PDF version of this parish newsletter *PDF here*:
You can also access an online -web- copy of the E-newsletter *Webcopy here*
Friday, 18 September 2026
Tuesday, 15 September 2026
Twenty-fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time. Year A - Sunday, September 20, 2026 (EPISODE:603)
Twenty-fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time. Year A - Sunday, September 20, 2026
(EPISODE:603)
Readings for Sunday,
FIRST READING: Isa 55:6-9
Ps 145:2-3, 8-9, 17-18. "The Lord is near to all who call him."
SECOND READING: Phil 1:20c-24, 27a
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION (cf. Act 16:14b). Alleluia, alleluia! Open our hearts, O Lord. To listen to the words of your Son.
GOSPEL: Matt 20:1-16a
Image Credit: https://creator.nightcafe.studio/creation/mTmpFBWZY71D7FvdpbJG/first-century-palestine-workers-in-the-vineyard-the-landlord-pays-the-workers-one-denarius-coin?ru=Paul-Evangelion
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Please listen to the audio recordings of the Mass – (Readings, prayers and homily) for the Twenty-fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time. Year A - Sunday, September 20, 2026 by clicking this link here: https://on.soundcloud.com/tXDym5HYKb1m4rvBwm
(EPISODE:603)
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Prologue:
In the readings this weekend, we have
Isaiah 55:6 and following …..
"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, my ways, not your ways - the Lord speaks."
"Yes, the heavens are as high above earth as my ways are above your ways, my thoughts above your thoughts."
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Responsorial Psalm
Ps 144:2- ff
The Lord is just in all his ways and loving in all his deeds. He is close to all who call him,
who call on him from their hearts.
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Philippians 1:20-ff
St paul :
"For me to stay alive in this body is a more urgent need, for God's sake." (not for his own sake) .
Good practical advice then follows, with Saint Paul saying:-
"Avoid anything in your everyday lives that would be unworthy of the gospel of Christ."
(NRSV adds an extra line), "whether I come and see you or am absent and hear about you, I will know that you are standing firm in one spirit, striving side by side with one mind for the faith of the gospel."
Matthew 20:v one ff
Parable of the grumbling workers in the vineyard…..
Note:
He made an agreement with the workers for one denarius a day, ……………….
(which they later grumbled about… when comparing themselves with others…. With no way of knowing the true situation of the others…. Comparisons are odious is that well-known saying, and it is likely inspired by situations such as this.,… the lord reminds us ……
"My friend, I am not being unjust to you; did we not agree on one denarius? ………………………………….. Why be envious because I am generous?" -envy, comparisons, grumbling…. Perhaps too…. Once we agree to something – let that be that… no grumbling after the event…….
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HOMILY:
[ some of the gospel values that shine out this weekend are the universal brotherhood and sisterhood of all humans; and also, God is generous and loving and gives people what they need. Meanwhile, Envy and resentment are corrosive in any community.
When people decide what activities to put their energies and priorities into, it seems familiar to ask the question....."What's in it for me?" ...... "What will I get out of this?" However, this only works for some people.
In our world, there are many people who are severely disadvantaged and in need. And all things are sadly not equal. In a world where far too many people only receive something if they can give something of equal value back, there are those who are in a dire situation because they are so poor, so disadvantaged, that they cannot benefit anyone else – They have nothing valued by others –(in a monetary sense), that they can give, and so they miss out.
They do not fit into a system based on near-equal "give and take" and are left precariously dangling on the edge.
I heard someone on the news the other week:
.."After all, we are not merely an economy, we are a community," ....
We owe something to each other beyond what we can get from one another.
That is a very timely reminder!
Jesus went out to the margins, searched for these people, and made a special effort to ensure that they were very much included in his Kingdom. This is what the generous landowner is doing. The workers who were left without any day's work, at the eleventh hour (still a term we use today), these people still needed to eat and feed their families. If no one had employed them that day, they and their families would have gone without a day's food. The landowner knew this and was compassionate and kind. He also knew that his harvest was urgent and plentiful and the labourers few, so he gave them what they needed -- a day's food. Not that they 'earned' a day's pay, but that they NEEDED a day's pay – living as they were on just enough to get them by, one day at a time. And in any case, when it comes to God's gifts, none of us have really EARNED God's favour and love; it is freely and generously given and offered to all.
Jesus wants us to have that same generosity and welcome to others around us. They are also welcome because God is loving, forgiving and generous to them, just as God treats us.
What a wonderful and quite revolutionary attitude. A world-changing attitude.
The grumbling workers have lost sight of the point. The work of the Kingdom is urgent and important, and the labourers are very few, the harvest plentiful… in fact, it's more than plentiful…. The harvest God intends is that everyone (absolutely everyone) be included as part of God's kingdom…. so there is no time for hesitation…. Everyone is needed……... all are called….
How many of life's daily hurts, disappointments and turmoils really come from harbouring wrong assumptions, unreal expectations and flawed ways of thinking? …… How many arguments have resulted from envy and resentment and not from true need?
To summarise this gospel… a writer once said…. "The world asks, HOW MUCH did the landowner give? But Jesus invites us to ask a much better and far more important question: "WHY did the landowner give as he did?"
The answer is, because God is generous and caring. As the parable asks, are we envious because our God is extremely generous? Surely, God can deal as he wants with his own. Why can we not give others what they need, not what they "deserve?"
God gives us what we NEED, not so much what we WANT (and often, - to be honest-, there is a huge difference between wants and needs). And Jesus asks us to do the same for others. This parable invites us to see not with the eyes of a day labourer who, in this example, has no real concern for the project they were working on but rather to live as an invested partner, embracing and owning the vision of the landowner, who wants to achieve a rich harvest and share it with everyone.
Fr Paul W. Kelly
Mark Link. Vision. Praying Scripture in a contemporary way. Year a
Image Credit: https://creator.nightcafe.studio/creation/mTmpFBWZY71D7FvdpbJG/first-century-palestine-workers-in-the-vineyard-the-landlord-pays-the-workers-one-denarius-coin?ru=Paul-Evangelion
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Twenty-fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time. Year A (Sunday, September 20, 2026) (EPISODE:603)
Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. (or/ The Lord be with You)
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{{May God's Spirit of Counsel and Fortitude abide in you.}} Welcome everyone, we gather - Praise and Worship of our God. On this Twenty-fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time. Year A
Our God's love and mercy know no bounds, and so let us recall our sins to celebrate this Holy Sacrifice worthily.
Lord Jesus, you healed the sick: Lord, have mercy// Lord Jesus, you forgave sinners: Christ, have mercy// Lord Jesus, you give us yourself to heal us and bring us strength: Lord, have mercy.
May almighty God have mercy on us, forgive us our sins, and bring us to everlasting life. Amen.
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Memorial Acclamation
2. When we eat this Bread and drink this Cup, we proclaim your Death, O Lord, until you come again.
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Ps 145:2-3, 8-9, 17-18. "The Lord is near to all who call him."
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION (cf. Act 16:14b). Alleluia, alleluia! Open our hearts, O Lord. To listen to the words of your Son.
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PREFACE: Sundays Ordinary II
Various Needs and Occasions . I
Communion side. pwk:
(theme variation: 4 )
(post version: v2-long)
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{Thank you for your company as we have given thanks and praise to our God.}
Go forth; the Mass is ended.
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Archive of homilies and reflections: http://homilycatholic.blogspot.com.au
To contact Fr. Paul, please email: paulwkelly68@gmail.com
To listen to the weekly homily audio podcast, please click this link here: https://soundcloud.com/user-633212303/tracks
Further information relating to the audio productions linked to this Blog:
"Faith, Hope and Love - Christian worship and reflection" - Led by Rev Paul Kelly
Prayers and chants — Roman Missal, 3rd edition, © 2010, The International Commission on English in the liturgy. (ICEL)
Scriptures - New Revised Standard Version: © 1989, and 2009 by the NCC-USA. (National Council of Churches of Christ - USA)
"The Psalms" ©1963, 2009, The Grail - Collins publishers.
Prayers of the Faithful - " Together we pray" by Robert Borg'. E.J. Dwyer, Publishers, (1993). (Sydney Australia).
Sung "Mass in Honour of St. Ralph Sherwin" - By Jeffrey M. Ostrowski. The Gloria, Copyright © 2011 ccwatershed.org.
"Faith, Hope and Love" theme hymn - In memory of William John Kelly (1942-2017) - Inspired by 1 Corinthians 13:1-13. Music by Paul W. Kelly. Arranged and sung, with additional lyrics by Stefan Kelk. 2019.
"Quiet Time." Instrumental Reflection music. Written by Paul W. Kelly. 1988, 2007. & This arrangement: Stefan Kelk, 2020.
"Today I Arise" - For Trisha J Kelly. Original words and music by Paul W. Kelly. Inspired by St Patrick's Prayer. Arranged and sung, with additional lyrics by Stefan Kelk. 2019.
Sound Engineering and Editing - P.W. Kelly.
Microphones: - Shure Motiv MV5 Digital Condenser.
Editing equipment: -- MixPad Multitrack Studio Recording Software v10.49 (NCH Software).
NCH – WavePad Audio Editing Software. Masters Edition v 17.63 (NCH Software)
Sound Processing: iZotope RX 10 Audio Editor (Izotope Inc.)
[ Production - KER - 2026]
May God bless and keep you.
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Friday, 11 September 2026
SPCP - E-News - Sunday, September 13, 2026 - Twenty-fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time. Year A
PDF version of this parish newsletter *PDF here*:
You can also access an online -web- copy of the E-newsletter *Webcopy here*
PASTOR’S POST -
I can only express deep gratitude and thanks to God and to you for the last 18 months.
After my pastoral year here as a seminarian in 2022, I never knew if I would be back here to Surfers Paradise Parish again as a priest. As we have it, I did come back as a priest, and very soon.
Only two full years passed before I was appointed to this parish as associate pastor at the beginning of last year. It was a blessing for you to be part of my formation as a seminarian, and an even greater blessing for me to return and continue my journey as a new priest.
From the beginning I could see the Holy Spirit at work. There was a lot of energy to begin something for the youth and young adults in the parish, and our Ignis Dei Youth Group has certainly had a strong start. The openness of our parish schools allowed for regular contact and engagement between them and myself, which has led to a healthy understanding of how parishes, priests, and local schools can work together to make the Body of Christ, the Church, a greater and more visible reality for all involved.
I also cherish the memories of sharing the Eucharist with you and countless cups of coffee that followed in the Sacred Grounds Café. As I mentioned in a previous post, this parish has certainly become family over my recent time here, and I will therefore feel ever connected to you no matter how far I go. I can only hope and pray that my future appointments offer a similar sense of God’s greater family.
I truly believe that what I have experienced with you not only resembles God’s family here and now, but gives also a small taste of the eternal heavenly family that we all strive to share one day with God and each other. Thank you again for your love, support and prayers so far. I know that we will continue to be connected through the Holy Spirit. Let us continue to make Christ’s presence known through the gift of His Church, which is the gift of our very selves.
Love and blessings,
Fr Bradley
Fr Bradley was farewelled last weekend at St Vincents
Fr Bradley leaves for the Cathedral and Fr Sijo arrives - 21/9/26
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NEO-CATECHUMENATE-
Last weekend we had a wonderful retreat for the Neo- Catechumenal Movement at Santa Teresa Centre.
A community has formed in Surfers Paradise Parish and the Burleigh Parish has added to its numbers as well.
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Please pray for the people of Nepal who suffered the recent deadly mudslides disaster.
To support Caritas Australia’s Nepal Floods Appeal, visit www.caritas.org.au/nepal
or call 1800 024 413 toll free.
IN OUR PRAYERS
(Please let us know when to remove a name from the list).
FOR THOSE WHO ARE SICK: Please also pray for the following, who are ill. (Alphabetical)
Robert Andreas, Milroy Antony, Ellen Ball, Nellie Bellinger, Mary and Leon Brosnan, Barry Campbell, Lenore Dobbie, Gail Dmitrinow, Christopher Eid, Dawn Evered, Jill Falls, Maralyn Gow, Jenny Haines, Gary Haywood, Ross Hawkins, Peter Hillard, Stephan Hillard, Florita Guliban Jera, Maria Keating, Robyn and John Kennedy, Kath Kiely, Miko Lenihan, Nathan Lepp, Veronica Lubomski, Leonie McMahon, Mabs Monahan, Selvam Muthu, Petra O’Donnell, Margaret Orme, Leslie Petroni, Hayden Putre, Rachel Raines, Marnia Ryan-Raison, Catherine Sawyer, Sean Seeto, Colette Sherrard, Gary Thompson, Leonie and Leonardo Torcaso, Denise Tracey, Brenda Verbeek.
RECENTLY DECEASED: (Chronological - Most recent first):
Adele Picone, Sylvia Howe, Angelo Masselli, Nelly Graham, Beverley Lawless, Hendrik Vegelien, Leona Kelly, Zdzislaw Fedorczyk, David Campbell, Paulette Silk, Nicole Tierney, Marius Adrian, Giovanna Piglich, Nell Hudson, Dorijan Sopek, Fr Barry Grayson, Olga Hamshari, John Gordon, “Frank” Duncan.
ANNIVERSARY OF DEATH:
This week’s Anniv.(Sunday, September 13, 2026-Saturday, 19 September 2026)
Vincent Attard, Jane Bird, Fr Dudley Boland, Lana Brun, Olive May Cam, Dr John Howard Casey, Neville John Coorey, Lee Cross, Noeline Davies, Fr Francis Douglas, Natalie Dundon, Edward Joseph "Eddie" Dunne, Beryl Finlayson, Edna Foy, Liudmyla Ganshyna, Fay Marie Giovine, Barry Harth, Leo Isidore Josephson, Phillipa Kennedy, Tom Killin, Peter Daniel Lawlor, Andre Joerg Lenz, Liberata Mario (Lib) Meo (Pronounced “May-Oh”), Barbara Murray, John Stephen O’Brien, John Maurice Quilligan, Daniel Simpson, Keith Smith, Brian Joseph Stapleton, Iole Svir, Margaret Louise Thompson, Anthony Joseph Wienand, Paul Damian Wyatt, Doris Zarb, Kazimierz Zolerowski.
