Diocesan Newsletter

News from the Capricorn Coast

On March 15th, we sadly farewelled Kathy and Peter Maloney from our parish community. They were very active members of our community and have now moved to Brisbane to be closer to their beautiful family. They are very special people who live out their faith each and every day. Our parish presented them with a photo of the Singing Ship in case they forget us and sang the Blessing Song over them as well. We wish them God’s richest blessings in the years ahead. Peter did love his coffee and a chat at Jolt, whilst sharing a few jokes, and attached is a photo of our last coffee together.

One of our lovely Sacristans celebrated one of those special “0” birthdays at the beginning of the month and we wish Trish a “Very Happy 80th Birthday”.

Our Lenten groups reflecting on the Metanoia program, concluded last week. Everyone agreed the material including reflections and artwork were very thought provoking and we enjoyed our shared discussions together.

A group of parishioners including one brave man and two talented grand children, gathered together to make 500 palm crosses for Mary Immaculate and Sacred Heart churches. This was another great time of fellowship.

Safeguarding Training for parish volunteers was held on April 8th at Mary Immaculate Church. The training was presented by Graham White, who is the Professional Standards and Safeguarding Manager. Graham gave us a great over view of all aspects of safeguarding and left us with resources to peruse as well.

The Healing Prayer Ministry is being received well by parishioners requesting prayers for varied reasons. This ministry is being offered every week at one of the Masses in our parish. Prayer Intercessors at home is another avenue for requesting prayers for special needs and is being received and used by many parishioners as well. Thank you to our Prayer Warriors.

We were blessed with the Baptism of twin girls recently at Mary Immaculate Church and we were pleased to meet Eva and Rose and their parents Joshua and Sandra, along with Godparents and Grandparents. May you both grow closer in your relationship with God as you walk through life.

And as usual our monthly Meet in the Middle held at the Waterline Cafe, where parishioners from both sides of the parish get to know each other better. We look forward to seeing you next month on May 12th at 10am.

Easter Triduum Celebrations – The celebration of the Paschal Triduum of Christ’s passion, death and resurrection, the apex of the liturgical year, calls us to undertake a journey of preparation , in the knowledge that our being conformed to Christ is a priceless gift of God’s love and mercy.

Holy Thursday begins with Jesus setting an example of humble, loving service for all who wish to call themselves followers of His. We listen to the intimacy of the Last Supper, where Jesus becomes their servant. Servanthood is the mark of discipleship – to follow Jesus is to serve others with love. The Holy Oils of the Sick, Catechumens and Holy Chrism are processed in at the beginning of the Mass and these oils will be used in the parish throughout the year.
Good Friday is a day of reverent silence and gratefulness. The price of sin was paid, and the barrier between God and ourselves was broken. The cross reveals the depth of our sin and the greater depth of God’s love for us. On Friday morning we gathered to pray the Stations of the Cross and followed with an ecumenical Walk of Reflection from Mary Immaculate Church to Bell Park. In the afternoon we gathered for the Lord’s Passion and Veneration of the Cross and then left the church in silence.
Easter Vigil brings us to the blessing of the fire and paschal candles, followed by the Service of Light, as the Paschal candles are processed into the darkened church and the light is restored. During this Mass we have the blessing of the water with the Paschal Candle. The Elect of the parish have completed their journey and are baptised with the newly blessed water and are welcomed into the Catholic Church. We pray that Angela, Rebecca, Bella and Sonny will continue to grow in their love and relationship with God. Congratulations!!! A big thank you must go to our wonderful musicians, who make our celebrations even more glorious.
Easter Sunday – The Lord is RISEN, alleluia, alleluia. This day the power of death is broken. The Resurrection is the foundation for living a Holy Life. Jesus does not just conquer death, He inaugurates the new creation. Pope Benedict said “In the Resurrection, the door between God and man, heaven and earth, is flung open”. Let us rejoice and be glad, and remember Resurrection is all about our relationship with God.

Gordan Gauld

13/3/1963- 14/4/2025
Gordon was a relatively recent member of our parish but what an influence he had!
Originally born in England, his parents migrated to South Africa when he was seven. As a teenager he met the love of his life – Brenda, and from that time onwards they were barely apart. After leaving High School, he joined the Arm. He was transferred over to the Air Force and there studied Electronics.
On leaving the Air Force, he and Brenda travelled – he worked FIFO on oil rigs in the North Sea, lived in a kibbutz and much more. When they returned to South Africa, they welcomed into the world, their son, Aden. In 2003 they migrated to Australia and ended up in Rockhampton.
In the funeral eulogy, his sister said he loved Rocky with a passion.
In 2016, he joined the Queensland Probation and Parole later moving to the Corrective Services which was the work that was his true home. He gave himself passionately to the role, able to use the skills and insights from a Psychology degree he had gained back in South Africa. He was loved and respected by his colleagues, so many of whom attended his funeral.
Five years ago, his relationship with his Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ grew into a desire to join the Catholic Church. Having gone through the RCIA programme, his full acceptance was stalled due to Covid but with great joy he was received into the Church on the Feast of Christ the King. His sister said, ‘this journey saw him develop and radiate an inner glow that was remarkable to witness.’
He was so involved in our parish – a member of the leadership team, a regular reader at Mass, and so much more.
Our thoughts, prayers and love go out to his wife Brenda, his son Aden and his wider family. He meant so much to us, how much more he must have filled their lives with love and joy.
The full eulogy given by his sister Alison Smith can be read here: Eulogy Gordan Gauld.