Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ

I wish you all of God’s blessings during this time of the season between Easter and Pentecost.

Over the Sundays of Easter, we will read from the Acts of the Apostles about how the Holy Spirit guided the early Church. The Holy Spirit sustained and supported the early believers as they came together to listen to the stories of Jesus and his resurrection and to celebrate the Eucharist.  Thisis a marvelous time in the Church when we reflect on the presence of the risen Jesus as he appeared firstly to Mary Magdalene and then to Peter and the others. We listen to the Gospel’s story of Thomas as Jesus joined the Disciples and the men and women of Galilee as they went about their daily work. It is the same risen Jesus who stands among us and who is our strength during this time of the year.

During Easter, many of our parishes, schools and agencies had the opportunity to take a small break before getting back into daily life again. 

The highlights of Easter is always the Easter ceremonies with the Easter Triduum celebrated in its fullness. Here in the Cathedral, we celebrated Holy Thursday, 3pm Good Friday and Holy Saturday Services. It was a marvelous celebration in our Cathedral as we celebrated the rites in all their fullness. I am indebted to all those who surrounded me, especially Father Andrew Hogan who assisted with the celebrations of the ceremonies.  A highlight was the music and the wonderful work of Joy Philippi and Claire Stitt and all those who assisted in bringing out the richness of the Triduum. Easter time is normally the time when we bring our people to the Church to baptise our catechumens. Many of our parishes celebrated the baptism of their catechumens and it was and is a wonderful opportunity for the whole Christian community to be involved in the welcoming and preparation of people baptised into the Church. I encourage each of our Parish communities to begin looking out for catechemens and to begin their preparation for Easter next year.  The catechumenate when it was introduced back in the 70’s was proposed as an evangelization program and process to renew the whole of our Catholic worshipping community and everyone is to be involved in the welcoming, supporting, praying and assisting those coming into the Church through the waters of baptism.

On Easter Sunday morning it was great to welcome Tanya Gill, who had been baptised as a Catholic and received the sacrament of Confirmation and Holy Communion for the very first time. It is always appropriate for those who join us from other faith traditions or those that have been baptised as Catholics and wishing to complete their initiation, to do so on Easter Sunday or during the Sundays throughout the year.  Holy Saturday is for those to be baptised, that is, catechumen adults and children of catechetical age.  In my recent pastoral letter to the Diocese outlined the Diocesan policy on baptism and the sacraments. It was emphasized that the children of catechetical age are to be baptised, confirmed and receive Eucharist at the Easter Vigil on Holy Saturday night rather than splitting up the sacraments during the year.

I look forward to the season of Confirmations which has already commenced in Mackay during March and soon to occur in Bundaberg, Gladstone and North and South Rockhampton. I am grateful to the parish communities who prepare our young people.  The sacramental program in each of our parishes is a program to invite and involve the entire parish community to assist our young people in prayer and support, as they prepare for the sacrament of Confirmation and first Eucharist.

I hope you enjoy reading this edition of the Diocesan electronic newsletter. 

May God bless you all during this Easter season.

Eight Years of Priestly Ministry in the Rockhampton Diocese

“I thank God each time I think of you, and when I pray for you, I pray with joy.” (Philippians) 

I praise and thank God for the privilege of journeying in faith with you the Diocesan family. I am amazed at how time flies, it’s been already eight years since I began my ministry in Australia. I was welcomed into this Diocesan family by Emeritus Bishop Brian Heenan and Mons. John Grace, who was Vicar General at the time. To all in the Diocese, I would firstly like to say thank you for tolerating my weaknesses. This has helped me to do my best in this Diocese.

Eight Years of Priestly Ministry in the Rockhampton Diocese Full Text

Eight Years of Priestly Ministry in the Rockhampton Diocese Full Text 111.84 KB

I would like to say thank you to my fantastic, amazing people, such as the wonderful Wandal women (www), for the opportunity to know you, share in your lives and to minister to you in your welcoming and vibrant communities over the last eight years. I've felt so loved in this Diocese of Rockhampton, Australia. Each one of you accepted me, supported me and encouraged me in my Priestly ministry among you. For all of these I'm thankful. Please continue to keep me in your prayers as I assure you of my prayers. I will miss you so much! Thank you so very much everybody! 

