Hope is Alive Queensland Bishops' Mass

Queensland Bishops gather in Townsville to celebrate faith and hope

The Diocese of Townsville welcomed Queensland’s five Catholic Bishops last month for a special visit focused on faith, fellowship and the shared mission of the Church across the state.

Archbishop Shane Mackinlay of Brisbane, Townsville Bishop Tim Harris, Toowoomba Bishop Ken Howell, Cairns Bishop Joe Caddy and Rockhampton Bishop Danny Meagher gathered in Townsville as part of their regular meetings, held four times each year, with one meeting hosted by a regional diocese.

Archbishop Mackinlay said the bishops were warmly and graciously welcomed by the people of the Diocese of Townsville.

The visit began on Tuesday, 18 August, when the bishops travelled to Palm Island, where they joined residents and students from St Michael’s Catholic School for a celebration at St Anthony’s Church.

The Palm Island community shared Indigenous music and dance as part of the celebration, providing the bishops with an opportunity to experience the faith and culture of the local community.

Bishop Harris said the experience was a special one for the visiting bishops.

“It was a lovely celebration and the bishops were deeply moved by the experience,” Bishop Harris said.

The following day, the bishops gathered with members of the wider Diocese of Townsville for a special Mass at Sacred Heart Cathedral.

The celebration brought together clergy, religious, staff, students, principals, teachers, parishioners, representatives from Catholic agencies, community stakeholders and members of the wider community.

Townsville Catholic Education students played an important role in the liturgy, proclaiming Scripture, processing the gifts and contributing through the school choir.

In his homily, Bishop Tim Harris reflected on the importance of the bishops coming together and the unity of the Church across Queensland.

“Your presence reminds us that the Church is always larger than any one diocese. We are one Body in Christ, united in faith, in mission and in hope,” he said.

Reflecting on the challenges facing families, young people, the elderly and the Church, Bishop Tim encouraged the faithful not to lose sight of the hope found in Christ.

“It would be easy to become discouraged. But discouragement is never the language of the Gospel,” he said.

With Hope is Alive as the theme of the celebration, he reminded the congregation that hope is grounded in the faithfulness of God.

“Hope is alive because Christ is alive. Hope is alive because the Holy Spirit continues to renew the Church,” he said.

The visit concluded with morning tea following Mass, providing an opportunity for members of the Catholic community to connect with the bishops and one another.

The gathering was a joyful reminder that, despite the unique communities and challenges across Queensland, the Church remains united in faith, mission and hope.