In the Diocese of Toowoomba we take a zero-tolerance approach to all forms of abuse. We commit ourselves to ensure the safety and well-being of children, young people and adults at risk in our community. The best interests of the child, young person or adult at risk come first.

Our Diocesan Safeguarding Policy applies to all leadership and ministry personnel in the diocese: Bishop, Priests, Deacons, Parish Leaders, Religious, Pastoral Associates, Agency Coordinators, Parish Secretaries, students on training placements in the diocese, all employees and all volunteers in parish or diocesan ministries.

At the same time, our Diocesan Safeguarding Policy applies to all members of parish communities and ministries. The whole community is responsible for the safeguarding of children, young people and adults at risk in our midst.

You can find the Diocesan Safeguarding Policy and a host of resources on the Safeguarding Policy and Resources Page.

Diocese of Toowoomba Safeguarding Audit Report, March 2022

Other Agencies:
Professional Standards Office of Catholic Church in Queensland
Catholic Professional Standards

One of the striking features on our Diocesan Crest is the prominent depiction of the wheatsheaf. The image of wheat that is grown in many parts of our diocese is a representation of Eucharist. The wheat begins as a single grain before being planted, nurtured, grown to maturity and then processed to become the Body of Christ at Eucharist. Like the seed that is our vocation we too need to be nurtured and cared for in order to allow growth to take place along our journey of faith. Families and communities are encouraged through prayer and action to nurture the seed of vocation in the lives of those who may be considering the path to Priesthood or Religious Life. “Unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies it remains just a single grain, but if it dies, it bears much fruit.” John 12:24

Visit the Vocations Website: www.vocationstwb.org

Tri-fold Brochure (A4)

Poster

Prayer Card

All societies and communities have rules and laws that govern the relationships within that community or society. The Catholic Church has a body of law that we call Canon Law. The Tribunal is responsible, under the Bishop, to ensure that the rights of all the faithful are respected and that their obligations are observed.
One of the Tribunal’s works is to determine cases of marital nullity, this sometimes sees the Tribunal wrongly referred to as “the Marriage Tribunal” when in fact its responsibilities are much broader.
In Australia the Diocesan Tribunals work on an inter-diocesan level; that is Tribunals in the same region, in our case Queensland, work together on matters addressed to one of its member Tribunals.
The Tribunal also assists with requests from Tribunals across Australia and around the world.

Brochure from the Regional Tribunal of Queensland for information on marriage, divorce and remarriage in the Catholic Church

What is Sychar about?
Sychar welcomes all who thirst for inner growth and spiritual nourishment; who seek to discover their authentic self and awaken to the Mystery of God in whom they live and move and have their being. They will be encouraged to  journey to the heart, to experience more deeply the indwelling presence of Christ and their oneness with all creation. Accessing the unfailing wellsprings of God’s creative Spirit will enable those who thirst to be transformed by the fire of God’s love and inspired to embrace God’s mission with passion and creativity.

See brochure on what Sychar offers the community >

Sychar Vision Statement >

Where does the name come from?
“So he came to a town in Samaria called SYCHAR… Jacob’s well was there, and Jesus, tired as he was from the journey, sat down by the well.” (John 4:5-6)

Read the full story of the Woman at the well >

Sychar Prayer >

Spirituality Library
One important dimension of Sychar is its library of quality spirituality books and media spirituality resources. These have been generously donated by religious communities, the Catholic Resource Centre (CSO) and a number of individuals who recognise the value of good reading in developing a life of faith.

Getting to know Sychar Library>

Borrowing procedures >

About the Rural Libraries >

Rediscovering Our Soul
Saturday 20 April 2024
9.00 am for a prompt 9.30 am start (until 2.30 pm)
See flyer for details.
Book now via Try booking.

Quadratos- Walking the Fourfold Path
Saturday 4 May 2024
8.30 am for a prompt 9.00 am start to 11.30 am.
See flyer for details.
Book now via Try booking.

