News from Rockhampton
16 September, 2023
Elevate Youth
The third session of Elevate Youth 2023 was held on Saturday 9 September, following the TCC/Parish Mass at St. Joseph’s Cathedral. Elevate Youth is a Southside Parish initiative hosted by members of the Parish, members of the TCC community, and senior student helpers. This week we were also joined by Deacon Peter Doherty. This growing group enjoys a meal together, followed by games, a video, and faith discussion. Elevate Youth is utilising the videos and discussion tools from the Alpha Youth series. The videos are of excellent quality and have been very well received by all attending. The faith discussions generated have been fulfilling for all – adults and young people, alike. Pictured is the group enjoying a game of ‘Jockeys’ in the Cathedral Corso, at the point of the hotly contested final. Also pictured are the discussion groups. Discussion is prompted by guiding questions from the Alpha Youth video and is facilitated by both the hosts and helpers. Topics thus far have been ‘Life. Is this it?’, ‘Jesus: Who is He?’, and ‘Cross: Why did Jesus die?’. Further information about the Alpha Youth series is available here: Alpha Youth Series (alphaone.io)
Elevate Youth is open to all young people from Grades 6 to 12, and attendants may register via the link: Elevate 2023 – Southside Parish Youth Group – Permission Form .
Tanya Gill
Teacher – The Cathedral College
First Holy Communion
For the first time this year, the Cathedral Parish of St Joseph and the North Rockhampton Catholic Community united to share people and resources for the preparation of children of primary school age to celebrate the Sacraments of Penance, Confirmation and Eucharist. The Sacramental Teams offered a variety of dates and venues for the workshops that were a vital part of the children’s spiritual journey.
Ninety-five children participated in the preparation process and, when First Holy Communion was celebrated, there were large numbers at Masses but also smaller numbers as shown in this photo at St Mary’s.
TCC serve at Thursday Mass
Every week at Thursday Morning Mass in St Joseph’s Cathedral, students of The Cathedral College volunteer for the roles of Welcomers, Readers, Extraordinary Ministers of Communion and Altar Servers. The Mass usually draws many from the surrounding Cathedral precinct and local parish. Recently students had the special privilege to minister at the Mass presided by Archbishop Coleridge for the gathering of the Queensland Bishops in Rockhampton hosted by Bishop Michael. This Mass brought our Community of Faith symbolically together with all of Queensland as one body who love God and who follow His son Jesus Christ, living life fully in His name, creating an affirming faith experience for students and all who celebrated the Mass together.
