Bishop Michael’s Letter
19 May, 2023
I write having just returned from the Plenary meeting of the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference. This is one of two gatherings each year when the Bishops from across Australia come together to discuss matters around the life of the Church in Australia. As Bishop’s of Queensland we also take the opportunity while already gathered to meet about matters particularly relevant to our Queensland Dioceses. It is good to be able to meet in person to work through the business, but also as brother Bishops to spend some time together.
We welcomed our three new priests to the Diocese during April – Fathers Samuel, Raju and Kingsley. I thank them for joining us in the mission here in Australia, and thank their Bishops and family for sharing these good men with us. You can read more about each of them in this edition of the newsletter.
In April we said farewell to Sr Helen Archer rsj. Sr Helen’s gentle presence, dedication to the Mission and pastoral care will be greatly missed. However, we are thankful for the time she has been with us and wish her all the very best for the future.
I encourage you all to connect with the Diocesan Festival being held on the Pentecost weekend (a week away), which will also be the launch of our Diocesan Pastoral Plan for the next 5 years. My Diocesan Pastoral Council has been working to bring this document together based on feedback from listening and Plenary sessions across the Diocese that started in 2017. The plan will guide the pastoral activities of the Diocese and flow into our parishes where our clergy and pastoral councils can help shape the outcomes.
Pentecost is upon us and is a great celebration for our Church. May the Holy Spirit come upon us all anew, refresh us and empower us for the Mission of Christ in our Diocese.