Fr Raj Kodavatikanti HGN

On Tuesday April 13^th, Dr Maree Ganley, historian and author, addressed several people from the Rockhampton and Capricorn Coast regions, regarding a project to produce a history of the Diocese of Rockhampton that Bishop Michael hopes may be produced for our 140^th anniversary of foundation.

Dr Maree stated that the well-kept archives of the diocese are ready to provide the usual material of dates and significant events, that go into such a documented history.  What is needed now are the stories of what it has meant to be Catholic in the central and coastal regions, in the north and south of the Rockhampton diocese.  The inclusion of the record of the life and experiences of Catholics in the diocese from its beginnings in 1882 will provide an authentic, rich and varied tapestry of Catholic history.

Maree gave an example from her own family history.  Her grandparents, Therese Agnes and John James Graham were a ‘mixed religion’ marriage and this resulted result in 1907 their wedding being celebrated in the Registry Office.  John worked on the railway wharves in Rockhampton and he and Therese reared six children who were raised as Catholic. John was an active unionist and founded the Union movement on the Rockhampton wharves for which he received a citation from the Premier of Queensland, TJ Ryan.   He helped support the building of the Catholic Cathedral by giving concerts as he was a musician and had a fine voice.  John died tragically at the wharves in 1910 aged forty years. In appreciation for his work for the Church, a Catholic priest (possibly Bishop Duhig) led the funeral cortege on his horse through the main street of Rockhampton to the gate of the Protestant section of the cemetery.

As Dr Ganley spoke, I thought of the many stories that should be told, for example, from the Capricorn Coast as one region in the diocese. There were the Melbourne Cup luncheons which were the primary fundraiser at Sacred Heart parish; the amazing lengths to which the Emu Park parishioners went to build their church, Mary Immaculate; the old church at Yeppoon which was demolished by Cyclone David and the ensuing court case for its insurance to be paid. All that and so much more. The life and experiences of Catholic people along the coastal and remote regions of the Rockhampton Diocese may differ because of family heritage, location, and industry but all shared common beliefs and practices. Each story will be the precious record of our past.

Many family histories are already documented in the diocesan and parish offices across our diocese but many remain stored in the memories of Catholic family members.  What is being asked of you is to start thinking of those reminiscences and where photos and memorabilia of the faith of your parents and grandparents are stored.  Soon, a process by which these records can be gathered will be put in place.

Our faith has come down to us in story and now we have the opportunity to tell of our personal and family experiences.

Sr Kym Harris and Dr Maree Ganley

The full text of the talk Dr Ganley gave is in the attached link. 

Clergy Ongoing Formation, Reflection, Support: Pre-Easter Gathering

March 2021

Each year there is a program of professional development, formation, reflection time and communal prayer for all clergy. Depending on topics and availability, they can also include other leaders and parish personal, Bishop’s House staff and/or school principals. At times, professionals are invited into share their knowledge about particular topic, eg health professionals or Diocesan or Education staff. 

There are four times in a year which are set aside to gather. January, a time of theological formation; Pre-Easter, prayer and spiritual formation; Mid-Year (August), directed retreat; and in October, further professional development. 

Topics in the last twelve months have included safeguarding of children and vulnerable adults, ministry practices, health and wellbeing issues, supervision processes, appraisals, amongst many others. They are about simply improving the ministry and life of the person and how they integrate them into life in general. 

In January we gather at the Duhig Centre at Bishop’s House and at the other times, The Haven Retreat Centre at Emu Park. Each day there is time for gathering in prayer and for Eucharist, reflection times, discussions and sharing conversations over meals are always important

Each gathering has someone different to lead us depending on the topic of reflection. The most recent gathering in March was to reflect and prepare for Easter. In the Day one reflection: “Being led by the Holy Spirit”, Mr Shayne Bennett, a formator at Holy Spirit Seminary in Brisbane and the Director of NET Ministries, helped us reflect upon the journey. Due to the pandemic last year, these events were held over ‘zoom’ meetings, how blessed we are that we could gather in person this year.

