Coast priest answers call
Father Tim off to serve as bishop
A GOLD Coast priest is packing his bags and heading north to look, listen and learn after Pope Francis appointed him the sixth Bishop of Townsville.
Father Timothy Harris, 54, a priest of the Archdiocese of Brisbane and the current parish priest of Surfers Paradise, said he was humbled to have been chosen for the appointment.
“I realise that this is a huge task and I am not going to be able to do this without the grace of God,” he said.
“We belong to a universal church. As a bishop, I will have to act locally but also lead the diocese as part of the universal church, united with the Holy Father.”
The beach-loving fan of Irish music said he was ready to become a North Queensland Cowboys rugby league fan.
“I have a general appreciation of all sports, however I know that the word in Townsville is ‘Cowboys’ and I think, out of necessity, I will be following them,” he said.
“I’ve been a pastor all my life so I would like to understand the diocese through the eyes of the local people.
“I’d like to build on the good things going on in the diocese already. As the new bishop, I will need to listen to the local experience and learn from the people.”
The Diocese of Townsville has been without a bishop since the death of Bishop Michael Putney in March 2014.
“If the bishop is a sign of unity, which he is, I hope that I can strengthen the unity of the vast Diocese of Townsville and build on the work of Bishop Michael Putney, and since his death, on As the new bishop, I will need to listen to the local experience and learn from the people the efforts of Diocesan administrator Father Mick Lowcock, the parish priest of Mount Isa,” Father Harris said.
“I was taught by Bishop Michael at the seminary and he spent many holidays on the Gold Coast, where we became very good friends.”
Born in Brisbane, Father Harris was ordained a deacon in 1992 after priestly for- AUSTRALIANS are on track to spend more of their household income on overseas travel than holidays at home in the next few years.
Research presented by senior Bell Potter analyst John O’Shea at an aviation conference showed spending on outbound travel grew at a rate of 10.4 per cent in the past three years, compared with 3 per cent for domestic travel.
Mr O’Shea said eventually outbound travel expenditure would overtake domestic in a “massive change” for the travel industry. Indonesia remained Australians’ top destination, ahead of the US, New Zealand and Thailand. mation at Pius XII Provincial Seminary in Banyo.
He was ordained as a priest on November 18, 1992 and went on to serve as associate pastor in the parishes of Grovely and Caboolture and as parish priest in Corinda Graceville (19962010) before his move to Surfers Paradise in 2010.
Australian Catholic Bishops Conference president Archbishop Denis Hart said Bishop-elect Harris was a fine priest who had been a wonderful pastor.
“I rejoice with the people of Townsville as they prepare to welcome their new shepherd, who will serve with renowned generosity,” he said.
The church is yet to name a new parish priest of Surfers Paradise.
FATHER TIMOTHY HARRIS Overseas travel takes off