Holy Spirit Seminary Queensland in Banyo | Community organisation

Holy Spirit Seminary Queensland

Locality: Banyo

Phone: +61 7 3267 4800

Address: 487 Earnshaw Road 4014 Banyo, QLD, Australia

Website: http://www.seminary.catholic.net.au/

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25.01.2022 Theres been no doubt that the effects of COVID-19 have impacted the world and we have all been forced to adjust our lives in some way. Have you felt discouraged or unmotivated during this time? Gerard asked a handful of people: What keeps you motivated during this time? Heres what they had to say

25.01.2022 On Saturday 15th August, the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Tuan Ahn, a member of the Augustinian community in Brisbane, was ordained by Archbishop Mark to the Diaconate. Tuan is a valued presence in the classes of HSS Seminarians preparing for Diaconate. We give thanks for gift that Deacon Tuan will be for the Church in Brisbane as he continues his journey towards the Priesthood.

24.01.2022 Prayer forms a large part of the communal engagements. Last week one of our men led Evening Prayer for the first time. The leading of prayer is one of the many small steps the seminarians take on the journey to leading the whole community in the prayer life of the Parish. Isaac also shared a small reflection on the scriptural reading for the day.

24.01.2022 MenALIVE is a national Catholic ministry dedicated to bringing men together to renew their faith in God and to encourage them to become an active force of renewal in the Church. From Tuesday to Thursday, the men from MenAlive led the seminarians through a retreat they would offer to parishioners. For many of the seminarians, it was an opportunity to connect with the reality of their woundedness to explore how Christ radiates through that as both witness and healer. Thank you to Robert Falzon and the Team and we pray for their ongoing ministry within this country.

23.01.2022 Yesterday the seminarians were fortunate enough to play a game of soccer with some of the young men of the Emmanuel Community. The seminarians played well, but were outshined by the class and skills of the Emmanuel 'Black & Blues'. We thank the men for coming out to play and look forward to the future games ahead in preparation for the Interseminary Soccer Tournament.

22.01.2022 Co-constructing Theology Episode 1: Where is God? Featuring Isaac Falzon and Dr Emmanuel Nathan.

22.01.2022 Thank you for all your birthday wishes yesterday. I had a wonderful day at the Holy Spirit Seminary Queensland talking to the 6th Year Seminarians. They even ha...d a cake for me. I was presented with a very special 130 year anniversary stole from St Joseph's Nudgee College by members of the leadership team. See more

21.01.2022 Our seminarians have returned from holidays. Mass led by Fr John was their first commitment today and soon theyll journey to the James Bryne centre for a week-long retreat before the second semester begins. Please keep them in prayer on their journey to Toowoomba and we also pray for those travelling long distances at this time.

20.01.2022 Holy Spirit Seminary wishes to acknowledge and congratulate Father Quyen Vu SJ on his appointment as the next Provincial of the Australian Province for the Society of Jesus. The Jesuits have a long and proud history of contributing to the formation of priests for the five Queensland dioceses. For example, the late Fr Vince Hurley SJ lectured in spirituality at the Seminary when it was known as Pius XII Seminary. Jesuits continue to be active in various ways in the formation j...ourneys of seminarians today with: * baptisms, for example by Fr Paul Jackson SJ * seminars - like those led by Rev. Dr Hoa Trung Dinh SJ; * retreats - like those led by Fr Brendan Byrne SJ and the team at the Faber Centre; * theologians - numerous, including Fr Michael Paul Gallagher SJ; * daily use of the Examen prayer - as first conceived by St Ignatius of Loyola; * numerous valued and supportive friendships, such as Fr Michael Head SJ; * and of course the Pope, Pope Francis. Please pray for Father Quyen Vu SJ as he prepares to commence his new role in January 2021. See more about Father Quyen Vu SJs life and ministry on the Jesuit website: http://jesuit.org.au/next-australian-provincial-appointed/

