Readings for Fifth Sunday of Easter.- Year B
FIRST READING: Acts 9:26-31
Ps 22:26-27, 28+30, 31-32. "I will praise you, Lord, in the assembly of your people."
SECOND READING: 1 John 3:18-24
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION (John 15:4a+5b). Alleluia, alleluia! Live in me, and let me live in you, says the Lord. My branches bear much fruit.
GOSPEL: John 15:1-8
Image Credit- Shutterstock Licensed. Stock Illustration ID: 2308668371 - Jesus Teaches on the Mountain. Illustration Contributor: Vuk Kostic
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Please listen to the audio-recordings of the Mass – (Readings, prayers and homily), for Fifth Sunday of Easter. Year B - Sunday, 28 April 2024 - by clicking this link here: https://soundcloud.com/user-633212303/faith-hope-and-love-fifth-sunday-of-easter-year-b-episode-476/s-QNq0JOxIRmU
(EPISODE:476)
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Homily: Fifth Sunday of Easter.Year B- Sunday, 28 April 2024
One of my all-time favourite images in the New Testament writings, is this concept of us "abiding" or living in God, and God abiding and living in us….. It is mentioned several times, including in John's Gospel but also in John's letters and other New Testament letters*
Can we picture a more deep connection than being united with God by means of God dwelling in our hearts and making a home in us… and us in him… this is the profound concept of communion in the widest sense of that word.
Inspired by these wonderful readings this weekend…..
To me, the following things would be a wonderful rule of life, they should constantly be in our thoughts and prayers:
Prayer, and connection to God
Attention to what God is doing in our lives.
Reflection on our lives and actions.. to honestly and openly and regularly look back at our decisions, our actions and our values and see how they match with God's love.
Stillness, to allow God to be present to us and speak to our listening and attentive hearts......
Oneness, we are called to unity with God and each other!!
We are all invited to be disciples and friends of Jesus……
The word "Disciple" means "one who learns"…… which is really
a very good thing. Our role is to learn from Jesus. To get to know him, to learn something about his words and his teaching to observe reverently what he nurtures as his deeply-embedded attitudes and values …. so that we might capture and nurture that same Spirit, that same inner strength and drive as our teacher possesses by his very nature.
…..
Our Gospel this weekend is that great image of the Vine and the branches….. it shows the deep connection we have and are
called to have with Jesus……
We are called to not only observe and learn about Jesus, but to allow Jesus' and his presence, his message, his attitudes, to become so much part of us that Jesus lives in us, and we live in God…… we abide in each other……. Further….. we gain our source, our meaning and our fruitfulness FROM that connection to Christ….
Without Jesus, our efforts are misdirected and fruitless…… connected to Jesus, our actions and efforts can bear much fruit, by God working in and through our lives………
The connection of this image of the vine and branches… can't help but highlight the importance of Eucharist. In Eucharist, Jesus comes to us in the form of food and drink…. we take Jesus in and he becomes part of us….. so that we may become more like Christ in our words and actions. and lives…
At this time, many young ones all around the world are preparing in their parishes to receive their first holy communion …..
this Gospel we heard today is very special because it shows us that we are all connected the Our Lord..... We are friends and members of Jesus.
Whenever we gather at Mass, we come together as disciples and friends of Jesus and we do as Our Lord taught us to do... we take and eat the bread of life... and we drink of the chalice of the Lord's blood. And we believe that this is not just a SIGN of our connection to Jesus, but it actually joins us to Jesus... like the branches are necessarily joined to the vine.......... We also believe by receiving Jesus in this way..... God renews us, forgives us, unites us and commissions us… we believe that Jesus comes to us in this receiving of his body and blood in Eucharist......, that Jesus is really present in this sacrament, and that Jesus comes into our hearts and we become more and more part of Jesus' life…. (we become the branches of a heavenly plant… and Jesus is the life-giving and living vine)……..and then we go out into our daily lives to live his commandments to show God's love and care for each other in practical ways…
"I am the vine, says the Lord, and you are the branches…. whoever abides in Jesus and Jesus abides in them will bear much fruit in their lives."
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References:
Fr Paul W. Kelly
* https://bible.knowing-jesus.com/topics/Abiding-In-Christ
Image Credit- Shutterstock Licensed. Stock Illustration ID: 2308668371 - Jesus Teaches on the Mountain. Illustration Contributor: Vuk Kostic
Fifth Sunday of Easter. Year B -(Sunday, 28 April 2024) (EPISODE:476)
The Lord be with you.
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{{May God's Spirit of Wisdom and Awe abide in you.}} welcome everyone, we gather - To offer or praise, prayers and intercessions to our loving God On this Fifth Sunday of Easter.
As we begin the Holy Eucharist, let us acknowledge our sinfulness, so as to worthily celebrate the sacred mysteries.
option two on the cards Have mercy on us, O Lord. For we have sinned against you. Show us, O Lord, your mercy. And grant us your salvation.
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 22:26-27, 28+30, 31-32. "I will praise you, Lord, in the assembly of your people."
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION (John 15:4a+5b). ). Alleluia, alleluia! Live in me, and let me live in you, says the Lord. My branches bear much fruit.
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PREFACE: Easter 4
Eucharistic Prayer 2
(theme variation: theme 2 )
(post version: v2-long)
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{9. heartfelt thanks to you all ,for uniting in prayer and for reflection, upon God's overflowing goodness and care.}
2. Go and announce the Gospel of the Lord.
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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 my 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.
"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.
"Quiet Time." Instrumental Reflection music. Written by Paul W Kelly. 1988, 2007. & This arrangement: Stefan Kelk, 2020.
Sound Engineering and editing - P.W. Kelly.
Microphones: - Shure Motiv MV5 Digital Condenser. And (2024+) Rode Nt-1 + AI-1 Sound Mixer.
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 - 2024]
May God bless and keep you.
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Thursday 25 April 2024
Fifth Sunday of Easter. -Year B - Sunday, 28 April 2024 (EPISODE:476)
Tuesday 23 April 2024
ANZAC DAY MEMORIAL – AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND. - - 25TH APRIL Surfers Paradise Catholic Parish - Mass – Podcast. (2024).
ANZAC DAY MEMORIAL – AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND. - - 25TH APRIL Surfers Paradise Catholic Parish - Mass – Podcast. (2024).
Image: Australian War Memorial Archive – Canberra. Photograph H06769. Claud Castleton VC, (1893-1916).
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Background image: Shutterstock Photo – licensed - ID: 2257654357 - Anzac background. Remembrance day, Memorial in New Zealand, Australia, Canada and Great Britain. Red poppies. Memorial armistice Day, Anzac day banner. Remember for Anzac, Historic war memory. Photo Contributor: Volodymyr TVERDOKHLIB
LEST WE FORGET ANY OF OUR BRAVE.
Including -
Claud Castleton VC, (1893-1916) -
Died aged just 23 years.
Photograph H06769
Service number 1352Ranks Held Private, Sergeant
Service Australian Imperial Force
Units • 2nd Australian Machine Gun Battalion
5th Australian Machine Gun Company
Conflict/Operation First World War, 1914-1918
ANZAC DAY MEMORIAL – AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND. - - 25TH APRIL
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Please listen to my audio recordings of the readings, prayers, and reflections for Anzac Day, April 25th 2024, by clicking this link here: https://soundcloud.com/user-633212303/faith-hope-and-love-anzac-day-weekday-memorial-years-abc-episode-475/s-eB0MxPxlGEc
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Readings for ANZAC DAY
FIRST READING **2024** Wis 3:1-9: He accepted them as a holocaust.
or
Is 9:1-6 - Wide is the dominion of the Lord, in a peace that has no end.
PSALM: **2024** Ps 71:2–4, 7–8, 12–13, 17: Justice shall flourish in his time and fullness of peace forever.
Or
Ps 114:5–6, 115:10–11, 15–16 (p.851): R. I will walk in the presence of the Lord, in the land of the living.
