It was the Diocesan Feast Day on Tuesday.

The Feast Day itself is to Mary of the Southern Cross and commemorates the separation of the Diocese of Toowoomba from the Archdiocese of Brisbane on 1 September 1929. Mrs O'Rourke and I were joined by 25 students from Years 6 and 11 at the Mass at St Patrick's Cathedral.

For many of our students, events like these are the only times in a year that they will visit our Cathedral and experience a full church. I love that they have the experience of attending the Cathedral with so many other schools present and get a sense that they are part of something greater than just our College in Highfields.

Our College is part of a tradition that stretches across generations and reaches far beyond our gates. We belong to an international community of faith that has been formed by the Gospel, nurtured through the Church, and sustained by the witness of those who have gone before us. Every act of learning, every moment of kindness, and every opportunity we provide for young people to grow reflects this larger Catholic mission.

We are now (by some distance) the largest school in the Toowoomba Catholic Schools system and are unique in being the only school established directly by the Diocese.

Most schools in the Diocese were established by individual parish priests with the assistance of teaching religious orders. For example, St Saviour's Primary School and St Saviour's College share the same history. The parish priest of St Patrick's Church (as it was then) needed to educate young Catholic children, he wrote to the Sisters of Mercy to help do that, and these nuns came from Ireland and established a school. The same is true of Mater Dei (Sisters of the Good Samaritan - an Australian order), Our Lady of Lourdes (The Ursuline Sisters - founded in Italy in 1535), St Thomas More (Sisters of St Joseph - fellow Josephites), St Mary's College (the Christian Brothers - also from Ireland) and St Anthony's School (The Presentation Sisters - again, Irish). As the nuns and brothers retreated, the schools became led by lay people and run by a central office. Mary MacKillop Catholic College was actually established in 2003 by the Bishop of Toowoomba, so the Diocesan Feast Day is really a de facto alternative celebration for us.

We are all part of the Diocesan community though, and therefore part of the wider international Catholic community. Our College is part of something far greater than ourselves. While much of our daily focus is on lessons, assessments, sporting events, performances and the countless activities that fill our calendars, Catholic education invites us to see a bigger picture.

Our world can sometimes encourage individual success and personal adoration above all else. I think that events like Tuesday can remind our students that they are connected to one another and have a responsibility to contribute to the common good. It can serve to remind us that we are called not simply to attain and achieve, but to serve; not simply to succeed, but to help others flourish.

I believe that Catholic education invites us to a beautiful project. We are building something greater than any one person can accomplish alone: a community where faith, hope and love are lived each day, and where every individual is encouraged to become the person God created them to be.

Mr Chris Gabbett
College Principal

Each year during September, we are reminded about the importance of caring for our world, God's creation, as the plants that have been 'asleep' during winter, show signs of life. As this is the start of the season of Spring, it is a good time to look around us and notice what is going on in the environment here and around the world.

You might be noticing the native plants, annuals popping up and the grass growing some more. Even though the native plants are coming into full flower, and gardens are starting to have flowers blooming, rain is desperately needed. This water from heaven benefits the earth so much more than just the water from the tap. It is really living water.

In a recent email I received from Laudato Si Movement, Christina Leano, spoke about September being the Season of Creation. The Season of Creation 2026 invites Christians around the world to pray, reflect, and act under the theme, “Living Water” (Ezekiel 47:9–12). The theme reminds us that water is a precious gift from God that sustains all life and points us to Christ, the Living Water who brings renewal and hope. As people of faith, we are called not only to give thanks for creation but also to care for it by responding to environmental challenges with courage and action. This Season of Creation encourages us to become channels of God's love and healing, turning our prayer into practical action for our common home so that, wherever God's life flows through us, all creation may flourish. How can we be Living Water for others?

Pope Leo XIV has said "the disruption to harmonious balance of creation is accelerating and the world is witnessing many crises and human suffering." You only have to listen to the daily news to be reminded of these challenges. So, how do we meet this challenge? Pope Leo invites all people to "contemplate the gift of life and to cherish the earth that sustains it, for they are tangible ways of offering praise to our creator."

As a Catholic College community, we are called to be stewards of God's creation in both small and significant ways. During this Season of Creation, let us take time to appreciate the gift of water and the beauty of the natural world around us. We can respond by conserving water, reducing waste, caring for our College environment, and spending time in prayer for those communities around the world experiencing drought, floods, and other environmental challenges. May we be people who bring life, hope, and renewal to others, just as living water nourishes and sustains all creation.

