Dear Friends,

Thank you for the warm welcome to the Diocese of Cairns. I am truly excited about the opportunity to collaborate with you and contribute to our shared ministry. Your support and encouragement are greatly appreciated as I embark on this new chapter.

I understand that due to the limited capacity of the ordination ceremony, many locals who wished to attend could only participate electronically. Your generosity in allowing the many visitors to attend my episcopal ordination is a testament to the hospitality of the people of our diocese and was greatly appreciated by my family and friends.

Over the past three weeks since the ordination, I have gradually been finding my feet. There is plenty for me to learn, but fortunately, there is a wealth of knowledge and capability in both the clergy and the diocesan staff who have all been graciously patient as I learn the ropes.

New Vicar General

I am delighted to announce that Fr Kerry Crowley who has administered the diocese so capably over the past two years has agreed to take on the appointment as Vicar General in addition to his role as Parish Priest of Innisfail. This is most generous of him and will ensure that, in the event that I am not available, important decisions and approvals can continue to be made with minimal disruption.

Upcoming Visit with Pope Francis

I am eagerly anticipating my upcoming visit to Port Moresby to meet Pope Francis and the people of the Church in Papua New Guinea this week. It will be a great experience, and I look forward to sharing the highlights with you on my return. Additionally, I am preparing for my Formation Course in Rome in mid-September, which I believe will be constructive and inspiring.

Parish Visits

Over the coming months, I will be keen to come and visit you in your parishes. It will take some time to get around the diocese but it is my intention to do so. If there is a particular parish feast, or you would like to invite me at a time of your choosing, I would encourage you to check my availability through Adele in my office.

Thank you once again for your support and welcome. I am looking forward to the journey ahead and working closely with each of you as we seek to bring the Good News of Jesus Christ to our communities across the Diocese.

Bishop Joe Caddy AM

Diocese of Cairns