In the afternoons time was set aside for reflection upon the Year of St Joseph which Pope Francis has called us to celebrate. Each day, a total of six parishioners from locally and around the diocese were invited to share what and how St Joseph has inspired them in their journey of faith. It was a very sacred time of sharing and listening to their stories. We gathered with them for a meal afterwards and some refreshments on the veranda overlooking the bay. All clergy are invited to all the gatherings, to share in these days of prayer, reflection, formation, and to catch up. They are such an important part of the presbyterate and journeying together. 

Thank you to all our parish communities who are so supportive of our priests and who take on a little extra to allow our priests to gather over these days and to those who help in preparing and making these days possible.

Fr Matthew Moloney

Director, Clergy Life & Ministry

From the 20^th – 21^st April, Parish Secretaries and Managers of our diocese gathered at the Haven, Emu Park, for In-Service on Parish Administration.  The variety of topics covered gives some idea of the wide range of challenges that could be dealt with on any day by those who work the front desk of our parishes.  The purpose of these days was to give in depth training so that these secretaries and managers will be firmly grounded in what the Church wants and why.

Finance, Fundraising, Recording Keeping and Archives, Child Protection, IT Issues, Canon Law and the Sacraments, Copyright of Music and much, much more, even a short spiel on sending items to the diocesan e-newsletter, were just some of the areas covered.  Most of the input was given by the highly competent staff at the Bishop’s Office and was well appreciated by all.

Bishop Michael opened the conference with a talk on the Mission of the Church which gave a clear focus to the work done by the various people within its structures.  On the first evening, Phillip Baumann gave an entertaining after-dinner speech which clearly emphasised the Compassion for People that can be shown in the service of administration.  The text of his speech is given in the link below.

An Invitation

It is a custom in many Catholic church communities across the world to celebrate the Flowers of May.

This year, I invite all our catholic communities across the Central Region of the Diocese come to St Joseph’s Cathedral for the 9.30 am Mass on Sunday 30^th May 2021 and celebrate the end of Mary, Month of May, with Flowers of May.

The feast has been inspired by our Filipino community, and I invite the Catholic community of the Central Region of the Diocese to celebrate this Marian day in honour of Our Lady of the Rosary, which echoes the traditions of overseas born Catholics in our Diocese, who bring the richness of their tradition into our Catholic family.

Leading up to Sunday 30^th May, there will be a 9-day Novena of the Holy Rosary across the Central Region of the Diocese, beginning on Friday 22^nd May and concluding with the 9.30 am Mass at St Joseph’s Cathedral.

At the end of the Mass, a procession honouring the Blessed Virgin Mary will start from St Joseph’s Cathedral, wherein the statue of our Blessed Mother Mary will be carried around the grounds of the Cathedral, ending at the Corso. Our young people will offer flowers to the Blessed Mother, while the various community groups will sing a Song to Mary in their own language.

I invite the whole of the Central Region of the Diocese to join me in celebrating The Flowers of May in honour of Our Lady. I also invite you all to come in your national costume, as we celebrate the beauty of our own churches here in Australia, embracing the various faith traditions from different countries.

Program for The Flowers of May

Friday 22^nd May – Day one of the Novena of Rosaries – St Joseph’s Cathedral at 6.30 pm.

Saturday 23^rd May to Friday 29^th May- Days 2 to 9 – Rosaries in your homes, via ZOOM, in parishes, at times convenient for your group. Please organise with your friends how best to connect during these days, and inform the Parish Office so we can acknowledge your group.        

Sunday – 30^th May – Celebrations of The Flowers of May    The Celebrations will begin at the end of the 9.30 am Sunday Mass at St Joseph’s Cathedral, with a procession, carrying the Statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary around the grounds of the Cathedral, ending at the Cathedral Corso, where young people will offer flowers to the statue of Our Lady, while members of the various community groups render Marian Hymns in their own language; The celebrations will culminate with Folk songs and traditional dancing by members of the community.

Please contact Matthew and Jody at the Parish Office (Tel 4927 6744) to indicate how you might participate and be with us on this day.

With blessings from Our Mother Mary,

Most Rev Michael McCarthy                                                                                                            

Bishop of Rockhampton

It has been a busy time in the Central West with Lent, Triduum and Easter celebrations as well as Fr Raj's farewell tour.  

St John's Church in Aramac revived Stations of the Cross this year, with a small group gathering on Good Friday to journey with the Lord in his Passion.  It has been many years since Stations were last held, and some participants had never been before.  A special thanks to Sacred Heart Church in Barcaldine for sharing their booklets and thus enabling this to happen with such short notice.