The challenge is also a spiritual one. This invites each of us to ask: how can we be living water for others? Beyond its importance for sustaining plants, animals, and people, water holds deep spiritual significance for Christians. In Baptism, water is the sign of new life in Christ, washing away sin and welcoming us into God's family. When Jesus described himself as the "Living Water" (John 4:10-14), he was reminding us that our deepest thirst is not only physical but spiritual. Just as the earth longs for rain, our hearts long for God's love, grace, and presence. The Living Water that Christ offers renews us, strengthens us in times of difficulty, and enables us to bring hope and life to others. We can be the living water for others through our actions each day.

During this Season of Creation, may we not only pray for the rain that nourishes the earth but also open our hearts to the Living Water of Christ. May His life flow through us so that our words, actions, and care for creation become signs of God's love in the world. As we cherish the gift of water, may we also remember, Christ, the source of Living Water and seek to be faithful stewards of the precious gifts God has entrusted to us.

Loving Creator,

Thank you for the gift of living water and the beauty of your creation.

Help us to care for our common home with gratitude, wisdom, and compassion.

May our words and actions bring life and hope to all that you have made.

Amen.

Mrs Paula O'Rourke
Assistant Principal Mission and Identity

Next Friday, 11 September, a number of students and staff will be representing the College at the Battle of Meewah Commemoration. This event will a mark the anniversary of the Battle of Meewah, a frontier battle fought in the foothills of Toowoomba in 1843 at Tobruk Memorial Drive, Picnic Point, Toowoomba.

Also known as the Battle of One Tree Hill, the Battle of Meewah was one of colonial Australia’s defining acts of Aboriginal resistance, led by warrior and strategist Multuggerah, and for a long time was a story left untold in the region’s shared history.

This year, the commemoration turns to the voices missing from that story. Titled “No Shared History Without Women”, the 2026 service will focus on the integral – and largely unrecorded – role Aboriginal women played in the events of 1843 and in the resistance more broadly, despite being written out of the historical accounts that followed.

Keynote speakers Nakkara Bassani, a proud Yorta Yorta woman, and Ruby Cook, a young Quandamooka woman, will speak to this theme, reflecting on the women who stood alongside Multuggerah and the generations of Aboriginal women since who have carried culture, community and Country forward, largely unacknowledged.

The commemoration is coordinated by Toowoomba’s Battle of Meewah Commemoration Committee, whose volunteers dedicate months of their time each year to organising the service and connecting with schools and communities across the region to make it possible.

“As organisers, we believe the courage, leadership and resilience of Multuggerah, his fellow fighters, and the Aboriginal women who stood alongside them, deserve to be recognised as part of the region’s shared local history,” Mr Phil Armit from Battle of Meewah Commemoration Committee.

Mrs Paula O'Rourke
Assistant Principal, Mission & Identity

Our Prep C students proudly presented their learning about Friends of 10 at the Week 6 Junior School Assembly.

The students explained that Friends of 10 are two numbers that combine to make 10 and enthusiastically led the audience in their class chant:

"Friends of 10, friends of 10, Numbers that make 10 in the end!"

Students then introduced the different number pairs that make 10, including 0 and 10, 1 and 9, 2 and 8, 3 and 7, 4 and 6, and 5 and 5. Through confident speaking and teamwork, they demonstrated their understanding of number relationships and how these numbers work together to create a whole.

The class also showed how number sentences can be written using addition and equals signs, sharing examples such as 2 + 8 = 10, 8 + 2 = 10, 7 + 3 = 10, and 3 + 7 = 10. Students explained that the numbers can be switched around while still making 10, helping them develop an understanding of number facts and mathematical thinking.

The presentation concluded with a song and a reminder that learning Mathematics can be both fun and exciting:

"We can count, we can add, Maths is fun and makes us glad."

Congratulations to Prep C, Mrs Evans and Mrs McInnes for their confident participation and wonderful demonstration of their learning. We are very proud of the enthusiasm they showed while sharing their mathematical knowledge with our College community.

Ms Kate Carroll
Assistant Principal Teaching and Learning (Acting)

The College is committed to strengthening our connection with families. We are pleased to advise that from Tuesday, 1 September, the College will transition from our current communication platform to our Sentral Parent App.

To ensure you continue to receive important College communications, we kindly ask all families to:

• Download the Sentral Parent App to your mobile device.
• Enable push notifications in the Sentral Parent App by clicking on the settings button, so you can receive alerts about College activities, camps, events, and important notices.
• Review the Parent Guide for additional information and instructions that was emailed on 26 August.

