On Thursday we welcomed Bishop Daniel Meagher when he was installed as the 11th Bishop of the Rockhampton Diocese. It was a wonderful and hope-filled ceremony and Mass leaving our college representatives excited for the future of our Diocese under Bishop Danny’s ministry. Shalom College was well represented at the event with College Captain Joon M. being called forward to represent colleges in the Diocese. There were also three members of Shalom staff in the choir.
In his Homily, Bishop Danny referred to the Cathedral saying, “I promise you, I’ll do everything I can to ensure it stays as beautiful as it is and we work to preserve it.”, he then went on to say, “But more fundamentally of course, God’s grace flows not through a building but through us. God’s grace flows through us and from us to the whole diocese, life teeming, good, healthy,”. This was a message to touch everybody, helping us to understand that Church is made up of people like ourselves, of everybody who is engaged.
I found Bishop Danny’s homily very accessible for all but also with a great depth and clarity. He went on to explain that God’s grace flows through us all because we are all loved by God. He also explained that we can allow that love to flow through us in the service of others.
Ultimately, Bishop Danny left us all feeling really motivated, concluding his Homily by inviting us all join in, he said “Let’s give it a crack, let’s be adventurous, try things, make mistakes, St Peter made lots of mistakes, and above all, let’s live.” Such depth with simplicity is a true teaching gift and we are blessed with Bishop Danny as the new leader of our Diocese.
Mr Dean Wearmouth