Wednesday 14 August 2019

In February 1968, I joined a class of five others at the Queensland Institute of Technology (Darling Downs). Through Secondary College, I had an interest in Science and with the newly established Institute in Toowoomba, my enrolment was assured. The lecturers of the course taught us the various strands of Chemistry including Physical, Inorganic, Organic and Analytical. The first year consisted of lectures and lab work for 31 contact hours per week. Each semester, as part of the course there were field excursions which included the Petro- chemical plant at the Port of Brisbane, the Sugar Mill at Beenleigh, the brewery at Milton and many others. Each field excursion was part of the course on Chemical Technology, preparing our class for working in Industry. The visit to the Sugar Research Institute at the City Gates of Mackay last week brought back many memories of those training days in the QIT labs.

Three years ago, our Diocese through its Catholic Education Office purchased the buildings and the land of the Mackay Sugar Research Institute. After 3 years of planning, on Friday 4 August it was announced that the Mackay Sugar Research Institute, at 239 Nebo Road situated at the City Gates of Mackay will become the Diocesan Education Office’s 40^th school when the College opens in 2022. After a presentation on the progress of work which detailed the history of this iconic site, I was given a tour by Michael McCusker and Michael McLaughlin of the Diocese Education Office and the newly appointed Architect team of Stewart Bagley and assistant Andrew. I was fascinated to hear of the town plan of old London being laid out and amazed how the concepts of City Gate, the Common and the Town Square will be used in the design of the College while integrating the beautiful 1953 building known as the Sugar Research Institute. This building accommodated some of the top scientists of this land supporting the cane farmers through new varieties of cane and technical advice and new processes within the mills and production of sugar.

Eventually, the site will become a school for over 1200 students. The building itself, while placed on Nebo Road, is iconic but what it represents is more important. It captures the hard work of the first settlers to this beautiful part of Queensland who farmed the rich soils of Mackay and surrounds, who came from the lands of Europe and including from Italy and Malta. Many of the families of the early settlers’ descendants are still an integral part of the Catholic fabric of Mackay. It excites me that the Catholic Diocese of Rockhampton has invested in this property so that the purpose while slightly varied, will continue by teaching the next generation the sciences within this building.

The Diocese’s acquisition of this property continues our commitment to the faith and the education, through Catholic Education, to the people of Mackay and respecting the great tradition of the importance of the sugar Industry which is sown into the fabric of this city and supporting the industry and our farmers.

On my recent visit to Mackay, I caught up with Doug Peterson and Helen Cronin. We met at Bucasia and at the place where Father Pierre Marie Bucas out of his own money had purchased over 2600 areas of land as a place for the local Aborigines and Islanders to call home. He also set up a place for the children of the district whose parents had died or could not support them. The orphanage that Fr Bucas established operated from 1876-1879 and the Sisters of St Joseph assisted in its running followed by the Sisters of Mercy from 1880-1885.  Doug Peterson has put together a history of the site and now is a driver to recognise the children who had died there so that their names will never be forgotten. A memorial on the foreshore of Bucasia Beach will be inaugurated on the 20^th October. It was a great morning meeting Doug who loves local history and ensures that we might not forget of the marvellous people who built up the Catholic Church here in our diocese.

This evening at mass on Sunday at St Mary’s, I announced the new school at the Sugar Research Institute beginning in 2022. Berenice Wright reminded me that her husband Peter, was the Principal Scientist at SRI. This led to a photo opportunity of two retired scientists! Dr Peter Wright was originally trained in Chemical Engineering and oversaw the scientific endeavours of the SRI and proudly remembers the day when it was at the forefront of research.

At this mass also, 38 of our young people were confirmed and received their first Eucharist joining the 500 young people of the Diocese, who this year have completed their Christian initiation through Confirmation and first Holy Communion.

Every Sunday, the priests of Mackay gather for lunch as they have done for years. This Sunday, Fr Barry offers his chicken dish and together with Fathers Alex and Sathish, after a late-night preparation of lasagne, the gathering was complete. It was good to enjoy the company of the priests together with Fathers James, Stephen and Pat who joined in the regular Sunday gathering. The Sunday before, Carmen produced another delicious meal for the priests. I look forward to these Sunday lunches with the priests who gather after a very busy Sunday morning. This time they welcomed Fr Gasper who has joined us from Cochin. We remembered Fr Don who is assisting in the west.

