Bishop Michael’s Letter
17 September, 2024
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ
September has arrived and ushers in the season of Spring. I look forward to September each year as it is a chance for me to have some annual leave and travel a little. I am grateful to Father Don White for accepting my invitation to take on the Office of Vicar General. Father Don will balance this new role with the pastoral leadership of the Bundaberg parish, and will be overseeing the Diocese in my absence.
August was a busy month for us here at the Bishop’s Office. It was an incredible time for celebrating Confirmation in the parishes of the Mackay Southern Cluster and Capricorn Coast, and for our young people of our colleges of The Cathedral College, Emmaus, St Ursula’s and St Brendan’s in their parish churches.
We welcomed back Fathers Peter Tonti and Bryan Hanifin who have been undergoing treatment for their serious illnesses. Father Don White was appointed as Vicar General for the Diocese, the annual conference for the Diocesan Charismatic Renewal was held in Rockhampton, a gathering of the priests for their annual retreat, the state conference of the Catholic Women’s League was held in Mackay and we celebrated the annual multicultural Mass at the Cathedral.
While in Mackay, it was time to remember Mr Kevin Casey and his incredible commitment to the work of Stella Maris – the Diocesan Ministry to Seafarers, a celebration with the multicultural community of Mackay and recognising their growing presence of people from many lands from across the world making Mackay their home. It was also the opportunity to connect with the school and parish community of St Mary’s who were celebrating 100 years of Catholic Education in South Mackay, and I was able to be present at the Holy Spirit College Year 12 formal.
We farewelled Judy Pidcock, our Professional Standards and Safeguarding Manger who is retiring to enjoy the warm climes of Bargara. Thank you, Judy, for your five and half years’ service and for your good work during your time with us. Fr Frank Brennan SJ travelled to the Diocese to lead the annual law service in our Cathedral, and finally, it was a quick trip to Cairns to attend the Episcopal Ordination of and welcome new Bishop, Joseph Caddy, as Bishop of Cairns Diocese.
At the beginning of October, I will return to the celebration of the 70th anniversary of the arrival of The Franciscan Sisters of the Heart of Jesus to Mackay, and their Francis of Assisi Aged Care Home for our Catholic people in Mackay. We will also be celebrating the 50th anniversary of the beginning of CatholicCare in our Diocese, with celebrations in Mackay, Bundaberg and Rockhampton. CatholicCare (previously Centacare) was begun in our Diocese by Sister Anne Marie Kinnane rsm and Father Frank Gilbert.
Enjoy this edition of our Diocesan newsletter and the happenings around our Diocese.