If you have not yet downloaded the Sentral Parent App, please visit:

Parents Portal and App - Sentral

We encourage all families to complete this process as soon as possible to ensure you remain connected and informed.

If you have any additional questions, please email highfields@twb.catholic.edu.au

Mr Chris Gabbett
College Principal

Your official role at the College:

Junior PE Teacher

What does a typical day really look like:

My morning begins with getting PE activities set up for the day. I will normally take one year level before First Break for a 40-minute PE lesson. I rotate through all 3 classes in a two-hour period, seeing every student in that year level. After First break, I do the whole thing again with a different year level. After Second break I take either Years 1, 2 or 4 for their Technology lesson. Throughout the week, I will see all 520 students in the Junior School. 

Secondary School attended:

Fairholme College

What do you like about working at Mary MacKillop?

In my PE role, I enjoy working with all different year levels and getting to know all of the students across the Junior School. I like how all staff members are always willing to help and support each other. If you have a question, there is always someone willing to answer it.

After attending many sporting events in my new role, it has been nice to get to know some of the parents. At these events, parents are always willing to help out whether it be coaching a team or just supporting with helping students get to their events.

What are your hobbies/Interests?

I enjoy staying active and healthy by doing Pilates and running throughout the week. I play Touch Rugby League on Monday night and enjoy being part of a team.

Other interesting facts about yourself or anything else you would like to share with the MMCC community:

When I first started at MMCC I was a Year 1 Teacher and have changed roles into the Junior PE Teacher starting Term 3.

How is your work related to the 6 Ps?

Throughout my PE role, I encounter all students in the Junior School, so it is important to create partnerships to ensure I am building strong relationships with all students. I love watching students persevere through skills sets or games they may find hard, and it is great to see them achieve their goal.

Mary MacKillop Catholic College's 2026 Book Week celebrations were once again a wonderful success. Throughout the week, students enjoyed a range of library activities, including the Book Fair and creative art experiences inspired by Children's Book Week shortlisted and winning titles.

On Friday, 28 August, our College community celebrated this year's Children's Book Week theme, "Symphony of Stories," with our annual Book Week Costume Parade. Students and staff showcased their creativity and love of reading, bringing favourite book characters to life.

We thank our local bookshop, The Sweet Plot, for its generous donation of vouchers, which were awarded to two students from each year level in recognition of their perseverance and growth in reading.

A heartfelt thank you also goes to our dedicated library staff, whose passion and commitment continue to inspire a love of reading across our College.

Click on the link below to see photos from 2026 Book Week celebrations across the College. 

2026 Book Week Photos

Mrs Carmen Campbell & Mrs Amy Dwyer
Acting Junior Librarian & Middle Leader Personalised Learning

Selected students from Years 4 to 6 proudly represented our College in the Primary Mixed Division of the Swans Schools Cup Competition throughout Term 3. The team demonstrated outstanding skill, perseverance, and teamwork, remaining undefeated across four rounds of competition.

Their hard work and determination culminated in a fantastic Grand Final performance against Glenvale State School, where they secured a convincing 12 to 1 victory. Throughout the season, students showed excellent sportsmanship, perseverance and a strong commitment to working together as a team.

Team Members: Dylan Y, Lincoln Y, Declan S, Charlotte P, Lilianna McC, Kye M, Ruby S, Parker P, Tim W, Joe W, Izzy-Mae M, Emme E and Pippa W.

Congratulations to all players on this outstanding achievement. We are incredibly proud of the way they represented our College both on and off the field.

Mr Craig Hubbard and Mrs Michelle Lever
Junior School Teachers

A huge congratulations to Year 8 student Franki S on her selection in the Football Queensland Academy Emerging Program (U13 Girls).

The FQ Academy Emerging Program provides a high-performance environment for talented young players, offering specialist coaching, additional training opportunities, match experience and individual development pathways that can lead to future elite programs, including Queensland State Team representation.

This well-deserved achievement follows Franki's outstanding performance with the SWQ Thunder U13 Girls Championship team, which recently claimed victory at the 2026 Football Queensland State Championships. Franki scored an impressive 14 goals in just six games, playing a significant role in her team's success.

The championship winning squad also featured Team Mary Mac students Elliana C, Lily W, Eleira S and Sienna B. Year 8 student Flynn A was also a standout performer as part of the SWQ Thunder U13 Boys team at the championships, highlighting the outstanding football talent within our College community.

