News from Gladstone
13 March, 2025
The Gladstone Catholic Parish events this past month include:
• Monthly Men’s Night with guided Spiritual Direction in the style of an Ignatian Examen led by Fr Peter Doherty;
• First of many Youth Events, which included discernment from the youth themselves about what sort of events they would like to participate in this year;
• Mercy Associates meeting with speech by Naomi Pettett (ably assisted by husband Shaun Pettett)
• Continued involvement of many parishioners volunteering at the local St Vincent de Paul support centre and depot.
• The reception into full communion with the Catholic Church of three parishioners; Maely, Steph and Sally
• Continued weekly morning tea after the 8am Mass
• The Ministry Network Night, facilitated by parishioners Elise and Maria.
Building Connections: PPC Ministry Networking Night
On Friday, February 28th, 2025, Star of the Sea Parish hosted a Parish Pastoral Council Ministry Networking Night, bringing together thirty ministry leaders and volunteers for an evening of conversation, sharing, and collaboration. The goal was to strengthen connections between different groups, learn more about the work being done, and explore ways to support each other in our shared mission.
The evening was a mix of informal discussions and a structured sharing session, where each ministry had a brief opportunity to introduce their work and highlight ways for others to get involved.
Several key themes emerged, including a need for better communication between the PPC and the wider parish, with calls for more bulletin updates and social media outreach. There was a strong focus on youth involvement, with ideas for more social activities, catechesis, and retreats to help young people feel more connected to the parish.
The PPC is taking these insights on board and looks forward to working together to strengthen parish life. By improving communication and fostering deeper connections, we can continue to grow as a vibrant, faith-filled community.
Many Paths March 2025
The Mercy Associates of Gladstone continue to support and be involved in small ways at Chanel College. This college was established in 1966 by the Sisters of Mercy and were later joined by the Marist Brothers. We attend weekday and full school Masses, providing the presence of Catherine McAuley and her charism.
The Sisters of Mercy Leadership Award was presented at the end of 2024, to the College Captains Ava and Carter and College Vice Captains Charlotte and Izaac. This special Award has a long history at the College. It recognises young women and men who have demonstrated outstanding leadership qualities through their involvement in a wide range of College activities. The Award was presented to the students by Mercy Associates Mrs Dorothy Leech, Mrs Geraldine Laird and Mrs Annette Rowe.
At the Opening full College Mass this year, the theme was announced as “Mercy in Action”. I now quote the words of the opening address by Lily, College leader: “In 2025, let us be reminded of the words of Catherine McAuley, ‘The simplest and most practical lesson I know is to resolve to be good today, but better tomorrow.’ We are called to be people who embody mercy through our actions, offering kindness, compassion and support to those around us. Let us strive to live and learn together this year with hearts full of mercy and hands ready to serve.”
In his Homily, Fr Peter Doherty shared with the students how they could put into practice the “Corporal and Spiritual Works of Mercy” in their College and home lives. He shared with them practical ways of how to live out simply each ‘Work of Mercy’. For example – ‘offering to cook a meal at home’ to ‘standing up for someone who is being bullied’ etc.
For the ‘World Day of Prayer’ service held in our Star of the Sea Parish Church, once again the Mercy Associates joined with the Chanel College students in prayers, Bible readings and joining in the hymns chosen by the College. One student also read the story from a 15yr old girl from the Cook Islands, where the women had prepared the service.
Annette Rowe
Our parish has been busy in diverse ways.
