In 1969, Dr Billing, our Physical Chemistry Professor at Queensland Institute of Technology (Darling Downs) introduced the class to computer programming to solve some of our chemical equations. I believe it was Fortran programming. After writing the program and getting it tested on the only computer in Toowoomba, at the Foundry, the new world of computers threw aside the existing slide rules we had used, or if one was wealthy enough, calculators. In these early days, it took days rather than seconds to achieve a result, but the seeds of a new era were planted. I had no idea that in 2020, 51 years later, I would be conducting Mass and most of my work through the virtual world. The days taken of the computer world of 1969 are now milliseconds.

Earlier this week, I was at a meeting here in Rockhampton and the participants were at their desks in Suva, Samoa, Christchurch, Dunedin, Townsville and Madang and for two hours, clear and audible, we were able to plan the next gathering of the Oceania region on the topic of “The Oceans.” The incredible jump in technology that has allowed us as a Diocese to bring you daily Mass from Rockhampton at 12 noon weekdays and 9.30 am Sunday. But what is more remarkable is how quickly you and our parishes have connected all through Facebook and YouTube streaming Masses and prayers and spiritual themes.  We are part of the birth of a new church that is connected and can easily pray through the e-platform. The Holy Spirit is making all things new and breathing new life into our church. This edition is showing how this is happening. Incredible, as creativity keeps God alive in our parishes and our land.

When our churches open again, how incredible will these experiences be of our connections and when we share Eucharist, will we be like the disciples on the road to Emmaus saying, ‘were not our hearts burning as we yearned and reached out to one another in a new connected way’.

Enjoy this edition of our e-Newsletter and keep sending in the articles to Sr Kym.

Yours in Christ and connected on the e-platform.