Message from the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference President calling for Peace
Bishop Ken Howell has convoked a Synod for the Diocese of Toowoomba
Find out more about the Diocesan Synod here>>
Horizons, published by us, is our own quarterly magazine. It’s full colour and available for free across the Diocese. Horizons is an important method of communication and outreach to parishioners and the wider community. It features stories of events and projects from local parishes as well as information about ministry and services offered by Diocesan Agencies.
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Ash Wednesday Across the Diocese
With the beginning of the season of Lent, schools and parishes across the Toowoomba Diocese gathered for Ash Wednesday liturgies, marking the start of a solemn journey of preparation for Easter. Read more on page 4>>
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Heart on Country: A Transformative Gathering for First Nations Education
Educators from across Australia will converge in Toowoomba from 12–14 August 2026 for the Queensland First Nations Catholic Education Conference – Heart on Country, a major event dedicated to strengthening cultural understanding, educational equity and community connection. Read more on page 28>>
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Inspiring our Future Authors and Editors
Literacy in the early years at Our Lady of the Southern Cross College Dalby, has been put to real-world use, inspiring authors and editors of tomorrow. The 2025 Year 1 and 2 students engaged with Australian author Andy Griffiths and the collators of a book that highlights the local Bunya Mountains. Read more page 38>>
Most Reverend Ken Howell DD SLL
Kenneth Michael Howell was born on 20 February 1958, the son of Jack and Betty Howell. He is brother to Rodney, Janet and Gavin.
He was educated at St Columba’s Primary School, Wilston and St James College, Fortitude Valley, and joined Queensland Rail after his school years, working as a clerk in the Chief Engineers Office.
In 1977, he entered Pius XII Regional Seminary at Banyo and was ordained a Priest on 24 June 1983. From 1983 to 1994, he worked as Assistant Priest in the Parishes of Noosa Districts and Burleigh Heads and at St Stephen’s Cathedral in Brisbane.
The Bishop’s Coat of Arms
The Bishop’s Coat of Arms traditionally consists of two halves. The left half is the crest of the Diocese, the right, of the Bishop himself.
