Dear Members of the Diocesan Family

Thank you:                                                                                                            
I thank all the people who searched parish files in relation to the ministry of CEBS within the Diocese. I acknowledge that some people went to a lot of effort and that is greatly appreciated.

The submission to the Royal Commission is due today and it has been forwarded. I thank all involved as there have been many hours of work. I particularly thank the Diocesan Archivist  and my PA.

Reminder:                                                                                                              
All  parishes  are  required  to  advertise  the  sexual  abuse  telephone number.      If  you  require a laminated sheet with the telephone number, please contact my office.

Nine Lessons and Carols:                                                                                  
This service which has a strong tradition will be held at St. James Cathedral this Sunday evening, commencing at 7.00pm.  All are invited.

The Diocesan Gathering: 

You are invited to the Annual Diocesan End of Year Gathering to be held on Thursday 17 December commencing at 6pm

at The Lodge, 39 Water Street, Mundingburra.

All clergy and lay people are most welcome.

For catering purposes, please let my PA know if you are able to attend.

We look forward to seeing you there.

 

Please pray for:                                                                                                    

The Reverend Neil Fourmile who was admitted to hospital earlier this week. Neil has been discharged and is recovering.

The Reverend Brian Claudie whose mother and brother both died this week. We assure The Reverend Brian of our love and prayers at this difficult time and pray that he will know the comfort of our resurrected Lord.

The Reverend John Mudge has been hospitalised a couple of times lately and we pray that John will be back to full strength before too long.

Congratulations:                                                                                                  
Mrs Maya Kisten Reddy our Diocesan Accountant and her husband Victor celebrate forty years of marriage on the 20th December.

Synod and Clergy Conference 2016:                                                               

Clergy Conference            5 – 8 July 2016 (before Synod next year) Synod                                    8 – 10 July 2016

Synod will be on the same weekend as the V8 Supercars. While there will be no interruption from St. Mark's to the Cathedral School, it will mean that accommodation will be at a premium over that weekend. If Synod people want to stay at motel or hotel accommodation, I would advise booking now.

Please note the date for Clergy Retreat.  Registration forms will be sent out next week.

Insurance Invoices:                                                                                             
The Diocese is still to receive the insurance tax invoice. When it is received, parishes will be notified of the amount owed. I realise the insurance year commenced on 1 November 2015, however, at this stage the Diocese does not have an expected date for receiving the invoice as the best possible rates are being sought.  Thank you for your forbearance in this matter.

The Date of Christmas:                                                                                       
Over the years I have shared how the date of Easter is set; the first Sunday after the first full moon after the March equinox. It has been brought to my attention that this year the full moon falls on Christmas Day and I have been asked about the connection of the full moon with Christmas. In short it is just a coincidence.  The date of Christmas is not determined by the moon.

No-one knows the actual date or month of our Lord's birth. There are several theories. One is that the winter solstice had just passed and the days were starting to lengthen, and people celebrated as they anticipated the increase of light in their lives. There were a number of other pagan customs.

Jesus came as the Light of the World. The first record of Christmas being celebrated on 25th December was in 336 AD when Constantine was the Roman Emperor, in fact he was the first Christian Roman Emperor. A few years later Pope Julius officially declared the 25th December as the date for Christmas.

I pray that you are finding this season a blessing to you in your faith journey. Wishing you every blessing.

Yours in Christ,

The Right Reverend William (Bill) Ray

Bishop of North Queensland

 

Sexual Abuse contact line:  1800 242 544    or   07 3835 2266

 

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Phone:(07) 4771 4175

 

Office Address:
St. James Place
155 Denham St
TOWNSVILLE QLD  4810

 

Postal Address:

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TOWNSVILLE  QLD  4810

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