A few things have been happening in our parish since I last wrote:-

• On the first Sunday of Lent we introduced an additional Mass to be held at 5pm at Sacred Heart Church. This was decided after consultation with many groups within the Parish. Interest has also been shown for a “youth group” to begin and this maybe connected to the Sunday evening gathering time.

• The Sacramental Program has also commenced with over 60 participants, after being unable to be held last year.

• Stations of the Cross are being held throughout Lent at both Sacred Heart and Mary Immaculate churches.

• Two discussion groups have commenced – Alpha, which is an 11 week course, where people gather to have a conversation about faith life and God. As well, Sycamore, which is a new Catholic program developed to provide a flexible resource for formation of parishioners.

• World Day of Prayer was held in Yeppoon and Emu Park on March 5^th and was hosted by the Uniting Church this year. Due to numbers the Emu Park gathering was held in Mary Immaculate Church, where approximately 31 men and women gathered. The service this year was written by the women of Vanuatu, and the Vanuatu Committee’s prayer is that they will “lift up the voice of Vanuatu women across the world”. The theme being – Build on a Strong Foundation.

• Christine Davids, who was a volunteer overseas with Palms Australia, gave us a short talk after Mass last Saturday and Sunday. Christine volunteered as a Pre-school Teacher Mentor in Timor-Leste (East Timor) from March 2018 to March 2020 when she returned to Australia due to Covid-19. Christine is looking forward to when she can return to Timor-Leste.

• Lastly we will hold our next Meet in the Middle (parishioners gathering from both sides of the parish) on Monday April 12^th at The Benedictine Monastery, Tanby. Everyone is very welcome.

As we near the end of our Lenten journey, may we look forward in joyful anticipation to our Easter celebrations, where we hear – “ALLELLUIA! HE IS RISEN”.

Our Parish would like to wish each one of you a joyful and glorious Easter.

Helen McIntyre

In Loving Memory: Shirley Kruger

Our Capricorn Catholic Parish has been saddened these past couple of weeks at the passing of four of our Parishioners. Shirley Kruger was one of these ladies. Shirley was an astute and pleasant business woman who owned and managed a select ladies clothing shop in Yeppoon.  What Shirley did was more than run a business: she offered a gentle, listening ear to the many who dropped into her shop in need of kindness.  

Shirley was a tireless worker who in a very capable way helped to organize an Annual Melbourne Cup Day function for over 37 years.

Her gentle manner and wisdom helped to make these events run smoothly. Her sincerity and professionalism made her a valued and respected friend to all of us who knew her. She will be sadly missed when we are able to resume our Cup Day Functions

Vale Shirley, valued friend

Joan Ellaway

Welcoming a new school year at St Ursula’s College

New staff and students of St Ursula’s College, Yeppoon, were formally commissioned during a Welcome Mass on Thursday 11 February.

Fr Matthew Moloney presided over the Mass, and promoted the College’s theme for 2021, ‘When compassion meets action, lives change’.

“Go and make a difference in 2021; as Christ said, ‘Whatever you did to the least of my brothers, you did to me’,” Fr Moloney said.

After the Mass, Mrs Deborah Ryan was formally commissioned into her role as Principal of St Ursula’s College. As part of this ceremony, all Year 12s gathered on stage and made their pledge as Seniors of the College; they also extended a blessing over their parents, who joined our celebrations via livestream. New staff were commissioned, and elected members of the Student Representative Council were presented with badges. All new students were received by their peers with a Guard of Honour as they processed out of the Ballygriffin Cultural Centre.

Altar adds new life at St Brendan's

In a bid to have the historic SBC amphitheatre utilized more frequently, Assistant Principal - Identity Mr Shane Peers has begun several improvements to bring the site back to its former glory. One of which was to add a new altar. This has enhanced the weekly Tuesday mass that began for boarders late last year. 

Supporters of the College, Capricorn Sandstone Quarries generously donated a tonne of sandstone which has been commissioned into a new altar.  The sandstones buff and brown bandit were shaped by our very own Grounds and Maintenance Team onsite.

The outdoor theatre dates back to the late 1960s and was popular for showing the latest movies on a Saturday night. Speech Day was held here for the first time in 1968 providing seating for 300 with additional viewing areas on the grassy banks. The retaining wall was erected the previous year by a large squad of students.  The amphitheatre continued to be used until 1978 when the area near the swimming pool became more popular. 

On 23 February 2015 “Cyclone Marcia” caused severe damage to the area. For the safety of students, the amphitheatre was decommissioned for use.  

We look forward to more events in this beautiful, relaxed setting.