OUR VISION

In Union with Christ, we strive to live out the Church's mission in a parish community which is welcoming, hospitable, inclusive and outwardly focused.

OUR MISSION

Facilitating every person's communion with God through the continuation of the work of Jesus, in the spirit of Mary.

OUR HISTORY       

The small town of Gladstone in 1885 could boast of a small Catholic Church, which was serviced by Priests based in Rockhampton. Upon the arrival of Fr. Cajetan Borg, the Catholic community in the small town had its first resident Priest, and the Parish was born. Fr Borg remained in the Parish until 1890; he has been succeeded over the years by many Diocesan and Marist priests. 

When Gladstone was declared a separate Parish in 1885, the Bishop of Rockhampton was John Cani, Italian Priest who became the first Bishop of the newly formed Diocese. After his ordination in Rome, he joined the small missionary band of Bishop Quinn, Mother Vincent Whitty (the founder of the Sisters of Mercy in Queensland), four other Priests and some Sisters of Mercy who sailed from England in 1860, not long after the foundation of the settlement of Gladstone. After his arrival in Brisbane, he worked in Warwick, and later on in Cooktown. He was consecrated Bishop of Rockhampton in 1882, and three years later, in 1885; he was instrumental in nominating Gladstone as a separate Parish.

WELCOME TO THE YEAR OF GRACE

The Bishops of Australia have invited the whole Church to a Year of Grace which will commence at Pentecost, 2012. This short video shows the Bishops breaking open the theme "Starting afresh from Christ".

Throughout the Year of Grace, a special logo has been designed to highlight the purpose of this time. It is a bright and stylish image which, in looking at it, has many significant symbols and connections that can be drawn:

  • The cross
  • The sun
  • A circle that represents the infinity of God
  • The halo incorporating a cross that surrounds the head of Jesus in Eastern iconography
  • The host used at Mass
  • The monstrance used in Eucharistic adoration
  • A link with the artistic tradition of our Indigenous people
  • The earthen,ochre colours of Australia
  • A diversity of peoples and cultures, gathered into one community
  • A star-burst
  • Light

There may be other ways that the Logo speaks to us, and helps us to recall that this a time of prayer, reflection on God’s Word, celebration of liturgy and rediscovery of God’s graced presence in our everyday lives. It begins in a two weeks time on Pentecost Sunday  and it’s primary purpose is to ask God for a new and deep grace to forge the future of our Church and nation.