20.01.2022 A reflection from Sean Woods on his year-long Pastoral Placement in 2020 It is a humbling experience for a seminarian to be allowed into the engine room of a parish. Last year I was fortunate enough to complete my pastoral internship at Our Lady of the Southern Cross Parish in Springfield Lakes. Father Mauro Conte, the Parish Priest of the community, was kind enough to take me on and acted as my supervisor for the duration of the year. Throughout the internship Father Maur...o provided me with kind, wise and no-nonsense feedback. Consequently, I learnt much in regards to the work and life of a parish priest. I couldn’t possibly do the community of Springfield Lakes Parish justice in a short post. Nevertheless, I can confidently say that Springfield was, and is, a lovely and very animated faith community. This is due to the many people there who work tirelessly to make the place a genuine safe community of love. It takes a lot of work, much of it behind-the-scenes, to make a Parish like Our Lady of the Southern Cross function. I was glad to be part of it in my own little way. It was wonderful to work alongside people who sincerely love God and the Church. I must also mention that I was impressed by the strategic approach to parish leadership and ministry that I observed in the Parish. What started out as a fairly planned internship, with numerous learning objectives to be met and tasks to do, was destined to be turned upside down due to the ongoing COVID-19 crisis. This led to me having to acquire some different duties to what was initially planned. As such, the internship become an utterly unique, and unexpected, learning experience. Overall, it was very worthwhile and challenging to work in the Parish as it adapted to the extreme pastoral circumstances brought on by the virus.

19.01.2022 This coming Sunday, the seminary community will have another of the scheduled Days of Reflection. These days constitute part of the Spiritual Dimension of Formation. Usually these are wonderfully directed by Seminary Spiritual Director Fr Paul Chandler OCarm. This Sunday, however, Fr Michael Grace, will be leading the Day. Fr Michael is the Administrator of Holy Family Parish, Indooroopilly and has spent time studying spirituality in Rome.... Please consider taking some time to join with the Seminary community in prayer this Sunday.

19.01.2022 Quo Vadis 2020 was a graced weekend for Seminarians and weekend attendees alike. We continue to hold these men in prayer as they continue their discernment journeys. Please support those in your own parish communities who may be discerning a Priestly vocation. Encourage them, pray for them, and pray for those that accompany them - especially their parents and families, their school communities, and their priests - that they may be guided on their vocational journey in faith and trust.

19.01.2022 Co-Constructing Theology Episode 3: Ashwin Acharya interviews Fr Paul Chandler O.Carm on Spiritual Communion. They also discuss how a truly Eucharistic spirituality can help the faithful in this time of social distancing and the reshaping of community belonging. Please leave a comment: What speaks to you in Fr Pauls presentation? What has your experience of Mass and community been during lockdown?

19.01.2022 Since mid-November, a number of seminarians have engaged in Advent Pastoral Placement in parishes across the Province. This live-in internship with a priest provides a great opportunity to gain some practical insights into parish life where seminarians can be like a shepherd and get the smell of the sheep on them. Here’s a snapshot of where they went and what they did.

19.01.2022 The men on their year-long Pastoral Placement have completed their 30-day silent retreat. The silent retreat is an opportunity to reflect on the placement and to prepare for Candidacy. Candidacy for Orders is a public ceremony that signifies the individual’s commitment to the journey of the priesthood.... We continue to hold the guys in prayer as they take another important step forward.

18.01.2022 A reflection from El Louie Jimenez on his year-long Pastoral Placement in 2020 2020 had been an interesting year for all, like no other! However, in spite all of that, there had been many blessings for which we should be thankful. One such blessing for me was my time in the Jubilee Parish, Brisbane. My time in the parish was truly a blessing, as I was given an opportunity to grow in serving the people of God. I could not have done this without the support of different peopl...e: my lay feedback team, the parish staff, the school staff, the seminary staff, my friends, and the parishioners at the Jubilee Parish community. They have been God’s blessing to me! From the bottom of my heart, I am thankful for their support and for journeying with me during my pastoral year. My gratitude goes also to my brothers: Fr Gerry Kalinowski and Fr Rony Kalapurackal Chacko. Thanks for the friendship and brotherhood that you have provided at the presbytery. A special thanks to Fr Gerry for welcoming me to the parish community, and for being open and present to guide me. I really appreciate his guidance in forming me to be a better person, and especially to become a better pastor in the future. My pastoral year allows me to discover the essentials of relationship to the parish community and the value of reaching out to them by being out in the field, such as in the school and in parish communities (not just staying in the parish office or presbytery). During my time in the parish, I initiated many home visits to the parishioners. The visits gave me a chance to get to know my parishioners better. For me, this aspect and style of ministry has shaped what type of pastor I will become in the future. My time in the parish exposed me to different ministries such as St Vinnies, preparing students for their Liturgy of the Word, Youth Group, Men’s group and Rosary group. Being involved to these ministries I learned more about my strengths and weaknesses. I believe that my pastoral year is a time of understanding myself better. I finished my pastoral year on Christmas Day. I am currently spending a month of holiday somewhere in Queensland. I will return to the seminary in February to continue my training, along with my classmates and other seminarians. As I continue my seminary journey, please continue to pray for me so that God, who has begun the good work in me, may bring it to fulfillment.