SECOND READING
**2024** Eph 2:13-18: He is our peace; destroying the hostility in your body.
or
1 Cor 1:18-25 -: God's weakness is stronger than human strength.
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION: **2024** Alleluia, alleluia! Happy are those who have died in the Lord; let them rest from their labours for their good deeds go with them. Alleluia! (Rev 14:13)
or
Alleluia, alleluia! Peace, I leave with you, says the Lord; my own peace I give you. Alleluia! (Jn 14:27)
GOSPEL –
**2024** John 12:23-28. "If a grain of wheat falls on the ground and dies, it yields a rich harvest."
Or
John 14:23-29. The Holy Spirit will teach you everything and remind you of all I have said to you.
Image: Australian War Memorial Archive – Canberra. Photograph H06769. Claud Castleton VC, (1893-1916).
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Background image: Shutterstock Photo – licensed - ID: 2257654357 - Anzac background. Remembrance day, Memorial in New Zealand, Australia, Canada and Great Britain. Red poppies. Memorial armistice Day, Anzac day banner. Remember for Anzac, Historic war memory. Photo Contributor: Volodymyr TVERDOKHLIB
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At dawn on this day in 1915, during World War I, soldiers from the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps landed at Gallipoli; this national day of remembrance honours the courage and the self-sacrifice of those who served in that campaign and that war and, indeed, all wars, and conflicts and peace-keeping operations. We particularly recognise the sacrifice of the fallen. We commend them to God's eternal care... and we also pray fervently that the peace and justice that they sought to defend and preserve will dwell richly in our land and in our world and that God's peace and reverence will make a home in the hearts of every person in this world.
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Many who returned from serving in the wars often did not speak of their experiences. They were so deep and indescribable. Today, we respect their silence, and we also respect their times of sharing whatever they feel is vital for us to know and to take to heart, never to forget, lest we forget, lest past history be repeated or core principles that were fought so hard and for so long could be lost.
Today and every year at this time we willingly and gratefully pause to remember and pray and give thanks for those countless men and women who served in time of war and who sacrificed everything for the sake of their families, their friends, their colleagues, their mates and their country and they sacrificed everything for the freedom, the love, the friendship and peace that lay behind their service and sacrifice.
Over many decades now there's been a conscious collecting of many recollections of those who lived through these times, to preserve their voices and their messages for future generations long after they have gone to God.
Claud Castleton (1893-1916) enlisted on March 1915 in Sydney. He served on Gallipoli with the 18th Battalion and in March 1916 transferred to the 5th Machine Gun Company.
Castleton was killed at Pozières on 29 July 1916 during an action for which he was posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross.
During a night attack on enemy trenches, the infantry was driven back and then held down by intense enemy machine-gun fire. Many wounded men were left lying in no man's land, (and with his own assigned station disabled, Castleton - on two occasions went out in the face of enemy fire to bring in wounded men on his back. When he went out a third time, and while carrying a wounded soldier on his back, he himself was hit in the back and killed instantly. His body was later recovered and buried in the main British war cemetery at Pozières. Such bravery whilst repatriating wounded soldiers in the midst of battle.
We honour Claud and all who served valiantly in time of war…. Including all those whose acts of sacrifice and bravery are unknown or unsung. God sees all and repays all, (in Heaven), for their bravery and sacrifice.
From a Christian perspective we hear from our Lord's own lips, no one has greater love, says the Lord, than those who lay down their lives for their friends. And today we commemorate the ultimate sacrifice of all who served in times of war and those who risked life and limb for those they loved and also those especially who lost their lives for those they loved. We can't help but notice the echo of Christ's death on the cross, in the death of all who gave up their irreplaceable lives, defending and protecting their loved ones from real and frightening dangers.
We remember the sacrifices and losses of war in order to respectfully remember those who paid that ultimate sacrifice of their lives and others paid the price of their health and peace of mind in the face of terrible aggression on true assaults on human dignity and freedom. Remembrance steals our commitment to peace and justice by reminding us of the alternative which always comes at too high a price. The world deeply wants to learn from the past violence and destruction in order to avoid future repeats.
We know that familiar ode so well, we know it by heart, age shall not weary them. That is, those men and women who have already lost their lives, lest we forget the reason they died, the horrors they saw and suffered, the horrors that they urgently fought to prevent if the aggressor were to get the upper hand, the loss of the values that underpin our very society. Also we remember the effects on those who are still with us and still need us.
There are many, many sacrifices that were made by those who served in times of war and those who serve now too. As well as the sacrifice of some people's lives, there's also their loss of their youth, their health and their emotional well-being. Those who did come back, came back injured in body, mind or spirit from their experiences.
Anyone in any way affected by the horrors of war and its aftermath, we remember them too with profound respect and gratitude. How can we repay them? The human cost of war, of people risking and often losing life for the defence of others, can never be adequately calculated and it cannot be repaid. Our prayer today and for the future is for that peace which only Christ can give the world.
A peace and a love that quenches the all-too-real hatred and misunderstanding that exists in the world and a peace that banishes all that leads to enmity and violence. We long for this. These are the ones who served and prayed and struggled for it.
We continue this prayer year after year, especially on this day and all days. May peace be in the hearts and minds of every person throughout the world, not just on this day but every day. May the peace of God's Kingdom one day soon put an end to all war and violence.
In remembering and acknowledging the human cost of war and the price beyond telling of those who served, we not only remember them but we commit ourselves to a world where the values they fought are cherished, protected and remembered. We pray that God's reign of peace, justice, dignity and love will all come in its fullness and that the values of those who struggled and suffered for us will always and everywhere be respected, preserved and built up ever stronger.
Today we recall the extraordinary poem, of which a paragraph has become immortalised as The Ode.
This poem, written by Laurence Binyon in 1914, now over a hundred years old but still deeply relevant today, captures the importance of remembering and commemorating this day. Elsewhere in that same poem, not used in The Ode, he writes a passage that echoes our belief that those who have made sacrifices in the service of others remain not only in our hearts and memories but, although hidden from sight, they live on in the everlasting life of God's Kingdom where there is true peace, no more suffering, no war, no pain.
Our constant prayer is that God's Kingdom come, not only in heaven, but that that peace and justice of God's Kingdom will take hold and express itself ever more here on earth and that the freedoms and values that our past generations have sacrificed everything for will be assured for all and forever.
And so Laurence Binyon's poem continues where it says,
"Where our desires are and our hopes profound,
Felt as a well-spring that is hidden from sight,
To the innermost heart of their own land they are known
As the stars are known to the Night;
As the stars that shall be bright when we are dust,
Moving in marches upon the heavenly plain;
As the stars that are starry in the time of our darkness,
To the end, to the end, they remain."**….
(We will remember them) ..
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- Reflection by Fr Paul Kelly
- Australian War Memorial Website - https://www.awm.gov.au/collection/P11051710
https://www.abc.net.au/religion/what-must-we-remember-on-anzac-day-moral-reflection-without-mili/10094782
- ** Robert Laurence Binyon, (10 August 1869 – 10 March 1943). "For The Fallen", The Times, (London), 21 September 1914.
- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Military_history_of_Australia
Image: Australian War Memorial Archive – Canberra. Photograph H06769. Claud Castleton VC, (1893-1916)
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Background image: Shutterstock Photo – licensed - ID: 2257654357 - Anzac background. Remembrance day, Memorial in New Zealand, Australia, Canada and Great Britain. Red poppies. Memorial armistice Day, Anzac day banner. Remember for Anzac, Historic war memory. Photo Contributor: Volodymyr TVERDOKHLIB
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ANZAC DAY MEMORIAL – AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND. - 25TH APRIL..
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all.
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As we begin the Holy Eucharist, let us acknowledge our sinfulness, so as to worthily celebrate the sacred mysteries.
You raise the dead to life in the Spirit. Lord, have mercy//
You bring pardon and peace to the sinner. Christ, have mercy//
You bring light to those in darkness. 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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Let us pray for peace in our world, and in our hearts and homes. Lord Hear Us.
Let us pray for all servicemen and women, who served our nation with bravery and honour. Lord Hear Us.
Let us pray for those men and women who died in the time of war, defending the freedom, the values and the people they love. Lord Hear Us.
Let us pray for all those who have been injured or in any way physically or emotionally affected by war. Lord Hear Us.
Let us pray for those who presently serve in armed forces, that they may be protected and strengthened. Lord Hear Us.
Let us pray that we will experience a deep sense of unity with God and with one another. Lord Hear Us.
Let us pray that the ANZAC spirit of self-sacrifice, bravery, and support may always live in the memories and hearts of all Australians. Lord Hear Us.
