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The Diocese of Rockhampton covers the vast area of the whole of Central Queensland, with a population of 200,000. There are 22 Parishes spread over this area. Rockhampton is the major city, also known as the Beef Capital of Australia.
There are currently three Branches, one Fellowship and one Caritas, all centred in Rockhampton and the Capricorn Coast. Membership stands at approx 80. Because of the vast distances there are 8 lone members who are kept up to date with all that goes on in MU. MU functions are well attended and members enjoy a great fellowship. Monthly meetings revolve around our five Objects, and this year (2017) we are, as a diocese, attempting to synchronise our activities around the events of the Church year or society generally. |
The Work of AMUA Rockhampton
- Marriage activities are to coincide with Marriage Week in September,
- Domestic Violence in November, families,
- parenting and mothering in March-April-May which is also Lent and Easter, so there is a deeper emphasis on Worship and Prayer then as well. Our Wave of Prayer is currently in May also.
- Children feature in August with a creative afternoon following themes such as Spring, Teddy Bears, Light. Though primarily for the newly baptised, all children are invited, including non-church families.
- Baptism preparation and follow-up
- helping and visiting the elderly and those in hospital
- making palm crosses, and simnel cakes and posies for Mothering Sunday
- Participating in all rosters and church activities
- A contribution to the annual Diocesan Lay Retreat
- pamper packs for Women’s shelter
- Muffins and water for the annual city Homeless Connect event
- Advocacy on social issues
- 16 Days of Activism against Gender Violence
- a Quiet Day to begin the year,
- celebration of Lady Day in the Cathedral,
- Mary Sumner Day rotates around the branch parishes,
- and members are rostered for the 3 days of the Wave of Prayer.
Rockhampton Diocese MU commemorated its Centenary in 2011. In the lead up to the celebration a special candle processed through the parishes to be in the Cathedral in time for their Celebration Eucharist. A smaller candle was presented to the Blackall parish where MU began.
A tapestry centenary cushion now graces the sanctuary of the Cathedral as a permanent reminder of this, and the centenary candle is used on Diocesan MU occasions.
Approximately $2,500 to assist a Literacy Programme in Papua/New Guinea was raised as a Centenary project.
Our Diocesan Social Responsibilities Coordinator asked us to do something to raise awareness of the terrible scourge of Domestic Violence, of which the Rockhampton region has the highest incidence in enlisting the support of the Police and Anglicare, and now Relationships Australia, has led to some very worthwhile initiatives including a free Sausage Sizzle in a local playground for White Ribbon Day, and the establishing of a Women’s Shelter on the Capricorn Coast which the local Council has taken on board, with great interest from Anglicare and other local community DV groups. Progress is being made on this, though it will be a Safe House to start with, given the distribution of funds for two new Women’s Shelters in Queensland went to Townsville and the Gold Coast. Cyclone Marcia held up the proceedings for many months.
We are also very keen to work on prevention, promoting the Choose Respect Code of Behaviour where we can in schools etc., and also at the White Ribbon Day event.
It is important that MU members pray and think positively about what needs action in our community, link with community groups already working in the chosen field, and much good can come of it.
Latest News from Rockhampton
The parishes with MU branches marked the 16 Days of Activism in 2019 with Prayer Trees in their churches on which parishioners were urged to hang prayers for victims, perpetrators, children; in fact, anyone affected by or involved in Gender Violence. The prayers were offered during intercessions at the end of the period.
One parish took their tree to the town Christmas Tree Festival organised by their parish to raise awareness in the wider community. As well, members pack toiletries for the local Women’s Shelter.
One parish took their tree to the town Christmas Tree Festival organised by their parish to raise awareness in the wider community. As well, members pack toiletries for the local Women’s Shelter.