North Rockhampton News
Remembering Mrs Margaret Murphy
Saturday 16th February was certainly a day of affirmation when it came to the Spirit of St Joey’s and OLHC faith community joining as one to firstly celebrate the life of Mrs Margaret Murphy a long time parent, employee and devoted friend to many.
It was evident by the number of past teaching staff who attended the prayerful service, then followed by a morning tea supplied by parents of the school and a time to engage with immediate family of Margaret’s who also attended St Joey’s in their early lives. The comments from the family who saw for the first time the expansion and new facilities that the school enjoys now were truly amazing.
Community Gathering
On the same day, a celebration of the first Children’s led liturgy for 2019 at the Vigil Mass was very well attended.
The Park Avenue faith community welcomed back returning families as well as new families to OLHC Church and the school community.
Following the Mass, the faith community enjoyed a shared BBQ by courteousy of St Joey’s School parents.
Fr Marcel welcomed everyone and highlighted the joy that is shared by both parish and school communities here at Park Avenue.
Kevin Hogan
Beginning Lent in the Schools
Students, teachers, parents and parish communities all came together to celebrate the start of the School year. Opening School Masses were held at Emmaus, St Mary’s, Our Lady Help of Christians and Holy Family. Bishop Michael joined with the Emmaus community for their celebration. We thank him for his support and Blessing on the School Year. All Masses were well attended and very special occasions.
Our schools and communities have come together again to celebrate Ash Wednesday Masses and the start of Lent. Students had the support of their parents and grandparents on this occasion too.
Emmaus and St Anthony’s have joined together to create a Lenten display in the foyer of Holy Family. Students have written Lenten promises and prayers including “I hope to be the best person I can be”, “I hope to help people in need”, and “I promise to work harder at school work”…. 
Our parishes’ Lenten small group will gather during Lent. At their first gathering they will consider the Gospel for the first Sunday of Lent. They will meet weekly with a focus on the Gospels as they journey towards Easter.