For people around the world - suffering the effects of war, violence and assaults on human dignity and rights. That they may be given peace and dignity and practical assistance in their suffering. And that God's peace will spur people to find every paths to peace and justice.
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Memorial Acclamation
1. We proclaim your Death, O Lord, and profess your Resurrection until you come again.
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Preface: Christian death II
Eucharistic Prayer II
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Go in peace, glorifying the Lord by your life.
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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 – Jerusalem Bible (1966)
"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. }
"Today I Arise" - For Patricia 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.
[ Production - KER - 2024]
May God bless and keep you.
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Friday 19 April 2024
SPCP Newsletter: Fourth Sunday of Easter. Year B- Sunday, 21 April 2024
PDF version of this parish newsletter *PDF here*:
You can also access an online -web- copy of the newsletter *Webcopy here*
“The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.” (John 10:11)
Image Credit- Shutterstock Licensed.Stock Photo ID: 1711232185 - Antique statue of Jesus Christ Good Shepherd. Fragment of ancient - sculpture. Horizontal image. - Photo Contributor: Zwiebackesser
Our Prayers are with the victims of the terrible attack in the shopping Centre at Bondi Junction last week. And also for the Bishop Emmanuel and others injured after the attack at a Syrian Christian Church in Sydney. We pray for all affected by these shocking tragedies.
Lord, mercifully pour your peace into the hearts of all people. Grant healing to the injured, and eternal rest for those who have died. Amen.
STATEMENT FROM THE AUSTRALIAN BISHOPS CONFERENCE
The Australian Catholic Bishops Conference offers its prayers and condolences in the wake of the Bondi Junction attack. Conference President, Archbishop Timothy Costelloe, said it was a time of mourning for all Australians. “We should all remember in our prayers those who are being treated in hospital and the souls of those who have died,” Archbishop Costelloe said.
“We pray for the family and friends of those who lost their lives or were injured. “And we pay tribute to the police, paramedics, store staff and shoppers who showed courage and compassion in the face of traumatic circumstances.”
Archbishop Costelloe urged anyone impacted by the attack to reach out and seek support.
“May those who mourn know the consolation and comfort of God’s love.”
SYDNEY ARCHBISHOP’S MESSAGE AFTER CHURCH ATTACK
SYDNEY Archbishop Anthony Fisher has urged peace in the aftermath of the attack on an Assyrian orthodox church on Monday night. Archbishop Fisher has said Sydney faithful deserved to “worship without fear,” as tensions remained high after a week of violence, including a knife rampage in Bondi Shopping Centre that left six dead. He said the stabbing of Bishop Mar Mari Emmanuel and Fr Isaac Royel was “shocking and caused distress to many in the community”.
“We have seen these types of events in other countries but, up until now, Australia has been largely free from this type of blatant violence,” he said. Religious leaders and politicians across the country have also expressed their shock at the religious attack.
Maronite Bishop Antoine-Charbel Tarabay denounced the attack in a statement released yesterday. He called on all sides to refrain from resorting to violence or retaliation, or engaging in gossip and speculation. He said he was praying for the recovery of the victim of the attack, including Bishop Emmanuel. Archbishop Fisher said houses of prayer “have traditionally been places of peace and solace, refuge and sanctuary”.
Archbishop Fisher described the violence outside the church as disturbing, too. He urged Sydney faithful not to respond to the violence with fear by avoiding places of worship or with anger by engaging in acts of reprisal. “Every person in this country, be they a bishop or priest, rabbi or imam… should be able to worship in safety,” he said. “The best response to violence and fear is prayer and peace.”
Archbishop Fisher’s comments reflected those of other faith leaders, who have spoken out about the wave of violence in the city. “May the God of peace reign in our land,” Archbishop Fisher said.
VIDEO STREAM OF THE FUNERAL MASS FOR THE LATE BELOVED
FR MARTIN PHILLIP “MARTY” LARSEN (10/7/1975 - 8/4/2024)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=As-_3KTSVZ4
Martin Phillip Larsen was born one of triplets, with brothers Andrew and Simon, on 10th July 1975 in Brisbane, Queensland, to mother Enya Rub. he is one of eight children, the others being Janina, Henry, Anna, Marek and Peter.
During childhood, Marty attended school in Bundabergat St Joseph’s Primary School and Shalom College. He later moved to Brisbane and completed his secondary education at St Joseph’s Nudgee College.
Following his schooling years, Marty entered the Holy Spirit Seminary where he began his studies towards a Bachelor of Theology as well as formation for priestly ordination. On completion of this degree, Marty too time for further discernment and completed post-graduate studies in Education to become a teacher. This led him to teaching in a variety of places such as St Rita’s College, Clayfield, Good Counsel College, Innisfail, San Sisto College Carina, and Siena College Sippy Downs.
With the desire to enter the Priesthood still present, he later returned to the Seminary and completed a Masters in Theology. In January 2014, Marty was ordained a Deacon and served in Our Lady of the Rosary Parish, Caloundra. Fr Marty was ordained a priest on 27th June 2014 at the Cathedral of Saint Stephen, Brisbane, Queensland.
His first priestly appointment was Stella Maris, Maroochydore, as Associate Pastor. This was followed by appointments to parishes of Hervey Bay, and Jubilee Parish before becoming Parish Priest at Holy Family Church at Runaway Bay. Along with his service in parishes, Fr Marty also spent time in the role of Associate Director of Vocations.
He will be remembered as a warm and likeable priest who had a great sense of fun and a wonderful spirituality.
May he now Rest in the Peace of the Lord of the Resurrection, forever and ever. Amen.
(Fr Marty Meets the late Pope Benedict XVI, along with Archbishop Mark Coleridge).
PASTOR’S POST - Vocations Week
It is so sad that on the eve of Vocations Awareness Week we farewelled one of the Archdiocese’s younger priests, Fr Marty Larsen. It was a truly beautiful Mass for him, filled with peace and promise. Fr Marty loved the priesthood and believed in and loved his Blessed Lord, Jesus. I am sure from his heavenly home, consoled by the God he lovingly served, he would continue to encourage prayers for vocations and for discernment of the call to this beautiful ministry of service and love. Sincerely, Fr Paul.
Message from Rector of Holy Spirit Seminary, Banyo. From Fr Neil Muir.
Dear Friends,
I had the privilege of meeting with Peter Doherty just before his ordination to priesthood earlier this year — something he said resonated with me, and I'd like to share it with you. He mentioned that he had been a donor to the seminary before he ever considered becoming a priest, and that it was through the information concerning what the seminary program is about that he began envisioning himself here, being formed as a shepherd for God's people.
I find this inspirational. We need to know that we form future priests not just when we actively seek to build vocations but also when we communicate with donors and supporters.
With this in mind, I am happy to present you with this year's Holy Spirit Seminary prayer calendars and posters. I would be grateful if you could share these with your parishioners and ask them to consider praying daily for each seminarian by name. I know your prayers will make a difference as they walk the path to the priesthood.
As an update, with the ordinations of Isaac, Minje and Gerard in June last year, I'm thrilled to report that we have welcomed four new seminarians this year, and, as mentioned above, just recently celebrated the ordination of Peter Doherty to priesthood - a momentous day for all of us and especially so for the Diocese of Rockhampton.
Please know that you are always included in the daily prayers of seminarians and staff at Holy Spirit Seminary. We are so grateful for your continued support, and we pray that God will bless you abundantly for your generosity.
Yours fraternally in Christ
Fr Neil Muir. Rector [Dated: 13th March 2024]
[BRISBANE - ROCKHAMPTON - TOOWOOMBA - TOWNSVILLE - CAIRNS]
PLEASE PRAY FOR OUR SEMINARIANS:
Lord Jesus, I ask Your special blessing on all young men preparing for the priesthood in our seminaries. I pray that they will grow in faith, hope, and charity.
May their hearts overflow with Your compassion, understanding, and generosity, and may their desire to serve You inspire others to answer Your call.
Lord, our seminarians the grace to follow You more perfectly.
When they are lonely or discouraged, fill them with Your peace.
Jesus, meek and humble of heart, make the hearts of our seminarians like Yours.
Amen. (Prayer courtesy of the Archdiocese of Omaha, Nebraska)
Prayer brochures, with calendar, are available free (while stocks last) from our churches.
