DIOCESE OF ARMIDALE
MEMBER OF THE AUSTRALASIAN CATHOLIC PRESS ASSOCIATION
ISSN 1446-0041
CONTENTS
THE DIOCESE 3 1 4 5 6
MURPHY ARRIVES!
VIEWPOIN Catholic
JAN - MAR 2025
Bishop-Elect Murphy Arrives!
Following the exciting news of our recently appointed Bishop, late in the evening of Wednesday 26 February, the Very Reverend Bishop-elect Peter Murphy, made the nine-hour drive from Wagga Wagga, to meet with clergy and parishioner’s of Armidale, at Saints Mary and Joseph Cathedral, on Sunday the 2nd of March.
Bishop-elect Murphy concelebrated the 10am Mass with Cathedral Administrator Fr. Damien Locke. Following Mass, Bishop-elect Murphy mingled with parishioner’s young and old - from children requesting his blessing on items bought at the piety store, to married couples asking his blessing on their marriages.
On Monday morning, Bishop-elect Murphy enjoyed a morning tea with staff from the Chancery Office and ADIG, where they learned which NRL and AFL teams he supports...
Bishop-elect Murphy’s ordination date is set for the 8th May, the feast day of Our Lady of Pompeii. Save the date! - Continued page 2
ASSEMBLY
Pope francis announces new bishop
26 February 2025
Late in the evening of Wednesday 26 February, Pope Francis announced Reverend Dr. Peter Murphy as the new bishop of Armidale.
Fr. Peter Murphy is currently the parish administrator of St Michael’s Cathedral, Wagga Wagga, and Vicar General of the Diocese of Wagga Wagga.
Australian Catholic Bishops Conference President, Archbishop Timothy Costelloe SDB, welcomed the appointment.
“It is with great joy we welcome the appointment of Fr Peter as Bishop of Armidale,” Archbishop Costelloe said. “His involvement in the vocations ministry, his experience in fostering the faith of young people and his compassionate leadership in the areas of family and marriage will be of great value to the diocese and wider church.”
“We look forward to welcoming him into the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference.”
Fr Peter studied agriculture and worked as a field agronomist in Melbourne before entering the seminary. He graduated with a bachelor’s degree in philosophy from the Angelicum and a licentiate in theology from the Urban University in Rome. Following postgraduate studies, he was ordained priest on July 11, 1992, at St Michael’s Cathedral, Wagga Wagga.
His first pastoral appointment was to Our Lady of Fatima parish, South Wagga. Fr Peter then moved to Vianney College as vice rector of the diocesan seminary, where he has taught philosophy and moral theology for 30 years, in addition to being a visiting lecturer for the John Paul II Institute on Marriage and the Family.
While completing his doctoral studies in theology in Rome, he worked as an official at the Congregation of the Missions for two years.
Over his 32 years of priesthood, he has been a parish priest of three parishes: Lockhart, Tumbarumba and Lavington.
lenten reflection
The three weeks remaining of Lent present us with the opportunity to reflect on how we are travelling on our journey to Easter. We are aware of the three pillars of lent; prayer, fasting, and almsgiving, but have we given much thought as to how we could strengthen and build upon these pillars a little more than last year?
Pope Francis in his Lenten message for 2025, expounds on the theme of this Jubilee year; what it means to journey together in hope. The Holy Father invites us to reflect on what it means to journey, “Am I seeking ways to leave
behind the occasions of sin and situations that degrade my dignity?” To help us with abstinence, the Holy Father suggests we should compare our lives with that of a migrant, and observe the sufferings they have endured. This awareness of their struggles, and what they have had to forgo, would prove a good examination of conscience, to compel us to come up with concrete ways we can strengthen and build up our pillar of abstinence.
The Holy Father then invites us to ponder what it means to journey together. “This Lent, God is asking us to examine whether in our lives, in our families, in the places where we work and spend our time, we are capable of walking together with others, listening to them, resisting the temptation to become self-absorbed and to think only of our own needs.” Donating money or hosting a fundraiser for Project Compassion is one of the first things that comes to mind when we think of almsgiving; however, are we limited to thinking that this is all that is required? Could we give up unnecessary use of technology to avail ourselves more time for the people around us? Do we listen to our spouses? Do we spend time with each member of our family and serve each other, when we see a need? Is there someone who could do with a phone-call, a visit, perhaps in a nursing home or hospital?
Lastly, Pope Francis homes in on the central message of the Jubilee from Romans 5:5 “and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit that has been given to us.” Prayer is our central pillar, which during lent, helps us stay on track and guides our efforts in fasting and almsgiving, as we journey to the hope of Easter. Saint Jerome who translated the Bible into Latin many centuries ago, said “ignorance of the Scriptures, is ignorance of Christ.” This Lent, our central pillar of prayer could be strengthened by spending time with the Scriptures; reading the daily Mass readings, or walking through one of the Gospels of the Passion of Christ, slowly.
In these last three weeks, let’s journey together in hope as we deepen our prayer life, strengthen our will through abstinence with the help of God’s grace, and open the doors of our hearts to our brothers and sisters in almsgiving.
Monsignor Ted Wilkes Diocesan Administrator
Jubilee Day
25 March 2025
Priests, religious and parishioners from around the diocese, joined teachers and students from our Catholic Schools, in Armidale, Uralla, Guyra, Walcha, South Tamworth, Tamworth and Gunnedah to celebrate the Diocesan Jubilee Day. It was a resounding success.