17.01.2022 Brian Redondo and Isaac Falzon have been placed at All Saints Parish in Roma under the guidance of Fr Jamie Collins and Fr Gerardo Tunis. They have been busy meeting and engaging with the local community. They now smell like sheep! So far this week they have met with various classes at Saint Johns Catholic School, addressed the school at assembly and attended a meeting with the local St Vincent De Paul Group.

17.01.2022 One of the annual activities which the seminarians partake in is Mission Week. During this time we are split up into teams of 2-3 (cf. Lk 10:1) and visit the schools and parishes in one of the dioceses of the province. This is a great opportunity to learn about the unique culture of the remote places in Queensland and further develop an array of practical skills for our future ministry. This week we are off to the Toowoomba Diocese with teams in Roma, Charleville, Warwick, Stanthorpe, Dalby, Goondiwindi, Highfields, St Patricks Cathedral and Our Lady of Lourdes, Toowoomba. Please keep us in your prayers as we go out on mission. Catholic Diocese of Toowoomba

16.01.2022 Do you know someone who should be registering for Quo Vadis 2020? Lets spread the word, encourage prospective men in parish communities to attend, and keep those who will be participating this year in our prayers. Quo Vadis?

16.01.2022 Normally, theyre spiritual warriors but today they were paintball warriors. Samford Paintball Skirmish hosted Holy Spirit Seminary for a few games of pain and absolutely no gain. The guys enjoyed a 2-hour session and made some friends along the way. Theyve come away with plenty of bruises and battle stories but theyve survived to pray another day.

16.01.2022 Co-constructing Theology Episode 2: COVID-19, Finance and the Economy - an Ethical Approach See the full length interview with Dr David Kirchhoffer here: https://youtu.be/MVvao127fEE... COVID 19 has pushed Australia and the world into an economically tense space. Aside from the global impact, families are feeling the strain now more than ever. With an increase in unemployment and the shutting down of businesses, the future seems to hold more anxiety than peace. Not only is the financial strain alarming, but Im also worried about how Aussies and people around the world are dealing with these issues. I want to open a space where exploring these issues and concerns helps us to meet one another in our difficulties. Join us as we explore these anxieties with the help of Dr David Kirchhoffer, Director of the Queensland Bioethics Centre, to reimagine a future of hope and life despite the pressure. We warmly invite your feedback and comments. How might society bounce back from this experience? Could we work towards a new economic structure focused on the flourishing of humanity?

15.01.2022 BJ and I (William Aupito Iuliano) were surprised to find great vibrancy and faith in the small town of Goondiwindi. When we first arrived it was a Saturday afternoon and it seemed as though the whole town had fallen asleep. We soon realised that the life blood of Goondiwindi was not entirely seen through its monuments and township, but through its residents. Fr Hermi was our helmsman. His infectious laugh and gentle manner made for a warm presbytery despite the winter nights.... As a side project, BJ and I decided to help Fr Hermi with his gardening. It was a great time together The Principal and APRE of St Marys displayed immense support in our mission of reaching as many school students as possible. We had some funny, interesting and tough questions, but being with the students made all those sticky situations worth while. Our week here in Gundy has been a humbling experience as weve witnessed an authenticity and generosity unlike any other. Weve had such a great time and we thank all the parishioners and residents of Goondiwindi thats we encountered. God Bless