This week we welcomed Father Andrew Hogan back home after spending the last year studying at the Catholic University of Leuven. Father Andrew has completed a Master’s degree in Church, Law and Society. For the next two years, Father Andrew will continue with full time studies working towards a Licentiate in Canon Law while residing in Rockhampton and working with the Tribunal Office here. The Tribunal office is located in the Bishop’s Office in Rockhampton.

We also welcome home this week Father Andrew Chase who has completed a Doctorate in Theology. Father Andrew has been studying at the Gregorian University in Rome.

Remember many years ago when the airlines promoted a ‘Mystery Flight’? To participate one bought a ticket and turned up to the airport. Last Thursday was a bit like that, as I set out from Rockhampton at 6.55 am for Mackay and after circling that airport, the plane landed at Townsville three hours later. The school below in Mackay, St Brendan’s, was waiting for Stage Two to be blessed. Father James stepped in a did a magnificent job. When I first arrived in the Diocese five years ago, St Brendan’s was just beginning with the turning of the first sod and last week at the Confirmations, young Matthew from Grade 4 who dug the first divot asked: ‘are there any more schools to begin?’. I was able to tell him that we announced the new Catholic College at the site of the Sugar Research Institute opening for grade 7 in 2022, so the young people of Mackay who are currently in Grade 4 will be ready to enter Grade 7 in 2022!

Fr Gasper – our newest missionary priest serving the Diocese of Rockhampton

‘The Lord is trustworthy in all He promises and faithful in all he does” (Psalm 145, 13)

I am Fr Gasper Peruvelil from the Diocese of Cochin, Kerala, India, a very ancient Catholic Diocese in India erected un the Padroado tradition (Portuguese tradition). I was born of very pious parents. As far as my family is concerned, there are six children (three daughters and three sons). I am the youngest at home. Two of my sisters are Catholic nuns working in Kerala itself.

I undertook my schooling at St George’s High School Thankey. I studied for my Pre-degree at St Michael’s College, Cherthala. After that I joined Mount Carmel Petit Seminary, the Diocesan Minor Seminary where I have been for four years. During this time, I graduated in a Bachelor’s degree in Commerce. Then I was sent to the Pontifical Seminary Carmelgiri, Alwaye where I studied two years of Philosophy and was awarded a Bachelor’s degree in Philosophy. After my philosophical studies, I completed one year of ‘regency’ (a compulsory pastoral experience) at St Xavier’s Church in the Diocese of Bethia, in North India. Again, I was sent to the Pontifical Seminary Carmelgiri to study Theology. There I completed  three and a half years of study and was awarded a Bachelor of Theology.

On the 28^th of December 2009, by the grace of God, the Almighty, I was ordained a priest by Bishop Joseph Kariyil, Bishop of Cochin.

Soon after my ordination I was appointed as the Assistant Parish Priest of Santa Cruz Cathedral Basilica, Fort Cochin, one of the oldest and biggest churches in our Diocese. I was there for three years.  On the 14^th April 2013 I was transferred to St Sebastian’s Church, Areeparmbu as the Parish Priest. During this period I completed my Master of Commerce, and was appointed to be the Diocesan Procurator (Diocesan Financial Administrator) on the 24^th January 2016. This position involved me in many of the ministries and functions of the Diocese until I came to Australia in July of this year.

Praise and celebration filled St Joseph’s Cathedral in Rockhampton as a congregation of around a thousand, comprising priests, religious, civic leaders, Catholic Education staff, students and families gathered for the state launch of Catholic Education Week 2019.
Hosted in Rockhampton for the first time, the launch commenced with Mass led by Most Rev Mark Coleridge Archbishop of Brisbane assisted by Most Rev Michael McCarthy Bishop of Rockhampton and priests from throughout the Diocese of Rockhampton.

A moving liturgy brought to life by a 90-voice choir accompanied by 30 musicians provided an uplifting and joyous celebration for all gathered and for many more watching on livestream throughout the state.
Following Mass Queensland Catholic Education Commission (QCEC) Chair Hon Margaret White AO gave the official welcome.
QCEC Executive Director Dr Lee-Anne Perry AM introduced the Spirit of Catholic Education Awards which were presented to 10 recipients from throughout Queensland for outstanding contributions to the life of their school communities.