The Easter long weekend unofficially marks the beginning of the tourist season in Western Queensland.  A Back to Isisford Reunion was held, with many people flocking back to their old home town to catch up with family and friends.  Thanks to the wise forethought of Billie Edwards, an Easter Mass was celebrated in Isisford at an appropriate time, with the visitors causing an eightfold increased in numbers and almost filling the Church to its COVID-safe capacity.  Although tinged with sadness upon hearing of Fr Raj's departure, it was a joyful time to celebrate the Risen Lord and re-live memories of Masses and special occasions in days gone by.  

It is with great sadness and uncertainty that the West farewells Fr Raj.  We will miss his easy going nature, his humour, and his ability to mix with many different people, quickly making each person feel at ease in his presence.  Unfortunately, given the short time frame and the large region, Fr Raj was unable to celebrate 'one last Mass' with each of the communities, however thanks to Fr Shaiju's flexibility Fr Raj was able to say farewell to most people.  We are also thankful that due to a different COVID vaccination program in the West, he is now fully vaccinated prior to his return to India.  The people of the West have been blessed by his ministry and wish him all the very best for his future. 

Although the future availability of clergy for the West remains uncertain, we are fortunate that during the coming months we still have Fr Shaiju working hard to provide a priestly presence - celebrating the sacraments and providing pastoral ministry throughout the region.  We are extremely grateful for his service, his willingness to travel and do his best to minister to everyone.

Loretta McKeering

What a joy to celebrate in person this precious time of year in all its Glory. We were blessed to celebrate too the welcoming of our 16-year-old sister, Charlise Falconer. Her commitment to the ongoing journey of her faith is heartening. 

Charlise Falconer receivinh her three sacraments at Easter

Fr. Matthias Ogwo celebrating the Easter Vigil at Tannum Sands Church. We welcomed his ministry so many could celebrate the Triduum.

Father Andrew celebrated mass board the ship, Aegean Clover. 

Divine Mercy Sunday celebrated at our Star of the Sea Parish with our beautiful volunteer Adelina Ainsworth

News from St Joseph's, North Mackay

What a wonderful few days we have had celebrating the Sacraments at St Joseph's Parish North Mackay last week. First, we had the celebration of Confirmation for children on Thursday and Friday evenings and on Saturday afternoon, then Saturday evening three young people received the Sacraments of Initiation.....Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist. Janeile Seden, Jamelia Womal, Indiana Womal proudly showing their certificates as they are accompanied by their sponsors Ainsley Currie, Courtney Womal, Joshua Womal, along with Bishop Michael and Fr James. Congratulations to you all.

Congratulations to the many children who received the Sacrament of Confirmation last week. Bishop Michael McCarthy presiding, with Fr James Ezeocha and Fr Sijo George assisting. This was the First Confirmations to take place in the Diocese since the start of the COVID pandemic.

The Mackay Mens Dinner

The Mackay Catholic Men’s  Dinner Club met on Monday 29 March. Chairman Kevin McEvoy welcomed members. Fr Jayanthi said Grace and a good meal was served.

Our planned guest speaker, Nathan Harding from Rockhampton, got as far as Sarina but had to return home due to a COVID-19 lockdown.

Fortunately, our guest speaker who was lined up for February dinner, and cancelled out due to being hospitalised, was available for the March dinner. He didn't hesitate to volunteer as speaker for the night.

Mick Tweddle was our speaker and kept the crowd interested from start to finish. Mick spoke about his life and working in various areas and types of work.

Mick’s schooling was at Pleystowe, then in Mackay. He started work at the age of 14 as a “gopher” at a spare parts firm - a job he enjoyed. When Mick was old enough, his father employed him driving all sorts of trucking and various types of machinery.

Mick said a common job was to drive a low loader with a bulldozer on the back, and drive on mainly dirt roads from Mackay to Nebo area. With very few bridges, it was necessary to drive through difficult creek beds. Clearing hundreds of acres of brigalow scrub on a dozer was part his experiences. Now, when Mick drives through the countryside, he is proud of the grazing areas he helped clear.