Franki's selection is a testament to her hard work, dedication and passion and marks an exciting milestone in her football journey. We look forward to following her continued success, along with the achievements of all our talented footballers.

Mr Troy Brunner
Middle Leader: Sport and Student Engagement

At our Term 3, Week 6 Junior Assembly, our Junior School students were recognised and awarded a special Principal's Award for their involvement in the College Musical, The Little Mermaid Jr. All lead roles, cast, crew and ensemble members were acknowledge by Mr Gabbett for their outstanding commitment and invaluable contribution to the success of the College Musical.

Each student demonstrated the 6Ps.

Passion through their enthusiasm and dedication to bringing the production to life, dedication to developing their characters, refining their performances, inspiring others with their enthusiasm and pride in ensuring every performance ran smoothly.

Practical Action by consistently fulfilling their responsibilities, supporting cast members, contributing positively to every aspect of the production, embraced the demands of rehearsals and performances with professionalism, reliability, a willingness to support the success of the entire production, consistently fulfilling their responsibilities, supporting cast members, and contributing positively to every aspect of the production. 

Partnership by working collaboratively with fellow students, directors, cast and crew members and helping to create a supportive and inclusive environment.

Perseverance was evident in their willingness to overcome challenges, learn new skills, maintain high standards throughout the rehearsal process and put in long hours with demanding schedules.  Everyone approached their responsibilities with resilience and a positive attitude.

Possibilities by stepping outside their comfort zones, growing in confidence, enriching the performance with their creativity and commitment and helping to bring the creative vision of the musical to life.

Prayer by showing gratitude, respect, care for others and embodying the Josephite values that underpin our College community.

Through their talent, leadership, and service to others, these students have made a significant contribution to the success of the musical and are highly deserving of this recognition. Well done to all students.

Our Year 3 - 6 Primary Dance Troupe captivated students, staff and families with an energetic and entertaining performance at our Junior School assembly in Week 6.

What makes this achievement even more impressive is that the Dance Troupe has only been rehearsing since the middle of Term 2. Made up of students from Years 3 to 6, the dancers have shown outstanding commitment, enthusiasm and teamwork as they worked together to learn and perfect their routine.

Performing to an upbeat remix of the disco classic Le Freak and Michael Jackson's Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough, the Dance Troupe showcased impressive rhythm, confidence and stage presence. From the opening moments to the final pose, the audience was thoroughly entertained by the dancers' energy, enthusiasm and infectious smiles.

A special thank you goes to Miss Cody Silva and Miss Sophie Maudsley for their creativity, dedication and passion in bringing this performance to life. Through their engaging choreography, encouragement and support, they created a routine that not only entertained the audience but also provided students with the opportunity to build confidence, develop performance skills and shine on stage.

While this performance has come to an end, the Dance Troupe is already looking ahead to their next exciting opportunity. Students have begun preparing for a special Christmas dance performance that will feature in our End of Year Christmas Concert in Week 8, Term 4.

Congratulations to all members of the Year 3 - 6 Primary Dance Troupe on a fantastic performance. We are incredibly proud of your hard work and look forward to seeing you take to the stage again later this year for another memorable showcase of your talents.

Ms Kate Carroll
Assistant Principal Teaching and Learning (Acting)

At our recent Term 3, Week 6 Junior Assembly, our Junior School students were awarded the Walking the Josephite Way Award.

The focus was on Perseverance.

Congratulations to all students.

On Tuesday, 1 September, 39 Mary MacKillop Catholic College students from Years 1 to 6 proudly represented the College at the annual Primary Teams Chess Competition held at the Toowoomba Showgrounds.

The event attracted more than 480 student competitors from across the region, with an impressive 117 teams participating. Mary MacKillop Catholic College entered three novice teams (Years 1 to 3) and eight open teams (Years 4 to 6), showcasing the growing strength and popularity of chess within the College.

Competing in teams of four, students played six to seven challenging matches throughout the day, striving to secure victories and help their teams climb the leaderboard. The competition provided an excellent opportunity for students to develop their strategic thinking and chess skills while building confidence, resilience, and friendships with players from both their own team and other schools.

All students represented Mary MacKillop with outstanding behaviour, sportsmanship, and enthusiasm. They demonstrated respect for their opponents, graciousness in both victory and defeat, and a genuine love of the game.

A special thank you must be extended to Year 2 teacher Miss Vicki Murphy and parents Fiona Taggart and Katherine Little for their invaluable support throughout the day. From organising teams and completing scorecards to supervising students, providing delicious homemade biscuits, and offering encouragement when it was needed most, their contribution was instrumental to the success of the event.