15.01.2022 Gerard Lai and Thomas Popovic arrived in Dalby last Saturday afternoon and were warmly welcomed by Fr Jim Cronin at the presbytery. Once they had settled into their rooms and had a quick nap after their 3 hour drive from Brisbane, Fr Jim led them on a tour of dainty and delightful Dalby where they went for a walk around Myall River and were shown the sights and sounds of the small town. Dalbys main industry comes from mixed agriculture (livestock and crops) as well as engine...ering and coal-mining; the town is home to a population of 13,000 people. Since then, they have enjoyed engaging with the parish masses both at Dalby and Jandowae, and have also relished visiting many classes and sharing their story with Our Lady of the Southern Cross College. Class visits also involved teaching the students about the Holy Spirit, meditative and contemplative prayer, the Word of God, the Apostles and Nicene Creeds; and the Sacraments of Initiation. Some other highlights of the Mission Week in Dalby include: Playing in the Colleges teachers vs students lunchtime touch footy match, countless games of handball with the students, bushwalking in the Bunya Mountains, anointing the sick at Dalby Hospital, and visiting the nearby town of Bell and its magnificent church murals and biblical gardens. Please continue to pray for a spiritual revival in this Great Southern Land.

14.01.2022 David Nightingale and Minje Kim felt a great connection to people of God during their Mission Week in the diocese of Toowoomba at St Patricks Cathedral, which encompassed St Marys College, St Saviours College and St Saviours Primary School. Fr Michael OBrien, Fr Thomas Duncan, Fr Nandana Saparmadu and Fr Hal Ranger helped these two seminarians to experience a range of pastoral insights for future priestly ministry. David and Minje began the Mission Week with Sunday Masse...s at the Cathedral. They shared their thoughts on the Sunday Gospel with several parishioners at dinner, particularly focussing on the themes surrounding the Kingdom of God and on the future of the Church. During the week, David and Minje visited the three aforementioned schools. They were happy to observe and facilitate class discussion around important Church topics in some religion classes. David and Minje were invited to talk about many topics including human rights, symbols and rituals in the Church, and the meaning of ones life in Christ. Additionally, they took the opportunity to share their vocation stories with staff and students. After their sharing, a significant number of students asked how God had been transforming them (the seminarians) in their formation. David and Minje found the Mission Week at St Patricks Cathedral to be a very valuable and enjoyable experience as they developed an array of pastoral insights of what future ministry might look like.

12.01.2022 Townsville Seminarian William Brennan sharing some of his story with Neil Helmore, Communications and Vocations Coordinator of the Diocese of Townsville.

12.01.2022 Matt, Anthony and Peter enjoyed their time in Highfields and Toowoomba East hosted by Fr Brian Noonan. They enjoyed meeting the parishioners of St. Theresas and spending time with the staff and students from Good Samaritan College, Mary MacKillop College and Mater Dei Primary School. It was at these schools they were able to gain greater insights from the staff and students that they conversed with and were also privileged to share part of their own life journeys with them. The opportunity to see the work of the Diocese of Toowoomba which flows through the parish and the schools and into the lives of the parishioners, staff and students made for a valuable pastoral experience. Dinner with the Brennan Family and with Bishop Robert McGuckin were also opportunities to connect with people within the Diocese.

11.01.2022 Quo Vadis 2020 is underway. Please keep the participants in your prayers this weekend and in the months ahead.

11.01.2022 In this time of crisis, we are called to make sense, together, of the challenges we face. The signs of the times clearly indicate to us that the Church is in need of good theological thinking, both for its own life and the world it serves: a theology co-constructed in the trenches of life. Co-constructing Theology is a collaborative effort of the Holy Spirit Seminary in Brisbane and the Xavier Centre for Theological Formation at ACU. It consists of a five part video series that seeks to speak into the reality of peoples lives in this pandemic season. Please like, comment and share!

11.01.2022 August has been an eventful month marked by some significant in-house occasions and liturgical high-points. Early in the month was the feast of Australias co-patroness, Saint Mary of the Cross MacKillop. The Seminarians live in four houses on the Seminary grounds, these houses bearing the names Siena, Padua, Rossolini and Gerry. Rossolini House, who also claim Mary MacKillop as their patron saint, held a BBQ celebration with the Seminary community. This evening also allowed ...Continue reading

10.01.2022 Last night marked our bi-annual Talent Quest night. We had a wide range of acts and videos that displayed the comedic and creative side of the seminary. Congratulations to all our contestants. ... Here are a few photos from our night.

09.01.2022 How can we stay motivated when the stability of our environment seems to be changing all around us because of the effects of COVID-19? Psychologist and Academic Theologian Associate Professor Jamie Calder shares his thoughts.

