News from the Capricorn Coast
17 February, 2025
What a wonderful time of celebration and joy as we gathered to celebrate the Birth of our Saviour, Jesus Christ. We celebrated three Masses for our Christmas celebration and all were filled with parishioners and visitors to the coast. I particularly love singing Christmas Carols at this time of year, and we did so for half an hour before Mass to worship our loving God. We must take this opportunity to thank our wonderful musicians for leading us in song and also, we thank our special guest musician – Claire Ryan who assisted with the music. Christmas Day Mass was the final Mass for Fr Matthew before he headed south to his new role. We wish Fr Matthew all the best for this coming year.
Fr Noel Milner celebrated Mass with us for two weeks, before Fr Stephen Hanly arrived on the coast and celebrated his first Mass with us on January 11th at Mary Immaculate Church. Thank you, Fr Noel, for always assisting our parish when we are in need.
We take this opportunity to welcome Fr Stephen to our community and in Fr Stephen’s words – we begin this adventure together. We look forward to sharing ideas with Fr Stephen as we journey together on this adventure. At Fr Stephen’s installation Mass, we sang the Blessing Song over him and then in return Fr Stephen sang the Blessing Song over all the people gathered. It was a lovely occasion to be able to attend, as Bishop Michael carried out this ritual.
We have celebrated two 50-year Wedding Anniversaries during the month of January for Michael and Maree Griffin and Laurie and Michelle Griffin. Congratulations to you all and God’s richest blessings for many more years to celebrate together.
Our very own Sr Kym also celebrated one of those special “0” birthdays during the month of January. Very Happy Birthday Sr Kym and we pray you are blessed with many more years to celebrate as well.
We also thank our helpers who cleaned up the garden shed – Peter & Kathy Maloney and Loretta Thwaite. We can actually see the floor now. THANK YOU!!
The Healing Prayer Ministry (HPM) is once again an active ministry within the Capricorn Coast Parish. After initial formation and training last year, 7 parishioners have been commissioned as Prayer Ministers offering short ministry following Mass each weekend and Prayer by Appointment, as requested. Ongoing training for Prayer Ministers will continue this year.
Another important and vital aspect of the ministry is Intercessory Prayer, with many parishioners from Sacred Heart, Yeppoon and Mary Immaculate, Emu Park, committing to daily prayer for the ministry and for those requesting prayer. A Parish Prayer Chain has also been established with prayers being received via email, and then distributed to the Intercessors.
With the blessing and encouragement of Father Matthew Moloney and now under the care, guidance and support of Father Stephen Hanly, the Healing Prayer Ministry and its outreach will continue to be a visible sign of God’s loving and healing presence in our Parish and beyond.
The HPM Coordinating Team
