Thursday 31 December 2020

Surfers Paradise Catholic Parish - Mass for the Solemnity of Mary the Holy Mother of God. Friday, January 1, 2021 (EPISODE: 270)

Solemnity of Mary the Holy Mother of God. Year B – 
Friday, January 1, 2021

(EPISODE: 270)

  HAPPY NEW YEAR, EVERYONE! 

 shutterstock_22831801.jpg

First Reading: Numbers 6:22-27
Psalm: Ps 66:2-3. 5. 6. 8. "May God bless us in his mercy."
Second Reading: Galatians 4:4-7
Gospel Acclamation: Hebrews 1:1-2. Alleluia, alleluia! In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets; now he speaks to us through his Son. Alleluia.
Gospel: Luke 2:16-21

Image Credit: ID: 22831801. Virgin Mary and baby Jesus. By alphaspirit.it

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Please listen to my audio recordings of the readings, prayers and reflections for the Mary Mother of God. Year B - January 1, 2021 by clicking this link here: https://soundcloud.com/user-633212303/faith-hope-and-love-solemnity-of-mary-the-holy-mother-of-god-1st-january-2021-episode-270 (EPISODE: 270)

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A new calendar year has begun today. 2021 has arrived. And the most excellent way to begin is to commend this brand new year to the intercession, protection and guidance of Mary the Mother of God. Mary, the first and most perfect disciple of Christ. May God bless this new year with his compassionate hand, and his grace and love.
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In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all.
{{Kindness and grace to you all}}

On this special Solemnity of
Mary the Holy Mother of God,, trusting in Gods faithfulness, mercy and love let us first call to mind our sins.

Lord Jesus, your beloved and Mother is thereby the Mother of God. Lord have mercy
Your beloved mother is Help of Christians. Christ have mercy
Your beloved Mother is the Queen of Heaven. 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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PREFACE: Blessed Virgin MARY I
Euch .Prayer: 2
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{Thanks everyone, and THROUGH God's grace and mercy, and the faithful intercession of Mary the holy mother of God, may this be for you all a blessed, healthy and grace-filled year of the lord.}


The Lord be with you……
(Bow down for the blessing)

May God, the source and origin of all blessing,
grant you grace,
pour out his blessing in abundance,
and keep you safe from harm throughout the year. Amen.


May he give you integrity in the faith,
endurance in hope,
and perseverance in charity
with holy patience to the end. Amen.

May he order your days and your deeds in his peace,
grant your prayers in this and in every place,
and lead you happily to eternal life.
Amen.

And may the blessing of almighty God,
the Father, and the Son,+ and the Holy Spirit,
come down on you and remain with you forever.

Amen.

 

Dismissal:

 Go in peace, glorifying the Lord by your life.

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HOMILY:
It's always excellent to dedicate the new calendar year to God, and God's Kingdom, and God's vision for the world.

For this is indeed the Year of the Lord, 2021.

....

In good times and in times of trial .. God has shown us the direction, priority and values that show us the way to live and respond in any circumstances ...

it's also very fitting to dedicate this new year to the prayer and intercession of the first and most perfect disciple .. mary the mother of god ...
Mary - a woman of faith;
The willing handmaiden of the. Lord.
faithfully Saying yes to all that God was doing in her life.
woman of prayer &
praising God for his justice, his loving kindness and overflowing concern for the poor and the humble
Our lady - Pondering and treasuring in her heart, all that happened to her and around her.
filled with generosity and practical charity and concern for others.
faithful and willing intercessor on behalf of the needy, to her beloved Son.
In the readings for this feast day, it says "Happy /. blessed," are the people because God's hand is upon his people ... God cares for them.
God is guiding them, God is concerned for them and faithful to them.

We are blessed because God's hand is upon us, 
God's loving presence is with us, even when we are not happy or fortunate or when things are not going well, or even when we are not being treated well. Calling always for human dignity and justice to be given to all who are mistreated.  

(Commentary)

"Because Jesus, though a real human, like ourselves, truly and rightly calls God his Father. He is the son and heir of God. Jesus is free of all restrictions and enslavements, and we too, plunged into Christ in baptism, are similarly heirs and made-free. All this depends on Jesus fully sharing our human nature. (For he is truly), 'born of a woman.'

"Where did he get his human existence from, if not from Mary?"

