Ipswich Catholic Community

Ignite Conference Brisbane has always held a very special place in my heart. This year marked its 27th year, and I think I have attended around 24 of them. Brisbane is my hometown, and the Ignite/Emmanuel community helped shape who I am today. Every year I return, I am reminded of how great God is and how personally He loves each of us.

This year, two moments in particular have stayed with me.

The first happened away from the music and speeches. A friend asked if I would speak with her sister, who wanted to talk to a priest. As we sat together, she shared some of the struggles she had been carrying. After offering some spiritual advice, I asked if I could pray with her. During the prayer, I invited her to repeat a simple prayer after me. For the first time in her life, she gave her life to Jesus. As she prayed, you could see something change in her face, almost as though a light had been switched on. I was reminded that sometimes God’s greatest work happens in quiet moments, when one person simply says yes to Him.

The second was the closing Mass, where I had the privilege of celebrating Mass and preaching to around 1,500 young people. At moments during the homily, you could hear a pin drop. Then, after Communion, the entire crowd stood and sang with joy. As the recessional hymn began, people were clapping, smiling and celebrating. You could sense that something different was happening.

This year’s theme was Ascend. We climbed the mountain of the Lord and encountered Him personally. But eventually, we must return to the valley of everyday life. Life is not meant to be lived permanently on the mountain, but in the valley.

I would rather climb the mountain, encounter the Lord, and struggle my way back through the valley than never experience the mountain at all.

My hope is that next year more people from Ipswich Parish will discover for themselves just how life-changing Ignite can be.

A remarkable feat of planning, care, and teamwork, this relocation preserves a treasured piece of our Rosewood Parish heritage while ensuring it remains part of our community's story for future generations to come.

We are certainly blessed here in the Ipswich Catholic Community!

A Historic Move for Rosewood Parish

A memorable chapter in the history of the Rosewood community unfolded on Wednesday morning as the Parish Hall was successfully relocated to its new home beside the recently moved church building. This is the last building move on the site, and the special occasion attracted a large crowd of onlookers, including students from St Brigid's Primary School, along with parents, teachers, parishioners, and community members. Fresh from the 9:00am Mass, many parishioners gathered outside to witness the remarkable sight as the hall slowly made its journey to its new location.

For the students, it was an exciting opportunity to witness a unique piece of local history in the making. Lining the grounds with eager anticipation, they watched as the hall was carefully manoeuvred into position by David Wright’s team. There was a real sense of excitement and wonder as the building, which has served generations of parishioners, began the next stage of its life alongside the church.

The move marks another significant milestone in the parish's continuing renewal. With both the church and hall now positioned together, the parish community looks forward to creating a welcoming and connected space for worship, celebration, faith formation, and community gatherings for many years to come.

Events such as this remind us that while buildings may change location, it is the people who bring them to life. The presence of students, families, parishioners, and staff highlighted the strong partnership between parish and school and demonstrated the vibrant spirit that continues to shape the Rosewood community.

As the hall settles into its new home, we look ahead with gratitude for its rich heritage and excitement for the opportunities that lie ahead in this next chapter of Rosewood's story.

Painters are progressing well with the exterior preparation of the church, and the church windows are being reinstalled by Brisbane Leadlight. Thermospark have also been on site this week commencing the rewiring of the church. More to come!

Benjamin