To tune in to The Weekend Mass (the sound podcast), please regularly visit the link below to listen to the Mass (including the sermon) from Surfers Paradise Catholic Parish. Please see this link: Liturgy for you at Home (by SPCP) - (It is updated at intervals just before the following Sunday or Feastday - https://soundcloud.com/user-633212303/tracks
Also found at - https://tinyurl.com/FHLpwk.
ANZAC DAY MASS - 9AM SACRED HEART CHURCH - ‘
50 FAIRWAY DRIVE. CLEAR ISLAND WATERS 25TH APRIL 2024.
Please listen to the audio recordings of the readings, prayers, and reflections for Anzac Day, April 25th 2024, by clicking this link here: https://soundcloud.com/user-633212303/faith-hope-and-love-anzac-day-weekday-memorial-years-abc-episode-475/s-eB0MxPxlGEc
Image: Australian War Memorial Archive – Canberra. Photograph H06769. Claud Castleton VC, (1893-1916).
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Background image: Shutterstock Photo – licensed - ID: 2257654357 - Anzac background. Remembrance day, Memorial in New Zealand, Australia, Canada and Great Britain. Red poppies. Memorial armistice Day, Anzac day banner. Remember for Anzac, Historic war memory. Photo Contributor: Volodymyr TVERDOKHLIB
RITE OF CHRISTIAN INITIATION OF ADULTS
Thank you and Welcome to the Elect and Candidates who completed the journey of enquiry and faith this Easter 2024.
Kelly Friend, Cory Schumacher, Willem Peters, Satoshi Tetsuo, were Baptised, Confirmed and received First Holy Communion.
Wendy Tetsuo was received into Full Communion with the Catholic Church through Confirmation and First Holy Communion, and
Diana Vargas and Julian Rivers were Confirmed.
We invite all Parishioners to pray for them this Easter as they come to know Jesus more deeply and join us each week to celebrate the Mass in full Communion.
We ask for many blessings on all who journey in faith and offer our support and prayers for you and your families during this time.
On Monday, 26th February, the Sacramental Team emailed all families with children enrolled in Preparation for First Holy Communion 2024. If you have not received your email, please email Cathy Anderson andersoncm@bne.catholic.net.au.
To begin or continue the faith journey with your child, please use the information in the table below.
MASS TIMES: SURFERS PARADISE MASS TIMES
Christian Religious Instruction -
INSTRUCTORS and ASSISTANTS NEEDED.
At our local State Primary Schools for 1-2 hours per week, to help students. consented by their parent/carer.
learn about Jesus
New volunteers are placed with experienced Instructors.
Training is free, with full support.
An easy curriculum ensures Bible stories engage students and give an understanding of God’s Love.
Can you help?
For more information:
Helene McCowan - 0419 747 631
Christian RI - https://christianri.org.au/
“TAP `N” GO CASHLESS DONATIONS -
AVAILABLE AT THE ENTRANCES OF THREE CHURCHES - tap once to donate $10, tap again (when it has reset) for another $10, and so on.
FOR THOSE WHO ARE SICK:
All who were injured and affected by the attacks at the Bondi Junction SHopping Centre.
Bishop Mar Mari Emmanuel of Sydney, and all who were injured or affected in the violent attack in a Sydney Church. ).
Please also pray for the following who are ill. (Alphabetical)
Phil Bawden, Nellie Bellinger, Braganza Family, Kevin Brennan, Tim Brown, Margaret Buckingham, Camara Family, Diana Castro, Cecily Cellinan, King Charles III, Nadia Che, Doug Chester, Jo Clark, Leslie Clarke, Tina Conidi, Margaret & George Cook, Alfonso Covino, Shirley Croft, Geraldine Daniels, Nia Falekakala, John Fisher, Rosie May Fisher, Sally Gage, Lorraine Gallagher, Rachel Gooden, Maurice Goss, Fred Grioli, Jacob Haddad, Jenny Haines, Dion Herft, Lena Hiscock, Louise Holmes, Kim Ingram, Anna Janiek, Brian Johnson, Pat Jones, Leona Kelly, Marianne Kennedy, Ross Keys, Kath Kiely, Betu Kim, Jan Kristenson, Krystal, Bob Lahey, Diane & Steve Land, Sue Langham, Patrick Joven de Leon, Nathan Lepp, Joseph Ah Lo, Sarina Losurdo, John Nathaniel Maher, Maria Manuela, Michael “Tiger” McCormick, Andrew McPherson, Phil McWilliam, Fabiola Menzs, Joan Miau, Joanne Mooney, Maryann Moore, Hugh Morand, Michael & Lesley Murtagh, Joanna Muthu, Lynn Nunan, Denis Mullins, Stephen O’Brien, Peter O’Brien, Natalie O’Reilly, Letty O’Sullivan, Carmela Parente, Joanne Parkes, Kay Pitman, David Plows, Rachel Raines, Gus Reeves, Patricia Roberts, Rogelio Rodriguez, Bob Rogers, Cris Roselo, Felipe S Cataquiz (Senior), Thor Skjaerbaek, Kathy Stevens, Brenda Stewart, Jim Stewart, Rose Stewart, Betty Taylor, John Thomas, Baby Samuel Timothy, Leonardo Torcaso, Denise Tracey, Rick Murphy (USA), Karen Vestergard, Billy Webb, Lois Wood, John Zappa
RECENTLY DECEASED: (Chronological - Most recent first):
The victims of the Bondi Junction Westfield attacks (13/4/24), Kevin “Clarrie” Harrison, Peter Yip, Severino Pansoy Signey, Fr Marty Larsen, Teresa Balague, Maureen Armstrong, Jolan Horvath, Gemma Lowe, Janet Holliday, Juliana Ooi, Alan Taylor, John O’Hanlon, Alicia Celayh Jaureui, Phyllis Byrne, John Anthony Osbourne, Frank Alaba, Thelma & Leo Lampago, Graham William Gibbons, Minnie Ware.
ANNIVERSARY OF DEATH: (Alphabetical)
Bernadette Mary Bennett, Nicholas Braid, Paul John Brennan, Fr Pat Cassidy, Lyndon Fitzgibbon, Ernest Foy, Michael Joseph Foy, Shane Vincent Hall, Fr William Henry, Yvonne Holt, Karl Ernest Horner, Fr (sj) Ian Howells, Brendan Ian Howes, Peter Hunniford, Salma El Jouni, Mons James Kelly, Andrija Kudus, Gregory John Henshaw Lemon, Arthur Lloyd, Joan Maher, Kevin Thomas Malone, Giovanni Pascquale Marmina, Fr Des McQuaid, Balthazar (“Balt) van der Meer, Leo Barry Pearman, Joseph Frank Robinson, Stan Ryan, Vincent Hodge Snr, Joan Street, Mary Thompson, Rosslyn Jessie Wallis.
And Also: (Alphabetical):
Nicholas Leo (Nic) Angelucci, Cornelis “Casey” Bayens, Ramsis Nessim Boctor, Margaret Elizabeth Boulton, Rosanne Cruz Bridge, Fr David Brimson, Alan John (Mick) Burcham, Gino Cappellazzo, Christine Cardoza, Wilhelm Ciszewski, Charles Gerad Debnam, Patricia Dooley, Mons John English, Daniel Xavier Farrugia, Cecily Josepha Fury, Kathleen Gabriel, Leslie Hewitt, Fr John Isaac, Mons Martin Jordan, John Kinne, Fr Henry Laing, Fr Kieran Luby, Olive Yvonne Matthews, Fr John McCann, Fr Patrick McCormick, Shane Mcloughlan, Kath McMonagle, Dorothy and Ray Mullen, Dorelle Elizabeth Muller, Joyce Rosa Parisi, Francesco Posa, John Purcell, Barbara Robertson, Dorotea Rosello, Walter Schaer, Josephine Shaw, Catherine Smyth, Matthew Stoyakovich, Leonard Gregory Toner, Ronald Turner, Barbara Claire (Barbie) White.
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 speedily deal with the pastoral needs around the Catholic parishes of the Gold Coast, the parishes within this Deanery have the practice of having the first call for emergencies go 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, where the first priest to call is a priest from the parish within which the Nursing Home is located. Please help us service the region effectively and help prevent delays in response by calling the nearest parish.