Last Weekend’s Death Anniversaries: (September 06, 2026-Sat, 12 September 2026)
Del Enid Anderson, World Trade Centre Attack Anniv, Frank Anthony Armanasco, Carina Faith Barrington, Liliane Claude Francoise Bellony, Franciska Bukowski, Stanton Geoffrey Curtis, Marie Therese Edwards, Fr Terence Ganzer, Gordon Peter Gillespie, Josephine Di Giorgio, Fr Thomas Guy, Gerada Hendriksen, Thomas Edward Holt, Briggita Kelleris And Harry Kelleris, Stefan Kirkmayer, Denise Theresa Kuhne, Fanny Macky, Maria di Martino, Dr Des McGarry, Janina Momont, Patrick Mulcahy, Mario Pase, Fr Joseph Pender, Fr James Power, Fr Sean Nugent PP, Bożenna Rayson, Antonia Johanna Maria “Tony” de Ruyter, Kaye Maria Sheppard, Jenifer Margaret Slattery, Dean Tamer, Fr Brian Taylor, Carol Rose Williamson, Louise Marie Young.
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CATHOLIC WOMEN’S LEAGUE ANNUAL CONFERENCE AT GOLD COAST -
Archbishop Shane, in his first official visit to the parish celebrated the Closing Eucharist along with Mons Peter Meneeley of Runaway Bay Parish. Fr Paul celebrated with the CWL the opening mass a few days earlier.
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Long Term Volunteer Opportunities in the Australia-Pacific Region - The Cagliero Project, Salesians of Don Bosco
The Cagliero Project is an initiative of the Australia-Pacific Province of the Salesians of Don Bosco, providing overseas volunteer experiences for Australians and New Zealanders who wish to work with young people in the Asia-Pacific region. We are seeking enthusiastic volunteers for January 2027 departure. Our volunteer placements run for 6-12 months and are centered around working with young people in educational settings. We are currently recruiting for volunteers for Cambodia, Samoa, Timor Leste, Mongolia and the Solomon Islands. We use the skills and talents of our volunteers to contribute meaningfully to host communities. Rather than “helping,” we walk in solidarity with young people, creating opportunities for mutual learning and growth. Cagliero volunteers work in the Salesian way, placing young people at the centre of all they do and approaching life with joy, compassion, and respect. While the focus is on those we serve, the experience is often deeply rewarding for volunteers as well. Applications close October 31st, 2026. Send us an enquiry - www.cagliero.org.au or lhichaaba@salesians.org.au.
Many thanks for your time. Lauren Hichaaba. Delegate for Mission Animation Director of the Cagliero Project
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My name is Sr. Francis Pham from the Sisters of St. Paul de Chartres (SPC). We would be most grateful for your support in promoting our upcoming vocation discernment weekend, “Come and See.”
This free two-day event is specially designed for young women who are discerning God's call in their lives and would like to learn more about religious life by experiencing life with SPC Sisters.
Event Details
Come and See – Vocation Discernment Weekend
📅 Saturday 24 October 2026 – Sunday 25 October 2026
📍 28 Fedrick Street, Boronia Heights QLD 4124
💲 Free of charge
During the weekend, participants will have the opportunity to:
Deepen their relationship with God through prayer
Seek guidance from the Sisters regarding vocation discernment
Listen to the Sisters’ vocation stories and experiences
Experience community life with the SPC Sisters
Learn more about the spirituality and history of St. Paul de Chartres
RSVP by 11 October 2026
📧 spc.au.info@gmail.com
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The New Way: Community
(post baptismal catechesis for adults of every age - no matter how long one has been a catholic)
Eucharist - 7 PM
in the Parish Hospitality Centre. For more information call Carlo on 0478 727 769
“An itinerary of Catholic formation valid for our society and our times.” – St. John Paul II
In the early 60s, Francisco Argüello (Kiko), a Spanish painter underwent a deep existential crisis, realising that his life had no meaning.
Eventually, he found his answer in the suffering of the innocent, which is the mystery of Christ Crucified. This experience led him to abandon everything and, following in the footsteps of Charles de Foucauld, he went to live among the poorest of the poor in the Palomeras Altas shanty town.
There the Holy Spirit inspired him to “make Christian communities like the Holy Family of Nazareth, who live in humility, simplicity and praise where the other is Christ.”
Kiko met Carmen Hernandez in Palomeras, and it was there the first communities were born, founded on the tripod of the Word of God, the Liturgy and Community.
Carmen, who studied Theology, had direct contact with the renewal of the Church brought about by the Second Vatican Council. John Paul II recognised these communities as a ‘fruit of the Council’.
The Neocatechumenal Way extended gradually in other archdioceses of Spain, and of Italy and eventually the whole world.
The Way – whose itinerary is lived in the parishes, in small communities – gradually leads the faithful to rediscover the richness of their baptism. The Catechism of the Catholic Church clearly tells us that baptised infants must be given a post-baptismal catechumenate in order to bring the grace of the sacrament to fruition in the life of the person” (article 1231).
This is an authorised charism of the Catholic Church which has been enriching the lives of many for the last 50 years and was described by St John Paul II as ‘an itinerary of Catholic formation valid for our society and our times’. May the Virgin Mary who inspired this Way intercede for us, that humility, simplicity and praise may appear among us. Let us all pray that this gift to the parish may bear fruit, fruit that will last!
Eucharist - 7 PM
In the Parish Hospitality Centre.
For more information call Carlo on 0478 727 769
Important Announcement and Reminder:
Please do not use the parking spaces of the Inspiring Choices HQ (the former Centacare Building Office) at any given time - Their management will take necessary action of towing vehicles - at the vehicle owner’s expense - not authorised to park in the reserved parking spaces for their patients and staff. Thank you.
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Urgent Attention Please do not park across the footpath at St Vincent’s church. You will likely be issued with a parking fine. Parking past the gate also prevents pedestrians from being able to use the footpath.
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WOOL PROJECT
NEEDED - WOOL OR ACRYLIC YARN
Once again Sr Lis Keane and Mary Lepp would like to express our gratitude for the very generous assistance that so many people have given us in the wonderful donations of beautiful and multicoloured wool as well as the 'colourful' donations of cash. We are both a little over-awed at the extent of these gifts..."Thank You" seems a bit inadequate but we can assure you that the girls are working hard and enjoying , as one girl has said..."The opportunity to do something for someone else!!!"
The joy is contagious....Thank You All.
God's Blessings......Sr Lis and Mary
Sr. Lis Keane and Mary Lepp seek donations of 8-ply wool or acrylic yarn to assist the ladies at Numinbah Prison who are crocheting rugs to go with Br. Ollie's Wheelchairs for Disabled Children in disadvantaged countries. Your assistance with either yarn (note: there are no colour restrictions)- or alternately small cash donations ($20 - $25.00) would be very gratefully received and can be left at Sacred Heart Church or Office under either of our names. Our prayers and grateful thanks for your help.
Sr Lis Keane and Mary Lepp.
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A letter in the style of Jane Austen:
The world has never lacked for clever opinions, yet it has always been in short supply of that most sensible and difficult virtue: treating others as we ourselves wish to be treated. The Golden Rule appears so plain a principle that one might imagine it universally admired and faithfully practised; yet every age discovers fresh excuses for neglecting it.
In the Gospel, Our Lord presents a servant whose conduct is as astonishing as it is lamentable. Having been forgiven a debt so immense that no lifetime could have repaid it, he departs not humbled by mercy but untouched by it. When confronted by a fellow servant owing a comparatively modest sum, he extends none of the patience and compassion that had just been shown to him. It is a failure not merely of generosity but of imagination. He cannot recognise himself in another's distress.
Christ rejects such narrow-heartedness. It is no great achievement to be kind only to those who love us. Even ordinary self-interest can accomplish that. Instead, He calls us to a wider fellowship, founded on the truth that we are all children of God and members of one human family.
Saint Paul reminds us that we no longer live for ourselves alone. Pride, wounded feelings, and a sense of personal grievance can easily harden the heart. Yet forgiveness softens it. When we relinquish our claims to superiority and open ourselves to mercy, we begin to reflect the very nature of God.
For what we do to one another, we do, in a mystery, to Him.
{JA & PK}
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Please subscribe to The Catholic Leader in print.
The latest September edition available now in our shops $4.
- Many of you may already know The Catholic Leader, our Archdiocesan Catholic
newspaper
- It has shared stories of faith, service and hope from parishes and communities
across our Archdiocese for nearly 100 years
- The print edition relies on the support of our Catholic community to continue
- An annual subscription costs $70 and includes 12 editions delivered directly to
your home.
- To enjoy faith-filled stories and to help you stay connected to the life of the
Church, subscribe to the Catholic Leader
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- Please inquire at the Parish Office if you would like the Catholic Leaders contact
details or more information.
EXPLORING OUR FAITH - Expression of spirituality
The Bible is a collection of 73 books, which were written by different people at different times and places over thousands of years.
Catholics believe that the Bible is the Word of God. We believe that it is inspired – that God influenced the human writers in a special way so that the message contained within the various literary styles and forms (e.g. narrative history, prophecy, poetry, wisdom, letter, apocalyptic etc) conveys divine truth.The Bible conveys a rich treasury of understandings about God’s relationship with humanity and is our primary source for knowing most about the nature and characteristics of God. Although the Bible was formulated and recorded by human hands, it is understood as a ‘living word’ that cuts more finely than a two-edged sword and speaks into the lives of humans yesterday, today and tomorrow. Because it contains God’s truths, the Bible continues to have the power to change our lives for those who are open to drawing upon its wisdom.
The Bible is divided into two parts called the Hebrew Scriptures, commonly known as the Old Testament, (46 books) and the New Testament (27 books). A testament or a covenant is an agreement, an understanding between two parties.
The Hebrew Scriptures tell the story of God’s personal relationship, loving commitment and faithful promises to the Jews, the Chosen people of Israel. The Hebrew Scriptures were written by members of the Jewish community of faith who preceded the birth of Jesus and the Christian Church and, to this day, are an important part of its history.
The New Testament is the story of the early Christian Church. It consists of the reflections of those who knew and accepted Jesus and entered into a renewed relationship with God. Its writings come to us as portraits of Jesus (the Gospels) and letters from the first Christians, eager to share the ‘good news’ that Jesus, who died and rose again, is the Saviour of the world.
Christians believe the Bible is the ‘word of God’ – the story of God’s loving plan for humankind. Catholics also speak of the Bible as ‘the Church’s book’. For Catholics, it reflects the life of a community and takes on its full meaning only in the life of the Catholic community, especially its prayer and liturgy.
Catholics are encouraged to daily read, reflect and meditate on passages from the Bible, so that they can deepen their understanding of God’s action in history and in our world. The Bible, especially the Gospels, is a source of wisdom, prayer and inspiration for Catholics to live a life modeled on the example of Jesus.
Source: https://brisbanecatholic.org.au/life/teachings-of-the-catholic-church/#catholics-and-the-bible
THE JUBILEE YEAR OF SAINT FRANCIS OF ASSISI (2026)
(Biography by G.K. Chesterton)
800TH ANNIVERSARY OF SAINT FRANCIS OF ASSISI.
https://creator.nightcafe.studio/creation/Mpnwnj0tCCPWQ9FnvvoU?ru=Paul-Evangelion
From Paganism to Renewal: Chesterton’s View of Christianity’s Transformative Role
G.K. Chesterton argues that the decline of the pagan world was not simply a matter of moral corruption, but the result of a deeper spiritual failure. Ancient Greek and Roman civilizations, despite their achievements, were rooted in forms of nature worship that ultimately proved unable to satisfy humanity’s higher needs. According to Chesterton, pagan religion offered ordinary people little mysticism beyond fascination with the forces of nature such as fertility, growth, and death. Over time, these natural impulses became distorted, producing a culture increasingly dominated by unhealthy passions.
A central example is the treatment of sexuality. Chesterton contends that when sex is regarded as merely another natural appetite, it gradually assumes an excessive and controlling role in society. What begins as a natural force becomes a tyrant over the imagination. He argues that the later Roman world demonstrates how unchecked devotion to nature could lead not to freedom, but to moral and spiritual decline.
Importantly, Chesterton does not portray pagans as uniquely wicked. Rather, he suggests that many thoughtful pagans recognized the limitations of their own religious system. Philosophy, family virtues, and civic honour sustained individuals, but popular religion was losing its power to elevate society. In his view, paganism contained no path forward; attempts to deepen its mysteries only darkened them further.
Christianity emerged as the answer to this crisis. By turning attention away from nature and toward the supernatural, it offered a means of spiritual purification. Early Christians rejected the pagan gods, seeing them as symbols of forces that had become destructive rather than life-giving. Through prayer, fasting, and disciplined devotion, they sought to restore order to a world they believed had lost its moral balance.
Chesterton concludes that this long process of renewal reached a turning point in the Middle Ages, particularly with St. Francis of Assisi. By then, Christian Europe had emerged from centuries of spiritual discipline and was ready to build a new civilization founded on fraternity, justice, and faith, marking a fresh beginning for Western culture.
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THE BIBLE TIMELINE – THE STORY OF SALVATION
ADULT FAITH FORMATION BIBLE STUDY
CONTINUES on LAST SUNDAY OF THE MONTH Next gathering
Session 22 and 23 - The Church Part 11 & Part 111 - 27th September 2026
In the Parish Hospitality Centre - (next to Sacred Heart Church), 50 Fairway Drive, Clear Island Waters, Queensland 4226, on the Last Sunday of the month from 10 am – 12 pm.
Surfers Paradise Catholic Parish Youth Group
Ignis Dei (Fire of God)
Next gathering Sunday 13 September,
THIS SUNDAY 13 SEPTEMBER WE WILL HAVE A BBQ OUTSIDE SACRED HEART CHURCH AFTER THE 6PM MASS AS THIS WILL BE FR BRADLEY’S FINAL WEEKEND IN THE PARISH. OUR GROUP WILL THROW ON SOME MEAT & DO THE COOKING!!! COME AND MEET OUR GROUP AS WE JOIN WITH THE REST OF THE COMMUNITY!
7pm to 9pm in the Parish Hospitality Centre
50 Fairway Drive, Clear Island Waters
‘COME AND SEE’ - ACCEPT CHRIST’S INVITATION
Come along as we have a bite to eat, and journey through some activities.
Finalising the night with Night Prayer from the Liturgy of the Hours (Divine Office).
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YOUTH, YOUNG ADULTS AND FAMILIES
ASCEND - IGNITE CONFERENCE 2026. 24-27 SEPTEMBER 2026
ART FROM THE HOLY LANDS
A LITTLE PIECE OF BETHLEHEM IN THE FORM OF ART
We are very aware of how terrible the situation is in the Holy Lands. So much uncertainty and destruction.
