WHERE IS HOPE THIS CHRISTMAS?
In his Christmas message for 2025, Bishop Ken Howell reflects on the meaning of hope in the face of tragedy, affirming our commitment to peace, dignity, and solidarity with those who suffer. He reminds us that the birth of Christ assures us of God’s enduring love and invites us to share that hope with the world. Read Bishop Ken’s message here or watch the video below.
Horizons, published by us, is our own quarterly magazine. It’s full colour and available for free across the Diocese. Horizons is an important method of communication and outreach to parishioners and the wider community. It features stories of events and projects from local parishes as well as information about ministry and services offered by Diocesan Agencies.
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Diocesan Synod 2026: Our Life, Our Mission, Our Future
As I shared in my pastoral letter at the beginning of September, I believe the time is now right for us to hold a Diocesan Synod. This vision is not new. Our Diocese has embraced synods in the past, notably under Bishop Bill Morris. More recently, Popes have encouraged Synods as a vital way of listening and discerning the path forward for the Church.
Therefore, in the spirit of communion and collaboration, I hereby convoke a Synod for the Diocese of Toowoomba. Read more page 3>>
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Australia's Cardinal set to Visit Toowoomba
Next March, the Diocese of Toowoomba will welcome a truly historic guest, His Eminence Mykola Cardinal Bychok CSsR, Australia’s Cardinal and Bishop for Ukrainian
Catholics in Australia and New Zealand. This will be Cardinal Bychok’s first-ever visit to Toowoomba, marking a moment of profound spiritual and cultural significance for the community. Read more page 11>> -
Celebrating Culture Through Art Wins Top Prize
We are thrilled to announce that Year 8 student Lincoln Frid from Our Lady of the Southern Cross College Dalby has been named the national winner in his age category for the prestigious
Yarning Competition. This opportunity, hosted by the Department of the House of Representatives, aims to connect young First Nations secondary students from across Australia with the work of the Australian Parliament. Read more page 27>>
Most Reverend Ken Howell DD SLL
Kenneth Michael Howell was born on 20 February 1958, the son of Jack and Betty Howell. He is brother to Rodney, Janet and Gavin.
He was educated at St Columba’s Primary School, Wilston and St James College, Fortitude Valley, and joined Queensland Rail after his school years, working as a clerk in the Chief Engineers Office.
In 1977, he entered Pius XII Regional Seminary at Banyo and was ordained a Priest on 24 June 1983. From 1983 to 1994, he worked as Assistant Priest in the Parishes of Noosa Districts and Burleigh Heads and at St Stephen’s Cathedral in Brisbane.
The Bishop’s Coat of Arms
The Bishop’s Coat of Arms traditionally consists of two halves. The left half is the crest of the Diocese, the right, of the Bishop himself.