Robina Hospital - Burleigh Heads Parish. 5576 6466
Pindara Hospital - Surfers Paradise Parish. 56717388
John Flynn Hospital - Coolangatta-Tugun Parish. 5598 2165
University & Gold Coast Private Hosp.- Southport Parish. 5510 2222
STATIONS OF THE CROSS
A big thank you to everyone who has participated in the Stations of the Cross at Sacred Heart over the 26 Years that we have been walking the grounds following Jesus on his way to the Cross. Over the years there have been over 100 Parishioners who have participated in one way or another and your dedication to this ministry has been very gratefully received.
We have included some of this year's photos for you to contemplate upon.
MARKETS ON FAIRWAY (THE MARKETS ON FAIRWAY ARE SUSPENDED FOR THE NEXT FEW MONTHS DUE TO WORK ON THE ATRIUM SITE)
From Grace R. grace.flowers.art@hotmail.com
RELIGIOUS GOODS SHOPS - SACRED HEART AND ST VINCENT’S CHURCHES
A selection of Baptism, Confirmation and First Holy Communion gifts available now.
SURFERS PARADISE St VINCENT de PAUL CONFERENCE - Invitation
Our conference meets on the 2nd Tuesday of the month at 7 pm in the hospitality centre at Sacred Heart Church. Our members/Vincentians assist companions who have rung our call centre for assistance with food, clothing, rent, etc. We are currently experiencing an increase in calls due to rent increases, the cost of food, risk of homelessness. If you are interested in becoming a member, please call Wendy Webb on 0412 237 832 or email: wendy.webb@svdpqld.org.au
SACRED HEART ROSARY PRAYER GROUP
Please join us to pray the Divine Mercy and Rosary each day at 8:15 a.m. at the Sacred Heart Church before 9 a.m. Mass, Monday through Friday, including First Saturdays.
FIRST FRIDAY ADORATION
Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament First Friday, 3rd of May 2024, at Sacred Heart Church from 7 pm to 8.30 pm. All are welcome. Enquiries: Helen 0421935678. "Could you not watch one hour with Me" Mt 26:4
FIRST SATURDAY MASS AND BENEDICTION
First Saturday Mass at Sacred Heart Church, Clear Island Waters. 9 am Saturday 4th May 2024. Followed by adoration and Benediction.
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 ideas
A very relaxing and social environment - meet new friends! You are most welcome to join.
For further information, phone John 0412 759 205 or the Parish Office.
THE SACRED HEART BRIDGE CLUB-
Meets at the Sacred Heart - Parish Hospitality Centre, Fairway Drive, Clear Island Waters.
Playing Bridge keeps your brain active and increases your social network! So why not give us a try? Learn to play Bridge at “Our Friendly Club” - Free Lesson. “Introduction to Bridge” - It is Easy to learn the format. No previous card-playing experience is necessary. All are welcome. For more information and to enrol, please phone Cheryl at 5538 8821 or Mob at 0417 772 701.
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 yet gain greater flexibility, inner strength, body awareness and concentration while increasing your breath support and general well-being. Ruth is an IYTA-accredited instructor with wide experience and runs a caring, carefully monitored one-hour session costing $10 (new attendees, please arrive by 10:30 a.m. to prepare adequately for class). For more information, call Ruth on 0421338110.
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 want her in your home and say the Rosary,
Please contact Maxine or Pat on 0412 519 404.
Our Lady’s Statue details for the next several weeks are
22/04/2024 Helen & Theo Skjaerback Merrimac
Please phone Maxine Sela on 0421 051 193 if you want the Statue.
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 further information on 0438 333 308.
BIBLE STUDY/PRAYER GROUP - ST VINCENT’S CHURCH, SURFERS PARADISE.
The Bible Study Prayer Group meets every Thursday 5-6 pm at St Vincent’s Church,
40 Hamilton Ave, Surfers Paradise. Come along and read/study Break Open the Word
weekly 5pm to 6 pm. For further enquiries contact Ashley at 0409840693.
MEDITATION PRAYER GROUP
The meditation group meets in the Morris prayer room on Tuesdays from 10 a.m. to 12 noon. It would very much like to welcome new members. Please phone Pam Egtberts at 0493742670.
PRAYER GROUP - SPANISH SPEAKER
Jesus de la Misericordia. Invites you to participate every 2nd Saturday of the 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 ring Grace: 0410 006 484.
Archdiocesan Centre for Catholic Formation - Module Three: Being Sacramental
The Archdiocesan Centre for Catholic Formation invites people to participate in the third unit offering.
This module, Being Sacramental, will explore with participants what living in a sacramental world means. It will address the broader notion of sacramentality, the importance of signs and symbols in the liturgy and the character of the Church's seven sacraments. The module will also focus on the participant's approach to the sacraments, recognising that our relationship with God fundamentally influences how we experience the sacraments. Participants will develop their ability to listen to the voice of God in and through the sacraments, seeing more clearly the grace received in each rite and moving closer to full, active, and conscious participation in the liturgy.
I am asking Parish Priests and Chaplains to promote this formation opportunity in their parish or community and personally invite people to register. Enclosed are several brochures you might provide to those you invite to attend. More information can be found at www.catholicformation.au.
(Brochure can be accessed here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1XQ21axAypwcmomoZJuGlSX9wAPtkm12l/view?usp=sharing).
The module will run for ten consecutive Mondays, commencing on Monday, 15 April, at Holy Spirit Seminary. Deacon Peter Pellicaan will be the chief presenter.
For those who live beyond the Brisbane region, there is an option to register as a regional hub where you can gather locally and participate via an online link. If you are interested in hosting a regional hub, contact Evangelisation Brisbane.
May this offering lead to a more profound knowledge and love of the sacraments in the minds and hearts of our people.
As always in the Lord,
+ The Most Reverend Mark Coleridge
Archbishop of Brisbane
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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 vulnerable adults. The organisation is fully committed to child safety and has zero tolerance for abusing children or vulnerable adults.
YEAR OF PRAYER - RESOURCE
https://evangelisationbrisbane.org.au/year-of-prayer/
How to pray the Rosary.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=agv8noofrvg
The #rosary prayer is one of the most important prayers in the Catholic faith. Praying the Rosary unites millions of Catholics across the world, throughout time.
Learn how to pray the Rosary step by step (and decade by decade!) with this animated video from Hallow, the No. 1 Catholic prayer and meditation app. Grab your Rosary beads and let Hallow teach you to pray the Rosary during Lent, in Easter, around Christmas...and every day.
"The Rosary is a prayer that always accompanies me; it is also the prayer of the ordinary people and the saints... it is a prayer from my heart." ~ Pope Francis
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=agv8noofrvg
https://evangelisationbrisbane.org.au/year-of-prayer/
A VOCATION VIEW:
This is the World Day of Prayer for Vocations. The world needs worthy leaders, Good Shepherds of the 21st Century, caring unselfishly for the needs of God’s people. Please pray for Vocations. In imitation of Christ, the priest is called to lay down his life for his people. Pray that our priests and seminarians might be courageous in following the example of Christ. (John 10:11-18)
To talk to someone about your vocation, contact Vocation Brisbane: 1300 133 544. vocation@bne.catholic.net.au and www.vocationbrisbane.com
STEWARDSHIP -
“I am the good shepherd...and I lay down my life for the sheep…and they will heed my voice.”
- John 10:14-16
When you pray, do you only ask Jesus for the things that you want? Do you ever ask Jesus what He wants from you? How do you listen for His response? Jesus often responds in “quiet whispers” that are not so obvious. So, take time every day, in silence, to actively listen for His voice.
The vision of Stewardship applies to every aspect of life, inviting everyone to be thankful, generous, and accountable for what they have been given.
Take Five For Faith - WORD OF THE WEEK
Evangelist \i-‘van-jÉ™-list\
One who announces Good News, particularly the message of the gospel. Often refers exclusively to the four gospel writers, Mark, Matthew, Luke, and John. The New Testament also uses this term about Philip, the deacon, and Timothy, a worker with Paul.
CONTEXT
Evangelisers take on the “smell of the sheep” and the sheep are willing to hear their voice. —Pope Francis, Evangelii Guadium
We are all evangelists, but we almost always evangelise about the wrong things.
