joined with us to celebrate the sacraments of Confirmation and Eucharist. It was an opportunity appreciated by our community to be able to catch up with him and enjoy his company.

Bishop Michael presided at 5pm Mass at Holy Family and then Confirmed candidates at the Saturday Night Vigil Mass at Our Lady Help of Christians, 7am at St Mary’s, and 9am at Holy Family. Our candidates also received their First Holy Communion at these Masses.

It was wonderful to have Bishop Michael join with the candidates in each parish to cut their celebration cakes. He spent time with all of us as we celebrated with a Sausage Sizzle.  

We thank Bishop Michael for joining with us at such an important time in the faith journey of our newly Confirmed Children.  We offer our prayerful support and thank him for his continued support of our community.

That weekend we also got to welcome Fr Marcel back to our community. We look forward to hearing about his time home in India.

Australia vs The Rest of the World

 Each year as part of their family group events, the Tannum Sands community holds a cricket match.

 Fondly known as the Mollie Swanton Memorial Cricket Match after Mollie who was one of Australia's best batters, with some young person as runner for her.

Without Mollie, who passed away three years ago, the Australian side has been struggling.  This year again the rest of the World beat Australia 51 to 46.

The rules of the match are decided over lunch prior to the game. As you can see from the picture below, it was a great social event. (Any Aussie cricketers want to line up for next year??)

Sr Noreen Dunne

Catholic Education plans new facilities at St Joseph’s Blackall

A sustained growth in enrolments at St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School, Blackall has resulted in the announcement of major capital works by Catholic Education at the school to cater for current and future expansion.

Most Reverend Michael McCarthy, Bishop of Rockhampton announced approval of the new Early Learning Precinct on his recent visit to Blackall, which is set to inject significant funds into the local community during construction.

St Joseph’s Principal Joanne Davison said site works have commenced and the school community was very excited about the new facilities due for completion in Term four.

“The new building will consist of two new learning spaces for the Prep and Year 1 classes. These spaces have been designed to complement 21^st Century learning approaches and encourage collaborative teaching and learning opportunities between Kindergarten, Prep and Year 1,” Mrs Davison said.

“The design includes an amazing playground which connects the learning spaces comprised largely of natural play equipment. It also features a bike track, swing and slide area.

“This will be a wonderful addition to the Early Learning Precinct assisting our youngest students to learn to play, discover and develop together,” Mrs Davison said.

The current Early Years Prep building which has served the school for over 70 years will be demolished to make way for the new project as it was deemed no longer able to adequately serve the growing educational needs of the school.

Further building works around the school include a new toilet block adjoining the existing MacKillop Centre, refurbished library space that will serve as a library and Learning Support space and a new, updated playground for the main school grounds.

Mrs Davison said the significant upgrade demonstrated Catholic Education’s ongoing support and commitment to providing excellent educational facilities and opportunities for families choosing a Catholic Education for their children in the Blackall region.

“The students, staff and families are very appreciative and thankful for being granted such an amazing upgrade and are waiting with anticipation and excitement for the works to be completed,” Mrs Davison said.

A definition of Christian hospitality: “The virtue of kindness and generosity toward guests. It is characterized by the spirit of welcome to visitors and strangers, and is one of the conditions for salvation, foretold by Christ: "I was a stranger and you made me welcome" (Matthew 25:36).”

“Hospitality is caring for others with respect and acceptance by making them feel welcome and at home.  It helps our guests feel connected and like they belong.  We empower our guests with openness and trust.  We give of our possessions and energy selflessly in the interest of bringing joy to those who respect our generosity.  Hospitality is an expression of trust and resonates gratitude back to its giver.  With hospitality, we lay the foundation for connection and convert strangers into friends.” Sourced from:  Character Cards-a collaborative effort between ShareTree and Virtues Project International Association.  Used with permission.  

One of the most common signs of welcome is being greeted by a member of the parish at the door of the church at Sunday Mass; how can this initial gesture of welcome be extended throughout the Mass, during the week, in the parish, and in the community.  Hospitality extends beyond Mass and the doors of the church.