Dr Lee-Anne Perry, Margaret While, Bishop Michael and Leesa Jeffcoat

Rockhampton Catholic Education Director Leesa Jeffcoat AM said the celebrations were a truly fitting way to mark Catholic Education Week in Queensland.
“The memorable liturgy set the scene for a celebration where all that is positive, life-giving and faith centred about Catholic Education from Kindergarten to Year 12 was well and truly showcased,” Miss Jeffcoat said.
One of the highlights of the ceremonies was a choir of 60 Prep students from across the Rockhampton Region.
“The Preppies enthusiastic performance of “God is Great” with accompanying actions prompted older primary and secondary students and other members of the congregation to join in,” Miss Jeffcoat said.

“We were delighted to host the launch this year in Rockhampton on behalf of the 20 000 staff and 149 000 students in our Queensland Catholic schools and to welcome representatives from each of the five dioceses in Queensland,” Miss Jeffcoat said.
The Catholic Education Week candle was ceremoniously passed to Brisbane Catholic Education Director Pam Betts as the 2020 launch was due to be hosted in the Brisbane archdiocese to mark 175 years since the first Catholic school opened on what is now the site of the Myer Centre in the heart of Brisbane.
Held annually Catholic Education Week provides an opportunity for all 306 Catholic schools in Queensland to celebrate and promote their distinctive mission and ethos to their school and wider communities.
Schools and colleges throughout the state held a wide variety of activities and events under the 2019 theme Many Voices. One Spirit.

First Communion

On 23 June Feast of The Body and Blood of Jesus 47 children from the Cathedral Parish of St Joseph’s Received their first Eucharist yet not their last.   The children were reminded by Father Bryan that – you will never have this first again – what a privilege?

 God didn’t make you just to have fun – or to waste your time on things that are superficial - God made you for MISSION

 SO: Go and announce the Gospel of the Lord

Priest’s Jubilee Mass.

On the 27^th July, the priests of the diocese came together to celebrate their Jubilees of Ordination.  This year Fr Stephen Hanly celebrated 30 years of being a priest.

New Catholic College in South Mackay

Catholic Education has commenced preliminary planning for a new Catholic college in south Mackay following identified future demand for Catholic secondary schooling in the region.

Most Rev Michael McCarthy, Catholic Bishop of Rockhampton, made the announcement in Mackay last week after reviewing results of a demographic study commissioned by Catholic Education which determined a need for additional secondary provision in Mackay within the next few years.

“Following consideration of the study’s recommendations I have indicated my support for further investigation and planning to proceed,” Bishop McCarthy said.

“It’s with great pleasure and excitement that I share this news with the Mackay community as we work to continue the strong tradition of Catholic schooling as a choice for parents seeking a faithbased Catholic education for their children,” Bishop McCarthy said.

The location of the new Catholic college will be the site of the “Sugar Research Institute” building on Nebo Road and surrounding 3.9 hectare parcel of land.

Known for many years as a place of learning and research, this location would continue a proud tradition of educating future generations of students in Mackay, according to Bishop McCarthy.

“It is significant that the field of scientific endeavour and other STEM subjects will continue to flourish and develop on this site as the next generation and those beyond take us forward into a new era of learning,” Bishop McCarthy said.

Bishop McCarthy said the strong connection to the sugar industry which paved the way for development and progress in the beautiful Mackay region, also echoed historic links with Catholic Education.

A great patron of the Catholic Church and of Mackay, Irish sugar planter TH Fitzgerald, and pioneering Catholic priest Fr Pierre Marie Bucas worked together to establish the town’s first Catholic school bringing a group of Mary MacKillop’s Sisters of St Joseph to Mackay to run the school in 1872 on land donated by Fitzgerald.

“We are delighted and honoured to continue such close ties with Mackay’s sugar industry and contribute to the ongoing development and progress of this wonderful community,” Bishop McCarthy said. 

Diocesan Director Catholic Education Leesa Jeffcoat said she was confident the lengthy process of planning and development would proceed and hoped to open the new school for the commencement of the 2022 school year.

 “Clearly there are many Diocesan, Local and State government planning and associated approvals to be sought before further progress can be made. We will work with all parties and authorities to meet necessary requirements and look forward to welcoming our first cohort of students at the beginning of 2022,” Miss Jeffcoat said.

“We are delighted to be able to provide a new college for Mackay families and we take this opportunity to say thank you to this dynamic, vibrant community for the continued support and patronage of our Catholic schools which has continued for well over a century,” Miss Jeffcoat said.

