Notes from the Catholic Parishes of North Mackay and Farleigh

Fr Stephen celebrates 30 years as a priest

Fr Stephen Hanly celebrated a special mass at St Joseph’s church, North Mackay to mark his 30 years in the priesthood this November.  The Holy Spirit College choir lifted their voices in beautiful harmony at the mass. The mass was followed by supper in the parish centre.

Giving Tree

A Giving Tree has been set up at St Joseph’s church as an appeal to support the St Vincent de Paul. Parishioners are invited to select a tag from the tree then buy an appropriate gift for people in need in the community. The unwrapped gifts must be placed under the tree by Sunday, December 15 when volunteers will collect and distribute the gifts.

Holy Spirit College hampers

Holy Spirit College held an Advent prayer service on Friday, November 29 at which 200 hamper packs were donated to the North Mackay St Vincent de Paul Conference. The hampers contained non-perishable food items and toys for families in need to enjoy at Christmas. A monetary donation was also given with the proceeds coming from various fundraisers held within HSC.

Paul Vanderloos

South Mackay Parishes

Catholic Men’s Club Dinner

 Seminarian Ashwin Acharya  Fr James Ezocha, St Joseph’s  Peter Zahra

Members of the Mackay Catholic Mens club enjoyed another monthly dinner, the last for this year.  Our guest speaker for the night was Fr James Ezocha from the St Josephs Parish Nth Mackay.

Fr James spoke about his journey to become a Priest. From the days at Secondary school to the studies at the seminary in his home parish.

He also spoke about his home country Nigeria, how the country was divided into various states and spoke about the lifestyle. He also spoke about why he chose to come to Australia when asked by a member during question time, his reply was most interesting.

Fr James arrived in Australia in August 2018 and after spending some time in the Rockhampton area, he came to St Josephs in January this year.