'Change' as theme for conference, Catholic Leader, Brisbane, 20 April 1975, p 18:

The Tertiary Catholic Federation of Australia has chosen "Change" as the theme of its National Conference, to be held in Brisbane nest January.

The conference is tentatively planned for January 2 to January 10 at the Queensland University, St Lucia.

Delegates from tertiary institutions in all parts of Australia will attend.

Fr M. Kennedy, SJ, Queensland University chaplain, is a member of the conference planning committee, which is headed by Mr D. Hutton. a post-graduate education student.

---

A 'proven performer' at work. Chaplain-service helps students at university, Catholic Leader, Brisbane, 7 March 1976, p 1:

Catholic students starting a course at the University of Queensland, St Lucia, should have no hesitation in seeking the advice on career or personal problems from the Catholic chaplain, Fr Michael Kennedy, SJ. Chaplaincy services at the University of Queensland are provided through clergymen appointed by the Churches with the approval of the University authorities, so as to ensure Christian ministry on campus.

At present four chaplains representing the Catholic, Anglican and Lutheran Churches and the Queensland Council of Churches are available for the guidance of students.

Every first-year student enrolling at the University is provided with a chaplaincy services bulletin detailing the services, locations and duty times of all chaplains.

The duties of a chaplain at the University of Queensland are numerous and, as a guide to students and "concerned" parents, briefly they are:
• Counselling in personal and spiritual problems.
• Worship and sacraments.
• Conduct of study and discussion groups.
• Support of Christian societies in campus.
• Talks on religious topics.
• Lending books and literature on Christian faith and life.

Counselling
During term there is a chaplain present in the office from 9 am to 5 pm. Monday to Friday. All chaplains are available for any member of the University community, regardless of Church affiliation. The Catholic chaplain, Fr Michael Kennedy, is available for individual counselling in personal and spiritual problems daily from 11 am to 5 pm.

Mass is celebrated for students by Fr Kennedy on Mondays and Fridays at 1.10 pm and on Tuesdays at 5.15 pm.

"Despite the counselling efforts by chaplains, life at the University can be one of great loneliness for a student, unless he or she is able to adapt and understand University life", Fr Kennedy told The Leader this week.

Fr Kennedy, a highly qualified University graduate besides Jesuit priest, points out that the student loneliness pattern can be attributed to factors like the complete and sudden plan of study (individual effort), absence of home and previous college life, the "go slow" change in making friends and the vastness of the modern University.

Fr Kennedy was appointed Catholic chaplain to the University of Queensland 18 months ago. His spiritual, academic and sporting qualifications make him an "ideal" for this most important position. Educated by the Christian Brothers at Rostrevor College, Adelaide, South Australia, his home state, Fr Kennedy graduated with first-class honors in engineering at the Adelaide University.

Upon graduation he joined the Jesuit Novitiate in Melbourne.

After five years study and training with the Society of Jesus, he taught science at the St Louis College, Claremont, West Australia for three years.

He then returned to Melbourne and Sydney to complete four years of theology study.

In his final year of pastoral study, Fr Kennedy was a tutor at International House, Hall of Residence, Melbourne.

Upon completion of his theology study, he was appointed chaplain at Aquinas College, Adelaide University, serving in that position and that of dean of studies for three years.

For 12 months he carried out spiritual and pastoral work in England and Wales. He also made study visits to chaplaincies in England, Scotland and the United States of America.

Before going overseas Fr Kennedy gained his Diploma of Education at the New England University, Armidale NSW. This degree was secured after two years part-time study. Following this course he carried out practical teaching at colleges in Tamworth and Inverell. Returning from overseas he was appointed to his position at the University of Queensland.

In the field of sport Fr Kennedy captained the Adelaide University tennis team.

He now lives at St Leo College at the University, where 146 male students are in residence.

Religious help
Counselling work occupies a major part of his chaplaincy duties. which makes him a participant in group activities of students, such as prayer meetings and weekend camps.

He is closely allied to the Newman Society, special organisation for Catholic university students. Commenting on counselling work Fr Kennedy says: "From questions posed by some university students, it is evident that more knowledge and personal growth are needed in their religious appreciation".

Discussing study at the university, Fr Kennedy comments: "There is a tendency by some students to preoccupy themselves in the early years by hard working to graduate. It is felt that there is a need to integrate a religious help with these studies".

In the final quarter of the secondary Catholic school year, the university chaplain and Newman Society members co-operate in giving talks to students in the twelfth grade. These talks emphasise the preparation for the changes encountered by young people when they move from a Catholic secondary school to the secular life at the University.

"Proven"
Last year, Fr Kennedy and members of the Newman Society visited 30 colleges and schools in the Brisbane, Ipswich and Redcliffe areas.

The Newman Society organised and conducted two weekend orientation camps at the National Fitness Centre, Tallebudgera, for prospective University students.

The academic qualifications of the rector, vice-rector and chaplain of St Leo College for Catholic students at the University of Queensland shows them as "proven performers and experts to help the studious and determined students.

The knowledge, skills, counsel and guidance of these three leaders are open to all students (male or female), irrespective of religion. They are:
• Rector, Fr Brian Fleming, SJ, MA, PhD (10 years at St Leo's).
• Vice-Rector, Fr V. Hurley, SJ, BA, BEd, MACE.
• Chaplain, Fr Michael Kennedy, SJ, BEng, BEd.

---

Eulogy by Dr Chris Kennedy, St Joseph's Church, Bracken Ridge, Brisbane QLD, 2 August 2023:

My name is Chris and I am privileged to give a brief account of my brother Michael's life:

Michael grew up as an excellent scholar and sportsman and after qualifying with a first class honours degree in Electrical Engineering at the University of Adelaide entered the Jesuit training in Melbourne. He followed the Christian Brothers' motto to "study hard, play hard and pray hard". Michael was ordained a priest in December 1969 in St Ignatius Church Norwood, South Australia, where the Kennedys grew up.

For nearly 20 years of Michael's life, he spent serving his Lord in spiritual priestly roles in University Colleges and Spirituality Retreats throughout Australia and even once in Samoa. Many people have said to me that he was exemplary in caring, assisting and advising them in matters of faith and life. He worked very hard and always put others first. As a family we always look forward to him visiting.

As Michael approached 50 years old he experienced significant loneliness, felt continual stress and struggled to cope in his life. Lorraine was a great friend who supported Michael through these troubling times. The decision to leave the priesthood was difficult but Michael said he "knew the God who is Love would still work in and around him in a married journey".

Unfortunately at that time, the Church authorities did not support Michael well as they found men and women leaving the religious orders a big challenge.

The families of Michael and Lorraine were pleased to see them married in 1988 and enjoyed the amazing people that they both are since. Many of us are here at Michael's funeral.

Michael continued to live his faith in helping others including working for 10 years as a staff counsellor with the Mater Hospitals here in Brisbane where he was greatly valued. Even after retirement, Michael was a quiet helpful guide and always pleasant company.

Michael enjoyed trips overseas with Lorraine especially to Italy, Scotland, England, Ireland and with me on a Pilgrimage in the steps of St Paul.

Lorraine has been an extraordinary and devoted loving carer for Michael all their married life and especially as he battled in latter years with developing dementia. My family are immensely grateful to her.

Now Michael's friends and relatives (some from interstate) here are now acknowledging what a fantastic Christian of faith and love he is. He has strongly tried to follow the Lord's advice to "Act Justly, Love Tenderly and Walk Humbly with our God".

As a dear friend said "a great number of grateful souls must have welcomed him through Heaven's portal". May he rest in peace.

(Privately supplied. Reproduced by permission of Dr Chris Kennedy.)