09.01.2022 Saturday evening our seminarians returned from their Toowoomba retreat. The seminary was fortunate enough to have Sr Mel Dwyer and Fr Mario Debattista share their thoughts and reflections on Discernment and Emotional/Spiritual health. It was a reflective and grace-filled time as the retreat ended with a celebration of the 8th anniversary of Bishop Robert McGuckin. Special thanks to the James Bryne centre for their fantastic hospitality and welcome.

09.01.2022 One of the many great communities of the Brisbane Archdiocese is the people at Emmanuel City Mission. Emmanuel City Mission is an organisation committed to supporting and caring for the homeless and vulnerable of Brisbane city. Their mission is to connect homeless and vulnerable people with people who care; increasing trust and decreasing loneliness. Most recently, the team in South Brisbane called for assistance regarding tinned goods. Our seminarian Isaac responded by pers...onally delivering a few of our collected items. We continue to hold in prayer Emmanuel City Mission and all those doing good work in the name of Christ.

08.01.2022 Jack & Will spent 18-24 July in Warwick as part of the seminarys Mission Week program. During this week they were warmly received by Fr Franco Filipetto the parish priest, the parish team, parishioners and staff and students of the St Marys Primary School and Assumption College. During the course of the week, Will and Jack attended parish Masses and had two days to visit the schools. They talked with parishioners, students and teachers, sharing their life journeys as well as getting to know the local people. Fr Franco was also very kind to take time out to share his experiences of the priesthood with Jack and Will. The country life is very different to that of a metropolitan city, Jack and Will are both very appreciative of the experiences in Warwick. As they journey back to Brisbane, Warwick will now be part of their prayers.

07.01.2022 Sunday afternoon saw the seminarians participating in soccer training in preparation for next years competition. The students are dedicated to learning the basics and exploring new skills and tricks in order to develop their game mindset. Although they may not be the next Juventus, their spirit and openness make the sport an exciting and adventurous activity.

06.01.2022 Tomorrow Francis, Jack and William will be ordained to the Order of Deacons. The Diaconate embodies Jesus’ call to service and ministry. Due to COVID, the numbers have been restricted. Despite these hurdles, the seminary would like to invite you to the Live Stream tomorrow at 10 am (Brisbane time).... www.brisbanecatholic.org.au/multimedia/web-cast/ Please pray for these men as they go out into their parishes and live as disciples in the service of the Gospel.

06.01.2022 In preparation for the 2021 Inter-Seminary Soccer Carnival, the Queensland seminarians have continued with a strict regime of soccer training. Speed is increasing, skills are evolving, weight is being shed, muscles are appearing. Breathless gasps give way to oxygen fueled deftness and efficiency. A key part of the Seminarys Human dimension of formation, the opportunity to gather for healthy exercise is embraced by all.... The 2021 Carnival, will, hopefully, subject to COVID developments, be held in July 2021. Our seminarians will by then be a finely honed soccer machine, thinking on the field as with one mind and ready to outshine all other competitors in their path. Please pray for the seminarians as they continue their soccer training.

06.01.2022 The men in their Configuration phase went to the second of their scrutinies at Ormiston earlier in the week. The men were graced with the presence of Fr Gary Walker SSC, and Fr Frank Jones. The scrutiny is an opportunity for the men to reflect deeply on the life of which they are about to enter. We give special thanks to the staff of the Santa Teresa Spirituality Centre for their hospitality and friendly welcome.

06.01.2022 Francis, William and Jack have now been accepted to the Order of Deacons for the Archdiocese of Brisbane. Congratulations to them for their perseverance and fidelity throughout the formation process. As Deacons, these men will begin the life long commitment of following Christ and embodying the Gospel message.... We pray for all Deacons around the world and especially those that serve within our communities.

05.01.2022 If you didn't know, the Seminary has chickens. Some of the guys spent a few hours earlier in the month cleaning and reorganising the chicken coop. The Seminary would also like to welcome some new chicks to the fold. Here are some photos of the Spring clean.

05.01.2022 COVID has made spaces like these familiar to many. Some of our students are fortunate enough to be at the feet of Emeritus Professor Robert Gascoigne learning about Moral Theology. Professor Gascoigne provides an informative observation of the different aspects of Moral Theology accessible to all people. We thank you, Professor Gascoigne and all the other lecturers that take the time and effort to teach us and those around us.