Usually the Holy Lands are a very busy place for pilgrimages - but with the violence and destruction -the people in the region are isolated and have very few pilgrims or visitors. From time to time I have obtained various holy objects from the Holy Lands, particularly Bethlehem, for their spiritual significance and as an assistance to prayer and contemplation. It also happens to help the Christian artists and families and religious supplies people who are doing it extremely tough spiritually, economically and physically.
I thought it might be nice to present some stunning items of religious significance for your consideration. These are mosaics, made by local artists there from small coloured rocks and placed into frames. We have a few such items in the Sacred Heart Church already, (purchased through private funds), namely Jesus the Good Shepherd, and also Saint Michael the Archangel in the parish office foyer.
Here are some items from Bethlehem artists. If anyone wanted to purchase an item for their own use or for donation to the church, it could add great inspiration to people’s prayer life and also help struggling artists in the Holy Lands. These pictures are very large, and printed below (not to scale).
Palm Sunday 1.2 metres x 1.6metres (stone mosaic, framed) - USD$9,000 (frame and shipping included)
The Holy Family = USD$7,500 1mx1.4m (shipping included)
Jesus Washes the disciples’ feet= USD$6,000. 1.2m x 1.2m (shipping included)
The Miraculous catch of fish= USD $11,000 - very large - 2m x 1.6 m
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FIRST FRIDAY ADORATION
Friday, 2nd October 2026. At Sacred Heart Catholic Church. 50 Fairway Drive. Clear Island Waters. 4226. From 7 pm
FIRST SATURDAY MASS -
Saturday 3rd October. 9 am Sacred Heart Church. First Saturday schedule for Mass, Adoration and Benediction on the First Saturday of each month.
Anointing Mass – Mass of Healing FIRST TUESDAY OF THE MONTH (February-November Inclusive)
Tuesday 6th October 2026. At 10 am, followed by a cuppa and refreshments. Sacred Heart Catholic Church. 50 Fairway Drive. Clear Island Waters. 4226.
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Saint Vincent de Paul Society Reflections
For more details on the conference's activities, please contact Conference President Wendy Webb at wendy.webb@svdpqld.org.au
THIS WEEK...
Be kind and merciful: slow to anger and rich in compassion.
PRAYER
Father, forgive us our sins - just as we forgive those who sin against us.
24th SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
Sirach 27:30-28:7
Rom 14:7-9
Mt 18:21-35
One of the growth industries in recent times had been the plethora of self- help books, talks and programs that cater to our human need, to feel and be better, and more fully human. Today’s readings could easily be the base material for this industry. Letting go of anger and resentment, and then showing mercy and compassion are key elements of being fully human, both physically and spiritually.
Holding on to anger and resentment and not being able to show mercy to others prevents us from growing. It makes us stagnant and self-absorbed, locked into a space where love cannot flourish.
Being able to let go and reconnect with others in our life through forgiveness truly is a beautiful and powerful thing.
Peter asks Jesus in today’s Gospel how many times he must forgive someone. He wants to quantify forgiveness and have a formula for dispensing it. But Jesus responds to this question about forgiving brothers with, “not seven I tell you, but seventy – seven times.” A figure so big symbolically that it means always and for everyone.
In 2020, the Abdallah family in Sydney suffered an enormous tragedy. Their six children and a niece were hit by a car driven by someone under the influence of alcohol and drugs. Three of
their children and their niece died in the accident. Guided by their Christian faith, Danny and his wife Leila, publicly forgave the driver. Danny explained that “I can either lose all my family by seeking revenge and remaining bitter, or you can forgive and only lose half your family.”
They chose to forgive and not let hatred consume the household. They later visited the driver, and Danny sometimes speaks with him about the scriptures.
His family include the driver in their nightly prayers. Their example proves the power of forgiveness.
In the words of Fr Jim Reilly, an old pastor of mine – In giving us this impossible command to forgive, Christ wasn’t asking us to do it on our own. He waits for us to turn to him.
And when we do, a little miracle happens. We find it possible to forgive, not in our own strength, but because his own forgiveness is in us.
(Reflection by Greg Ryan)
When have I found it difficult to forgive?
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MASS TIMES: SURFERS PARADISE MASS TIMES
GO CASHLESS DONATIONS -
AVAILABLE AT THE ENTRANCES OF THREE CHURCHES - tap once to donate $10, tap and other higher denominations are now available on the new devices.
HOSPITAL CALLS - AROUND THE DEANERY -
HELP THE PRIESTS OF THE DEANERY RESPOND TO URGENT CALLS EFFECTIVELY BY CALLING THE FOLLOWING PARISHES' FIRST RESPONDERS TO NEEDS WITHIN THE HOSPITALS LISTED.
To efficiently and promptly address pastoral needs across the Catholic parishes of the Gold Coast, the parishes in this Deanery practice that the first call for emergencies goes to the priests of the parish where the hospital is located. Here is a helpful guide to the hospitals and their attendant priests. A nursing home call also follows this procedure: the first priest to call is from the parish where the Nursing Home is located. Please help us serve the region effectively and prevent response delays by calling the nearest parish.
Robina Hospital - Burleigh Heads Parish. 5558 0120
Pindara Hospital - Surfers Paradise Parish. 56717388
John Flynn Hospital - Coolangatta-Tugun Parish. 5598 2165
University & Mater Gold Coast.- Southport Parish. 5510 2222
CHILDHOOD SACRAMENTS - 2027
Baptism
Who: Birth to 7 years (older children may need extra preparation)
Enrolment & booking: Online via the Parish website surfersparadiseparish.com.au
(Sacraments > Baptism) with 2 steps to follow:
‘Please click each link separately in the parish website’
Eligible are CHILDREN aged from BIRTH to 7 years old
Email enquiries: surfers@bne.catholic.net.au
Children aged 8+ years: email - sacramental.surfers@bne.catholic.net.au to start
the preparation process
When: Mostly on Sundays, 10:30 am at Sacred Heart Church, Clear Island Waters
Administrative/program fee: $130 (inclusive of the baptism stole with badge)
Confirmation 2027
(This program is now open and accepting enrolments)
Who: BAPTISED CHILDREN IN YEAR 3 or greater (approximate age - 8 or 9 years old)
Online enrolment via the Parish website surfersparadiseparish.com.au
(Sacraments>Confirmation) with 2 steps to follow:
‘Please click each link separately in the parish website’
Confirmation ceremony dates:
Friday 14 May 2027, 5:00 pm or Saturday 15 May 2027, 11:00 am
Preparation: Preparation Program (parents + children)
Parent and Child to attend the following sessions in Sacred Heart Church:
Meeting 1: Tuesday 16 or Wednesday 17 March, 5.30pm
Meeting 2: Tuesday 13 or Wednesday 14 April, 5.30pm
Rehearsals: Tuesday 4 or Wednesday 5 May 2027, 5.30pm
Administrative/program fee: $150 (Full Children’s Sacramental Program)
Administrative/program fee: $120 (If enrolling for partial program only)
For more info: sacramental.surfers@bne.catholic.net.au
All communications for this program will be from mail@flocknote.com
Eucharist (First Holy Communion) 2027
(This program is now open and accepting enrolments)
Who: BAPTISED and CONFIRMED children in Year 4 or greater (approximate age - 9 or 10 years old)
Online enrolment via the Parish website surfersparadiseparish.com.au
(Sacraments>Eucharist) with 2 steps to follow:
‘Please click each link separately in the parish website’
When (sequence): All elements are required.
Parent/s and Child/ren to attend the following sessions in Sacred Heart Church, Clear
Island Waters
Session 1: Tuesday 13 or Wednesday 19 July, 5:30pm
Session 2: Tuesday 3 or Wednesday 4 August, 5.30pm
First Reconciliation: Tuesday 17 August 2027, 5.30pm
Rehearsals: Tuesday 24 or Wednesday 25 August, 5:30 pm
First Communion Ceremony: Sundays of 5 September 2027 and 12 September 2027, both dates at 11:00 am
Administrative/program fee: $150 (Full Children’s Sacramental Program)
Administrative/program fee: $120 (If enrolling for partial program only)
Notes:
If the child was confirmed in 2026, auto-included for 2027 preparation;
no extra fee if already paid in 2026
If confirmed in another parish, follow the First Communion enrolment steps
How to enrol / info:
Parish site: surfersparadiseparish.com.au (Sacraments > First Holy Communion)
Enrol: STEP 1 REGISTER; STEP 2 ENROL
For more info: sacramental.surfers@bne.catholic.net.au
General
All sacraments at Sacred Heart Church, Clear Island Waters, Qld 4226
Enrolment status or information requests: via parish site links or Sacramental Team emails above.
SACRED GROUNDS CAFE -
The Café - “Sacred Grounds” is Located at the Former Atrium Building near the Sacred Heart Church.
Dmitri, Svetlana and Demid Schodin, are the operators of Sacred Grounds Cafe on the grounds of the parish. They are a very friendly, lovely, young family. The cafe's food is delicious, and the atmosphere is vibrant and warm. Come and make them feel welcome and support a local business! The Sacred Grounds will be open from 7 am to 4 pm each day. They specialise in Coffee, breakfasts, lunches, and a takeaway menu, and they even bake on premises!
The café near the Sacred Heart Church is a wonderful gathering place for parishioners, school parents, staff, and
the wider public. The café is in the old Atrium building.
This allows community building whilst giving the church the space it needs for its Masses, Weddings, Baptisms and solemn Funerals. Please support this excellent continuation of the parish vision.
RELIGIOUS GOODS SHOPS - SACRED HEART AND ST VINCENT’S CHURCHES
Litany of Reparation in Honour of the Blessed Sacrament, stocked in both shops.
2027 Columban Art Calendar available now, still $10.
September edition - Catholic Leader, still $4.
A new range of books have arrived this week -
Padre Pio Fabrizio Contessa)
Who is Padre Pio?
My First Prayer Book
Saint Carlo Acutis.
Prayers fom My Heart
Compendium of the Catechism of the Catholic Church
Prayers to St Peregrine Laziosi OSM
Mary MacKillop: A Spiritual Model for All
About Angels
ART AND CRAFT GROUP
The Group meets in the Parish Hospitality Centre on Wednesdays
from 9 am to 12 noon. Activities include
Art (watercolour, oils, acrylics, pen and ink drawing, etc.)
Various kinds of Craftwork (Knitting, Embroidery, Crocheting, Card making, Sewing, etc.)
Making Rosary Beads (later sent to the missions)
And any other activities that individuals may have an interest in, or you can bring in your own ideas. A very relaxing and social environment - meet new friends! You are most welcome to join. For further information, phone the Parish Office.
THE SACRED HEART BRIDGE CLUB-
Sacred Heart Bridge Club - Join Our Bridge Club! - Meet, Play, and Enjoy the Game of Bridge. Looking for a fun, social, and stimulating activity? Whether you're a returning player or a beginner wanting to learn, our Bridge Club welcomes players of all levels!
Where: Hospitality Room
When: Monday and Wednesday from 1.00 pm
Contact: Cheryl on 0417 772 701
✔ Friendly Atmosphere ✔ Lessons for Beginners ✔ Weekly Games ✔ Tea, Coffee & Good Company! Come for the cards, stay for the camaraderie!
WCCM - WORLD COMMUNITY FOR CHRISTIAN MEDITATION
This meditation group meets each Tuesday in the Morris Prayer Room located at 50 Fairway Drive, Clear Island Waters. Meditation starts from 10 am to 10:30 am. If you are new to meditation, we will assist you in learning about WCCM and the practice of Christian Meditation. For more information, please contact Pam Egberts at 0493 742 670.
SACRED HEART ROSARY PRAYER GROUP
Please join us to pray The Stations of the Cross, The Divine Mercy and The Rosary each day at 8:00 am at the Sacred Heart Church before 9 a.m. Mass, Monday through Friday, including First Saturdays.
YOGA AT THE PARISH HOSPITALITY CENTRE -
Join us for our social class in the Parish Hospitality Centre next to the Parish Office. Classes run every Tuesday at 10:45 a.m. Learn to relax while gaining greater flexibility, inner strength, body awareness, and concentration, while increasing your breath support and overall well-being. Ruth is an IYTA-accredited instructor with extensive experience and offers a caring, carefully monitored one-hour session for $10 (new attendees, please arrive by 10:30 a.m. to prepare adequately for class). For more information, please email surfers@bne.catholic.net.au.
OUR LADY’S STATUE -
Praying the Rosary - Our Lady’s Statue in the Parish - Details of the Statue of Our Lady are going around the Parish. If you would like her in your home and to say the Rosary, please contact Maxine or Pat. For more information, please email: psela@bigpond.com or surfers@bne.catholic.net.au
14/09/26 Luciana Long. Varsity Lakes
21/09/26 Luciana Long. Varsity Lakes
‘EXERCISE CLASS - LOW IMPACT - FOR HEART HEALTH
Join Rochelle for a fun, functional exercise class at Casey Hall. Low-impact cardiovascular exercises for heart health, improve strength and balance- an all-around fitness class for over 65’s. Stretch and strengthen the whole body, make new friends and feel great. Tuesday mornings @9.30 Beginners welcome. Contact Rochelle. For more information, please email: surfers@bne.catholic.net.au or call 07 5671 7388.
BIBLE STUDY/PRAYER GROUP - ST VINCENT’S CHURCH, SURFERS PARADISE.
The Bible Study Prayer Group meets every Friday from 5 pm-6 pm at St Vincent’s Church (40 Hamilton Ave, Surfers Paradise).
Join us for a read/study break and open The Word weekly from 5 pm to 6 pm. For further enquiries, please contact the Parish Office. surfers@bne.catholic.net.au
PRAYER GROUP - SPANISH SPEAKER
Jesús de la Misericordia. Invites you to participate on the 3rd Saturday of each month from 11 am to 2 pm. Place: Hospitality Room. Sacred Heart Church. “We praise, We praise, We grow spiritually from the Word of the Lord.” For more information, please contact Grace. For more information, please email: grace.flowers.art@hotmail.com or surfers@bne.catholic.net.au -
SACRED HEART CHURCH PARKING
A special notice - when parking, please leave the emergency and taxi pickup “yellow painted area” clear for ambulance or brief taxi drop off and pickup and the disabled parking areas are only for disability permit persons - thanks for your assistance in ensuring this important compliance]
A VOCATION VIEW:
"Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us." Make a stand for mercy, empathy, forgiveness, and selflessness!
