Bishop's Pastoral Letter - Queensland Flood Disaster

My dear people

As I return to Rockhampton, via Mackay, having attended the funeral of Bishop Joe Grech in Bendigo, I have become more conscious of the devastation of the flood disaster throughout our Diocese and far beyond. 

May I, on behalf of the whole diocesan family, extend my heartfelt sympathy to all who have been affected by the floods. I am thinking of those whose homes have been inundated by water, people on the land who have lost personal items, crops, stock, fencing and machinery, and businesses where there is uncertainty over the future.

Many more people have been affected through loss of employment, even if temporarily, and the huge inconvenience of slowly receding waters.  We think of the painful process of restoring homes, businesses and infrastructure.  May I, on behalf of us all, pay tribute to the Police & Emergency Services personnel including the SES, the Armed Forces and Salvation Army, Red Cross, the Helicopter Services, and the many volunteers who are assisting, along with Welfare Agencies including Centacare and Lifeline, and those who are offering pastoral care, with clergy in the affected areas.  I acknowledge also the Civic Authorities who have shown such strong leadership during this time of crisis.

We pledge ourselves to do all we can in the recovery process.  I thank Father John Grace for his leadership of the Diocese during my absence and restate the advice given earlier that financial support/donations be directed through the Queensland Government Appeal.  I am aware that many parishes have been taking up collections which may be forwarded to our Diocesan Office for the Public Appeal.  I understand that the St Vincent de Paul Society has also launched a special Flood Appeal.  Financial donations can be made either online – http://vinnies.org.au/floods  or by telephoning 131812.

We entrust to the Lord, all who are suffering so much.  We firmly believe in God’s providence surrounding us, our God who is sharing the grief of so many at this time.  We offer our love and support to all who have been affected by the floods, and pray that God’s consoling Spirit will sustain them in this hour of trial and fill them with hope to rebuild their dreams.

Yours sincerely

+Brian Heenan
Bishop of Rockhampton


7 January 2011