—Matthew Kelly
Saint Juan Diego, the peasant to whom Our Lady of Guadalupe appeared, is essentially the evangeliser of an entire hemisphere. —USCCB.org
WHY IT MATTERS
All Christians are summoned to the role of evangelists, a term first used by the gospel writers in the third century. As followers of Jesus, our common vocation is to bring Good News to the poor, sick, lonely, imprisoned, and socially marginalised. The words of the four primary evangelists—Mark, Matthew, Luke, and John—instruct us in the mission we're invited to share.
From Evangelii Nuntiandi (Evangelization in the Modern World): The world is calling for evangelisers to speak to it of a God whom the evangelists themselves should know and be familiar with [122].
RELATED WORDS
Mission | Vocation | Gospel | Proclamation
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QUESTION OF THE WEEK
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What’s an evangelist?
Evangelist translates from Greek as "messenger of good tidings." All baptised persons are called to be such messengers. Isaiah speaks of the "beautiful feet" of those who bring Good News. Ephesians describes apostles, prophets, and evangelists as central players in the church. Biblically, evangelist is not an exclusive term.
By the third century, the formal list of evangelists is reduced to the four gospel writers, Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. They concretised the Good News the church would proclaim going forward.
By the fourth century, the symbology of the four evangelists became standardised as man, lion, ox, and eagle. Facing the four directions, these extraordinary creatures are four and yet unified in movement. They also burn like hot coals. The man represents Matthew, whose gospel emphasises Jesus' humanity. Mark highlights Jesus' divinity and kingship, so he is identified as the lion. Luke holds up the sacrificial role of Jesus, and so becomes the ox. John is the eagle as his gospel soars with a transcendent perspective on Jesus as the Christ.
—Alice Camille, from Questions Catholics Ask:
REFLECTION OF THE WEEK
FEAST OF MARK, EVANGELIST (APRIL 25)
I’ve got Good News
Mark was an evangelist, one who brings Good News. He was also one of the four evangelists who are credited with writing the gospels. Mark’s gospel is the shortest, but it packs a punch with its message of the suffering servant Jesus, who endured defeat and death so that we all might be saved.
Readings: 1 Peter 5:5b-14; Mark 16:15-20 - “Go into the whole world and proclaim the Gospel to every creature.”
FAITH IN ACTION
Mark’s mission of sharing the Good News of our salvation didn’t stop with him. It extends to all who hear and believe the gospel. Bring the Good News to someone around you today.
THIS WEEKEND’S GOSPEL -
Stock Photo ID: 1074985220 -BOLOGNA, ITALY - APRIL 18, 2018: The icon of Christ as the Good Shepherd in church Chiesa di San Pietro by Giancarlo Pellegrini. Important information. Editorial Use Only. Photo Contributor: Renata Sedmakova
As disciples of Jesus, we're not trying to merely imitate God's actions, as commendable as that would be, nor are we merely trying to do what God in Jesus did, as far as any human beings could possibly imitate God made flesh, but rather we're ultimately striving to become more connected to the motivations that our Lord had that caused him to act the way he did, the reason and cause for all his actions, all his words, all his ministry, which at its core and centre is of course his identity as God and God's nature as infinite love. We're called to become instruments of God's love, servants of God's love, and to become the love of God inside and out for others. Here's the critical truth about our faith.
It's grounded in God's wondrous love for us and for all people. We may not feel worthy to be loved, we may even push that love away at times, but we cannot keep God from loving us. That's God's prerogative and that's God's very nature.
God is a Today we remember the truth that God always searches for the ones who are lost and who feel unworthy or unloved, and he carries them in his arms when he's found them, with joy. Anyone who would follow Jesus, the Good Shepherd, as a disciple in the vocations of priesthood or religious life, but in any vocation really, must be prepared to have the love of God's precious ones in their heart, after the example of the Good Shepherd himself. Jesus tells us he will lay down his life for us.
He's already died for us, but every day Jesus was willing to lay down his life for his people. Salvation is not something in the past, salvation is today and every day. The second reading from the first letter of Saint John is a wonderful prophecy of what heaven will be like.
We keep that wonderful vision in our minds as we think of all the loss during times of war, all the sacrifices. Saint John reminds us that in heaven, we will be like him and see him as he is. So much of our life here on earth is spent trying to be like him, trying to live as he lived, trying to love as God loved in Jesus.
In heaven, we shall be like him, and we will love like him. That's the goal of all discipleship and all vocations, to love like God. If we love as God does, then all other things flow from it.
Jesus offers healing for us each and every day in so many different ways. True, sometimes we ask for help and healing in a certain specific way and we don't always get what we specifically ask for, but God promises us he always answers our prayers in one way or another. And even if God does not take all our burdens from our shoulders, we know that God loves us and God is faithful utterly to us and will never abandon us. (A)
God does not will any bad thing for us or anyone. God only wants to cherish us always, through the good times and through the terrible times. Let's rejoice and be glad.
Let's be still and listen and look for the signs of God's love and healing in our lives. Let's be aware of how much healing God has already done in our lives and continues to do. And may God keep transforming us into more and more effective instruments of his love and grace, that we might show God's love and care to every other person we meet and slowly but surely be transformed from hired workers into full shepherds after the Lord's heart, with love, divine love, which never ceases to give of itself at its very centre.
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References:
(A) MONASTERY OF CHRIST IN THE DESERT. ABBOT'S HOMILY. Abbot Philip, OSB
Inaugural Speech to Clergy of Brisbane by Archbishop-elect of Brisbane, Mark Coleridge, (2012) – taken from notes by Paul Kelly.
Fr Paul W. Kelly
Stock Photo ID: 1074985220 -BOLOGNA, ITALY - APRIL 18, 2018: The icon of Christ as the Good Shepherd in church Chiesa di San Pietro by Giancarlo Pellegrini. Important information. Editorial Use Only. Photo Contributor: Renata Sedmakova
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
Also found at - https://tinyurl.com/FHLpwk
St George.
ST. GEORGE is honoured in the Catholic church as one of the most illustrious martyrs of Christ. The Greeks have long distinguished him by the title of The Great Martyr and keep his festival a holiday of obligation. There stood formerly in Constantinople five or six churches dedicated in his honour, the oldest of which was always said to have been built by Constantine the Great; who seems also to have been the founder of the church of St. George, which stood over his tomb in Palestine. Both these churches were certainly built under the first Christian emperors. In the middle of the sixth age the Emperor Justinian erected a new church, in honour of this saint, at Bizanes, in Lesser Armenia: the Emperor Mauritius founded one in Constantinople. It is related in the life of St. Theodorus of Siceon, that he served God a long while in a chapel which bore the name of St. George, had a particular devotion to this glorious martyr, and strongly recommended the same to Mauritius, when he foretold him the empire. One of the churches of St. George in Constantinople, called Manganes, with a monastery adjoining, gave to the Hellespont the name of the Arm of St. George. To this day is St. George honoured as principal patron or tutelar saint by several eastern nations, particularly the Georgians. The Byzantine historians relate several battles to have been gained, and other miracles wrought through his intercession. From frequent pilgrimages to his church and tomb in Palestine, performed by those who visited the Holy Land, his veneration was much propagated over the West. St. Gregory of Tours mentions him as highly celebrated in France in the sixth century. St. Gregory the Great ordered an old church of St. George, which was fallen to decay, to be repaired. His office is found in the sacramentary of that pope, and many others. St. Clotildis, wife of Clovis, the first Christian king of France, erected altars under his name; and the church of Chelles, built by her, was originally dedicated in his honour. The ancient life of Droctovæus mentions, that certain relics of St. George were placed in the church of St. Vincent, now called St. Germaris, in Paris, when it was first consecrated. Fortunatus of Poitiers wrote an epigram on a church of St. George, in Mentz. The intercession of this saint was implored especially in battles, and by warriors, as appears by several instances in the Byzantine history, and he is said to have been himself a great soldier. He is at this day the tutelar saint of the republic of Genoa; and was chosen by our ancestors in the same quality under our first Norman kings. The great national council, held at Oxford in 1222, commanded his feast to be kept a holiday of the lesser rank throughout all England. Under his name and ensign was instituted by our victorious King Edward III. in 1330, the most noble Order of knighthood in Europe, consisting of twenty-five knights, besides the sovereign. Its establishment is dated fifty years before the knights of St. Michael were instituted in France, by Lewis XI., eighty years before the Order of the Golden Fleece, established by Philip the Good, duke of Burgundy; and one hundred and ninety before the Order of St. Andrew was set up in Scotland by James V. The Emperor Frederick IV. instituted, in 1470, an Order of knights in honour of St. George; and an honourable military Order in Venice bears his name.