To talk to someone about your vocation, contact Vocation Brisbane: 1300 133 544. vocation@bne.catholic.net.au and www.vocationbrisbane.com
STEWARDSHIP REFLECTION -
“For if we live, we live for the Lord, and if we die, we die for the Lord; so then, whether we live or die, we are the Lord’s.” – Romans 14:8
This is the essence of stewardship – everything we have and everything we are is a gift from God. We aren’t “owners” of anything, We are merely “stewards” of the gifts that God has given us, especially our very own lives. Pray to God, daily, and ask Him how He is calling you to live the life that He intended for you.
The vision of Stewardship speaks in every aspect of life, inviting everyone to be thankful, and generous, and accountable for what each has been given.
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TAKE FIVE FOR FAITH - Each one, teach one
Teachers, preachers, and professors have their place. But most of us learn life lessons more broadly. The first school is our home environment. Groups we affiliate with and wider media influences also communicate their values. In 1935, the Vatican called for special acknowledgment of how our parish catechists pass on the faith. While it's right to honour our religion teachers on this Catechetical Sunday, let's recall, too, the role of parents and indeed all parishioners in modelling a life rich in love, generosity, compassion, and forgiveness. Catechists literally "echo" the example of Jesus. Deliver your echo boldly!
“Peter approached Jesus and asked him, ‘Lord, if my brother sins against me, how often must I forgive?’" (Matthew 18:21-35)
SIGN UP FOR "TAKE FIVE" ww.takefiveforfaith.com/subscribe.
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THIS WEEKEND’S GOSPEL
-To listen to the whole Sunday Mass each week (including homily) from Surfers Paradise Catholic Parish, including the Easter Mass - please visit this link:
Liturgy for you at Home (by SPCP) - https:- soundcloud.com/user-633212303/tracks.
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Image Credit- https://creator.nightcafe.studio/creation/iAP8LYANxaP0bdfCfX8v/a-thoughtless-servant-in-first-century-palestine-is-unforgiving-to-a-poor-colleague-even-though-his-?ru=Paul-Evangelion
GOSPEL THIS WEEKEND
The gospel value; "Do unto others, as you would have them do unto you!" "The Golden rule," and the principle on which Our Lord's parable is based, has had such a profound effect on not only Christianity, but also secular legal and ethical systems throughout the world.
In many ways, the Golden Rule is common sense, and simply about consistency, justice and fairness, and yet, even now the world cries out for this principle to be applied evenly and fully.
This gospel is given by Our Lord as a warning that we must be constantly on our guard. God has forgiven us completely for things we could not possibly hope to repay; and we are duty-bound in gratitude and compassion, to share that graciousness, forgiveness and charity that God gives to us, and to others around us.
The other major problem is that some people just don't seem to see those around them as their brothers and sisters in Christ, or (at the very least), fellow citizens in the same “commonwealth for the common good of all” … so they act with disregard for anyone but themselves and their nearest-and-dearest.
Jesus rejects this approach. He reminds us, that if we do good to those who love us, what difference does that make? Even the pagans and the sinners do that. Our Lord is preaching universal fraternity and goodwill to all…. Because we are truly ALL God's children…
In an act of astounding generosity….. the master, in this parable, not only gives the wicked servant time to start to repay the impossible debt, but he forgives the debt entirely, out of compassion and mercy. Based on the value of the debt mentioned in this parable, He wipes 16,000 years or so of debt from the face of the earth. The master is hoping that this act of kindness will sink deep into the heart of the debtor and be passed on in a new way of acting and living. But then this sad and miserable servant, with an astoundingly hard heart, goes out and does not do the same to a fellow servant who has a debt to him that was actually possible to repay. It might take 100 days of pay, but it is manageable given an extended amount of time…. It is pathetic. This servant shows no empathy, and no connection to others. He does not identify himself with the feelings and plight of others. He does not see this poor fellow servant as brothers in similar need. He cannot see that he himself was just like the person (actually so much worse), bowing before him, begging for time to repay a debt.
It is sad and quite frankly bewildering. This kind of attitude makes the world a meaner and nastier place, and is the cause of so much suffering. It is so unnecessary and opposite to the essence of the gospel.
Do unto others as you would have them do unto you, is such a central quality in the Kingdom of God, that Our Lord even incorporates it into the Great Prayer he taught his disciples to recite: "Forgive us our sins, according to how we forgive others." (or to put it another way, "Lord, don't forgive us our sins unless we forgive others who hurt us." It is a sobering thing; and we pray it every day.
Saint Paul confirms this in the second reading. We live now for God and not for ourselves. Ego, hurt pride and moral outrage are barriers to reconciliation, understanding, and healing. We must let go of pride and entitlement, and a sense of moral outrage, and open our hearts generously and "self-forgettingly." Then we begin to think and feel the love that is God's very nature.
Let us continue to foster that awareness that we are all in communion with one another with the One God… and what we do to others, we are taken as doing to God….
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References:
Homily: Fr Paul W. Kelly
Bergant, D. and Fragomeni, R. (2001). Preaching the new lectionary. Year A. Collegeville, Minn.: Liturgical Press.
DeBona, G. (2013). Between the Ambo and the altar. Year A. 1st ed. Collegeville, Minnesota: Liturgical Press, pp.246-249
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To listen to the Sunday Mass each week (including homily) from Surfers Paradise Catholic Parish, please visit this
To listen to the Sunday Mass each week (including homily) from Surfers Paradise Catholic Parish, please visit this link: Liturgy for you at Home (by SPCP) - https:- soundcloud.com/user-633212303/tracks.
https://brisbanecatholic.org.au/careers
The Archdiocese of Brisbane has standards of conduct for workers to maintain a safe and healthy environment for children. Our commitment to these standards requires conducting Working With Children checks and background referencing for all persons who will engage in direct and regular involvement with children and young people (0 - 18 years) or adults at risk. The organisation is fully committed to child safety and has zero tolerance for abusing children or adults at risk.
THE WISDOM OF THE SAINTS:
The Exaltation of the Holy Cross
Originally this day commemorated the dedication of Constantine's Basilica of the Holy Sepulchre in the fourth century; after the celebration, the wood of the cross was venerated. The feast spread in the West after the recovery of the relics of the cross from Persia in the seventh century. A feast of the Lord, it celebrates the "lifting up" of the Son of Man on the cross into glory, and the paradox of the cross as a sign of humiliation and death, yet the source of victory and life.
Our Lady of Sorrows
This commemoration originated in the medieval devotion to the seven sorrows of Mary. Approved for the Servite order in the seventeenth century, it was extended to the whole Western Church in 1814 by Pius VII in thanksgiving for his release from captivity under Napoleon. In the light of Simeon's prophecy about a sword piercing Mary's soul (Luke 2:35), the feast celebrates Mary, the first disciple and the first to share in the pain and triumph of the cross.
The 7 Sorrows of the Blessed Virgin Mary:
The First Sorrow: The Prophecy of Simeon and Anna
The Second Sorrow: The Flight into Egypt.
The Third Sorrow: The Loss, for three days, of the Child Jesus in the Temple.
The Fourth Sorrow: The Condemnation of Jesus.
The Fifth Sorrow: The Crucifixion of Jesus.
The Sixth Sorrow: The Retrieval of Jesus' Body.
The Seventh Sorrow: The Burial of Jesus.
Saint John Chrysostom
“Prayer is the place of refuge for every worry, a foundation for cheerfulness, a source of constant happiness, a protection against sadness.”
“If you cannot find Christ in the beggar at the church door, you will not find Him in the chalice.”
“Happiness can only be achieved by looking inward & learning to enjoy whatever life has, and this requires transforming greed into gratitude.”
“Be ashamed when you sin, don't be ashamed when you repent [To repent means to have a change of heart and mind. It is not simply a feeling of sorrow, but a spiritual growth away from evil/death and a turning to God/life]. Sin is the wound, and repentance is the medicine. Sin is followed by shame, and repentance is followed by boldness - [Boldness means to beg God for undeserved mercy]. Satan has overturned this order and given boldness to sin and shame to repentance.”
“Not to share our own wealth with the poor is theft from the poor and deprivation of their means of life; we do not possess our own wealth, but theirs.” Saint John Chrysostom.
“The bee is more honoured than other animals, not because she labours, but because she labours for others.”
“Why not learn to enjoy the little things- For there are so many of them.”
St Cyprian
“You cannot have God for your Father if you do not have the Church for your mother…. God is one, and Christ is one, and His Church is one; one is the faith, and one is the people cemented together by harmony into the strong unity of a body…. If we are the heirs of Christ, let us abide in the peace of Christ; if we are the sons of God, let us be lovers of peace.”…St Cyprian from The Unity of the Catholic Church.
“You who are envious, let me tell you that however often you may seek for the opportunity of injuring him whom you hate, you will never be able to do him so much harm as you do harm to yourselves. He whom you would punish through the malice of your envy may probably escape, but you will never be able to fly from yourselves.”
Let us remember one another in concord and unanimity. Let us on both sides of death always pray for one another. Let us relieve burdens and afflictions by mutual love, that if one of us, by the swiftness of divine condescension, shall go hence the first, our love may continue in the presence of the Lord and our prayers for our brethren and sisters not cease in the presence of the Father’s mercy. (St. Cyprian to St. Cornelius).
Saint Robert Bellarmine
“Charity is that with which no man is lost, and without which no man is saved.”
“On the last day, when the general examination takes place, there will be no question at all on the text of Aristotle, the aphorisms of Hippocrates, or the paragraphs of Justinian. Charity will be the whole syllabus.”
“Freedom of belief is pernicious, it is nothing but the freedom to be wrong.” “When we appeal to the throne of grace, we do so through Mary, honouring God by honouring His Mother, imitating Him by exalting her, touching the most responsive chord in the sacred heart of Christ with the sweet name of Mary.”
Saint Hildegard of Bingen
“The mystery of God hugs you in its all-encompassing arms.”
“There is the music of Heaven in all things.”
“We cannot live in a world that is not our own, in a world that is interpreted for us by others. An interpreted world is not a home. Part of the terror is to take back our own listening, to use our own voice, to see our own light.”
“When the words come, they are merely empty shells without the music. They live as they are sung, for the words are the body and the music the spirit.”
“Glance at the sun. See the moon and the stars. Gaze at the beauty of earth’s greenings. Now, think. What delight God gives to humankind with all these things . All nature is at the disposal of humankind. We are to work with it. For without we cannot survive.”
“Sometimes when we hear a song we breathe deeply and sigh. This reminds the prophet that the soul arises from heavenly harmony. In thinking about this, he was aware that the soul itself has something in itself of this music...”
“Humanity, take a good look at yourself. Inside, you have got heaven and earth, and all of creation.
“The Word is living, being, spirit, all verdant greening, all creativity. This Word manifests itself in every creature.”
“All of creation is a song of praise to God.”
“O, You who are ever giving life to all life, moving all creatures, root of all things, washing them clean, wiping out their mistakes, healing their wounds, You are our true life, luminous, wonderful, awakening the heart from its ancient sleep.”
“Rivers of living water are to be poured out over the whole world, to ensure that people, like fishes caught in a net, can be restored to wholeness.”
“Listen: there was once a king sitting on his throne. Around Him stood great and wonderfully beautiful columns ornamented with ivory, bearing the banners of the king with great honour. Then it pleased the king to raise a small feather from the ground, and he commanded it to fly. The feather flew, not because of anything in itself but because the air bore it along. Thus am I, a feather on the breath of God.”
“The earth which sustains humanity must not be injured. It must not be destroyed!”
“A human being is a vessel that God has built for himself and filled with his inspiration so that his works are perfected in it.”
“God has arranged everything in the universe in consideration of everything else.”
“Every creature is a glittering, glistening mirror of Divinity.”
“I, God, am in your midst. Whoever knows me can never fall. Not in the heights, nor in the depths, nor in the breadths. For I am love, which the vast expanses of evil can never still.”
“Be not lax in celebrating. Be not lazy in the festive service of God. Be ablaze with enthusiasm. Let us be an alive, burning offering before the altar of God.”
“Our souls should be like a transparent crystal through which God can be perceived.”
St Januarius (Sep 19).
See the miracles in everyday life
Little is known about the life of Januarius, a bishop and martyr who died in the year 305, but he’s famous for a miracle that continues to happen all these centuries later. Three times a year in the cathedral in Naples, Italy, the faithful gather to witness a sample of his blood, kept in sealed glass, liquify and even bubble. There is no definitive explanation, and the blood cannot be studied since the vial is not allowed to be opened out of fear of permanent damage. Sound incredible? Some say yes. But does it even compare to the extraordinary tenets of your faith? Now that’s something much more consequential to marvel—every day of the year.
{Januarius, bishop of Benevento, together with one of his deacons, Festus, and Desiderius, a Lector, were among the many Christians put to death on the orders of Diocletian - in their case in 305 AD. St Paulinus of Nola was granted, shortly before his death, a vision of Januarius and of Irenaeus, sent by God to strengthen him as he faced death.
The miracle of Januarius’ blood is well-known and quite unexplained. Those who deny all miracles say that this particular miracle has a perfectly natural explanation; but they are unable to give one. God’s every day miracles, the birth of a baby, the coming into flower of a plant, are more important reminders of God’s wonder, but miracles like that of Januarius’ blood, can give us cause to ponder, too.
Let us call to mind our sins.
While Januarius is known most because of the seemingly miraculous liquifying of his blood that occurs each year on his feast-day, he is not a saint because of that. He is a martyr, one of many martyrs during the persecution ordered by the emperor Diocletian. He was bishop of Benevento, near Naples, in Italy. On his way to visit some Christians imprisoned in Nola, he was arrested. He was tortured and, heavily manacled, made to walk in front of the governor’s chariot from Nola to Pozzuoli. There, in the circus, he was thrown to the wild beasts. They would not approach him; so he was beheaded.}
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PAPAL REFLECTION
Image Credit- Image Credit- Shutterstock Licensed. Stock Vector ID: 2285846983 - The Pope AND the Catholic Church and the mercy of God. Vector Contributor: doom.ko
Pope Leo XIV:
Ukraine Peace Appeal (September 6, 2026): Following the Angelus in St. Peter's Square, Pope Leo XIV deplored recent Russian attacks on Ukrainian civilian infrastructure and expressed hope that current diplomatic efforts and negotiations bear fruit. [1]
Middle East Christian Communities (September 3, 2026): In an address to the Conference of the Latin Bishops of the Arab Regions at the Vatican, the Pope praised the "precious presence" of small Christian communities in the Middle East, advising bishops to measure fruitfulness by Gospel fidelity rather than numbers. [1]
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** The significance of the ancient Catholic Blessing Symbol. “20 C+M+B 26”
An ancient medieval practice in the Catholic Church was to bless one’s home with blessed chalk on the annual Solemnity of the Epiphany. On the door or the lintel will be this symbol:
20 + C + M + B + 26 * [* “Caspar, Melchior and Balthasar” (the traditional names of the Three Wise Men)] -And also representing the prayer: *Christus Mansionem Benedicat
May Christ bless this home.
