Bishop Michael’s Letter
24 February, 2025
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ
As I write for the e-newsletter this month I am very much aware of the extreme weather events that are affecting our state, and my mind turns to the Townsville area and the many people who have been affected by the intense flooding. As the rain moved down the coast it affected our schools in Mackay with flooding in the streets of South Mackay. Our prayers are with all of those who are affected.
As we begin our year, I recently launched the Holy Jubilee Year from our Cathedral. Pope Francis on Christmas Eve launched it in St Peters Basilica, but discerning for our Diocese after the intense heat of summer holidays, February is a good time as we all come together to begin our school year.
I am travelling to all of our schools and colleges in the Diocese and connecting with our staff, principals and our students. Last year, as I toured schools and colleges it was a great opportunity to connect with all of our young people who are a part of Catholic Education. During these times I will be celebrating a few of the opening year masses for our colleges. It is always a great occasion of faith accompanying our teachers. During the visiting around the Diocese, together with Michael McCusker the Director of Catholic Education, we connect with our new teachers and spend some time getting to know them and inviting them to connect with us as they begin their teaching in a Catholic school.
This month we also welcome five young people who will be part of the Diocesan NET team and will be available for our Diocese and our young people. The NET movement has had a great connection with our Diocese over the decades, which includes Mackay, Emerald, Bundaberg, Rockhampton and the many places they visited. These young people have given a year of their life, post school, to be present for our young people and lead them to know Jesus Christ. Welcome to the Diocese – Nathan, Hannah, Craig, Sarah & Kali and may your time here be fruitful and blessed.
February is also the time when our Diocesan councils start to meet again. The Diocese of Rockhampton has four councils and one board in assisting the pastoral outreach of our Diocese. The councils include Finance Council, Priests’ Council, Pastoral Council, Education Council and the CatholicCare Board. All of these assist in the management and administration in each of these areas of the Diocese and also assists me, as Bishop, in the governance of the Diocese.
As we move through this month of February, we look forward to the beginning of Lent commencing on Ash Wednesday – 5th March 2025. During this time, I ask that God’s richest blessings come upon you all.
Bishop Michael