Connecting to the Source of the Aramaic Jesus’ Wisdom and Guidance
Weekly Tuesday Sessions commencing 23 April 2024
9.45 am for a prompt 10.00 am start until 12.30 pm.
See flyer for details.
Book now via Try booking.

Come to the Light
Weekly Wednesday sessions commencing 24 April 2024
9.45 am for a prompt 10.00 am start until 11.30 am (approx.)
See flyer for details.

Christian Meditation (WCCM)
Weekly Tuesday Meditation at 4.00 pm during school term
See flyer for details

Centering Prayer and Inner Awakening
(in the Tradition of Fr. Thomas Keating)
Thursdays 9.00 am – 10.00 am.
See flyer for details.

Men Seeking Wisdom
Weekly Thursday sessions
7.00 pm to 8.30 pm

Sychar Schedule for Second Term 2024
See flyer here.

Sychar Solidarity was originally produced as a weekly newsletter and sent during 16 weeks of lockdown. These have now been replaced by a quarterly newsletter.

Subscribe to future newsletters by emailing sychar@twb.catholic.org.au

COVID Lockdown Newsletters:

Current Newsletters:

Digital Spirituality Resources : A curated selection of websites, publications, podcasts, videos and more from both Australian and overseas sources.

Safeguard the work environment for employees, volunteers and visitors to our Parishes and Diocesan workplaces by ensuring compliance with Government legislation.

The ministry of Ecumenical Pastoral Care offers:

• One on one support
• Family support
• Grief, loss and bereavement support
• Sacraments and other rituals
• Scripture, prayer and meditation
• 24 hour support

Our Commission was established in 2002 as a key direction in the Diocesan Pastoral Plan – “embracing action for Social Justice”.  Five aspects to our work are:  spirituality, education, leadership, solidarity and research.  In partnership with those affected by injustice the Commission works to analyse issues and reflectively advocate for action.  The Commission is grounded in Catholic Social Teaching.  Our current priorities are:  justice for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, caring for the environment and support and advocacy for refugees.   We work to promote human rights and our actions are informed by the dignity of the human person.

History & Formation of the Toowoomba Social Justice Commission

The Social Justice Commission is part of the Catholic Diocese of Toowoomba. It was established in 2002 by Bishop William Morris, as part of the Diocese’s commitment to action for social justice. It has ten members and answers directly to the Bishop of Toowoomba. The Social Justice Commission has several functions:

• Spirituality: promoting a spirituality of justice
• Study: researching and analysing particular issues of injustice
• Solidarity: building links with those marginalised through injustice
• Education: educating the faith community for action
• Leadership: providing leadership in action for justice

Our current policy priorities are justice for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples; support for asylum seekers, refugees and migrants; and caring for the environment.

The Diocesan Liturgical Commission exists to promote and assist in creating a healthy liturgical life within the Diocese of Toowoomba. Its primary role is to:

• Support the Bishop in his role as the moderator, promoter and custodian of liturgical life within the Diocese.
• Promote good liturgy by offering workshops to parish liturgy committees and other bodies.
• Implement changes to the missal and other rites.
• Formulate and implement diocesan liturgical and sacramental policy.
• Promote appropriate and worthy liturgical music and sacred art.
• Review liturgies at which the Bishop presides.

Guiding Principles for Celebrating the Sacraments of Initiation with Children:  These principles provide a framework for the process of preparing children and their families for celebrating the sacraments of Confirmation and Eucharist. Download DLC Guidelines

Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion:
These guidelines provide a framework for lay ministers across the diocese, who assist with the distribution of Holy Communion during Mass. They are a summary of the role as described in the General Instructions of the Roman Missal. It is recommended that parishes distribute these guidelines to all Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion. Download DLC Guidelines

Guidelines for bringing Communion to the Sick and Housebound: These guidelines are a summary of the principles outlined in the rites and introduction to the book Pastoral Care of the Sick: Rites of Anointing and Viaticum. The guidelines draw attention to the true purpose and nature of the ministry. It is recommended that parishes distribute these to all extra-ordinary ministers of communion who visit and take communion to the sick. Download DLC Guidlines

Guidelines for Celebrating the Rite of Confirmation: These resources provide a detailed outline of what is required to prepare for celebrating the Rite of Confirmation. See also the pro-forma for the Rite of Confirmation Outside of Mass & the Rite of Confirmation with First Holy Communion.