This means that 2000 years ago, after Christ’s birth, the Wise Men visited, paid homage to the Lord, and were welcomed into the Holy Family’s hospitality. We dedicate the present year, ‘26, of this century to the protection of the Lord.
May the Lord bless this abode.
The letters C+M+B represent Caspar, Balthasar and Melchior, the three Wise Men. CMB is also the initials of the Latin prayer “Christus Mansionem Benedicat” - “May Christ Bless this dwelling place/ abode/ home.”
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SYNOD 24 - ARCHDIOCESE OF BRISBANE - ACTION PLANS
For in-depth resources please visit the following link:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1taBpy2wR96rMslEbWHpiDI3jaDpS_rzYJ_iqYLQWygw/edit?usp=sharing
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Commitment to Child Safety and Adults at Risk. We are committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of all members of our community. Please see the pages below for more information. ………………..
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Acknowledgement of Country -
This is Kombumerri Country, the traditional custodian of this region.
We respectfully acknowledge the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as the First People of this country. We pay our respects to the Kombumerri people, the traditional custodians of the land, waterways and seas upon which we live, work and socialise throughout this Catholic Parish of Surfers Paradise. We acknowledge Elders, past and present and emerging, as they hold our Indigenous people's memories, traditions, culture and hopes. We pay tribute to those who have contributed to the community's life in many ways. We affirm our commitment to justice, healing, and reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples. (See further: The Kombumerri People and https://kombumerritogetherproject.com/digital-resources/yugambeh-language/)
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For more details on safeguarding please visit here:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Ja2NmPbkoqk5Jw4bfDdZVRwWHAIPQfn7qU5uQZ3oYD8/edit?usp=sharing
Sacred Heart Church and Parish office - (directions and location)
50 Fairway Drive. Clear Island Waters. Queensland 4226
(The best entry is the southern entrance off Fairway Drive, nearest to Santa Cruz Boulevard).
map: -
Our parish office location is found here: Please see here for a map with details of the location of the parish office. Please see below for a photo of the Catholic Parish office ……(with the name “Glendalough - Parish Office” written on a sign over the door - Glendalough is pronounced “Glenda-lock” and is named after a famous Irish location where Catholic Saint Kevin lived- one of our schools in the parish is named St Kevin’s in honour that patron saint).
Below is a picture of the Sacred Heart church, which is located on the same grounds (to the left of the parish office)
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GO CASHLESS DONATIONS -
AVAILABLE AT THE ENTRANCES OF THREE CHURCHES - tap once to donate $10, tap and other higher denominations are now available on the new devices.
HOSPITAL CALLS - AROUND THE DEANERY -
HELP THE PRIESTS OF THE DEANERY RESPOND TO URGENT CALLS EFFECTIVELY BY CALLING THE FOLLOWING PARISHES' FIRST RESPONDERS TO NEEDS WITHIN THE HOSPITALS LISTED.
To efficiently and promptly address pastoral needs across the Catholic parishes of the Gold Coast, the parishes in this Deanery practice that the first call for emergencies goes to the priests of the parish where the hospital is located. Here is a helpful guide to the hospitals and their attendant priests. A nursing home call also follows this procedure: the first priest to call is from the parish where the Nursing Home is located. Please help us serve the region effectively and prevent response delays by calling the nearest parish.
Robina Hospital - Burleigh Heads Parish. 5558 0120
Pindara Hospital - Surfers Paradise Parish. 56717388
John Flynn Hospital - Coolangatta-Tugun Parish. 5598 2165
University & Mater Gold Coast.- Southport Parish. 5510 2222
CHILDHOOD SACRAMENTS - 2027
Baptism
Who: Birth to 7 years (older children may need extra preparation)
Enrolment & booking: Online via the Parish website surfersparadiseparish.com.au
(Sacraments > Baptism) with 2 steps to follow:
‘Please click each link separately in the parish website’
Eligible are CHILDREN aged from BIRTH to 7 years old
Email enquiries: surfers@bne.catholic.net.au
Children aged 8+ years: email - sacramental.surfers@bne.catholic.net.au to start
the preparation process
When: Mostly on Sundays, 10:30 am at Sacred Heart Church, Clear Island Waters
Administrative/program fee: $130 (inclusive of the baptism stole with badge)
Confirmation 2027
(This program is now open and accepting enrolments)
Who: BAPTISED CHILDREN IN YEAR 3 or greater (approximate age - 8 or 9 years old)
Online enrolment via the Parish website surfersparadiseparish.com.au
(Sacraments>Confirmation) with 2 steps to follow:
‘Please click each link separately in the parish website’
Confirmation ceremony dates:
Friday 14 May 2027, 5:00 pm or Saturday 15 May 2027, 11:00 am
Preparation: Preparation Program (parents + children)
Parent and Child to attend the following sessions in Sacred Heart Church:
Meeting 1: Tuesday 16 or Wednesday 17 March, 5.30pm
Meeting 2: Tuesday 13 or Wednesday 14 April, 5.30pm
Rehearsals: Tuesday 4 or Wednesday 5 May 2027, 5.30pm
Administrative/program fee: $150 (Full Children’s Sacramental Program)
Administrative/program fee: $120 (If enrolling for partial program only)
For more info: sacramental.surfers@bne.catholic.net.au
All communications for this program will be from mail@flocknote.com
Eucharist (First Holy Communion) 2027
(This program is now open and accepting enrolments)
Who: BAPTISED and CONFIRMED children in Year 4 or greater (approximate age - 9 or 10 years old)
Online enrolment via the Parish website surfersparadiseparish.com.au
(Sacraments>Eucharist) with 2 steps to follow:
‘Please click each link separately in the parish website’
When (sequence): All elements are required.
Parent/s and Child/ren to attend the following sessions in Sacred Heart Church, Clear
Island Waters
Session 1: Tuesday 13 or Wednesday 19 July, 5:30pm
Session 2: Tuesday 3 or Wednesday 4 August, 5.30pm
First Reconciliation: Tuesday 17 August 2027, 5.30pm
Rehearsals: Tuesday 24 or Wednesday 25 August, 5:30 pm
First Communion Ceremony: Sundays of 5 September 2027 and 12 September 2027, both dates at 11:00 am
Administrative/program fee: $150 (Full Children’s Sacramental Program)
Administrative/program fee: $120 (If enrolling for partial program only)
Notes:
If the child was confirmed in 2026, auto-included for 2027 preparation;
no extra fee if already paid in 2026
If confirmed in another parish, follow the First Communion enrolment steps
How to enrol / info:
Parish site: surfersparadiseparish.com.au (Sacraments > First Holy Communion)
Enrol: STEP 1 REGISTER; STEP 2 ENROL
For more info: sacramental.surfers@bne.catholic.net.au
General
All sacraments at Sacred Heart Church, Clear Island Waters, Qld 4226
Enrolment status or information requests: via parish site links or Sacramental Team emails above.
SACRED GROUNDS CAFE -
The Café - “Sacred Grounds” is Located at the Former Atrium Building near the Sacred Heart Church.
Dmitri, Svetlana and Demid Schodin, are the operators of Sacred Grounds Cafe on the grounds of the parish. They are a very friendly, lovely, young family. The cafe's food is delicious, and the atmosphere is vibrant and warm. Come and make them feel welcome and support a local business! The Sacred Grounds will be open from 7 am to 4 pm each day. They specialise in Coffee, breakfasts, lunches, and a takeaway menu, and they even bake on premises!
The café near the Sacred Heart Church is a wonderful gathering place for parishioners, school parents, staff, and
the wider public. The café is in the old Atrium building.
This allows community building whilst giving the church the space it needs for its Masses, Weddings, Baptisms and solemn Funerals. Please support this excellent continuation of the parish vision.
RELIGIOUS GOODS SHOPS - SACRED HEART AND ST VINCENT’S CHURCHES
Litany of Reparation in Honour of the Blessed Sacrament, stocked in both shops.
2027 Columban Art Calendar available now, still $10.
September edition - Catholic Leader, still $4.
ART AND CRAFT GROUP
The Group meets in the Parish Hospitality Centre on Wednesdays
from 9 am to 12 noon. Activities include
Art (watercolour, oils, acrylics, pen and ink drawing, etc.)
Various kinds of Craftwork (Knitting, Embroidery, Crocheting, Card making, Sewing, etc.)
Making Rosary Beads (later sent to the missions)
And any other activities that individuals may have an interest in, or you can bring in your own ideas. A very relaxing and social environment - meet new friends! You are most welcome to join. For further information, phone the Parish Office.
THE SACRED HEART BRIDGE CLUB-
Sacred Heart Bridge Club - Join Our Bridge Club! - Meet, Play, and Enjoy the Game of Bridge. Looking for a fun, social, and stimulating activity? Whether you're a returning player or a beginner wanting to learn, our Bridge Club welcomes players of all levels!
Where: Hospitality Room
When: Monday and Wednesday from 1.00 pm
Contact: Cheryl on 0417 772 701
✔ Friendly Atmosphere ✔ Lessons for Beginners ✔ Weekly Games ✔ Tea, Coffee & Good Company! Come for the cards, stay for the camaraderie!
WCCM - WORLD COMMUNITY FOR CHRISTIAN MEDITATION
This meditation group meets each Tuesday in the Morris Prayer Room located at 50 Fairway Drive, Clear Island Waters. Meditation starts from 10 am to 10:30 am. If you are new to meditation, we will assist you in learning about WCCM and the practice of Christian Meditation. For more information, please contact Pam Egberts at 0493 742 670.
SACRED HEART ROSARY PRAYER GROUP
Please join us to pray The Stations of the Cross, The Divine Mercy and The Rosary each day at 8:00 am at the Sacred Heart Church before 9 a.m. Mass, Monday through Friday, including First Saturdays.
YOGA AT THE PARISH HOSPITALITY CENTRE -
Join us for our social class in the Parish Hospitality Centre next to the Parish Office. Classes run every Tuesday at 10:45 a.m. Learn to relax while gaining greater flexibility, inner strength, body awareness, and concentration, while increasing your breath support and overall well-being. Ruth is an IYTA-accredited instructor with extensive experience and offers a caring, carefully monitored one-hour session for $10 (new attendees, please arrive by 10:30 a.m. to prepare adequately for class). For more information, please email surfers@bne.catholic.net.au.
OUR LADY’S STATUE -
Praying the Rosary - Our Lady’s Statue in the Parish - Details of the Statue of Our Lady are going around the Parish. If you would like her in your home and to say the Rosary, please contact Maxine or Pat. For more information, please email: psela@bigpond.com or surfers@bne.catholic.net.au
14/09/26 Luciana Long. Varsity Lakes
21/09/26 Luciana Long. Varsity Lakes
‘EXERCISE CLASS - LOW IMPACT - FOR HEART HEALTH
Join Rochelle for a fun, functional exercise class at Casey Hall. Low-impact cardiovascular exercises for heart health, improve strength and balance- an all-around fitness class for over 65’s. Stretch and strengthen the whole body, make new friends and feel great. Tuesday mornings @9.30 Beginners welcome. Contact Rochelle. For more information, please email: surfers@bne.catholic.net.au or call 07 5671 7388.
BIBLE STUDY/PRAYER GROUP - ST VINCENT’S CHURCH, SURFERS PARADISE.
The Bible Study Prayer Group meets every Friday from 5 pm-6 pm at St Vincent’s Church (40 Hamilton Ave, Surfers Paradise).
Join us for a read/study break and open The Word weekly from 5 pm to 6 pm. For further enquiries, please contact the Parish Office. surfers@bne.catholic.net.au
PRAYER GROUP - SPANISH SPEAKER
Jesús de la Misericordia. Invites you to participate on the 3rd Saturday of each month from 11 am to 2 pm. Place: Hospitality Room. Sacred Heart Church. “We praise, We praise, We grow spiritually from the Word of the Lord.” For more information, please contact Grace. For more information, please email: grace.flowers.art@hotmail.com or surfers@bne.catholic.net.au -
SACRED HEART CHURCH PARKING
A special notice - when parking, please leave the emergency and taxi pickup “yellow painted area” clear for ambulance or brief taxi drop off and pickup and the disabled parking areas are only for disability permit persons - thanks for your assistance in ensuring this important compliance]
A VOCATION VIEW:
"Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us." Make a stand for mercy, empathy, forgiveness, and selflessness!
To talk to someone about your vocation, contact Vocation Brisbane: 1300 133 544. vocation@bne.catholic.net.au and www.vocationbrisbane.com
STEWARDSHIP REFLECTION -
“For if we live, we live for the Lord, and if we die, we die for the Lord; so then, whether we live or die, we are the Lord’s.” – Romans 14:8
This is the essence of stewardship – everything we have and everything we are is a gift from God. We aren’t “owners” of anything, We are merely “stewards” of the gifts that God has given us, especially our very own lives. Pray to God, daily, and ask Him how He is calling you to live the life that He intended for you.
The vision of Stewardship speaks in every aspect of life, inviting everyone to be thankful, and generous, and accountable for what each has been given.
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TAKE FIVE FOR FAITH - Each one, teach one
Teachers, preachers, and professors have their place. But most of us learn life lessons more broadly. The first school is our home environment. Groups we affiliate with and wider media influences also communicate their values. In 1935, the Vatican called for special acknowledgment of how our parish catechists pass on the faith. While it's right to honour our religion teachers on this Catechetical Sunday, let's recall, too, the role of parents and indeed all parishioners in modelling a life rich in love, generosity, compassion, and forgiveness. Catechists literally "echo" the example of Jesus. Deliver your echo boldly!
“Peter approached Jesus and asked him, ‘Lord, if my brother sins against me, how often must I forgive?’" (Matthew 18:21-35)
SIGN UP FOR "TAKE FIVE" ww.takefiveforfaith.com/subscribe.