From scrub clearing, Mick spent several years in the transport business driving various trucks. Another important part of his working life was a few years working on the construction of Dalrymple Bay Coal Terminal.

The next move was to the final, most enjoyable job in his working life: at Hay Point where he worked in many jobs, including trades assistant, coal stacking by bulldozer, shifting stacker/reclaimers, ship loading, control room, as a leading hand and at times acting Foreman.

Many questions were posed. And many questions were asked during the talk with plenty of laughter. Mick was a most enjoyable guest speaker.

But there is much more. What Mick didn't talk about was what he has done since finishing paid work. There are numerous volunteers for our Churches throughout the diocese doing good work, however some go much further. Mick is one these extraordinaire people in the Parish of Walkerston.

For over 15 years, Mick has tended to mowing the lawns, trimming hedges etc around the church and Presbytery, and also going out to ensure everything is right for Funerals and Weddings.

He is also the handyman. When something breaks, the question is: 'Where is Mick?' - he will fix it or arrange for a tradie. His work assisting each Priest that has come to Walkerston with various jobs is appreciated.

In the late Father Dan Moore’s retiring years, Mick accompanied him to Ireland and stayed with Fr Dan and his family for a few weeks.

Mick has been on the Finance committee for over 10 years, assists in collections at Mass, is a welcomer, one of the first at Mass, and does odd jobs before Mass. Mick is always 'On Call'.

There are other Extraordinary Volunteers also beside Mick at Walkerston who have a story to tell. We thank God and bless all volunteers”.

Our Easter Celebrations brought us together as community and family to reflect, give praise and thanks to our God, for His unconditional love for each and every one of us.

We started our Lenten journey with Ash Wednesday. Next we gathered as a Diocese for The Chrism Mass where we all recommitted to our shared Ministry and Bishop Michael blessed the sacred oils which are used sacramentally for the coming year. Then we celebrated Palm Sunday when Jesus made His triumphal entry into Jerusalem to commence Holy Week.  We then gathered for the Mass of the Lord’s Supper, which included the Procession of Oils, Washing of Feet, and Transference of the Blessed Sacrament. We then all left in silence or stayed for Adoration. Good Friday began with Stations of the Cross at Mary Immaculate Church and was followed by our Ecumenical Walk of Reflection to the Singing Ship. At 3pm we gathered at Sacred Heart Church for the Passion of the Lord, which included The Liturgy of the Word, Adoration of the Cross and a Holy Communion Service. After this we all departed in silence once again.

Our Easter Vigil began in darkness as we gathered to keep a vigil for the Lord. We wait for our lives to be filled once again with Easter Joy. We gathered outside for the lighting and blessing of the fire and then processed into the darkened church with the lighted Paschal Candle. The beautifully sung Exultet heralded the lights being turned on. The Vigil is full of rites and symbols such as the Old Testament Readings, Blessing of the Water, Sprinkling Rite over the congregation and the Renewal of Baptismal Promises. The Vigil was concluded with the glorious Solemn Blessing, and presentation of prayer cards and easter eggs.

On Easter Sunday we celebrated together once again. Allelluia – He is Risen!! In Fr. Matthew’s words – “May the Risen Christ guide, bless and bring us the hope of healing in our world and our lives”.

I forgot to mention in our last Newsletter, that our faithful parishioners who visit the Sick and the Housebound, are once again on the move taking Eucharist and a friendly smile to those who are in need of this ministry – thank you to you all.

We have had Fr Terry Loth and Fr Noel Milner visit our Parish to celebrate Mass over the last two weekends in Fr Matthew’s absence. Thank you to you both and thank you for sharing a coffee with us after Mass.

Rene Veltmeyer gave us a report last Sunday from the Leadership Group. He outlined their last twelve months and called for some new parishioners to join the group to allow for new ideas and shared wisdom. Thank you to the current Leadership Group for their work up to date.

Our Meet in the Middle was held once again last Monday at the Benedictine Monastery. Approximately twenty parishioners came together for a chat, a laugh and some scrumptious food.  See you all for our next one on June 14^th.

Happy Easter

Another Easter with a difference. Last year we were able to celebrate Easter with only five people present. This year, although the numbers were increased, some restrictions remained. Yet the sense of hope, peace and joy that comes from the resurrection of Jesus Christ is the same year in and year out, with five or 225 in attendance, in a big church or smaller church. Christ is risen still!

