Pentecost pilgrimage – a journey of many blessings
Pentecost pilgrimage – a journey of many blessings At dawn on Pentecost Sunday, 8 June 2025, twenty-three Pilgrims of Hope gathered in the quiet reverence of the Romero Chapel at The Francis Retreat, Bonny Hills. As the sun began to rise, they prayed Lauds from the Office of the Hours, setting the spiritual tone for their 32.5-kilometre [...]
NSW Government Inquiry hears about Parish’s best practice PALM program
NSW Government Inquiry hears about Parish’s best practice PALM program Domus 8.7* and Australian Catholic Anti-Slavery Network (ACAN)** representatives gave evidence in early June to the NSW Parliament's Modern Slavery Committee hearing as part of its inquiry into modern slavery risks faced by temporary migrant workers in rural and regional New South Wales. Natasha Murphy, Manager Learning [...]
St Agnes’ & St Thomas’ to light up church hill for ArtWalk 2025
St Agnes’ & St Thomas’ to light up church hill for ArtWalk 2025 In a celebration of creativity, community, and Christian unity, St Agnes’ Catholic Parish will join St Thomas’ Anglican Church in participating in Port Macquarie’s ArtWalk 2025, lighting up the historic church hill on Friday 4 July from 5pm to 9pm. This year’s ArtWalk theme, ‘Out [...]
Newman College trainees embark on their journey with St Agnes’ Catholic Parish
Newman College trainees embark on their journey with St Agnes’ Catholic Parish Twelve enthusiastic students from Newman Senior Technical College officially began their school-based traineeships with St Agnes’ Catholic Parish on Wednesday, 14 May 2025, marking the start of an exciting chapter in their educational and professional journeys. The traineeship program is a collaborative effort between the Parish, Newman Senior Technical College, [...]
Sandra Wilson reflects on meeting Pope Francis
Sandra Wilson reflects on meeting Pope Francis Maryknoll resident Sandra Wilson counts herself fortunate to have met the Pope Francis when she visited Rome in 2016. After his passing in April, she wrote this personal reflection on that experience: In 2013, my very good friends Carmel and Mary approached me with the idea to travel overseas. On [...]
Relocation of St Joseph’s Primary School
Relocation of St Joseph’s Primary School The Diocese of Lismore Catholic Schools Ltd (DLCSL), with St Agnes’ Catholic Parish (SACP), has announced plans to relocate St Joseph’s Primary School to a new, purpose-built campus in Thrumster/Sovereign Hills. Originally approved when St Joseph’s Regional College moved in 2009, this long-planned project will cater to growing communities, reunite the [...]
Reflecting on a year of service: 2024 year in review
Reflecting on a year of service: 2024 year in review At St Agnes’ Catholic Parish, we are proud to be known for our strong and trusted aged care services, including innovative dementia care, quality retirement living, residential aged care, and home care. While aged care remains a vital part of our identity, it is just one chapter [...]
Sue Williams on her role as a volunteer
Sue Williams on her role as a volunteer Volunteering is part of my family history. I learned through the example of my parents, especially my mum, Norma Williams, who did all sorts of volunteering and received a Premier’s Award through local government for her efforts. When the time came in my life when I was able to [...]
Building pastoral skills through Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE)
Building pastoral skills through Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) Five members of the St Agnes’ Care & Lifestyle Pastoral and Spiritual Care Team (Justine, Roy, Rebecca, Steve and Beth) and Fr Alejo Despacio Jr participated in 40 hours of Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) training over 3 months with Reverend Canon Roger Zorab (Deputy President of the NSW College [...]
Staff long service milestones recognised at Mass
Staff long service milestones recognised at Mass St Agnes’ Catholic Parish celebrated its annual Staff Long Service Awards on 26 March 2025 with the celebration of Mass, the presentation of Service Awards and supper in the Parish Hall. The Mass was celebrated by Fr Paul Gooley (Parish Priest) , Fr Prodencio Bognay and, newly ordained deacon, Shane [...]
A lifelong connection to St Agnes’ Catholic Parish
A lifelong connection to St Agnes’ Catholic Parish For Belinda Howell, being part of St Agnes’ Catholic Parish isn’t just a job – it’s a deep part of who she is. A proud Port Macquarie local, Belinda’s connection to the Parish began in early childhood when she attended St Joseph’s Preschool, the Parish’s first early education centre. [...]
Online religious education resource secures subscription for all schools in Brisbane diocese
Online religious education resource secures subscription for all schools in Brisbane diocese Understanding Faith, an online religious education platform, has secured a 12-month subscription agreement with Brisbane Catholic Education (BCE) to provide access to the Understanding Faith religious education resource for 2025. Understanding Faith was established by St Agnes’ Catholic Parish in Port Macquarie in the 1990s [...]