Download Celebrating the Rite of Confirmation
Download Confirmation Outside of Mass
Download Rite of Confirmation with First Holy Communion

Guidelines for Prayer of the Faithful: These guidelines highlight the function and nature of the Universal Prayer and are intended to assist in the preparation and presentation of liturgically meaningful petitions which will inspire the ‘Prayer of the Faithful’. Download DLC Guidlines

Guidelines for the Use of Data Projectors Within Mass: Everything we do in liturgy should enhance and uplift the sacred words and actions
which take place and we must be careful that projected data does not become the main focus for the assembly.

Download Letter from Bishop Robert McGuckin
Download DLC Guidelines for Use of Data Projectors

Domestic Rituals Book: A resource for families compiled by the Liturgical Commission, Diocese of Toowoomba. In the past it was understood that only ordained priests could pray a blessing upon a person or thing.  With the renewal of the Second Vatican Council the Church reclaimed the right of lay persons to pray blessings within their household settings.  This document is sample list of suggestions for the use of blessings within a family or small community setting. Download Domestic Rituals Book.

Providing services to Including Toowoomba Hospital, St Vincent’s Hospital Toowoomba, Baillie Henderson Hospital Toowoomba and St Vincent’s Care Services Toowoomba (Lourdes Home).

The Diocesan Archives is a repository, research centre and museum of church artefacts relevant to the history of the Toowoomba Diocese. The Archives serves the wider community as a source not only of church and ‘family’ history, but of local and national historical sources for research. It has become a valued part of the Toowoomba historical source network.  

Office open Wednesday and Friday from 9:00am to 5:00pm

The office for the Most Reverend Bishop Ken Howell DD SSL, Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Toowoomba.

Executive Assistant to the Bishop, Karen Morris

Protocol to Obtain Approval for Speakers from Outside the Diocese
This form is to be completed by anyone who wishes to invite outside speakers to the Diocese. This form MUST be completed and returned to the Bishop’s Office for approval PRIOR to any outside speakers being invited. Any questions relating to the completion of this form, please contact the Bishop’s Office on 07 4632 4277 or email bishsec@twb.catholic.org.au.

External Website:  www.caritas.org.au

Caritas Australia is part of a global network that spans over 200 countries and territories.
For over 110 years, Caritas has worked towards the creation of a just world. In 1964, Caritas began in Australia. A Catholic Agency for International Aid and Development, Caritas is Latin for love + compassion – two qualities which are central to our work.
Caritas Australia works through the principles and practice of community development, supporting people to help themselves out of poverty, hunger and injustice. Caritas Australia works to bring relief and aid to people whose lives have been devastated by natural disaster or conflict. Integral to undertaking these key activities of aid and development, Caritas Australia works within Australia to engage all people in education and advocacy programs.

External Website:  www.twb.catholic.edu.au

Toowoomba Catholic Schools Office (TCSO) leads, supports and serves the 31 school communities of the Diocese of Toowoomba.  This leadership, support and service aids schools to achieve quality outcomes for students. All of our schools are committed to working in partnership with parents to provide high quality education and care to enable every child to experience success.

TCSO operates under the direction of Bishop Robert McGuckin and under the organisational leadership of Dr Patrick Coughlan, Executive Director: Catholic Schools and employs more than 1,300 teaching, professional and ancillary staff to fulfil our mission of providing quality educational services through our Catholic school communities.