The extraordinary devotion of all Christendom to this saint, is an authentic proof how glorious his triumph and name have always been in the church. All his acts relate, that he suffered under Dioclesian, at Nicomedia. Joseph Assemani shows, from the unanimous consent of all churches, that he was crowned on the 23rd of April. According to the account given us by Metaphrastes, he was born in Cappadocia, of noble Christian parents. After the death of his father, he went with his mother into Palestine, she being a native of that country, and having there a considerable estate, which fell to her son George. He was strong and robust in body, and having embraced the profession of a soldier, was made a tribune, or colonel in the army. By his courage and conduct, he was soon preferred to higher stations by the Emperor Dioclesian. When that prince waged war against the Christian religion, St. George laid aside the marks of his dignity, threw up his commission and posts, and complained to the emperor himself of his severities and bloody edicts. He was immediately cast into prison, and tried, first by promises, and afterwards put to the question, and tortured with great cruelty; but nothing could shake his constancy. The next day he was led through the city and beheaded. Some think him to have been the same illustrious young man who tore down the edicts when they were first fixed up at Nicomedia, as Lactantius relates in his book, On the Death of the Persecutors, and Eusebius in his history. The reason why St. George has been regarded as the patron of military men, is partly upon the score of his profession, and partly upon the credit of a relation of his appearing to the Christian army in the holy war, before the battle of Antioch. The success of this battle proving fortunate to the Christians, under Godfrey of Bouillon, made the name of St. George more famous in Europe, and disposed the military men to implore more particularly his intercession. This devotion was confirmed, as it is said, by an apparition of St. George to our king, Richard I., in his expedition against the Saracens: which vision, being declared to the troops, was to them a great encouragement, and they soon after defeated the enemy. 10 St. George is usually painted on horseback, and tilting at a dragon, under his feet; but this representation is no more than an emblematical figure, purporting, that, by his faith and Christian fortitude, he conquered the devil, called the dragon in the Apocalypse.
Though many dishonour the profession of arms by licentiousness of manners, yet, to show us that perfect sanctity is attainable in all states, we find the names of more soldiers recorded in the martyrologies than almost of any other profession. Every true disciple of Christ must be a martyr in the disposition of his heart, as he must be ready to lose all, and to suffer anything, rather than to offend God. Every good Christian is also a martyr, by the patience and courage with which he bears all trials. There is no virtue more necessary, nor of which the exercise ought to be more frequent, than patience. In this mortal life we have continually something to suffer from disappointments in affairs, from the severity of the seasons, from the injustice, caprice, peevishness, jealousy, or antipathy of others; and from ourselves, in pains either of mind or body. Even our own weaknesses and faults are to us subjects of patience. And as we have continually many burdens, both of our own and others, to bear, it is only in patience that we are to possess our souls. This affords us comfort in all our sufferings and maintains our souls in unshaken tranquillity and peace. This is true greatness of mind and the virtue of heroic souls. But, alas! every accident ruffles and disturbs us, and we are insupportable even to ourselves. What comfort should we find, what peace should we enjoy, what treasures of virtue should we heap up, what a harvest of merits should we reap if we had learned the true spirit of Christian patience? This is the martyrdom and the crown of every faithful disciple of Christ.
St Adalbert of Prague (c 956-997) Bishop and Martyr, Missionary.
Adalbert was born circa 956 in the modern-day Czech Republic, with the given name of Vojtech. He came from a large, noble family and was one of seven sons of Prince Slavnik. Vojtech survived a serious illness as a child and was consecrated for service to God. He studied in Magdeburg, under St Adalbert of Magdeburg and Vojtech took his mentor’s name at his confirmation. The younger St. Adalbert returned home and was Ordained a Priest and soon became Bishop of Prague at the age of 27. Adalbert was consecrated as the Bishop of Prague just months after becoming a priest. “It is an easy thing to wear the mitre and a cross,” Adalbert reflected, “but it is a most dreadful circumstance to have an account to give of a bishopric to the Judge of the living and the dead.”
St Fidelis of Sigmaringen OFM.Cap. (1577-1622).
“May your heart be an altar, from which the bright flame of unending thanksgiving ascends to heaven.”
“Draw near to our Lord, thoroughly aware of your own nothingness and you may hope all things from His Goodness and Mercy. Never forget that Jesus Christ is no less generous in the Blessed Sacrament than He was during His mortal life on earth.”
O my God, may every beat of my heart, be a prayer, to obtain grace and pardon for sinners. May all my sighs, be so many appeals to Your infinite mercy. May each look, have the virtue, to gain to Your love, those souls, whom I shall look on. May the food of my life, be to work without ceasing for Your glory and the salvation of souls. Amen
It is because of faith that we exchange the present for the future.
Woe to me if I should prove myself but a half-hearted soldier in the service of my thorn-crowned Captain.
I am sent to you to confute, not to embrace your heresy. The Catholic religion is the faith of all ages, and I fear not death. . . Pardon my enemies, O Lord: blinded by passion they know not what they do. Lord Jesus, have mercy on me. Mary, Mother of God, succour me!
“What made the holy apostles and martyrs endure fierce agony and bitter torments, except faith and especially faith in the resurrection? What is it that today makes true followers of Christ cast luxuries aside, leave pleasures behind and endure difficulties and pain? It is a living faith that expresses itself through love. It is this that makes us put aside the goods of the present in the hope of future goods. It is because of faith that we exchange the present for the future.”
St Mark Evangelist: (26/4)
“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.” Jesus Christ, quoted in Mark 12:30
“Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first among you must be the slave of everyone else. For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many.” Jesus Christ, in Mark 10:42-45.
St Louis de Montfort
If we do not risk anything for God we will never do anything great for Him.
Take advantage of little sufferings even more than of great ones. God considers not so much what we suffer as how we suffer. . . Turn everything to profit as the grocer does in his shop.
When the Holy Rosary is said well, it gives Jesus and Mary more glory and is more meritorious than any other prayer.
If you put all the love of all the mothers into one heart it still would not equal the love of the Heart of Mary for her children.
Pray with great confidence, with confidence based on the goodness and infinite generosity of God and upon the promises of Jesus Christ. God is a spring of living water which flows unceasingly into the hearts of those who pray.
All true children of God have God for their father and Mary for their mother; anyone who does not have Mary for his mother, does not have God for his father.
She [Mother Mary] is an echo of God, speaking and repeating only God. If you say "Mary" she says 'God'.
Mary is the fruitful Virgin, and in all the souls in which she comes to dwell she causes to flourish purity of heart and body, rightness of intention and abundance of good works. Do not imagine that Mary, the most fruitful of creatures who gave birth to a God, remains barren in a faithful soul. It will be she who makes the soul live incessantly for Jesus Christ, and will make Jesus live in the soul.
Mary alone gives to the unfortunate children of unfaithful Eve entry into that earthly paradise where they may walk pleasantly with God and be safely hidden from their enemies. There they can feed without fear of death on the delicious fruit of the tree of life and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. They can drink copiously the heavenly waters of that beauteous fountain which gushes forth in such abundance.
The cross is the greatest gift God could bestow on His Elect on earth. There is nothing so necessary, so beneficial, so sweet, or so glorious as to suffer something for Jesus. If you suffer as you ought, the cross will become a precious yoke that Jesus will carry with you.
We fasten our souls to Your hope, as to an abiding anchor. It is to Her that the saints who have saved themselves have been the most attached and have done their best to attach others, in order to persevere in virtue. Happy, then, a thousand times happy, are the Christians who are now fastened faithfully and entirely to Her, as to a firm anchor!
How different are theirs from ours! Their roses are pleasures of the flesh, worldly honours and passing riches which wilt and decay in no time, but ours, which are the Our Father and Hail Mary which we have said devoutly over and over again, and to which we have added good penitential acts, will never wilt or die, and they will be just as exquisite thousands of years from now as they are today.
