Two Ways your Cathedral is Changing

Works are being undertaken both inside and outside of the Cathedral to improve and restore aspects of this grand building and its surrounds. 

The Cathedral Parish of St Joseph has partnered with The Cathedral College and The Catholic Diocese of Rockhampton to begin major refurbishment works on the Cathedral Close. These works aim to improve the safety and accessibility of this area as over time the pavers have become very run down and, in some areas, unsafe. Plans show that the work is anticipated to be completed by December. Unfortunately, this means for the next few months the absence of the Cathedral Close may lead to congestion and fewer parking spaces. However, these works are absolutely necessary to ensure parishioner safety.

Meanwhile on the inside of the Cathedral, local experts in statue and painting refurbishment are receiving invaluable knowledge about how to maintain and repair the beautiful Stations of the Cross that line the walls of the Cathedral. The Stations of the Cross were procured from Europe toward the end of 1903 by Bishop Higgins, during his visit there. They were introduced to the Cathedral in September, 1904. With the knowledge provided by the course, The Cathedral Parish of St Joseph can be self-sufficient in caring for these century-old examples of fantastic craftsmanship.

The routine of coming to mass at the Cathedral each weekend has begun to reemerge after a lengthy hiatus due to COVID-19. However, what you may be missing each time you visit the Cathedral is the incredible blooming gardens right next door...

Grounds Staff Cliff and Debbie Broom are always working hard to maintain the pristine surrounds of the Cathedral and this year have gone one step further with their work on the Cathedral Office Garden. Teeming with a beautiful and diverse range of flowering plants, the gardens are a sight to behold at this time of year.

With positive comments on the beautiful display flowing in, we encourage parishioners not to miss this opportunity to experience these gardens personally.

COVID 19 - what it has meant to us

COVID 19… 

The basic need to care and be cared for became centre stage in our daily lives, due to COVID 19. We became caring people in a way never seen before. Prayer brigades were organised to give hope and instil faith. The ‘New Normal’ became our goal. As places of worship reopened, though in limited attendance for now, we have returned with renewed confidence and stronger faith; we found solace in praying for a cure and hoping that the ‘new normal’ is close at hand.

Gary and Gaby Nagel

COVID 19 has a great effect on me, on how precious life is. It has enhanced my ability to be more considerate, forgiving and last but not least, prayerful through our lives.

Doris Sonntag 

I have grown spiritually and it made me appreciate the gift and value of life. I find myself listening more to what the other person has to say, making our conversation more meaningful and fruitful. I admit I had previously taken for granted my involvement in religious devotion, but now that I am participating in community Rosary, my faith has grown and I have developed a sense of belonging with this people.

COVID 19 has also brought my family closer and we become aware of each other’s perception about spirituality.

Loreen Kaseke

COVID 19 has awakened and strengthened our love for our family.  We are now taking the time to reach out to one another in every opportunity we have, and as parents, there is nothing in our minds but to protect our children from the effects of COVID 19. Praying the Rosary as a group has brought a new spirit of solidarity among friends and members of our families. Faith sharing is indeed a source of assurance of hope, of mercy and blessings.

Joey Mora

Our devotion to the Lord has not faltered in the face of the challenges brought by COVID 19. We continue to pray to keep us safe. We also pray for our families who are not with us in Australia, and we thank God that we are totally looked after here by the authorities.

John Franco

Mercy Associates Raffle a huge success!

Last week, after months of frantic ticket sales, seven lucky winners were drawn and walked away with prizes ranging from a patchwork quilt to food and wine vouchers. However, every ticket holder can feel like a winner now that the total money raised by the raffle has been revealed. 

To the amazement of raffle organisers, the Mercy Associates Raffle raised a whopping $3,020.00 for Mercy Works, a development arm of the Sisters of Mercy who work with challenged communities in Papua New Guinea, Timor-Leste and Australia to promote justice and self-reliance. 

The Mercy Associates Executive passed on their sincere thanks to everyone involved in donating and fundraising for the 2020 edition of this raffle and look forward to similar fundraising efforts in the future.