By Fr John Grace
ON Thursday, May 29, Fr Michael McCarthy, from Brisbane, was ordained bishop and became the 10th Bishop of Rockhampton.
The warmth of the wider community of the Diocese of Rockhampton welcomes both his appointment by Pope Francis and his acceptance of this call to apostolic service.
He comes to a rural diocese, a blend of city and country life with an overall population of about 400,000 people of whom 100,000 are listed as Catholic.
The spirit of co-operation between all who live in the diocese is strong and supportive.
Bishop Michael brings pastoral and administrative experiences to his new role as bishop, together with care for the clergy who will be his first collaborators in Christian ministry.
On behalf of the priests, religious and laity who will minister with him in a wide range of ways, I am confident that he will find willing co-operation and be inspired by their generosity.
He will be sustained by the prayers and good wishes across the diocese which he is keen to visit.
With St Joseph, the patron of the diocese, and with the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Mother of Jesus, we aspire to be a worthy faith family.
May Bishop Michael McCarthy build on the splendid record of the nine Bishops of Rockhampton who have preceded him and find solace in the love of God and of God’s people who surround him.
Fr John Grace was the diocesan administrator of the Diocese of Rockhampton.