We overcame the obstacles of a covid lockdown, the mandatory wearing of masks, rain for an outdoor Good Friday liturgy and the Easter fire, and a change of venue to experience the message of Easter. Over all these obstacles, hope and joy prevailed. And when you have two very happy boys baptised during the celebrations, the effort is worth it.

Confirmation and First Communion

Spare a thought and prayer for all the children across the diocese who will soon be celebrating their final initiation sacraments. This is the group of children who were only weeks or months away from the celebrations when Covid-19 caused an upheaval in parish life in March 2020.

For us in Bundaberg, our group was six weeks away from completion. We are looking forward to celebrating with Bishop Michael on Tuesday and Thursday, the 27^th and 29^th April. There will still be the Covid regulations to follow but a small inconvenience to bear for a celebration a long time coming in the eyes of a child.

The Gift: A Life in the Spirit Course

A six-session Life in the Spirit course for anyone who wants to get more out of their faith began in the parish on Tuesday, 13^th April. Led by the United Hearts Prayer Group it has been well received so far and we look forward to the attendees enlivening others with their Spirit-filled zest for the Father’s love.

Holy Rosary Work Nears Completion

Our current target is to have the church back in service for the children’s Confirmation and First Communion celebrations in the last week of the month, during Bishop Michael’s pastoral visit. On the first Sunday of May, the 8.00am and 5.30pm Mass communities will once again celebrate Eucharist in Holy Rosary church on a regular basis.

It has been three months of hard work, negotiation, and delays but finally the air conditioning system and the new LED lighting have been installed. As the tradesmen have crawled into unseen spaces in the ceiling of the church, the age and historical value of the building has been revealed. The massive task of cleaning the interior then begins. GEM Energy will install solar panels to the roof which won’t affect the interior activities of church life.

Landscaping will begin in the grounds on the Barolin and Woongarra Streets corner to soften the look of the northern side of the church. It’s time the grand old lady was given a new look.

St Patrick's Church

Meanwhile St Patrick’s church is having more landscaping work done on its surrounds. The upgrade of the garden bed behind the brick sign at the entrance to the grounds is almost completed. This work is the last major component of the landscaping refurbishment for St. Patrick’s for now. With a new sign, seating, shade cloth, garden beds, trees, and a memorial seat St Patrick’s is looking good!

Anne Sheehan

Australia is a country with a rich abundance of different cultures and languages.

Thanks to new funding, CentacareCQ is expanding its ability to tailor activities for clients from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds.

This new funding will mean the organisation can provide activities for older CALD clients, which will allow their partners, families or other carers to take respite from their caring duties. 

The CentacareCQ team will work to develop activities based on input from CALD clients and community members about the types of activities in which they would like to participate. The organisation will also be partnering with agencies who work closely with the CALD community, engaging guest speakers and facilitators, and promoting activities. They will also assist in engaging with potential CentacareCQ community care applicants to encourage and support the recruitment of a diverse workforce.  

Examples of activities include:

• Story telling
• Board games
• Visits to local farms & nurseries
• Seated exercise and meditation
• iPad lessons
• Health & wellbeing information sessions
• Shopping trips

Group activities have been developed after feedback provided from current clients; CALD participants, as well as their families and carers will be encouraged to provide suggestions for future activities. 

The organisation is also adapting processes to meet the needs of CALD participants. This includes engaging interpreters where needed and rostering staff with knowledge of specific languages and cultures. 

CentacareCQ’s expanded CALD services are available to clients in Bundaberg, Rockhampton and for the first time in Mackay. 

If you would like to find out more about CentacareCQ’s services for CALD clients or check your eligibility please call 1300 523 985 or visit: www.centacarecq.com/cald and complete the online form.

When I started my role with the diocese last year, my very first project was to organise a retreat for married couples in Rockhampton. Unfortunately, this retreat, along with much of 2020, was cancelled due to COVID.

This year a COVID-proof plan was hatched to run a marriage enrichment course online, using the Marriage Kit, produced by Smart Loving. The online format allowed us to welcome couples from around Australia, so twelve couples from our diocese were joined by sixteen other couples, including couples from the Tiwi Islands and Perth. There was also a couple from New Zealand who inquired but decided that the time zone difference was too much of a hurdle, saving everyone in the course from having to hear about how the All Blacks are the greatest sports team of all time.

