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New Bishop for Toowoomba
The Apostolic Nuncio has announced the appointment by Pope Benedict XVI of Monsignor Robert McGuckin as Bishop of Toowoomba.

Until now, Monsignor McGuckin has been Vicar General of the Diocese of Parramatta.
In a statement he said "I’m honoured and humbled to be appointed...I would hope to build upon the good work of my predecessors and look forward to working with the clergy, religious and everyone in the Diocese....".

Apostolic Nuncio's announcement

Statements from Monsignor Robert McGuckin, Bishop Anthony Fisher, Archbishop Denis Hart and Archbishop Mark Coleridge (CathNews)

Historic Covenant for Anglican and Catholic Dioceses of Bathurst

The Anglican and Catholic Dioceses of Bathurst will sign a Covenant on
24th May 2012
giving formal affirmation
to the desire of the two denominations to work together more
intentionally......

It is hoped that it will consolidate and progress the already positive relationship that has existed between these two great traditions in recent years.

The Covenant is a commitment by the two Bishops to an annual ecumenical service; a biennial joint clergy day; local services to enliven common witness to their baptism in Jesus Christ; exploring possibilities for sharing church plant and resources; co-operation in preparation for Christian marriage and Christian education and openness to fellowship with other ecclesial communities.

The celebration will begin at the Catholic Cathedral of St. Michael and St. John (cnr Keppel and William Streets) at noon for a liturgy in three stages, to which everyone is welcome. There will then be a ‘Pilgrim’s Way’ (walk) to All Saints’ Anglican Cathedral (Church Street) for the signing of the Covenant and a Presentation of Gifts.

READ THE TEXT OF THE COVENANT............. INVITATION FROM BISHOPS HURFORD AND McKENNA.........

PENTECOST SUNDAY

Start of the
Year of Grace

The Year of Grace begins on Pentecost Sunday - 27th May 2012 and continues through to Pentecost 2013. Each Parish in the Diocese will mark the beginning of this special year in its own way.

There will also be a Weekend of Prayer held at Shalom in Carcoar, beginning with Mass on Friday evening, 25th May - celebrated by Bishop Michael McKenna.

There will be Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament over the entire weekend, concluding with Benediction on Sunday. You are invited, and most welcome, to visit our Diocesan House of Prayer for any period of time you wish over that weekend. MORE.....

Bishops to speak at Spirituality in the Pub
The second bi-monthly Bathurst Spirituality in the Pub (SIP) will be held on Tuesday 29th May 2012.

The topic for the evening is "Spirituality - Where do you find it?"

Guest speakers for the evening will be the Bishops of Bathurst - Anglican Bishop Richard Hurford and Catholic Bishop Michael McKenna. MORE.....

New website for Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith
Documents of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith are now available on a new website - www.doctrinafidei.va. The documents are organised in two ways on the site; a general list of all the texts in chronological order and three subgroups divided into doctrinal, disciplinary and sacramental documents.

The Congregation is convinced that the enhanced availability of these documents will be of significant value in communicating the teaching of the Church to people throughout the world.

A Happy and Holy Easter Season

Read Bishop McKenna's Easter Message.....

The April (Easter) issue of the Catholic Observer Magazine is on sale in your Churches. It is also available to view HERE.....