Pope Francis, in his apostolic exhortation, Evangelii Gaudium, (33) states, “Pastoral ministry in a missionary key seeks to abandon the complacent attitude that says: “We have always done it this way”.  I invite everyone to be bold and creative in this task of rethinking the goals, structures, style and methods of evangelization in their respective communities.”

Didier Pollefeyt in his book Identity in Dialogue speaks of rethinking these issues in the context of recontextualization:

“[Recontextualisation] is the dynamic of the Christian tradition itself, [and] has been going on since the dawn of Christianity.  Without it, Christianity would have ceased to exist long ago! Now it is up to us to become part of this dynamic and to continue the tradition of recontextualisation into the 21st century. Now it is our time to look for fresh new ways to express the Gospel as authentic, alive and fresh, and to look for new practices to make it come true in our world today.  We are standing with one foot in the Christian tradition, so to say, and with the other in a yet unwritten future.  As God walks with us on our path, new revelation occurs, and the faith tradition keeps expanding itself. While re-reading previous entries, we write a new chapter in the book of the Catholic story.” p272

While evaluating our hospitality at Mass is one way of beginning to consider how we can ‘recontextualise’ or more simply put, present and live our Christian traditions in a way that speaks to the people of today, we must never cease to realise that welcoming enquirers and families into the sacraments of initiation is our greatest pastoral  opportunity. Fr. James Mallon in his book Divine Renovation refers to the sacraments of initiation as the front door to the Church.

“As Catholics, our biggest pastoral struggle is also our greatest pastoral opportunity. Couples, parents or families who have little or no connection to the Church regularly come knocking on our doors seeking baptism or marriage.  Although not as numerous as in previous years, they still come to us.  Although their idea of what they are asking for may be very different from the Church’s understanding of baptism or marriage, they are coming to us.  If we as a Church can navigate these waters well, we will be able to harvest what amounts to be the low-hanging fruit of the New Evangelization.” p197

Timothy Gabrielli in his book Confirmation: How a Sacrament of God’s Grace Became All About Us  talks about offering those and their families preparing to receive the sacrament of Confirmation, “the life of a church that helps to bear life’s burdens and to carry one’s cross before, during, and beyond the sacrament of confirmation’ and ‘to teach them about a lifetime, experiential catechesis of faith, a walk through life with the God who loves them and the certainty that they are never alone. p81-82

Team RCIA has an article entitled 50 Hours to Make a Friend which is worth the read.  While it refers mostly to the adult RCIA process it does mention RCIA for children (which is referenced in the RCIA book).

Whether we are preparing and accompanying adults, children of school age and their families, or preparing families for baptism, we are all extending Christian hospitality.  The question is how far and how deep does this go? Are families being prepared for Confirmation and Eucharist feeling valued as part of the parish?  Are they being extended a warm welcome by organisers and presenters to attend Mass as often as possible?  Is anyone there to say hello to them if they do attend Mass?  For many this may be a very daunting experience. What can we do as a parish to deepen and encourage on-going engagement from the catechumens, candidates and their families, in their life-long journey in the Catholic faith?

Two articles on the virtue of Christian hospitality:

Hospitality is Biblical-and It’s Not Optional

The Lost Virtue of Christian Hospitality

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

Jocelyne Benoit (Sacraments-Resource Contact Diocese of Rockhampton)

St Mary’s North Rockhampton holds a special place in the hearts of the local lay Carmelite Community.  For many years they have come together and for prayer and meetings on the first Saturday afternoon of each month.

Saturday 11^th May was a special day of celebration when the Lay Carmelites gathered from Rockhampton for the reception of Frances Mary O’Dowd into the lay Carmelite Community.Fr Paul Gurr O. Carm, Provincial Delegate to the lay Carmelites of Australia and Timor-Leste travelled from Sydney to conduct the ceremony in a special Mass. Fr Ron Wallis, Prior of the local lay Carmelites, and Colleen Graham, our formator, assisted in the reception.

Earlier in the day a celebration lunch was held at which Fr Sijo George and Fr Shaiju Lookose, Carmelite of Mary Immaculate attended.

Paul Eckel