Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ

As I write this on the last day of September, another year is nearing completion.  This year has certainly been one of the most challenging years of our lives due to COVID-19, however it has offered us so many graces.  Through the lens of this newsletter you can see marvellous things have been happening within our Diocesan community.

One aspect of the newsletter is the beautiful photos of Sr Cecilia.  Sr Cecilia looks after the community at Woorabinda, but in her spare time with her camera captures much of the wildlife that abounds in that part of the Central Highlands.  You can see more great things happening in the Central Highlands through the work of Fathers Yon and Truc and the Rolleston community, and also the work our schools are doing.

You will have seen that we are starting to put together a Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) for the Diocese.  The Reconciliation Action Plan ensures that our people connect and develop strong relationships with the first peoples of this land, namely the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.  These people are among the most marginalised in our communities today and many groups are recognising this and wanting to contribute to closing the alarming gaps that continue to exist between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians.  Reconcilation Action Plans are commonplace these days in many organisations and have been found to have a profound impact on increasing awareness and understanding.  I invite you all to journey with me as the community of disciples being co-responsible for the mission as we write the Reconciliation Action Plan together.  Deanna Beatson will be leading this process for the Diocese but we need a working party from across the Diocese for it to be effective.  Any interested individuals can contact Deanna via rap@rok.catholic.net.au. Information sessions will be held next Tuesday 6 October for futher information.

Sanctity of Life Sunday will be celebrated this Sunday, 4 October.  I invite you to all join with me in prayer that the sacredness of all life will be upheld.  A Holy Hour for Life will be held at St Joseph's Cathedral, Rockhampton this Sunday at 3pm and all are welcome to attend.  You can also join via livestream at the St Joseph's Cathedral YouTube page - https://www.youtube.com/user/StJosephsCathRton.

Information material has been distributed over the last four weeks regarding the different aspects of the Sanctity of Life and how we as Catholics are called to respond.  These can also be found attached to this newsetter.  It is important to be informed, particularly as these issues will become relevant in the upcoming State Election.

I remember with gratitude all those throughout the Diocese who sent me greetings and best wishes for my recent 70th birthday.  I appreciate your prayer and support and I look forward to being with you in the years ahead until retirement.

God bless