SPecial Religious Development (SPRED) has been running in the Toowoomba Diocese for over 30 years and continues to be a vibrant and important ministry. Toowoomba is the only Diocese in Australia to pick up the full SPRED ministry as started by the Chicago Diocese, USA. Loretta Coman, Diocesan SPRED Coordinator, has written for Horizons before about the activities and face of SPRED. This time we asked Loretta to delve a little deeper, and so this issue we take a look at some of the principles and theology behind SPRED’s ministry. Shining a light on how we can all take on board this ‘theology of accessibility’.

We highlight some of our clergy’s milestone birthdays and ministry in this issue of Horizons with communities celebrating special moments and celebrating their gratitude towards their priests. They are beloved and appreciated leaders of our parishes and are passionate, spiritual men who are “shepherds for their flock”.

Pope Francis has given his approval for the Catholic Church to hold the first Plenary Council in Australia in more than 80 years.

“The Council will be a unique opportunity for people to come together and listen to God in all the ways God speaks to us, and in particular by listening to one another as together we discern what God is asking of us at this time – a time when the Church in Australia is facing significant challenges.” said Archbishop Mark Coleridge of Brisbane, chair of the Bishops Commission for the Plenary Council.