Catholic Diocese of Toowoomba

RECENT NEWS OR OTHER IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT

From our Bishop

During this COVID 19 pandemic, we have been fortunate in our part of the world, especially in our diocese. We may think that some of the restrictions with which we have to abide are somewhat burdensome. We are part of a larger community and need to consider the well-being of everyone. I hope we are able to see these things in the light of the common good, where we are members of a common family, where we are all brothers and sisters.

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Bishop Robert McGuckin
Bishop of Toowoomba
March 2021

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.

Come and See

Recently I was invited to join a group visiting the Ration Shed Museum in Cherbourg. The group’s purpose was to come and see something of the story of the Cherbourg Reserve and learn of the harsh realities experienced by its Aboriginal inmates. This visit to this museum was in the hope that we who shared the experience will add our voices in telling the truth of this raw and painful history of the First Nations peoples in Queensland. Read more on page 9
New Cultural Centre a Contemporary Space

St Mary’s College recently opened the Edmund Rice Cultural Centre and welcomed a new principal, Mr Brendan Stewart. The multi-million dollar cultural centre was designed by Aspect Architects and Project Managers and built by local construction company FKG Group. Construction commenced in January of 2020, and despite the challenges of COVID-19, the project continued to progress at full steam. Read more on page 28
Aussie Citizenship a Proud Moment for Fr Hermi

The St Mary’s School and Parish in Goondiwindi are very proud of our Parish Priest, Fr Hermi Rafada. On 26 January 2021, he received his Australian citizenship. Parishioners, school staff and friends were on hand to share in his joy and gratitude. Read more on page 37

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Most Reverend Robert McGuckin DD MCL JCL

Bishop Robert McGuckin was born in 1944 in Marrickville, Sydney. His parents John and Gladys are now both deceased, as is one of his four siblings. His family comprises his eldest sister Janice, his elder brother Edward and his younger brother Patrick and their children.

The Bishop received his early education at St Pius Primary School in Enmore and later at De La Salle College in Marrickville.

After he left school, the family moved to Jannali in Sutherland shire where he became a foundation member of the Como-Oyster Bay-Jannali Catholic Youth Organisation. He worked for several years in banking before entering the seminary at Saint Columba’s College in Springwood in 1967 and then to Saint Patrick’s College in Manly as a candidate for ordination for the Archdiocese of Sydney and was duly ordained in 1973 by Archbishop James Carroll.

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.

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RECENT NEWS OR OTHER IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT

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MASS TIMES

Come and See

New Cultural Centre a Contemporary Space

Aussie Citizenship a Proud Moment for Fr Hermi

Most Reverend Robert McGuckin DD MCL JCL

MINISTRIES WITHIN THE DIOCESE

SAFEGUARDING OUR CHILDREN

DIOCESAN DEVELOPMENT FUND DISCLOSURE STATEMENT

VOCATIONS IN OUR DIOCESE