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THIS WEEKEND’S GOSPEL
-To listen to the whole Sunday Mass each week (including homily) from Surfers Paradise Catholic Parish, including the Easter Mass - please visit this link:
Liturgy for you at Home (by SPCP) - https:- soundcloud.com/user-633212303/tracks.
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Image Credit- https://creator.nightcafe.studio/creation/iAP8LYANxaP0bdfCfX8v/a-thoughtless-servant-in-first-century-palestine-is-unforgiving-to-a-poor-colleague-even-though-his-?ru=Paul-Evangelion
GOSPEL THIS WEEKEND
The gospel value; "Do unto others, as you would have them do unto you!" "The Golden rule," and the principle on which Our Lord's parable is based, has had such a profound effect on not only Christianity, but also secular legal and ethical systems throughout the world.
In many ways, the Golden Rule is common sense, and simply about consistency, justice and fairness, and yet, even now the world cries out for this principle to be applied evenly and fully.
This gospel is given by Our Lord as a warning that we must be constantly on our guard. God has forgiven us completely for things we could not possibly hope to repay; and we are duty-bound in gratitude and compassion, to share that graciousness, forgiveness and charity that God gives to us, and to others around us.
The other major problem is that some people just don't seem to see those around them as their brothers and sisters in Christ, or (at the very least), fellow citizens in the same “commonwealth for the common good of all” … so they act with disregard for anyone but themselves and their nearest-and-dearest.
Jesus rejects this approach. He reminds us, that if we do good to those who love us, what difference does that make? Even the pagans and the sinners do that. Our Lord is preaching universal fraternity and goodwill to all…. Because we are truly ALL God's children…
In an act of astounding generosity….. the master, in this parable, not only gives the wicked servant time to start to repay the impossible debt, but he forgives the debt entirely, out of compassion and mercy. Based on the value of the debt mentioned in this parable, He wipes 16,000 years or so of debt from the face of the earth. The master is hoping that this act of kindness will sink deep into the heart of the debtor and be passed on in a new way of acting and living. But then this sad and miserable servant, with an astoundingly hard heart, goes out and does not do the same to a fellow servant who has a debt to him that was actually possible to repay. It might take 100 days of pay, but it is manageable given an extended amount of time…. It is pathetic. This servant shows no empathy, and no connection to others. He does not identify himself with the feelings and plight of others. He does not see this poor fellow servant as brothers in similar need. He cannot see that he himself was just like the person (actually so much worse), bowing before him, begging for time to repay a debt.
It is sad and quite frankly bewildering. This kind of attitude makes the world a meaner and nastier place, and is the cause of so much suffering. It is so unnecessary and opposite to the essence of the gospel.
Do unto others as you would have them do unto you, is such a central quality in the Kingdom of God, that Our Lord even incorporates it into the Great Prayer he taught his disciples to recite: "Forgive us our sins, according to how we forgive others." (or to put it another way, "Lord, don't forgive us our sins unless we forgive others who hurt us." It is a sobering thing; and we pray it every day.
Saint Paul confirms this in the second reading. We live now for God and not for ourselves. Ego, hurt pride and moral outrage are barriers to reconciliation, understanding, and healing. We must let go of pride and entitlement, and a sense of moral outrage, and open our hearts generously and "self-forgettingly." Then we begin to think and feel the love that is God's very nature.
Let us continue to foster that awareness that we are all in communion with one another with the One God… and what we do to others, we are taken as doing to God….
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References:
Homily: Fr Paul W. Kelly
Bergant, D. and Fragomeni, R. (2001). Preaching the new lectionary. Year A. Collegeville, Minn.: Liturgical Press.
DeBona, G. (2013). Between the Ambo and the altar. Year A. 1st ed. Collegeville, Minnesota: Liturgical Press, pp.246-249
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To listen to the Sunday Mass each week (including homily) from Surfers Paradise Catholic Parish, please visit this
To listen to the Sunday Mass each week (including homily) from Surfers Paradise Catholic Parish, please visit this link: Liturgy for you at Home (by SPCP) - https:- soundcloud.com/user-633212303/tracks.
https://brisbanecatholic.org.au/careers
The Archdiocese of Brisbane has standards of conduct for workers to maintain a safe and healthy environment for children. Our commitment to these standards requires conducting Working With Children checks and background referencing for all persons who will engage in direct and regular involvement with children and young people (0 - 18 years) or adults at risk. The organisation is fully committed to child safety and has zero tolerance for abusing children or adults at risk.
THE WISDOM OF THE SAINTS:
The Exaltation of the Holy Cross
Originally this day commemorated the dedication of Constantine's Basilica of the Holy Sepulchre in the fourth century; after the celebration, the wood of the cross was venerated. The feast spread in the West after the recovery of the relics of the cross from Persia in the seventh century. A feast of the Lord, it celebrates the "lifting up" of the Son of Man on the cross into glory, and the paradox of the cross as a sign of humiliation and death, yet the source of victory and life.
Our Lady of Sorrows
This commemoration originated in the medieval devotion to the seven sorrows of Mary. Approved for the Servite order in the seventeenth century, it was extended to the whole Western Church in 1814 by Pius VII in thanksgiving for his release from captivity under Napoleon. In the light of Simeon's prophecy about a sword piercing Mary's soul (Luke 2:35), the feast celebrates Mary, the first disciple and the first to share in the pain and triumph of the cross.
The 7 Sorrows of the Blessed Virgin Mary:
The First Sorrow: The Prophecy of Simeon and Anna
The Second Sorrow: The Flight into Egypt.
The Third Sorrow: The Loss, for three days, of the Child Jesus in the Temple.
The Fourth Sorrow: The Condemnation of Jesus.
The Fifth Sorrow: The Crucifixion of Jesus.
The Sixth Sorrow: The Retrieval of Jesus' Body.
The Seventh Sorrow: The Burial of Jesus.
Saint John Chrysostom
“Prayer is the place of refuge for every worry, a foundation for cheerfulness, a source of constant happiness, a protection against sadness.”
“If you cannot find Christ in the beggar at the church door, you will not find Him in the chalice.”
“Happiness can only be achieved by looking inward & learning to enjoy whatever life has, and this requires transforming greed into gratitude.”
“Be ashamed when you sin, don't be ashamed when you repent [To repent means to have a change of heart and mind. It is not simply a feeling of sorrow, but a spiritual growth away from evil/death and a turning to God/life]. Sin is the wound, and repentance is the medicine. Sin is followed by shame, and repentance is followed by boldness - [Boldness means to beg God for undeserved mercy]. Satan has overturned this order and given boldness to sin and shame to repentance.”
“Not to share our own wealth with the poor is theft from the poor and deprivation of their means of life; we do not possess our own wealth, but theirs.” Saint John Chrysostom.
“The bee is more honoured than other animals, not because she labours, but because she labours for others.”
“Why not learn to enjoy the little things- For there are so many of them.”
St Cyprian
“You cannot have God for your Father if you do not have the Church for your mother…. God is one, and Christ is one, and His Church is one; one is the faith, and one is the people cemented together by harmony into the strong unity of a body…. If we are the heirs of Christ, let us abide in the peace of Christ; if we are the sons of God, let us be lovers of peace.”…St Cyprian from The Unity of the Catholic Church.
“You who are envious, let me tell you that however often you may seek for the opportunity of injuring him whom you hate, you will never be able to do him so much harm as you do harm to yourselves. He whom you would punish through the malice of your envy may probably escape, but you will never be able to fly from yourselves.”
Let us remember one another in concord and unanimity. Let us on both sides of death always pray for one another. Let us relieve burdens and afflictions by mutual love, that if one of us, by the swiftness of divine condescension, shall go hence the first, our love may continue in the presence of the Lord and our prayers for our brethren and sisters not cease in the presence of the Father’s mercy. (St. Cyprian to St. Cornelius).
Saint Robert Bellarmine
“Charity is that with which no man is lost, and without which no man is saved.”
“On the last day, when the general examination takes place, there will be no question at all on the text of Aristotle, the aphorisms of Hippocrates, or the paragraphs of Justinian. Charity will be the whole syllabus.”
“Freedom of belief is pernicious, it is nothing but the freedom to be wrong.” “When we appeal to the throne of grace, we do so through Mary, honouring God by honouring His Mother, imitating Him by exalting her, touching the most responsive chord in the sacred heart of Christ with the sweet name of Mary.”
Saint Hildegard of Bingen
“The mystery of God hugs you in its all-encompassing arms.”
“There is the music of Heaven in all things.”
“We cannot live in a world that is not our own, in a world that is interpreted for us by others. An interpreted world is not a home. Part of the terror is to take back our own listening, to use our own voice, to see our own light.”
“When the words come, they are merely empty shells without the music. They live as they are sung, for the words are the body and the music the spirit.”
“Glance at the sun. See the moon and the stars. Gaze at the beauty of earth’s greenings. Now, think. What delight God gives to humankind with all these things . All nature is at the disposal of humankind. We are to work with it. For without we cannot survive.”
“Sometimes when we hear a song we breathe deeply and sigh. This reminds the prophet that the soul arises from heavenly harmony. In thinking about this, he was aware that the soul itself has something in itself of this music...”
“Humanity, take a good look at yourself. Inside, you have got heaven and earth, and all of creation.
“The Word is living, being, spirit, all verdant greening, all creativity. This Word manifests itself in every creature.”
“All of creation is a song of praise to God.”
“O, You who are ever giving life to all life, moving all creatures, root of all things, washing them clean, wiping out their mistakes, healing their wounds, You are our true life, luminous, wonderful, awakening the heart from its ancient sleep.”
“Rivers of living water are to be poured out over the whole world, to ensure that people, like fishes caught in a net, can be restored to wholeness.”
“Listen: there was once a king sitting on his throne. Around Him stood great and wonderfully beautiful columns ornamented with ivory, bearing the banners of the king with great honour. Then it pleased the king to raise a small feather from the ground, and he commanded it to fly. The feather flew, not because of anything in itself but because the air bore it along. Thus am I, a feather on the breath of God.”
“The earth which sustains humanity must not be injured. It must not be destroyed!”
“A human being is a vessel that God has built for himself and filled with his inspiration so that his works are perfected in it.”
“God has arranged everything in the universe in consideration of everything else.”
“Every creature is a glittering, glistening mirror of Divinity.”
“I, God, am in your midst. Whoever knows me can never fall. Not in the heights, nor in the depths, nor in the breadths. For I am love, which the vast expanses of evil can never still.”
“Be not lax in celebrating. Be not lazy in the festive service of God. Be ablaze with enthusiasm. Let us be an alive, burning offering before the altar of God.”
“Our souls should be like a transparent crystal through which God can be perceived.”
St Januarius (Sep 19).
See the miracles in everyday life
Little is known about the life of Januarius, a bishop and martyr who died in the year 305, but he’s famous for a miracle that continues to happen all these centuries later. Three times a year in the cathedral in Naples, Italy, the faithful gather to witness a sample of his blood, kept in sealed glass, liquify and even bubble. There is no definitive explanation, and the blood cannot be studied since the vial is not allowed to be opened out of fear of permanent damage. Sound incredible? Some say yes. But does it even compare to the extraordinary tenets of your faith? Now that’s something much more consequential to marvel—every day of the year.
{Januarius, bishop of Benevento, together with one of his deacons, Festus, and Desiderius, a Lector, were among the many Christians put to death on the orders of Diocletian - in their case in 305 AD. St Paulinus of Nola was granted, shortly before his death, a vision of Januarius and of Irenaeus, sent by God to strengthen him as he faced death.
The miracle of Januarius’ blood is well-known and quite unexplained. Those who deny all miracles say that this particular miracle has a perfectly natural explanation; but they are unable to give one. God’s every day miracles, the birth of a baby, the coming into flower of a plant, are more important reminders of God’s wonder, but miracles like that of Januarius’ blood, can give us cause to ponder, too.
Let us call to mind our sins.
While Januarius is known most because of the seemingly miraculous liquifying of his blood that occurs each year on his feast-day, he is not a saint because of that. He is a martyr, one of many martyrs during the persecution ordered by the emperor Diocletian. He was bishop of Benevento, near Naples, in Italy. On his way to visit some Christians imprisoned in Nola, he was arrested. He was tortured and, heavily manacled, made to walk in front of the governor’s chariot from Nola to Pozzuoli. There, in the circus, he was thrown to the wild beasts. They would not approach him; so he was beheaded.}
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PAPAL REFLECTION
Image Credit- Image Credit- Shutterstock Licensed. Stock Vector ID: 2285846983 - The Pope AND the Catholic Church and the mercy of God. Vector Contributor: doom.ko
Pope Leo XIV:
Ukraine Peace Appeal (September 6, 2026): Following the Angelus in St. Peter's Square, Pope Leo XIV deplored recent Russian attacks on Ukrainian civilian infrastructure and expressed hope that current diplomatic efforts and negotiations bear fruit. [1]
Middle East Christian Communities (September 3, 2026): In an address to the Conference of the Latin Bishops of the Arab Regions at the Vatican, the Pope praised the "precious presence" of small Christian communities in the Middle East, advising bishops to measure fruitfulness by Gospel fidelity rather than numbers. [1]
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** The significance of the ancient Catholic Blessing Symbol. “20 C+M+B 26”
An ancient medieval practice in the Catholic Church was to bless one’s home with blessed chalk on the annual Solemnity of the Epiphany. On the door or the lintel will be this symbol:
20 + C + M + B + 26 * [* “Caspar, Melchior and Balthasar” (the traditional names of the Three Wise Men)] -And also representing the prayer: *Christus Mansionem Benedicat
May Christ bless this home.
This means that 2000 years ago, after Christ’s birth, the Wise Men visited, paid homage to the Lord, and were welcomed into the Holy Family’s hospitality. We dedicate the present year, ‘26, of this century to the protection of the Lord.
May the Lord bless this abode.
The letters C+M+B represent Caspar, Balthasar and Melchior, the three Wise Men. CMB is also the initials of the Latin prayer “Christus Mansionem Benedicat” - “May Christ Bless this dwelling place/ abode/ home.”
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SYNOD 24 - ARCHDIOCESE OF BRISBANE - ACTION PLANS
For in-depth resources please visit the following link:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1taBpy2wR96rMslEbWHpiDI3jaDpS_rzYJ_iqYLQWygw/edit?usp=sharing
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Commitment to Child Safety and Adults at Risk. We are committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of all members of our community. Please see the pages below for more information. ………………..