Miss Jeffcoat said a steering committee comprising local Parish and community representatives would now be established chaired by Assistant Director Schools: Northern Region, Michael McCusker to oversee the next stages of development.

“I very much look forward to updating the community as we progress through the next phase of planning and on to construction.” Miss Jeffcoat said.

 Fr James' Jubilee 

On the 27^th of July, Fr James celebrated the fifth anniversary of his ordination.  After Mass, helped by Fr Stephen he cut a cake given by the parishioners.

Relay for Life High Tea

For the past 6 years our parish has entered a team or two in the Cancer Council’s Relay for Life event. Our major fund-raiser for Relay has been the High Tea. This year the morning tea, held on Saturday, 13^th July in St Patrick’s Hall, raised more than $3000 for the Cancer Council. It was a tremendous response to the invitation to come together dressed finely, sip tea and coffee from “the good china”, eat delectable goodies, possibly win a prize or two, while catching up with friends.  The guest speaker this year was Mrs Kim O’Shea-Hard, herself a survivor of cancer.

The Relay for Life teams walk on the weekend of 10^th & 11^th August. We’ll let you know how they fared in the next edition.

Catholic Education Week

The week began with a Mass with Children on Sunday, 28 July, 5.30pm.  Having the various schools involved in ministry and in attendance at a parish Mass is always a blessing. The young ones give life to our celebrations.  Unusually, this Mass was celebrated during the regular 4^th Sunday Taize-style Mass.  The children experienced the mood of Taize, with a multitude of candles, spotlights and Taize music.

The students at St Patrick’s Bundaberg celebrated Catholic Education Week by completing secret missions: Acts of Kindness. The students had so much fun surprising the special people in the community who work hard behind the scenes; the cleaning staff, library volunteers, crossing supervisors, tuckshop ladies, office ladies, teacher assistants, friends from the disability support service Carinbundi, Mr Stephen Dale our Assistant Director of Southern Schools and specialist teachers. Some classes made and delivered get well soon cards for the three local hospitals too.

At St Joseph’s School, CEW was celebrated with a Grandparents Day and the Year 1 Act of Kindness – distributing biscuits. Their teacher cooked biscuits and the kids all made a little Happy Catholic Education Week card to go on the packet, then they went into random businesses around the CBD and handed them out. It was awesome and the recipients were a little overwhelmed! A bonus was that the kids all got to try out the Mayor, Jack Dempsey’s chair, gavel and neckpiece while there, and they got to see the DJ at the ABC radio station at work.  The kids had a ball and were super excited.

Other activities included:

• Year 1 and 2 going to Gracie Dixon Respite Centre to recite their eisteddfod pieces
• Year 4 made tissue paper flowers with a message attached to go to Gracie Dixon
• Year 3 made get well cards for hospital patients with a message and joke inside to cheer them up
• Year 5 and 6 wrote poems and letters for the people at Gracie Dixon

 When I grow up Disco

The WHEN I GROW UP disco for primary school children on the 9^th August was a huge success. Organised by the parish Relay for Life committee and run by the young adults the disco was a fantastic night of dancing, games and lots of laughter. The event raised $151 for our Relay for Life team from nearly 20 children and their parents attending. More than 10 young adults helped out on the night including our NET team. We played “Duck, Duck, Goose”, “Clumps”, “Corners” and “Freeze” in between dancing and taking photos at the photo booth. Glow sticks were sold and every child won a prize. We’ve receive wonderful feedback from all involved.

Confirmation and First Communion

While completing her marriage inquiry papers, Kirsty Weir noted she hadn’t completed her initiation into the Catholic Church and was very keen to do so. So began her journey of preparation for the sacraments of Confirmation and Eucharist.

On Sunday, 11 August, during the 9.00am Mass at St Mary’s, Kirsty was confirmed, received her first holy communion, and welcomed in

to the parish community. Kirsty and her fiancé, Edward, have completed the Smart Loving program in preparation for their wedding day in a fortnight’s time. A component of the program is to introduce the engaged couple to the faith community prior to their wedding. This was a very appropriate time for them to be together at Mass and a blessing for the community.

Catholic Education Week

We celebrated Catholic Education Week Mass with the theme 'Many Voices, One Spirit' at St Patrick’s Church Emerald on 28^th July. I was delighted to celebrate this Mass in our parishes in which there are three primary schools and one secondary college.  What is important, however, is not numbers, but the fact that the Central Highlands is blessed with good schools.

