Dear Members of the Diocesan Family

Our Prayers and Sympathy – The MacDonald Family:

As a Diocese we extend our love and prayers to The Dean, The Very Reverend Rod MacDonald and his wife Penny on the death of Rod’s mother Helene Clemons MacDonald late last week.  A Requiem Eucharist will be celebrated at St Augustine’s Hamilton Brisbane, at 3.30pm on Wednesday 29^th April, 2015.

There are many people like myself who would love to be present at the funeral but are unable to attend for a wide range of reasons.  On Wednesday evening I will be celebrating the Eucharist at the Cathedral at 5.30pm and we will give thanks for the earthly life of Helene as well as praying for the MacDonald family as they celebrate and give thanks to God for Helene’s life as mother, mother in law and grandparent as well as a relative and friend, we will be asking God to uphold them in their grief.

Over the years I had the privilege of meeting Mrs. MacDonald on several occasions.  She was a very gracious and caring lady who was always pleased and interested to see you.  Helene was a great woman of faith and served her Lord and the Church faithfully in many ways, including Mothers’ Union and the Clergy Wives Association and more latterly the Clergy Widows Association.

May she rest in peace and rise in glory.

Our prayers for the People of Nepal and for those who are undertaking rescue efforts:

The earthquake over the weekend in Nepal is a tragedy of immense proportions. Please pray for those who are searching for victims, those who are caring for the injured and those who are supporting the bereaved. 

It is hard to believe that over 2,000 people have died and the death toll continues to rise. 

From the news reports there are over 800 Australians in Nepal at the moment.  We also pray for the work of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade as they undertake their work in following up Australian citizens.    

Yesterday I was speaking with The Reverend Digby Hoyal.  At that stage he was still waiting to hear reports, especially in regard to their ministry with the Nepali Family Project.  As Digby said, communications are often not easy in Nepal and they will be more difficult at the moment.  We continue to pray for Digby and Anne and all involved with the Nepali Family Project at this time of waiting.

Like many of the people who have sustained damage with the rain and hail in New South Wales, it will take considerable time for people to get back to normal.

ANZAC Day:

Many of our people were involved in the leadership of ANZAC Day services.  I am receiving positive reports of how well services were taken and how meaningful the services were for people who attended. 

It was a joy to see so many of our young people marching.  

Rain:

I ask parishes to continue their prayers for those in the areas where the drought continues to bite and impact the lives of families and communities. 

We certainly live in a land of great contrasts.  There are those who have had rain that destroys and damages, while there are other places that have not had seasonable rain. 

Some Dates from the Bishop’s diary:

Thursday 14 May 7pm           Ascension Day Service – St James’ Cathedral.  All welcome.

Sunday 17 May 3.30pm         Walk of Witness – commencing at St James’ Cathedral. 

                                                All Welcome.

Saturday 6 June 9am-4pm     Discernment Candidate meeting – Conference Room, Registry.

3 – 5 July                                Synod

6 – 9 July                                Clergy Conference

10 – 13 August                        Provincial Clergy Conference – Gold Coast

Wishing you every blessing,

Yours in Christ,

The Right Reverend William (Bill) Ray

Bishop of North Queensland

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