The generosity, commitment, and community spirit shown by staff and parents such as Miss Murphy, Fiona, and Katherine are vital to the success and flourishing culture of our College. We are incredibly grateful for their support and dedication, which helped make the day such a rewarding experience for all involved.

Mr Craig Hubbard
Year 6 Teacher and Junior School Chess Coordinator

Our Prep to Year 2 students recently enjoyed an exciting visit from NED’s Resiliency Ride, an engaging educational presentation designed to encourage positive attitudes and resilience.

Through a wonderful mix of humour, storytelling and impressive yo-yo demonstrations, NED captivated students while sharing an important message about the value of "Never giving up", "Encouraging others", and always "Doing your best".

The presentation provided a memorable opportunity for students to reflect on the importance of resilience and perseverance. It also sparked meaningful conversations about believing in themselves, supporting their peers, and approaching challenges with confidence and a positive mindset.

The experience was both entertaining and inspiring, leaving our young learners with valuable lessons they can apply in the classroom, on the playground and beyond. We thank the NED team for delivering such an uplifting and meaningful experience for our Junior School students.

Mr Sean Albion & Mrs Lisa-Marie Preston
Assistant Principal Wellbeing & Middle Leader (Junior)

School-Based Apprenticeships: Earn, Learn and Build a Career While Still at School

A School-Based Apprenticeship (SBA) is a fantastic opportunity for Year 11 and 12 students to get a head start on their future career while completing their secondary education. Students combine paid employment, on-the-job training, and school studies, allowing them to gain valuable industry experience and work towards a nationally recognised qualification.

School-Based Apprenticeships are available across a range of industries, including construction, engineering, automotive, hospitality, business, health, and more. They provide students with practical skills, industry connections, and a clear pathway into full-time employment or further training after school.

If your child is interested in learning through hands-on experience and gaining a competitive edge in the workforce, a School-Based Apprenticeship could be an excellent option. We encourage families to start exploring opportunities early and speak with the College's Careers team for advice and support.

For more information about School-Based Apprenticeships and how to get started, please contact the Pathways Team.

Please review the Study Work Grow Apprenticeship and Traineeship Guide  

Interested in Astronomy?

We are excited to share a unique work experience opportunity with the University of Southern Queensland (UniSQ) Astronomy Team.

UniSQ is home to an internationally recognised astronomy research group that specialises in areas such as exoplanets (planets outside our solar system), stars, space weather, and advanced astronomical technology. The team also operates the Mount Kent Observatory, where they work on a range of exciting projects with international research partners.

This three-day work experience placement (14-16 September) will give Year 10, 11 and 12 students the chance to explore what it is like to work in the field of astronomy and scientific research. During the placement, students will:

• Learn about the astronomy research being conducted at UniSQ, including the study of exoplanets.
• Meet and talk with professional astronomers, researchers, and Higher Degree Research (HDR) students about their education and career pathways.
• Participate in team meetings and gain insight into how scientific projects are planned and managed.
• Tour the Mount Kent Observatory and see the specialised equipment used by astronomers.
• Experience a real-world university research environment and learn about opportunities in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM).

This is a fantastic opportunity for students who are curious about space, science, technology, and research careers, and who would like to learn more about studying these fields at university.

If you are interested in applying, please contact your Pathways Team for further information.

Mrs Andrea Goddard and Mrs Christie Richardson
Your Pathways Team

Next week, the Mary MacKillop Catholic College Wellbeing Team are excited to host our annual Wellbeing Week, and within this, promote and celebrate the important message of R U OK? Day – “ask R U OK?, listen, encourage action, and check in” because “a conversation could change a life”. R U OK? Day this year falls on Thursday, 10 September.

Celebrating Wellbeing Week each year allows us to utilise a proactive and positive psychology approach to wellbeing with intentional, fun activities for students, staff and our wider community that not only brings attention to important issues but also offers opportunities for conversations that normalise help-seeking for self and others when things feel difficult.

This year a keen focus is on Contribution to Collective Wellbeing, as we seek ways to cultivate and strengthen the wellbeing of not only ourselves but also those around us to support a thriving community for everyone. Furthermore, we also wish to continue to highlight the important messages shared by our impressive guest speaker Daniel Sih earlier this term about raising tech-healthy young people. 

Similarly, the Digital Wellness Institute are focusing their research and support of families and their children on the idea of Digital Flourishing. In this, the goal is not to eliminate technology, but to help children and young people, and even us as the adults around them, develop a healthy, intentional relationship with it which adds to our overall wellbeing – rather than diminishing it.