After an introductory zoom meeting, couples went through the 5 lessons of the course online in their own time. Then all the couples met again fortnightly on Zoom to recap the lessons, hear personal reflections from the group leaders and split into smaller discussion groups. The meetings ended with a scripture reading and praying together for our spouses.

At the final zoom meeting, we were joined by Byron and Francine Pirola, the founders and directors of Smart Loving. The Pirolas delved deeper into some of the points from the course and delivered a very open, humorous and knowledgeable presentation on living out the vocation of marriage, which was greatly appreciated by all. We were also joined by Bishop Michael who gave his blessing and encouragement to all couples who were present.

The course content consisted of a lot of helpful practical skills (especially around communication) that were based in the Catholic understanding of marriage and vocation. I personally found the course very beneficial for my own marriage, and many of couples who attended seemed to share this sentiment. One couple shared their experience saying,

“Although we've been married for over 45 years, we both found the content of the course to be very appropriate. It took us back to our courting days and, although our marriage has always been good, it rekindled the passion we used to have for each other, and which can become a bit dulled by life and circumstances.

As well as the content itself, it was also great to have the opportunity to meet and connect with other couples from around the diocese and the rest of Australia. One couple commented that “it was very encouraging to see the faces of our fellow companions who journeyed with us during these weeks.”

While running a course like this was a bit of an experiment, it turned out to be very fruitful and worthwhile, so I hope to offer similar opportunities in the future. If you’d like to be informed of future marriage enrichment opportunities in the diocese, let me know at marriage@rok.catholic.net.au or 0433 897 973. 

Michael Otto

Executive Officer - Vocations, Youth & Family Life

We remember those of our communities who have passed away in recent times.  May God draw them into the fullness of his life and love.

Cathedral Parish of St Joseph, Rockhampton

Kevin Messer (Blackall)

Audrey Chadwick

Myles Cranston

Juanita Briones

Sarah Day

Mary Ellrott

Michele Egan

Elijah Roberts

Debbie Biles

Bevan Tull

Helen George

Benito Reyes.

Capricorn Coast

JANUARY

Noreen Parer                                   01/01/1927 – 20/01/2021

Rhys Austin Yore “Spud”               25/11/2004 – 21/01/2021

Peter Bartlett                          25/09/1966 – 24/01/2021 

FEBRUARY

Shirley Dawn Kruger                30-06-1936 – 07-02-2021 

MARCH

Pauline Ida Effeney                 11/01/1933 – 08/03/2021

Colleen Sharp                          24/11/1925 – 10/03/2021

Kathleen Else Madden            02-01-1931 – 16/03/2021

Wayne Terrence Doolan         14/05/1986 – 18/03/2021

Jeffrey Swayn                          02/03/1952 – 28/03/2021   

Maryanne Elrott                    25th March 2021 (Buried from the Cathedral)

The following Eulogy missed going into last month's newsletter.  Shirley was a great woman in the Capricorn Coast Parish.  Her daughter and son spoke of the dress shops she had owned in various places in Queensland.  Not only did she serve many woman here on the Coast and through the West by making them look good, her friendship, kind advice and prayers helped so many people.  Her faith shone in all she did. 

The Catholic Church in Colonial Queensland 1859 – 1918

by Rev Dr Christopher Hanlon

(Brisbane Archdiocesan Archives: 01/05/2020)

In his latest book, The Catholic Church in Colonial Queensland 1859 - 1918, Chris Hanlon provides a comprehensive and engaging account of the story of the foundations of our Church in the early colonial period of our State of Queensland. The book addresses the period from 1859 through to 1918; which essentially is the period from the separation of Queensland from New South Wales until the end of the First World War.

The book portrays our Church’s story by way of the following chapters: 

• Community Life in Colonial Queensland
• Immigration, Land Settlement, Buildings
• Church and State
• Education

These four chapters are generously complemented by the inclusion of an Introduction and an Epilogue together with maps, illustrations, appendices and Bibliography. 

I am currently reading this book myself at the present time and would wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone keen to know and understand the story of the foundations of our Church in Queensland during the initial and emerging colonial era. 

Fr William (Bill) Senn.