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Acknowledgement of Country -
This is Kombumerri Country, the traditional custodian of this region.
We respectfully acknowledge the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as the First People of this country. We pay our respects to the Kombumerri people, the traditional custodians of the land, waterways and seas upon which we live, work and socialise throughout this Catholic Parish of Surfers Paradise. We acknowledge Elders, past and present and emerging, as they hold our Indigenous people's memories, traditions, culture and hopes. We pay tribute to those who have contributed to the community's life in many ways. We affirm our commitment to justice, healing, and reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples. (See further: The Kombumerri People and https://kombumerritogetherproject.com/digital-resources/yugambeh-language/)
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For more details on safeguarding please visit here:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Ja2NmPbkoqk5Jw4bfDdZVRwWHAIPQfn7qU5uQZ3oYD8/edit?usp=sharing
Sacred Heart Church and Parish office - (directions and location)
50 Fairway Drive. Clear Island Waters. Queensland 4226
(The best entry is the southern entrance off Fairway Drive, nearest to Santa Cruz Boulevard).
map: -
Our parish office location is found here: Please see here for a map with details of the location of the parish office. Please see below for a photo of the Catholic Parish office ……(with the name “Glendalough - Parish Office” written on a sign over the door - Glendalough is pronounced “Glenda-lock” and is named after a famous Irish location where Catholic Saint Kevin lived- one of our schools in the parish is named St Kevin’s in honour that patron saint).
Below is a picture of the Sacred Heart church, which is located on the same grounds (to the left of the parish office)
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GO CASHLESS DONATIONS -
AVAILABLE AT THE ENTRANCES OF THREE CHURCHES - tap once to donate $10, tap and other higher denominations are now available on the new devices.
HOSPITAL CALLS - AROUND THE DEANERY -
HELP THE PRIESTS OF THE DEANERY RESPOND TO URGENT CALLS EFFECTIVELY BY CALLING THE FOLLOWING PARISHES' FIRST RESPONDERS TO NEEDS WITHIN THE HOSPITALS LISTED.
To efficiently and promptly address pastoral needs across the Catholic parishes of the Gold Coast, the parishes in this Deanery practice that the first call for emergencies goes to the priests of the parish where the hospital is located. Here is a helpful guide to the hospitals and their attendant priests. A nursing home call also follows this procedure: the first priest to call is from the parish where the Nursing Home is located. Please help us serve the region effectively and prevent response delays by calling the nearest parish.
Robina Hospital - Burleigh Heads Parish. 5558 0120
Pindara Hospital - Surfers Paradise Parish. 56717388
John Flynn Hospital - Coolangatta-Tugun Parish. 5598 2165
University & Mater Gold Coast.- Southport Parish. 5510 2222
CHILDHOOD SACRAMENTS - 2027
Baptism
Who: Birth to 7 years (older children may need extra preparation)
Enrolment & booking: Online via the Parish website surfersparadiseparish.com.au
(Sacraments > Baptism) with 2 steps to follow:
‘Please click each link separately in the parish website’
Eligible are CHILDREN aged from BIRTH to 7 years old
Email enquiries: surfers@bne.catholic.net.au
Children aged 8+ years: email - sacramental.surfers@bne.catholic.net.au to start
the preparation process
When: Mostly on Sundays, 10:30 am at Sacred Heart Church, Clear Island Waters
Administrative/program fee: $130 (inclusive of the baptism stole with badge)
Confirmation 2027
(This program is now open and accepting enrolments)
Who: BAPTISED CHILDREN IN YEAR 3 or greater (approximate age - 8 or 9 years old)
Online enrolment via the Parish website surfersparadiseparish.com.au
(Sacraments>Confirmation) with 2 steps to follow:
‘Please click each link separately in the parish website’
Confirmation ceremony dates:
Friday 14 May 2027, 5:00 pm or Saturday 15 May 2027, 11:00 am
Preparation: Preparation Program (parents + children)
Parent and Child to attend the following sessions in Sacred Heart Church:
Meeting 1: Tuesday 16 or Wednesday 17 March, 5.30pm
Meeting 2: Tuesday 13 or Wednesday 14 April, 5.30pm
Rehearsals: Tuesday 4 or Wednesday 5 May 2027, 5.30pm
Administrative/program fee: $150 (Full Children’s Sacramental Program)
Administrative/program fee: $120 (If enrolling for partial program only)
For more info: sacramental.surfers@bne.catholic.net.au
All communications for this program will be from mail@flocknote.com
Eucharist (First Holy Communion) 2027
(This program is now open and accepting enrolments)
Who: BAPTISED and CONFIRMED children in Year 4 or greater (approximate age - 9 or 10 years old)
Online enrolment via the Parish website surfersparadiseparish.com.au
(Sacraments>Eucharist) with 2 steps to follow:
‘Please click each link separately in the parish website’
When (sequence): All elements are required.
Parent/s and Child/ren to attend the following sessions in Sacred Heart Church, Clear
Island Waters
Session 1: Tuesday 13 or Wednesday 19 July, 5:30pm
Session 2: Tuesday 3 or Wednesday 4 August, 5.30pm
First Reconciliation: Tuesday 17 August 2027, 5.30pm
Rehearsals: Tuesday 24 or Wednesday 25 August, 5:30 pm
First Communion Ceremony: Sundays of 5 September 2027 and 12 September 2027, both dates at 11:00 am
Administrative/program fee: $150 (Full Children’s Sacramental Program)
Administrative/program fee: $120 (If enrolling for partial program only)
Notes:
If the child was confirmed in 2026, auto-included for 2027 preparation;
no extra fee if already paid in 2026
If confirmed in another parish, follow the First Communion enrolment steps
How to enrol / info:
Parish site: surfersparadiseparish.com.au (Sacraments > First Holy Communion)
Enrol: STEP 1 REGISTER; STEP 2 ENROL
For more info: sacramental.surfers@bne.catholic.net.au
General
All sacraments at Sacred Heart Church, Clear Island Waters, Qld 4226
Enrolment status or information requests: via parish site links or Sacramental Team emails above.
SACRED GROUNDS CAFE -
The Café - “Sacred Grounds” is Located at the Former Atrium Building near the Sacred Heart Church.
Dmitri, Svetlana and Demid Schodin, are the operators of Sacred Grounds Cafe on the grounds of the parish. They are a very friendly, lovely, young family. The cafe's food is delicious, and the atmosphere is vibrant and warm. Come and make them feel welcome and support a local business! The Sacred Grounds will be open from 7 am to 4 pm each day. They specialise in Coffee, breakfasts, lunches, and a takeaway menu, and they even bake on premises!
The café near the Sacred Heart Church is a wonderful gathering place for parishioners, school parents, staff, and
the wider public. The café is in the old Atrium building.
This allows community building whilst giving the church the space it needs for its Masses, Weddings, Baptisms and solemn Funerals. Please support this excellent continuation of the parish vision.
RELIGIOUS GOODS SHOPS - SACRED HEART AND ST VINCENT’S CHURCHES
Litany of Reparation in Honour of the Blessed Sacrament, stocked in both shops.
2027 Columban Art Calendar available now, still $10.
September edition - Catholic Leader, still $4.
ART AND CRAFT GROUP
The Group meets in the Parish Hospitality Centre on Wednesdays
from 9 am to 12 noon. Activities include
Art (watercolour, oils, acrylics, pen and ink drawing, etc.)
Various kinds of Craftwork (Knitting, Embroidery, Crocheting, Card making, Sewing, etc.)
Making Rosary Beads (later sent to the missions)
And any other activities that individuals may have an interest in, or you can bring in your own ideas. A very relaxing and social environment - meet new friends! You are most welcome to join. For further information, phone the Parish Office.
THE SACRED HEART BRIDGE CLUB-
Sacred Heart Bridge Club - Join Our Bridge Club! - Meet, Play, and Enjoy the Game of Bridge. Looking for a fun, social, and stimulating activity? Whether you're a returning player or a beginner wanting to learn, our Bridge Club welcomes players of all levels!
Where: Hospitality Room
When: Monday and Wednesday from 1.00 pm
Contact: Cheryl on 0417 772 701
✔ Friendly Atmosphere ✔ Lessons for Beginners ✔ Weekly Games ✔ Tea, Coffee & Good Company! Come for the cards, stay for the camaraderie!
WCCM - WORLD COMMUNITY FOR CHRISTIAN MEDITATION
This meditation group meets each Tuesday in the Morris Prayer Room located at 50 Fairway Drive, Clear Island Waters. Meditation starts from 10 am to 10:30 am. If you are new to meditation, we will assist you in learning about WCCM and the practice of Christian Meditation. For more information, please contact Pam Egberts at 0493 742 670.
SACRED HEART ROSARY PRAYER GROUP
Please join us to pray The Stations of the Cross, The Divine Mercy and The Rosary each day at 8:00 am at the Sacred Heart Church before 9 a.m. Mass, Monday through Friday, including First Saturdays.
YOGA AT THE PARISH HOSPITALITY CENTRE -
Join us for our social class in the Parish Hospitality Centre next to the Parish Office. Classes run every Tuesday at 10:45 a.m. Learn to relax while gaining greater flexibility, inner strength, body awareness, and concentration, while increasing your breath support and overall well-being. Ruth is an IYTA-accredited instructor with extensive experience and offers a caring, carefully monitored one-hour session for $10 (new attendees, please arrive by 10:30 a.m. to prepare adequately for class). For more information, please email surfers@bne.catholic.net.au.
OUR LADY’S STATUE -
Praying the Rosary - Our Lady’s Statue in the Parish - Details of the Statue of Our Lady are going around the Parish. If you would like her in your home and to say the Rosary, please contact Maxine or Pat. For more information, please email: psela@bigpond.com or surfers@bne.catholic.net.au
14/09/26 Luciana Long. Varsity Lakes
21/09/26 Luciana Long. Varsity Lakes
‘EXERCISE CLASS - LOW IMPACT - FOR HEART HEALTH
Join Rochelle for a fun, functional exercise class at Casey Hall. Low-impact cardiovascular exercises for heart health, improve strength and balance- an all-around fitness class for over 65’s. Stretch and strengthen the whole body, make new friends and feel great. Tuesday mornings @9.30 Beginners welcome. Contact Rochelle. For more information, please email: surfers@bne.catholic.net.au or call 07 5671 7388.
BIBLE STUDY/PRAYER GROUP - ST VINCENT’S CHURCH, SURFERS PARADISE.
The Bible Study Prayer Group meets every Friday from 5 pm-6 pm at St Vincent’s Church (40 Hamilton Ave, Surfers Paradise).
Join us for a read/study break and open The Word weekly from 5 pm to 6 pm. For further enquiries, please contact the Parish Office. surfers@bne.catholic.net.au
PRAYER GROUP - SPANISH SPEAKER
Jesús de la Misericordia. Invites you to participate on the 3rd Saturday of each month from 11 am to 2 pm. Place: Hospitality Room. Sacred Heart Church. “We praise, We praise, We grow spiritually from the Word of the Lord.” For more information, please contact Grace. For more information, please email: grace.flowers.art@hotmail.com or surfers@bne.catholic.net.au -
SACRED HEART CHURCH PARKING
A special notice - when parking, please leave the emergency and taxi pickup “yellow painted area” clear for ambulance or brief taxi drop off and pickup and the disabled parking areas are only for disability permit persons - thanks for your assistance in ensuring this important compliance]
A VOCATION VIEW:
"Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us." Make a stand for mercy, empathy, forgiveness, and selflessness!
To talk to someone about your vocation, contact Vocation Brisbane: 1300 133 544. vocation@bne.catholic.net.au and www.vocationbrisbane.com
STEWARDSHIP REFLECTION -
“For if we live, we live for the Lord, and if we die, we die for the Lord; so then, whether we live or die, we are the Lord’s.” – Romans 14:8
This is the essence of stewardship – everything we have and everything we are is a gift from God. We aren’t “owners” of anything, We are merely “stewards” of the gifts that God has given us, especially our very own lives. Pray to God, daily, and ask Him how He is calling you to live the life that He intended for you.
The vision of Stewardship speaks in every aspect of life, inviting everyone to be thankful, and generous, and accountable for what each has been given.
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TAKE FIVE FOR FAITH - Each one, teach one
Teachers, preachers, and professors have their place. But most of us learn life lessons more broadly. The first school is our home environment. Groups we affiliate with and wider media influences also communicate their values. In 1935, the Vatican called for special acknowledgment of how our parish catechists pass on the faith. While it's right to honour our religion teachers on this Catechetical Sunday, let's recall, too, the role of parents and indeed all parishioners in modelling a life rich in love, generosity, compassion, and forgiveness. Catechists literally "echo" the example of Jesus. Deliver your echo boldly!
“Peter approached Jesus and asked him, ‘Lord, if my brother sins against me, how often must I forgive?’" (Matthew 18:21-35)
SIGN UP FOR "TAKE FIVE" ww.takefiveforfaith.com/subscribe.
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THIS WEEKEND’S GOSPEL
-To listen to the whole Sunday Mass each week (including homily) from Surfers Paradise Catholic Parish, including the Easter Mass - please visit this link:
Liturgy for you at Home (by SPCP) - https:- soundcloud.com/user-633212303/tracks.
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Image Credit- https://creator.nightcafe.studio/creation/iAP8LYANxaP0bdfCfX8v/a-thoughtless-servant-in-first-century-palestine-is-unforgiving-to-a-poor-colleague-even-though-his-?ru=Paul-Evangelion
GOSPEL THIS WEEKEND
The gospel value; "Do unto others, as you would have them do unto you!" "The Golden rule," and the principle on which Our Lord's parable is based, has had such a profound effect on not only Christianity, but also secular legal and ethical systems throughout the world.
In many ways, the Golden Rule is common sense, and simply about consistency, justice and fairness, and yet, even now the world cries out for this principle to be applied evenly and fully.
This gospel is given by Our Lord as a warning that we must be constantly on our guard. God has forgiven us completely for things we could not possibly hope to repay; and we are duty-bound in gratitude and compassion, to share that graciousness, forgiveness and charity that God gives to us, and to others around us.
The other major problem is that some people just don't seem to see those around them as their brothers and sisters in Christ, or (at the very least), fellow citizens in the same “commonwealth for the common good of all” … so they act with disregard for anyone but themselves and their nearest-and-dearest.
