Bishop Ken Howell Easter Message 2025
In the opening line of my Easter message last year I said: The blessing of rain is one of those needs we can’t be without. However, this year we know that Easter will be celebrated by many of our Western parishioners in the shadow of the dreadful flooding that has just happened and its consequences. We stand with them, ever conscious of their pain and the challenges of rebuilding their lives and livelihood. Read the full message here>>
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.
With the arrival of Di Swan as CatholicCare Toowoomba’s new Executive Director, the organisation is embracing its mission with a renewed focus on empowering individuals and strengthening communities. Bringing nearly three decades of experience in social services and leadership, Di is committed to ensuring that all CatholicCare clients receive the support they need to build a brighter future. Read more about an initiative making a significant impact on page 8.
On 7, 8 and 9 February, St Joseph’s School Stanthorpe celebrated a momentous occasion with a series of events held over the three days, gathering to reflect on 150 years of Mercy education. The celebrations were
graced by the presence of Bishop Ken Howell, whose participation added a profound sense of spiritual significance and unity to the celebrations. Read more about St Joseph’s celebrations on page 18.
The creation of a new altar cloth for St Joseph’s Church Stanthorpe started
as simple speculation and grew into a sizable scheme of sewing scores of saints and symbols. Conversation after Mass one Sunday meandered past the intercession of the saints at Mass. Parish Administrator Fr Nathan Webb mused on an idea for an altar cloth, sparking the imagination of a team of Stanthorpe ladies and children. Read more about the project on page 27.
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.
