With Bishop Michael, the Clergy of the Diocese, Religious and Parishioners who were able to attend, gathered on Monday the 15^th of October for the Mass of the Holy Oils. This was postponed from before Easter due to the pandemic. Telecast to the Diocese and beyond via ‘livestreaming’ it began our days of formation, reflection and listening the presenters with their expertise. It was a time also to share a meal and catch up for those who gathered. 

The Monday afternoon was an opportunity to meet and spend time with the Bishop’s House and Diocesan staff who support our parishes, clergy and pastoral leaders. Putting names to faces and sharing some time together was invaluable for all. Then, Nathan Harding who began in the Diocese the week after lock down and has been working hard as the Communications Officer gathering and supporting with media, shared ways of outreach during this time. Kate Moore as part of the Child Protection Office of the Diocese along with Judy Pidcock continued with sharing the importance and ongoing care and ways of protecting children and vulnerable adults. Deanna Beatson joined us and will help guide and put together the Diocesan Reconciliation Action Plan, and spoke to us about these opportunities into the future. It was a busy Monday afternoon.

On Tuesday, our Director of Finance, Dean Smith along with Kristy Gear our Human Resources officer and Michael Otto the Vocations Director all shared the various topics of interest. The support given by all who are at Bishop’s House is an essential part of the supporting the mission of the church.

Each day the afternoon sessions were a composite of health professionals with various topics on personal and the wider public health issues that we all face and deal with. Caring for and looking after one’s health is critical and doctors, nurses, psychologists, specialised health professionals, all had input and were received positively over the days. Public health issues of: domestic violence, drug and alcohol use, cancer, mental health among many others were topics of input, discussion, and questions. Thanks go to the team lead by James Jenkins who is the Nursing Director, Division of Medicine, Central Queensland Hospital and Health Service, who organised the many speakers and medical advice for us.          

With the help of the Catholic Education Office, we were able to meet in the Kevin Castles Centre adjacent to their offices. The clergy from the diocese along with Sr Mary Farrelly from the Western Pastoral Ministry, Sr Carmel Boyle and Sr Colleen Livermore from Blackwater Parish, Sr Cecilia Prestashewsky from Woorabinda Parish also joined in the days. 

Along with the team who organised the days of in-service, thanks go to them for all the work involved not only in the planning (Judy Pidcock, Safeguarding; Kristy Gear HR; Joy Philippi, Pastoral Mission; and Terry Beaton, CLM) but those who also helped behind the scenes as well (Donna Mitchell, Shaun Pettit, Michael Otto and Alison Austin). During the days a meal was shared at ‘Giovanni’ by all and it was a great opportunity to relax and share in conversation and what has happened over these last months. Thanks, and we look forward to the next opportunity to spend time together.

Fr Matthew Moloney

Clergy Life & Ministry