05.01.2022 The Catholic Foundation thanks you for all that you do to support the good works of the Church. Enjoy this virtual retreat with Fr Frank leading us in a reflection through the power of prayer at the Holy Spirit Seminary Queensland here https://bit.ly/34DHzJA

04.01.2022 Many people are becoming aware of the amount of plastic waste produced by society. As a response and commitment to the ongoing care of the planet, the seminary has put some new waste disposable procedures in place. Here is a photo of Peter and Matt preparing to drop off our 'Containers for Change QLD.’ Every bit counts! We pray for our common home. May the Lord help us to grow in awareness of our role in this world.

04.01.2022 Congratulations to Ashwin who has been accepted to the Order of Deacons for the diocese of Rockhampton. Bishop Michael McCarthy graciously received Ashwin last week. Ashwin has been a phenomenal member of our community and we wish him all the best in his future ministry. Ashwin is due to be ordained sometime mid-November. God Bless you Ashwin.... Photo retrieved from https://twitter.com/BishopMicha/status/1318451002761039872

04.01.2022 Each year, Holy Spirit Seminary hosts Quo Vadis Weekend, a retreat for men discerning the call to the Priesthood. Quo Vadis comes from the Latin phrase Where are you going? Could God be calling you to the Priestly vocation? Click on the link to express your interest or ask any questions you might have. Quo Vadis?

04.01.2022 It is with great excitement that Ashwin Acharya will be ordained to the Order of Deacons for the diocese of Rockhampton this afternoon. As a Deacon, Ashwin will lead a life of service and ministry for the church and the people of God. The live stream will begin this afternoon at 12noon from St Joseph’s Cathedral, Rockhampton (Queensland time). Please pray for Ashwin as he goes out into parish ministry living out the service of the Gospel. https://youtu.be/bALPXf7a43Y

04.01.2022 Sang and Ashwin arrived in Charleville late Saturday afternoon, to be greeted by Frs Peter Doohan and Warren Padilla, and a freshly baked batch of cupcakes. The good food and wonderful company has continued since then, and they have managed to connect with the Sunday Mass communities of Charleville and Cunnamulla so far. Todays trip to Quilpie (2hrs out of Charleville) featured the hospitality of St Finbarrs Primary School, morning tea and lunch courtesy of the talented tuc...kshop ladies, and a visit to the two classrooms in the school. Tomorrow night they look forward to dinner with Sr Elizabeth RSM and Sr Maureen RSM (the Pastoral Leader of Cunnamulla parish), and visiting the schools in Cunnamulla and Charleville over the next two days. The long drives create space for deep reflection on the spiritual and pastoral life. On one drive, Fr Peter commented on the mulga trees which, despite being in a dry area of the country, have somehow grown to boast lush, green leaves. They have managed to put down their roots deep into the earth and draw their sustenance from there. The landowners periodically push over these trees to feed their livestock in dry times. Fr Peter said that the pastoral minister must imitate this: he must cultivate a deep relationship with Jesus, and push himself over, laying himself down to give life to the communities he seeks to serve, especially in these dry times. Ashwin and Sang feel graced to be with Fr Peter, who finishes his sixteenth year in Charleville, and Fr Warren, who officially begins his appointment as Parish Priest of the region in September.

03.01.2022 This week marks the half way point in the Seminarys academic semester. Our seminarians are now in the midst of the rising tide of assessment items coming due over until the end of October. Examples of the assessment items being prepared by the seminarians include written assignments, essays, oral presentations, practical write-ups, examinations and online submissions.... As the rising tide of assessments begins to swamp and erode upon our ever decreasing time, our seminarians will hold fast in rejecting the temptation of to put off until tomorrow that which will can be done today. This too is a valuable lesson in our formation.