Catholic Education week has offered an opportunity for all of us including our schools principals Mr Green, Mr Ferguson, Mr Smith and Mr Roach to celebrate the important role that education plays in promoting equity, the achievements of our students and the invaluable work of our educators in building our society. We all know that this was a special week to honour our Catholic schools.

The collaborative approach of teachers, parents, boards, students and parishioners is a witness to the fact that good schools flourish when they belong within and form part of a wider community.

During the Mass the School Boards members for 2019 renewed the promises to assist our schools to fulfill their Catholic Educational responsibility within the terms of the pastoral and educational goals of the Diocese. Our schools are fortunate to have School Boards to support and nurture them.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank those who serve on the Boards of our Catholic schools in our parishes namely St Patrick’s, Marist College and St Brigid’s in Emerald and Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Springsure. Their contribution to Catholic Education is much appreciated by our Bishop Michael and me, their pastor and by the students, parents, teachers and members of faith communities in our parishes. And I continue to pray that they will be blessed by a spirit of wisdom, courage and right judgement in all that they do.

Police Chaplain

I am delighted to have been appointed as a police chaplain to provide a ministry of pastoral care for the police officers in the Central Highlands. I am very honoured to be commissioned as a chaplain for all of our police officers in the service they provide to Emerald and the wider region. I provide this ministry on behalf of my respective churches: St Patrick’s Emerald and Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Springsure. This is a special relationship which we have supported for over twenty years.

I love to visit the stations to say "Hi" to the officers and staff and have a chat.  I am there to be a listening ear for any issues and needs that they might have in their challenging roles. I am so grateful and in awe of what the Police Service does that it is truly an honour to be around to be of some assistance to them.

A big thank you to our Bishop Michael who allowed me to volunteer for this ministry of police chaplaincy to our police officers who undertake a wonderful mission in the Central Highlands. Thank you to Senior Sergeant Peter McFarlane, Capricornia and Mackay Police District chaplain Rev. Glenn Louttit and Assistant Commissioner Clem O’Regan, for the honour of being commissioned as a chaplain for you all. 

I'm really looking forward to helping all our police officers and our communities as I provide much needed assistance as chaplain.

Fr Raj

Ecumenical Service

July 5th saw the Parish unite in an ecumenical service at St James the Fisherman Anglican Church in Yeppoon. This service was for the Australian Church Women’s Fellowship Day with the topic “Women Serving Open Heartedly”.

We also came together in Emu Park at Christ Church, Anglican Church, on July 19th. Our guest speaker challenged us on the topic of “inclusivity”,  in our families, our communities and our churches. We certainly left with a need to look at our behaviour and attitudes. The service was followed by some wonderful hospitality and fellowship.

Offerings received on the day, held throughout Australia in July each year, are invested and the interest used to finance The Winifred Kiek Scholarship. This scholarship is available to Christian women from multicultural Australia, Pacific Island nations and member countries of the Asian Church Women’s Conference. It provides the opportunity for further theological training to better equip the scholar to provide leadership in her own country, church and community.

Farewell to Irene Watkins

On July 30th, we farewelled one of our long time parishioners Irene Watkins , over one of our Tuesday morning coffees. We farewelled Irene by singing The Blessing Song over her and presenting her with a glass engraved with a picture of both our churches and a card signed by our parishioners. We wish Irene all the best as she moves to Gladstone to be closer to family.

Anointing Mass

August 1st brought a visit by our Bishop Michael to celebrate an Anointing Mass followed by Morning Tea. Bishop Michael was joined by Fr Matthew and Fr Gasper. The elderly of the parish were either collected by parishioners or brought by bus from their homes or Retirement Homes in the parish. Children from our local schools were invited to join us and were seated amongst the parishioners of the parish. It was lovely to meet and chat with the young people. The elderly enjoyed a scrumptious Morning Tea prepared by parishioners before returning to their homes.

At the conclusion of Mass Bishop Michael talked briefly with the children who were preparing for the Sacraments to be received on August 16th and 17th. We wish all the children God’s richest blessings for these special days.

Catholic Education Week

Queensland Catholic Education Week was officially launched in Rockhampton on Wednesday 31st July at St Joseph’s Cathedral. The launch commenced with Mass with Archbishop Mark Coleridge presiding and was followed by a presentation to the State Winners of the 2019 Spirit of Catholic Education Awards.

