Story By: Lance Guteridge

In April, Fr Peter Dorfield retired from the position of Executive Officer Diocesan Safeguarding Ministry.

Having previously retired for health reasons, he was called back into active ministry at the request of Bishop Robert McGuckin. Fr Peter has been committed to the role and has worked tirelessly to ensure that the diocese has a professional safeguarding system in place for over four years.

What people may not know about Fr Peter is that he is a qualified pilot. The traits that make him a good pilot served him well, shining through in his meticulous attention to detail.

His work reflects a person who has operated at altitude and understands the requirements to get it right. Despite having a mechanistic approach to his Safeguarding Ministry obligations, he has always been somewhat organic in his approach to his pastoral duties. Fr Peter has always been prepared to do what was needed at the time.

Of course, Fr Peter’s ministry predates his time in the Diocesan Safeguarding Ministry. At times, he has volunteered to serve in two other dioceses, experiencing a shortage of priests. It was during one of these occasions that he lived and worked in a men’s shelter, providing services to those who were on the margins.

Fr Peter has served in all parts of the Toowoomba diocese, including the western and southern areas. During his time in the remote areas of the diocese he provided ecumenical services to those communities where there were no other religious ministers. This necessitated him performing Christian burial services for people from other denominations. He also worked closely with the First Nation’s people within the diocese as a part of his ministry.

The people who have worked with Fr Peter enjoy his presence in the workplace. He is always cheerful and obliging towards his work colleagues.

As he steps away from the Diocesan Safeguarding Ministry, Fr Peter hopes he will be able to restore his motorcycle, which he has previously disassembled.

Fr Peter’s successor is Lance Guteridge, who brings extensive experience of 44 years with Queensland Police to the role. Lance hails from Applethorpe and has spent a lot of time in the Toowoomba Diocese. He is married with 3 grown up children. While Fr Peter leaves big shoes to fill, Lance is keen to build on the solid foundation created for the Diocesan Safeguarding Ministry.