03.01.2022 Dominic and Francis were stationed at Our Lady of Lourdes parish with Fr. John Quinlan for their mission week in Toowoomba. Fr. John was very hospitable and extremely generous in sharing his time with us. We shared great conversations together and learned a lot from the stories of his past experiences as a priest and cherished his words of wisdom. We experienced some of the culture in Toowoomba which included visiting popular landmarks like Picnic Point and the airport. We al...so drove around to have an idea of the layout of the Toowoomba City and located a few gardens and parks. On Saturday, Sunday and Monday, Francis and Dominic took turns towards the end of Mass to briefly share the story of their vocational journey. They both attended a burial service presided over by Fr. John and were also privileged to have been invited by a few lovely families for a coffee or a meal. In the last three days, Francis and Dominic visited schools starting with St Ursulas College, then Our Lady of Lourdes Primary school, and finally St Josephs College. They were well received by the staff and students. They went from class to class sharing their vocational and faith stories and at the end of their talk they opened the floor for questions from the students and asked them a few questions of their own to identify what they ought to know as future priests about the concerns of young people. "It was a humbling experience for us to be surrounded by lovely people, and I am enthusiastic to serve this lovely country diocese once I am ordained as a priest in a few years, God willing." -Dominic, seminarian for the Toowoomba Diocese.

03.01.2022 COVID 19 has pushed Australia and the world into an economically tense space. Aside from the global impact, families are feeling the strain now more than ever. With an increase in unemployment and the shutting down of businesses, the future seems to hold more anxiety than peace. Not only is the financial strain alarming, but Im also worried about how Aussies and people around the world are dealing with these issues. I want to open a space where exploring these issues and co...ncerns helps us to meet one another in our difficulties. Join us as we explore these anxieties with the help of Dr David Kirchhoffer, Director of the Queensland Bioethics Centre, to reimagine a future of hope and life despite the pressure. We warmly invite your feedback and comments. How might society bounce back from this experience? Could we work towards a new economic structure focused on the flourishing of humanity? See the full length interview with Dr David Kirchhoffer here: https://youtu.be/MVvao127fEE

02.01.2022 The Gospel tells of many times when Jesus withdrew from the busyness and activity of His ministry and intentionally took time out to pray (cf. Mark 1: 35-39, Mark 6:31, Luke 5:16). Often He would go with those closest to Him, those who were His closest companions in the uniqueness of His journey and in the intimacy of His Mission. More often than not, these times took place on a mountain. Such movements by Jesus in accompaniment with His friends were not so much retreats fr...om world, as if the world was a place to avoid or to recoil from, but rather were opportunities to gain a fresh perspective on what had taken place, what was taking place and what was still to come. What better place for Jesus than the ascent of a mountain to be gifted with the panoramic view of the mission field from where He had been, and to where He would go? So then, in this spirit of discerning how best to follow in the footsteps of the Lord, have five of our seminarians, Jack Ho, Ashwin Acharya, William Iuliano, Francis Fernandes and Brian Redondo, been gifted with the opportunity to join with Vice-Rector Fr Frank Jones at Santa Teresa in Ormiston for a time of cherishing and reflection on their long journey travelled so far, in appreciation for the joy of the point of arrival where they are today, and with trusting and faithful hearts, increasingly configured to that of Christs, as the horizon of the new day begins to break open across and so reveal the landscape of the future still to come. The journeys of Jack, Ashwin, William, Francis and Brian are all unique, all are of different duration, experience and challenge. Yet all are marked with the sign of the One who in love, first made and now calls them into a time and place of scrutiny, focused prayer, deep reflection, and an increasingly acute awareness that the fullness of the call to follow Christ includes too an acceptance of the Cross as a part of His Mission. At the beginning of their formal journeys here at Holy Spirit Seminary, Jack (2014), Ashwin (2015), William (2015), Francis (2015) and in Brians continuing journey (2020), they would have encountered the words which begin the Apostolic Exhortation Pastores Dabo Vobis "I will give you shepherds after my own heart" (Jer. 3:15). We invite you to join with them all now in prayer today and in the months to come, as they continue to have their hearts shaped and configured to that of our Lord who loves and calls them and all us to follow Him ever more closely and intimately, in true friendship, always.

02.01.2022 Michael Tran and I (Bradley Davies) have visited Saint Josephs parish, Stanthorpe, this week as part of Holy Spirit Seminarys mission visit to the Toowoomba diocese. We have shared our faith and vocations journey with many parishioners and students, gotten to know many parishioners and enjoyed some lovely home cooked meals both in the presbytery with Fr Brian Connolly and in homes of parishioners. We have also taken a walk around the giant rocks at Girraween National Park and enjoyed a tour around a local apple orchard. We have also enjoyed and endured some very low temperatures, as can be seen on the big local thermometer. We have both thoroughly enjoyed getting to know the locals and getting in touch with local culture and scenery.