The Capricorn Coast Parish concluded the week with a Youth Mass held at Sacred Heart Church on Saturday evening, followed by a Parish BBQ.

Feast of St Mary of the Cross MacKillop

The parishioners of Our Lady Help of Christians and Saint Joseph’s Catholic School in Park Avenue joined together to celebrate the feast day of Saint Mary of the Cross MacKillop.  Australia’s only Saint was recognized by the congregation for her dedication in caring for the human and spiritual needs of all children.   August 8^th marks the 110^th anniversary of the death of Mary and we honour the way the Sisters of Saint Joseph continued her work and many Catholic Schools have been opened in many towns throughout the vast land of Queensland and indeed Australia.

Many parishioners of Park Avenue Catholic parish joined with the school children at Mass which was celebrated by Father Marcel.

NAIDOC Week

Voice. Treaty. Truth.

Let's work together for a shared future

 On the 16th July a number of students from Emmaus College attended and participated in the NAIDOC Mass held at Holy Family Church.

The students participated by speaking, singing and presenting gifts to mark this special occasion.

On the 17th July students were invited to take part in traditional games, an activity run by Deadly Choices to help students understand Indigenous culture.

 On July 18th , at our weekly college mass, the ministries were led by indigenous students, which special prayers and symbols focussing on NAIDOC included in the celebration.    The students also ran a NAIDOC Assembly for the entire school. The assembly involved traditional dances, cultural teachings and prayers for the Indigenous community.

Recently we had two farewells for Fr Simeon who has been with us for many months and is now leaving for other parts of the Diocese, most immediately, Emerald.

 The nights of farewell were of mixed emotions. Sadness that Fr Simeon was leaving us after so many months.   Delight and celebration that he had indeed been part of our lives for so many months.

 We celebrated in fine style with food (of course) and song and dance. Fr Simeon was resplendent in his national costume and we were reminded again of how he had become part of our parish family, and part of our hearts.

 May God's blessing go with you Fr Simeon on your journey, around the Diocese, and into the very heart of God.

On Sunday 28 July, at the commencement of Catholic Education Week, the Staff and Students of The Cathedral College Boarding hosted High Tea in the recreation room of Genazzano at the Range. The purpose of the event was to thank and honour the Sisters of Mercy for their continued support of Catholic Education and in particular, the support the Sisters give to The Cathedral College.

Individual students welcomed the Sisters at the entrance and escorted them to beautifully decorated  tables where the boarding community joined the Sisters for High Tea. Following an acknowledgement of the Dharumbal people by Year 12 student, Amaroo Smith (Woorabinda), a formal welcome was extended by Mr Ron Armstrong (Head of TCC Boarding), Year 12 Boarding Captains Maggie Finger (Marlborough) and Anesu Chitura (Perth) and Miss Leesa Jeffcoat, Director of Catholic Education, Diocese of Rockhampton.

Each of the speakers acknowledged the tradition and contribution of the Sisters of Mercy in developing the boarding facilities of the former Range College which closed at the end of 1990.  Sr Bev Whitton (Northern Community Leader) responded on behalf of the Sisters.

Of special significance was the prayer focussing on the dream and vision of Catherine McAuley, founder of the Sisters of Mercy. More than twenty Sisters attended the afternoon tea and each Sister was presented with a corsage and a gift, namely a small cup and saucer, symbolic of ‘warm hospitality and generosity among the Mercy family’.

Musically gifted students, Cleo Bongers (Biloela), Emily Carew (Emerald), Tiarna King (Emerald), Reade Conaghan (Blackwater) and Connor Cilento (Goondiwindi) entertained the guests with song and background music. The delicious afternoon tea was prepared and presented by the TCC catering staff and graciously served by the students.

Since 1895, boarding facilities have existed on the Range site and the Sisters are proud to know that Genazzano and Coolock buildings are still being utilised for this important ministry. Once an integral part of the Range College and now administered by The Cathedral College on behalf of the Diocese, more than one hundred girls occupy modern accommodation at Girls’ Boarding with eighty-three boys housed at Boys’ Boarding in Derby Street, adjacent to the day campus.

The rich heritage of the Sisters of Mercy continues to be acknowledged and appreciated by Mr Rob Alexander (Principal), Academic and Boarding staff and students of The Cathedral College.

Joanne Molloy RSM