This week marks a major milestone in the history of the Catholic Church in Cairns, with the retirement of long-serving Bishop, James Foley. 

Bishop James has been a dedicated servant of the Catholic community in Far North Queensland for 30 years and has always shown a great interest in Catholic education, and particularly the Catholic schools operating in the Cairns Diocese. Bishop James has shown an obvious commitment to the young people of the diocese – in terms of both their education and spiritual formation – since his ordination as Bishop in 1992. Much has happened and changed since then, but Bishop James has been a constant source of wisdom and encouragement and a great contributor to Catholic education, including his past service as a Member of the Commission. 

After his final Mass last Sunday evening, Bishop James was congratulated and thanked for all he has done, and he ceremonially laid his crozier on the altar of St Monica's Cathedral, signifying the end of his formal role in the Cairns Diocese. 

The Catholic education community sincerely thanks Bishop James for his guidance and stewardship over three decades, and we pray that he has a happy and healthy retirement.  

The Vicar for Education and Parish Priest of Innisfail, Fr Kerry Crowley, has been named by Pope Francis to be the Administrator of the Diocese until a new Bishop is selected.

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