We invite you to read further about these topics on our Microsoft Sway page – linked here.

We can’t wait to celebrate Wellbeing Week 2026 with our students, staff and wider community.

See you there!

Mrs Leah Moffett, Mrs Khara Saunders & Mrs Stephanie Gaffney
School Guidance Counsellors

Parents and Carers are invited to attend a free online webinar presented by Friendship Problems and Social Stress, hosted by Wellio on Thursday, 10 September 2026. This informative 60-minute session will help parents better understand the social challenges children face and provide practical strategies to support them.

Date: Thursday, 10 September 2026

Time: 6:30pm to 7:30pm AEST

Format: Online via Zoom

Cost: Free

During the webinar, parents will learn:

• Why friendship issues and social challenges can have such a significant impact on children.
• How bullying, exclusion and changing social dynamics can escalate both online and in person.
• Practical ways to support children through friendship conflicts, fallouts and social stress

Places are still available. We encourage families to take advantage of this valuable opportunity to gain insights and strategies to support their child's wellbeing.

Click Here to Register

This webinar is suitable for parents of school-aged children and is part of Wellio's ongoing commitment to supporting student wellbeing through evidence-based education and resources

Mr Sean Albion
Assistant Principal Wellbeing, Prep - Year 12

Get ready for an action-packed Spring Vacation Care Program filled with fun, adventure, creativity, and unforgettable experiences!

We've planned an exciting range of activities to keep children engaged, active, and entertained throughout the holidays, including:

🕺 Silent Disco Party Incursion

🎬 Excursion to The Strand Cinemas to watch the brand-new Shaun the Sheep movie

🌷 Pot Decorating & Flower Planting

🎪 Carnival Games

💪 Boot Camps

🏃 Oztag Activities

🚲 Bike & Scooter Incursion

✨ Plus plenty more surprises and special activities throughout the program!

Places fill quickly, so be sure to secure your child's spot by submitting your booking request via the Xplor App or by emailing HIGcare@tckc.qld.edu.au.

We can't wait to welcome everyone back for another fantastic Vacation Care adventure full of laughter, friendship, and fun! 🌟

Mr Garth Rochford
Coordinator

Mass Times

Every Sunday, St Mary MacKillop Catholic Parish gathers in the MacKillop Centre, 75 Highfields Road entry to celebrate together. You are invited to be part of this celebration. Sunday Mass starts at 8:00am (unless otherwise advised) and is led by Fr Brian Noonan).

Tuesday Mass will begin at 11:00am in the Balonne Room located in the Junior School. 

Potluck Dinner

Our Parish will be hosting a Potluck Dinner in the Mary MacKillop Catholic College Hall at 6:00pm on Saturday, 12 September. There will be a working bee at 1:00pm in the MMCC Hall to set up for the night. If we have quite a few people attend, we will get it done quickly. Many hands make light work.

Rosary Team

Rosary this Friday night at 4:30pm at the Parish Centre, 422 Meringandan Road, Kleinton.

PPC Meeting

This meeting will be held on Monday, 7 September at the Parish Centre at 6:00pm.

MacKillop Catholic Parish

When Fr John Quinlan first entered the seminary, he didn’t plan to stay long. In fact, he arranged just one year of leave from his job as a telephone technician, convinced he would return when it was over.

“I was pretty sure I wouldn’t last,” he recalls. But something changed.

That one year became something much greater. In 2026, Fr John celebrates 60 years of service as a priest in the Diocese of Toowoomba.

Over those decades, his life unfolded in ways he never expected. It wasn’t carefully planned. Instead, it was shaped by a simple willingness to respond-to go where he was needed and to serve whoever was in front of him.

His journey included:

• Supporting families in hospital wards during times of loss
• Serving as a chaplain to soldiers across Australia
• Helping establish family support services in the Diocese
• Walking with parish communities through moments of joy and sorrow

Often, this work happened quietly, without recognition. “People see us on Sundays,” Fr John says, “but they don’t always see the life behind it.”

Today, Fr John continues to live simply, still connected to the community he served for so many years. In his workshop, he spends time crafting small wooden items-working with his hands, as he did in his early days as a tradesman. It is a quieter chapter of life but still marked by the same spirit of generosity.

Stories like Fr John’s remind us that behind every priest is a lifetime of commitment-often unseen, but deeply felt by those whose lives they touch.

If you would like to support retired priests like Fr John, you can do so here.

Catholic Diocese of Toowoomba