Jesus rejects this approach. He reminds us, that if we do good to those who love us, what difference does that make? Even the pagans and the sinners do that. Our Lord is preaching universal fraternity and goodwill to all…. Because we are truly ALL God's children…
In an act of astounding generosity….. the master, in this parable, not only gives the wicked servant time to start to repay the impossible debt, but he forgives the debt entirely, out of compassion and mercy. Based on the value of the debt mentioned in this parable, He wipes 16,000 years or so of debt from the face of the earth. The master is hoping that this act of kindness will sink deep into the heart of the debtor and be passed on in a new way of acting and living. But then this sad and miserable servant, with an astoundingly hard heart, goes out and does not do the same to a fellow servant who has a debt to him that was actually possible to repay. It might take 100 days of pay, but it is manageable given an extended amount of time…. It is pathetic. This servant shows no empathy, and no connection to others. He does not identify himself with the feelings and plight of others. He does not see this poor fellow servant as brothers in similar need. He cannot see that he himself was just like the person (actually so much worse), bowing before him, begging for time to repay a debt.
It is sad and quite frankly bewildering. This kind of attitude makes the world a meaner and nastier place, and is the cause of so much suffering. It is so unnecessary and opposite to the essence of the gospel.
Do unto others as you would have them do unto you, is such a central quality in the Kingdom of God, that Our Lord even incorporates it into the Great Prayer he taught his disciples to recite: "Forgive us our sins, according to how we forgive others." (or to put it another way, "Lord, don't forgive us our sins unless we forgive others who hurt us." It is sobering stuff that we pray every day.
Saint Paul confirms this in the second reading. We live now for God and not for ourselves. Ego, hurt pride and moral outrage are barriers to reconciliation, understanding, and healing. We must let go of pride and entitlement, and a sense of moral outrage, and open our hearts generously and "self-forgettingly." Then we begin to think and feel the love that is God's very nature.
Let us continue to foster that awareness that we are all in communion with one another with the One God… and what we do to others, we are taken as doing to God….
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References:
Homily: Fr Paul W. Kelly
Bergant, D. and Fragomeni, R. (2001). Preaching the new lectionary. Year A. Collegeville, Minn.: Liturgical Press.
DeBona, G. (2013). Between the Ambo and the altar. Year A. 1st ed. Collegeville, Minnesota: Liturgical Press, pp.246-249
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To listen to the Sunday Mass each week (including homily) from Surfers Paradise Catholic Parish, please visit this
To listen to the Sunday Mass each week (including homily) from Surfers Paradise Catholic Parish, please visit this link: Liturgy for you at Home (by SPCP) - https:- soundcloud.com/user-633212303/tracks.
https://brisbanecatholic.org.au/careers
The Archdiocese of Brisbane has standards of conduct for workers to maintain a safe and healthy environment for children. Our commitment to these standards requires conducting Working With Children checks and background referencing for all persons who will engage in direct and regular involvement with children and young people (0 - 18 years) or adults at risk. The organisation is fully committed to child safety and has zero tolerance for abusing children or adults at risk.
THE WISDOM OF THE SAINTS:
The Exaltation of the Holy Cross
Originally this day commemorated the dedication of Constantine's Basilica of the Holy Sepulchre in the fourth century; after the celebration, the wood of the cross was venerated. The feast spread in the West after the recovery of the relics of the cross from Persia in the seventh century. A feast of the Lord, it celebrates the "lifting up" of the Son of Man on the cross into glory, and the paradox of the cross as a sign of humiliation and death, yet the source of victory and life.
Our Lady of Sorrows
This commemoration originated in the medieval devotion to the seven sorrows of Mary. Approved for the Servite order in the seventeenth century, it was extended to the whole Western Church in 1814 by Pius VII in thanksgiving for his release from captivity under Napoleon. In the light of Simeon's prophecy about a sword piercing Mary's soul (Luke 2:35), the feast celebrates Mary, the first disciple and the first to share in the pain and triumph of the cross.
The 7 Sorrows of the Blessed Virgin Mary:
The First Sorrow: The Prophecy of Simeon and Anna
The Second Sorrow: The Flight into Egypt.
The Third Sorrow: The Loss, for three days, of the Child Jesus in the Temple.
The Fourth Sorrow: The Condemnation of Jesus.
The Fifth Sorrow: The Crucifixion of Jesus.
The Sixth Sorrow: The Retrieval of Jesus' Body.
The Seventh Sorrow: The Burial of Jesus.
Saint John Chrysostom
“Prayer is the place of refuge for every worry, a foundation for cheerfulness, a source of constant happiness, a protection against sadness.”
“If you cannot find Christ in the beggar at the church door, you will not find Him in the chalice.”
“Happiness can only be achieved by looking inward & learning to enjoy whatever life has, and this requires transforming greed into gratitude.”
“Be ashamed when you sin, don't be ashamed when you repent [To repent means to have a change of heart and mind. It is not simply a feeling of sorrow, but a spiritual growth away from evil/death and a turning to God/life]. Sin is the wound, and repentance is the medicine. Sin is followed by shame, and repentance is followed by boldness - [Boldness means to beg God for undeserved mercy]. Satan has overturned this order and given boldness to sin and shame to repentance.”
“Not to share our own wealth with the poor is theft from the poor and deprivation of their means of life; we do not possess our own wealth, but theirs.” Saint John Chrysostom.
“The bee is more honoured than other animals, not because she labours, but because she labours for others.”
“Why not learn to enjoy the little things- For there are so many of them.”
St Cyprian
“You cannot have God for your Father if you do not have the Church for your mother…. God is one, and Christ is one, and His Church is one; one is the faith, and one is the people cemented together by harmony into the strong unity of a body…. If we are the heirs of Christ, let us abide in the peace of Christ; if we are the sons of God, let us be lovers of peace.”…St Cyprian from The Unity of the Catholic Church.
“You who are envious, let me tell you that however often you may seek for the opportunity of injuring him whom you hate, you will never be able to do him so much harm as you do harm to yourselves. He whom you would punish through the malice of your envy may probably escape, but you will never be able to fly from yourselves.”
Let us remember one another in concord and unanimity. Let us on both sides of death always pray for one another. Let us relieve burdens and afflictions by mutual love, that if one of us, by the swiftness of divine condescension, shall go hence the first, our love may continue in the presence of the Lord and our prayers for our brethren and sisters not cease in the presence of the Father’s mercy. (St. Cyprian to St. Cornelius).
Saint Robert Bellarmine
“Charity is that with which no man is lost, and without which no man is saved.”
“On the last day, when the general examination takes place, there will be no question at all on the text of Aristotle, the aphorisms of Hippocrates, or the paragraphs of Justinian. Charity will be the whole syllabus.”
“Freedom of belief is pernicious, it is nothing but the freedom to be wrong.” “When we appeal to the throne of grace, we do so through Mary, honouring God by honouring His Mother, imitating Him by exalting her, touching the most responsive chord in the sacred heart of Christ with the sweet name of Mary.”
Saint Hildegard of Bingen
“The mystery of God hugs you in its all-encompassing arms.”
“There is the music of Heaven in all things.”
“We cannot live in a world that is not our own, in a world that is interpreted for us by others. An interpreted world is not a home. Part of the terror is to take back our own listening, to use our own voice, to see our own light.”
“When the words come, they are merely empty shells without the music. They live as they are sung, for the words are the body and the music the spirit.”
“Glance at the sun. See the moon and the stars. Gaze at the beauty of earth’s greenings. Now, think. What delight God gives to humankind with all these things . All nature is at the disposal of humankind. We are to work with it. For without we cannot survive.”
“Sometimes when we hear a song we breathe deeply and sigh. This reminds the prophet that the soul arises from heavenly harmony. In thinking about this, he was aware that the soul itself has something in itself of this music...”
“Humanity, take a good look at yourself. Inside, you have got heaven and earth, and all of creation.
“The Word is living, being, spirit, all verdant greening, all creativity. This Word manifests itself in every creature.”
“All of creation is a song of praise to God.”
“O, You who are ever giving life to all life, moving all creatures, root of all things, washing them clean, wiping out their mistakes, healing their wounds, You are our true life, luminous, wonderful, awakening the heart from its ancient sleep.”
“Rivers of living water are to be poured out over the whole world, to ensure that people, like fishes caught in a net, can be restored to wholeness.”
“Listen: there was once a king sitting on his throne. Around Him stood great and wonderfully beautiful columns ornamented with ivory, bearing the banners of the king with great honour. Then it pleased the king to raise a small feather from the ground, and he commanded it to fly. The feather flew, not because of anything in itself but because the air bore it along. Thus am I, a feather on the breath of God.”
“The earth which sustains humanity must not be injured. It must not be destroyed!”
“A human being is a vessel that God has built for himself and filled with his inspiration so that his works are perfected in it.”
“God has arranged everything in the universe in consideration of everything else.”
“Every creature is a glittering, glistening mirror of Divinity.”
“I, God, am in your midst. Whoever knows me can never fall. Not in the heights, nor in the depths, nor in the breadths. For I am love, which the vast expanses of evil can never still.”
“Be not lax in celebrating. Be not lazy in the festive service of God. Be ablaze with enthusiasm. Let us be an alive, burning offering before the altar of God.”
“Our souls should be like a transparent crystal through which God can be perceived.”
St Januarius (Sep 19).
See the miracles in everyday life
Little is known about the life of Januarius, a bishop and martyr who died in the year 305, but he’s famous for a miracle that continues to happen all these centuries later. Three times a year in the cathedral in Naples, Italy, the faithful gather to witness a sample of his blood, kept in sealed glass, liquify and even bubble. There is no definitive explanation, and the blood cannot be studied since the vial is not allowed to be opened out of fear of permanent damage. Sound incredible? Some say yes. But does it even compare to the extraordinary tenets of your faith? Now that’s something much more consequential to marvel—every day of the year.
{Januarius, bishop of Benevento, together with one of his deacons, Festus, and Desiderius, a Lector, were among the many Christians put to death on the orders of Diocletian - in their case in 305 AD. St Paulinus of Nola was granted, shortly before his death, a vision of Januarius and of Irenaeus, sent by God to strengthen him as he faced death.
The miracle of Januarius’ blood is well-known and quite unexplained. Those who deny all miracles say that this particular miracle has a perfectly natural explanation; but they are unable to give one. God’s every day miracles, the birth of a baby, the coming into flower of a plant, are more important reminders of God’s wonder, but miracles like that of Januarius’ blood, can give us cause to ponder, too.
Let us call to mind our sins.
While Januarius is known most because of the seemingly miraculous liquifying of his blood that occurs each year on his feast-day, he is not a saint because of that. He is a martyr, one of many martyrs during the persecution ordered by the emperor Diocletian. He was bishop of Benevento, near Naples, in Italy. On his way to visit some Christians imprisoned in Nola, he was arrested. He was tortured and, heavily manacled, made to walk in front of the governor’s chariot from Nola to Pozzuoli. There, in the circus, he was thrown to the wild beasts. They would not approach him; so he was beheaded.}
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PAPAL REFLECTION
Image Credit- Image Credit- Shutterstock Licensed. Stock Vector ID: 2285846983 - The Pope AND the Catholic Church and the mercy of God. Vector Contributor: doom.ko
Pope Leo XIV:
Ukraine Peace Appeal (September 6, 2026): Following the Angelus in St. Peter's Square, Pope Leo XIV deplored recent Russian attacks on Ukrainian civilian infrastructure and expressed hope that current diplomatic efforts and negotiations bear fruit. [1]
Middle East Christian Communities (September 3, 2026): In an address to the Conference of the Latin Bishops of the Arab Regions at the Vatican, the Pope praised the "precious presence" of small Christian communities in the Middle East, advising bishops to measure fruitfulness by Gospel fidelity rather than numbers. [1]
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** The significance of the ancient Catholic Blessing Symbol. “20 C+M+B 26”
An ancient medieval practice in the Catholic Church was to bless one’s home with blessed chalk on the annual Solemnity of the Epiphany. On the door or the lintel will be this symbol:
20 + C + M + B + 26 * [* “Caspar, Melchior and Balthasar” (the traditional names of the Three Wise Men)] -And also representing the prayer: *Christus Mansionem Benedicat
May Christ bless this home.
This means that 2000 years ago, after Christ’s birth, the Wise Men visited, paid homage to the Lord, and were welcomed into the Holy Family’s hospitality. We dedicate the present year, ‘26, of this century to the protection of the Lord.
May the Lord bless this abode.
The letters C+M+B represent Caspar, Balthasar and Melchior, the three Wise Men. CMB is also the initials of the Latin prayer “Christus Mansionem Benedicat” - “May Christ Bless this dwelling place/ abode/ home.”
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SYNOD 24 - ARCHDIOCESE OF BRISBANE - ACTION PLANS
For in-depth resources please visit the following link:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1taBpy2wR96rMslEbWHpiDI3jaDpS_rzYJ_iqYLQWygw/edit?usp=sharing
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Commitment to Child Safety and Adults at Risk. We are committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of all members of our community. Please see the pages below for more information. ………………..
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Acknowledgement of Country -
This is Kombumerri Country, the traditional custodian of this region.
We respectfully acknowledge the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as the First People of this country. We pay our respects to the Kombumerri people, the traditional custodians of the land, waterways and seas upon which we live, work and socialise throughout this Catholic Parish of Surfers Paradise. We acknowledge Elders, past and present and emerging, as they hold our Indigenous people's memories, traditions, culture and hopes. We pay tribute to those who have contributed to the community's life in many ways. We affirm our commitment to justice, healing, and reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples. (See further: The Kombumerri People and https://kombumerritogetherproject.com/digital-resources/yugambeh-language/)
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For more details on safeguarding please visit here:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Ja2NmPbkoqk5Jw4bfDdZVRwWHAIPQfn7qU5uQZ3oYD8/edit?usp=sharing
Sacred Heart Church and Parish office - (directions and location)
50 Fairway Drive. Clear Island Waters. Queensland 4226
(The best entry is the southern entrance off Fairway Drive, nearest to Santa Cruz Boulevard).
map: -
Our parish office location is found here: Please see here for a map with details of the location of the parish office. Please see below for a photo of the Catholic Parish office ……(with the name “Glendalough - Parish Office” written on a sign over the door - Glendalough is pronounced “Glenda-lock” and is named after a famous Irish location where Catholic Saint Kevin lived- one of our schools in the parish is named St Kevin’s in honour that patron saint).
Below is a picture of the Sacred Heart church, which is located on the same grounds (to the left of the parish office)
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