News from Emerald
18 October, 2024
I was privileged to celebrant the wedding of Max Dunne and Mollie Heinemann who were married on the 21st of September. People came from all corners of the world, and it was simply a beautiful and joyful occasion. Congratulations Max and Mollie.
After the nuptial mass, Mollie’s parents, Michael and Kylie hosted the wedding celebrations. It was a time of laughter and joy, with an amazing banquet and fantastic entertainment. I enjoyed every moment.
We wish Max and Mollie God’s blessings for a happy married life. We pray they be blessed with children and success throughout the rest of their lives.
Emerald is in the throes of fair preparation for Saturday the 2nd of November 2024. The Catholic Community Fair is the biggest event that our parish, along with the support of Marist College, St Patrick’s School and St Brigid’s School, organizes every year. It is an occasion when people come in great numbers to celebrate being community together. There will be all kinds of entertainment such as live music by different music bands, rides for the children, food and drinks and many other activities for fun. This is a major fund-raising event for the parish so if you are in Emerald next month, I invite you and your family members to come and enjoy this well-prepared event with Fr Joseph and I.
We are also happy to share with you the expansion of our missionary works in the Central Highland. The church in the Central Highlands includes Emerald, Anakie, Springsure, Rolleston, Blackwater, Dingo, Duringa and Woorabinda. Now that Blackwater has Fr. Kingsley, who has been appointed the administrator of Blackwater region, the Divine Word Missionaries (SVD), has now more time to spend with the parishioners of Emerald, Anakie, Springsure and Rolleston. We have increased Mass opportunities in each area and have introduced Masses at various properties and communities such as the Gemfields and the Willows, and other properties where farmers live. The people who work and reside at farms around us are very appreciative of the visits and ministery. We will keep expanding our missionary works and creativities so please pray for us.
During Fr Truc’s absence Fr Joseph Reddy Dondeti SVD has come to serve in our parish. He gives the following introduction:
Life Has Been…
Life has been a bundle of God’s graces and blessing to me. As it unfolded from the time of my memory lane, what intrigues me is, the Ways of God to bring me head on with His plan to be a good missionary priest. I’m the third of four children in the family, the fourth is a Nun in JMJ religious order and my eldest sis and elder bro are with their families having two kids each.I w
as born in 1986 in Andhra Pradesh (one of the southern states of India) and joined the Divine Word Missionaries soon after my completion grade 10. Hailing from a devout family, my journey through the formative years was providential.
I joined the Society of Divine Word Missionaries (SVD) in 2000, I was ordained a Priest on 8th February 2016. Following this, I was assigned to the SVD Australia Province and arrived in Sydney on 23rd October 2016. My first appointment was to serve as assistant Priest at Mary Mother of the Church Parish, Macquarie Fields, Sydney (Wollongong Diocese).
In December 2020, I was assigned to the Good Shepherd Parish in Townsville. I was installed as the Parish Priest in January 2021. My ministry here encompasses the churches in Kirwan and Upper Ross. Presently, I am also a Member of the College of Consultors to Bishop. Tim Harris for the Townsville Diocese. I am loving the ministry and the place.
I am also serving, as the Communications Coordinator for SVD Australia Province since 2020. My responsibility is to oversee the Society’s website, social & print media, and contribute to the editorial content for enews editions and video/live streaming initiatives that are organised by the Congregation. Fr Joseph is with us until Fr Truc returns in early December. Please make Fr Joseph feel welcomed to Emerald.