As the faithful processed around Central Park in Armidale, one could appreciate a remarkable sense of peace and stillness within the procession itself and without, in the park and surrounding streets. The serenity was surreal.
Holy Mass followed the procession, with a relatively full Cathedral. Beautiful music was heard from the choir loft, with a selection of traditional hymns, the pinnacle being the Ave Maria Virgo Serena for the offertory. It was heartening to hear the Pilgrims of Hope hymn song come to life as the congregation had become more familiar with it.
To round off the day, approximately 100 clergy and laity stayed for lunch at the Torregianni Room. This provided an opportunity for parishioners and clergy from all over the diocese to catch up with old friends and make new ones.
clergy assembly
TORREGIANNI ROOM
11-12 March 2025
The recent clergy assembly, held on March 11-12, 2025, at the Torreggiani Room, served as a pivotal gathering for priests, fostering collaboration and dialogue within the Diocese. The first day featured Kelly Paget, Chancellor of the Broken Bay Diocese, who joined via Zoom to share her insights from the Synod of Synodality in Rome, where she represented Australia as a delegate. Paget’s presentation provided priests with a detailed overview of the synod’s document, emphasizing its key aspects and encouraging a deeper understanding of its implications for the Church’s future.
Her firsthand experiences and reflections sparked meaningful conversations among the clergy, highlighting the importance of synodality in promoting a more inclusive and participatory Church especially in our Diocese.
On the second day, Fr. Gerard Kelly took the stage, engaging the assembly with a thought-provoking discussion on the development of doctrine, the Magisterium, and living tradition. His insights into these foundational aspects of Catholic teaching resonated with the audience, prompting lively table discussions that allowed clergy members to share their thoughts and perspectives. The interactive format not only encouraged participation but also emphasized the assembly’s commitment to continuous growth in faith and understanding. Overall, the two-day event underscored the Church’s dedication to fostering an environment of collaboration and open dialogue, ensuring that clergy are well-equipped to navigate the evolving landscape of contemporary faith and practice in our Armidale Diocese.
- Seminarian Allem Alba
awards and farewells
INVERELL CITIZEN OF THE YEAR
Australia day
Ken Middleton has been honoured as the 2025 Inverell Citizen of the Year for his extensive contributions to the community. He is a dedicated volunteer at the BEST Community Shed, St Vincent de Paul Society, and Inverell Men’s Haven of Hope. Ken is also actively involved in the Sacred Heart Catholic Church, participating in various events and activities, including the Parish lawn team, choir, and special observance days. Ken’s recognition highlights his selflessness, dedication, and positive impact on the Inverell community.
FAREWELL SISTER CORAL
Sunday, February 23rd, saw a significant occasion for Sacred Heart Parish at Inverell as Sr Coral was farewelled by the Parish. It was an historic occasion, though sad, as it brought to a completion the presence of the Sisters of Mercy in the Parish after 134 years. The Sisters of Mercy arrived in Inverell in 1891 to take charge of St Joseph’s School (as it was known then) when the Sisters of St Joseph moved to begin a school at Tingha. The Mercy Sisters were mainly focussed on education and left a valuable legacy that is still honoured at Holy Trinity school with a statue of Ven. Catherine McAuley being blessed and installed in the school grounds last year. At the same time, a statue of St Jean-Baptiste de la Salle was also blessed and installed to honour the work and presence of the De La Salle brothers in Inverell. In recent decades the Sister of Mercy became involved in parish ministry. Sr Coral was no exception and laboured with energy and zeal in many different ways in the parish, including being a Pastoral Associate both in Inverell and Bingara. After 32 years in Inverell, Sr Coral will be greatly missed in the parish because she has been a great friend to many and entered the hearts and lives of countless parishioners. The parish wished her well as she moves to Newcastle and will be with other Sisters of Mercy. - Fr. Paul Chandler
Ken Middleton pictured with Inverell Mayor, Kate Dight (centre) and Australia Day ambassador Jane Rutter (left).
opening school masses
ST. JOSEPH’S PRIMARY SCHOOL URALLA
tuesday 18 february
St Joseph’s School Uralla celebrated a beautiful Opening School Mass with our school community to mark the beginning of the year and commission our teachers and school leaders. This was particularly important this year as Pope Francis has proclaimed 2025 as a Jubilee Year with the theme being Pilgrims of Hope. It was lovely to see so many families attend, especially those who are new to St Joseph’s this year as we embark on our journey together in 2025, as Pilgrims of Hope. The evening concluded with a barbecue picnic in the school grounds.
TRINITY PRIMARY SCHOOL INVERELL
friday february 14
On Friday, February 14th,, Holy Trinity School, Inverell, gathered for the first Holy Mass of 2025, the feast of Sts Cyril and Methodius. Many parents, grandparents, and family members were present as the new School Leaders were inducted into their leadership and service roles for this year. It was a wonderful time of prayer, worship and acknowledgement of the many gifts with which God has graced this school community.
hope van
ST. ALBERTS COLLEGE UNE
HOPe team Armidale stepped up to help the 2025 cohort of students settle into their new home in St Albert’s college prior to Orientation Week at the University of New England. HOPe catered coffee & pancakes for the Ladies Day Breakfast. The team then turned out again on Friday to provide coffee, hot chocolate with egg and bacon rolls to the entire cohort of new arrivals at St Albert’s for Market Day. They were very blessed to receive support from the Admin & Kitchen staff at the college. A great example of the Church working together, to bring the light & love of Christ to so many young people as they leave home and begin their next stage in their formative years. - Deacon Paul