You must expect then to be shaped, cut and chiseled under the hammer of the Cross, otherwise you would remain unpolished stone, of no value at all, to be disregarded and cast aside. Do not cause the hammer to recoil when it strikes you. Yield to the chisel that is carving you and the hand that is shaping you.
We never give more honour to Jesus than when we honour his Mother, and we honour her simply and solely to honour him all the more perfectly. We go to her only as a way leading to the goal we seek — Jesus, her Son.
Mary has the authority over the angels and the blessed in heaven. As a reward for her great humility, God gave her the power and mission of assigning to saints the thrones made vacant by the apostate angels who fell away through pride. Such is the will of the almighty God who exalts the humble, that the powers of heaven, earth and hell, willingly or unwillingly, must obey the commands of the humble Virgin Mary.
The greatest saints, those richest in grace and virtue will be the most assiduous in praying to the most Blessed Virgin, looking up to her as the perfect model to imitate and as a powerful helper to assist them.
If you say the Rosary faithfully unto death, I do assure you that, in spite of the gravity of your sins, you will receive a never-fading crown of glory.
We must conclude that, being necessary to God by a necessity which is called 'hypothetical', (that is, because God so willed it), the Blessed Virgin is all the more necessary for men to attain their final end. Consequently we must not place devotion to her on the same level as devotion to the other saints as if it were merely something optional.
According to St. Bonaventure, all the angels in heaven unceasingly call out to her: 'Holy, holy, holy Mary, Virgin Mother of God.' They greet her countless times each day with the angelic greeting, 'Hail, Mary', while prostrating themselves before her, begging her as a favour to honour them with one of her requests. According to St. Augustine, even St. Michael, though prince of all the heavenly court, is the most eager of all the angels to honour her and lead others to honour her. At all times he awaits the privilege of going at her word to the aid of one of her servants.
Even if you are on the brink of damnation, even if you have one foot in hell, even if you have sold your soul to the devil as sorcerers do who practice black magic, and even if you are a heretic as obstinate as a devil, sooner or later you will be converted and will amend your life and will save your soul, if-and mark well what I say-if you say the Holy Rosary devoutly every day until death for the purpose of knowing the truth and obtaining contrition and pardon for your sins.“Have you strayed from the path leading to heaven? Then call on Mary, for her name means "Star of the Sea, the North Star which guides the ships of our souls during the voyage of this life," and she will guide you to the harbour of eternal salvation.”
“God the Father has communicated to Mary His fruitfulness, as far as a mere creature was capable of it, in order that He might give her the power to produce His Son, and all the members of His mystical body.”
“The works of Jesus and Mary can also be called wonderful flowers; but their perfume and beauty can only be appreciated by those who study them carefully—and who open them and drink in their scent by diligent and sincere meditation.”
“When Mary has struck her roots in a soul, she produces there marvels of grace, which she alone can produce, because she alone is the fruitful Virgin who never has had, and never will have, her equal in purity and in fruitfulness.”
“In order to rid ourselves of self, we must die ourselves daily. That is to say, we must renounce the operations of the powers of our soul and the senses of our body. We must see as if we saw not, understand as if we understood not, and make use of the things of this world as if we made no use of them at all (1 Cor. 7:29-31). This is what St. Paul calls dying daily (1 Cor. 15:31). "Unless the grain of wheat falling into the ground die, itself remaineth alone," and bringeth forth no good fruit (Jn. 12:24-25).”
“Mary has produced, together with the Holy Ghost, the greatest thing which has been or ever will be—a God-Man; and she will consequently produce the greatest saints that there will be in the end of time.”
POPE FRANCIS: Continuation of the Synod Summary -
Image Credit- Shutterstock Licensed. Royalty-free stock photo ID: 1946367511 - Stock Photo ID: 1946367511 - Assisi (Pg), Italy - October 04 2013: His Holiness Pope Francis during his visit in Assisi. The celebration of the mass in the Lower Square of San Francis. Important information: Editorial Use Only. Photo Contributor: GIACOMO MORINI
19. Groupings of Churches within the Communion of the Whole Church
Convergences
The Holy Spirit abundantly distributes His gifts for the common good, and so we are convinced that each Church, in the communion of the entire Church, has much to offer. When we view the Church as the Body of Christ, we understand more easily that the various members are interdependent and share the same life: "if one member suffers, all the members suffer together with it; and if one member is honoured, all the members rejoice with it" (1 Cor 12:26). We therefore want to develop the spiritual attitudes that arise from this outlook: humility and generosity, respect and sharing. Also important are the willingness to grow in mutual knowledge and to prepare the necessary structures so that the exchange of spiritual riches, missionary discipleship and material goods can become a concrete reality.
The question of groupings of local churches proved to be fundamental to the full exercise of synodality in the Church. In responding to the question of how to configure instances of synodality and collegiality involving groupings of local churches, the Assembly agreed on the importance of ecclesial discernment carried out by the Episcopal Conferences and Continental Assemblies for the proper conduct of the first phase of the synodal process.
The synodal process has shown how the bodies provided by the Code of Canon Law and the Code of Canons for the Eastern Churches exercise their function more effectively when these bodies are understood from the local churches. The fact that the Church (Ecclesia tota) is a communion of Churches requires each bishop in a more direct and binding way to exercise his duty of care for all the Churches (sollicitudo omnium Ecclesiarum) as a constitutive aspect of his ministry as pastor of a Church.
Episcopal Conferences played a decisive role in the first phase of the synodal process. The process brought out the need for synodality and collegiality at the continental level. Bodies operating at these levels contribute to the exercise of synodality, respecting local realities and processes of inculturation. The Assembly expressed confidence that by these means, the risk of uniformity and centralization in the government of the Church will be overcome.
Matters for Consideration
Before creating new ecclesial structures, we need to strengthen and revitalize those that exist. There is also a need for ecclesiological and canonical study of the implications of the reform related to groupings of Churches, so that they may assume a more fully synodal character.
Considering the synodal practices of the Church of the first millennium, we suggest a study exploring how ancient institutions can be recovered in the current canonical order, and harmonising them with newly created ones, such as Episcopal Conferences.
The doctrinal and juridical nature of Episcopal Conferences needs further study, recognising the possibility of collegial action, including questions of doctrine that arise locally, thus reopening reflection on the Motu Proprio Apostolos suos.
Could the canons referring to particular councils (plenary and provincial) be revised in order to increase the participation of the People of God, following the example of the dispensation obtained in the recent Plenary Council of Australia?
Proposals
Among the structures already provided for in the Code, the ecclesiastical province or metropolitan see should be recovered and strengthened as a place of communion for the local churches within their territory.
Relevant authorities should implement synodality at regional, national, and continental levels in accordance with the insights that have emerged in regard to Church groupings.
Where necessary, we suggest creating international ecclesiastical provinces to benefit bishops who do not belong to any Episcopal Conference and to promote communion among Churches across national borders.
In Latin Rite countries in which there is also a hierarchy of Eastern Catholic Churches, we recommend including Eastern Bishops in national Episcopal Conferences, leaving intact their governmental autonomy established by their own Code.
A canonical configuration of the Continental Assemblies should be worked out that, while respecting the particularity of each continent, takes due account of the participation of the Episcopal Conferences and that of the Churches, with their own delegates who make present the variety of the People of God.
[Summary of the Synod Source: https://www.synod.va/en/synodal-process/the-universal-phase/documents.htm]
Commitment To Child Safety and Vulnerable-Adult Safety
……………..See overleaf …..
St Kevin’s Catholic School, Community business directory: https://www.sk.qld.edu.au/Pages/Rainbow-Connection.aspx
Acknowledgement of Country - This is Kombumerri Country - The Traditional Custodians 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/)
** The significance of the ancient Catholic Blessing Symbol. “20 C+M+B 24”
An ancient medieval practice that developed in the Catholic Church was to bless one’s home with blessed chalk at the yearly epiphany. On the door or the lintel will be this symbol:
This means that 2000 years ago, after Christ’s birth, Wise Men visited and gave homage to the Lord and were welcomed into the hospitality of the Holy Family’s abode. We dedicate the present year of this century, ‘24, to the protection of the Lord. May the Lord bless this abode.
The letters C+M+B represent Caspar, Bathasar and Melchior; the three Wise Men. CMB is also the initials of the Latin phrase “Christus Mansionem Benedicat” - “May Christ Bless this dwelling place.”