External Website:  www.catholicmission.org.au

Catholic Mission is the international mission agency of the Catholic Church in Australia. Compelled by the message, life and love of Jesus Christ, Catholic Mission forms Australians for mission and raises funds for mission—in Australia and around the world.

Catholic Mission operates in over 160 countries to support initiatives in 1,100 dioceses, including remote Australia. Grassroots needs are identified by local Catholics, to give people the opportunity for a full, enriched life—physically and spiritually—regardless of race, stigma, religion or gender.

Mission in action happens right now and for generations, to help people immediately, longer term and eternally. We engage in mission when we proclaim our faith through our words, actions and lives.

External Website:  catholiccare.services

CatholicCare supports families at the pressure points over the their lives by delivering these services: · Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples Service (Community Justice Group and WHADDUP Youth Group) · Counselling and Education Services · Family Relationship Centre (family dispute resolution services, separated parents support programs) · Family Support Services (including NDIS services) · Mental Health Services (including Partners in Recovery) · TRAMS (Refugee and Migrant Support Programs) · Safer Families Support Services (Domestic Violence Prevention program)

The Communications Office aims to be the conduit for information and promotion for the Diocese of Toowoomba. The office also produces Horizons Magazine and Diocesan eNewsUpdate. The Communications Office is also the contact point for church and secular media.

Website Content Submission/Updates
For Ministries and Parishes wishing to submit content, change details, promote an event, etc., email submissions to the Webmaster.

The Finance & Administration Office provides services to the Bishop, various diocesan agencies, priests and parishes of the diocese including:

• Accounting & financial management, payroll services, and operating the Diocesan Development Fund
• Operational infrastructure support by the provision of motor vehicles, communications technology and purchasing of goods and services
• Property management for the diocese and support for this in parishes as required
• Work Health & Safety compliance and coordination
• HR Management, employment and industrial relations

Disclosure Statement

The Diocese of Toowoomba – Diocesan Development Fund (the Fund) is required by law to make the following disclosure. The Fund is not prudentially supervised by the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority nor has it been examined or approved by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission. An investor in the Fund will not receive the benefit of the financial claims scheme or the depositor protection provisions in the Banking Act 1959 (Cth). Investments in the Fund are intended to be a means for investors to support the charitable, religious and educational works of the Catholic Diocese of Toowoomba and for whom the consideration of profit are not of primary relevance in the investment decision. The investments that the Fund offers are not subject to the usual protections for investors under the Corporations Act (Cth) or regulation by Australian Securities and Investments Commission. Investors may be unable to get some or all of their money back when the investor expects or at all and any investments of the Fund are not comparable to investments with banks, finance companies or fund managers. The Fund’s identification statement may be viewed below or by contacting the Fund. The Fund does not hold an Australian Financial Services Licence.

Identification Statement (PDF document will open in new tab)

• 2017 02 28 Toowoomba DDF Identification Statement
• 2018 01 15 Toowoomba DDF Identification Statement
• 2019 10 18 Toowoomba DDF Identification Statement
• 2021 11 29 Toowoomba DDF Identification Statement

Financial Reports (PDF document will open in new tab)

• 2017 06 30 Toowoomba DDF Financial Statements (signed) Final
• 2018 06 30 Toowoomba DDF Financial Statements (signed) Final
• 2019 06 30 Toowoomba DDF Financial Statements (signed) Final
• 2020 06 30 Toowoomba DDF Financial Statements (signed) Final
• 2021 06 30 Toowoomba DDF Financial Statements (Signed) Final
• 2022 06 30 Toowoomba DDF Financial Statements (Signed) Final
• 2023 06 30 Toowoomba DDF Financial Statements (Signed) Final

The First Nations Ministry supports Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island people who live within the region covered by our diocese. We share the region with numerous First Nations communities of varying sizes. We are also involved with non-Indigenous people in dealing with matters that arise as a result of racial or cultural interaction within communities across our region. This is to educate and sometimes mediate, advise or advocate as guided by First Nations people themselves.