"At the Council of Ephesus, (
AD 431), the controversial and dissenting theologian, Nestorius wanted Mary to be called merely 'Christotokos' or 'Christ-bearer', but the Council insisted that the man Jesus, who was fully God, derived his whole being from Mary: she was 'Theotokos', 'God-bearer'. The whole person who was God was born of Mary, not just a human Christ. From Mary, he derived his genes, his DNA, his flesh-and-blood, his temperament (which was divine too), his habits of mind, his warmth of personality. He was utterly, frankly and joyfully human, and yet those who opened their eyes and ears to him could also revere him as God." (HW)

In today's Gospel .....

"The cosy picture of the bright-eyed child in the clean wooden manger (with the ox and the donkey peeping in from a respectful distance) has been cleaned up over the centuries.......The picture of the stable in Bethlehem is actually one of destitution. There was no room for the new-born in the normal living quarters, and his worried mother had to lodge him in the only space available, a feeding trough for cattle, perched on top of their fodder. That was where the ragged sheep-minders found him. They too were the poorest of the poor, no sheep of their own just hired for the night. Perhaps they got a drink of goats'-milk or a crust of bread for their shivering pains. Whilst Matthew's gospel (which is not heard today), does at least have the baby worshipped by those rather splendid Wise Men from the East, with their noble and powerfully symbolic gift; No gifts forthcoming from today's rough crew of shepherds."

"As we worry about our post-Christmas waistlines, and set out on our New Year resolutions, it makes us reflect on where true blessedness lies, and who are the chosen ones of the Lord."

"Surely, one might be tempted to say, (if only seeing with the eyes of this world), God could have rustled up more suitable worshippers for his Incarnate Son than these scruffy down-and-outs? Of course, (and thanks be to God), - He did not!" (HW)

As this brand new year begins….   Mary, Mother of God, Pray for us.

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References:
Fr Paul W. Kelly

Commentaries signed "HW" are by Dom Henry Wansbrough of Ampleforth Abbey. © Copyright 1996-2019 Universalis Publishing Ltd
·

Image Credit: ID: 22831801. Virgin Mary and baby Jesus. By alphaspirit.it
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Archive of homilies and reflections: http://homilycatholic.blogspot.com.au
To contact Fr. Paul, please email:
paulwkelly68@gmail.com
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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.
NB - It is often a week or so Ahead:
https://soundcloud.com/user-633212303/tracks

You are welcome to subscribe to Fr Paul's homily mail-out by sending an email to this address:
paulkellyreflections+subscribe@googlegroups.com

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.

Christmas Hymn - "Word Made Flesh" by Paul W. Kelly. Based upon: John's Gospel 1:14,  1 John 4:9 , & Isaiah 9:2, 6, 7.
(Written on 8/5/20; 10/9/20).  Arranged and sung by Stefan Kelk, with adjusted lyrics.  2020. https://www.airgigs.com/user/stefankelk

Marian Hymn - "Salve Regina Mater Misericordiae." (Traditional 11th Century). Melody: Mainz (1712), Hymn #783 - Brébeuf Hymnal. From https://www.ccwatershed.org/hymn/
 
Marian Hymn – "Quem Terra, Pontus, Aethera." ("Whom Earth and Sea and Sky Proclaim"). Traditional 6th Century Hymn. Melody: Bartholomaus Gesius (d.1613). #376 - Brébeuf Hymnal. From https://www.ccwatershed.org/hymn/


[ Production - KER - 2021]

May God bless and keep you.

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Saturday 26 December 2020

SPCP_E-newsletter -Sunday, December 27, 2020- The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph. Year B



Surfers Paradise Catholic Parish E-Newsletter

Parish Office: (07) 5572 5433 (9am – 12pm Mon-Fri) | Mass Times: (07) 5595 8466

Email: surfers@bne.catholic.net.au | Website: www.surfersparadiseparish.com.au 

Emergencies: Priest contactable via office phone (after hours follow menu prompts)

50 Fairway Drive, Clear Island Waters, Queensland, 4226

Masses via pre-bookings here (including Christmas Masses)


Sunday, December 27, 2020 | Holy Family of Jesus, Mary & Joseph Year B


Readings for The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary And Joseph. Year B 

FIRST READING:  Gen 15:1-6; 21:1-3 

Ps: 105:1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 8-9 (new) "The Lord remembers his covenant forever."

SECOND READING: Heb 11:8, 11-12, 17-19 

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION (Heb 1:1-2): Alleluia, alleluia! In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets; now he speaks to us through his Son. Alleluia.

GOSPEL: Luke 2:22-40

"For my eyes have seen your salvation,

which you have prepared in the sight of all nations" (Luke 2:30-31)

Shutterstock Licensed Image -  stock photo ID: 1211082175. PRAGUE, CZECH REPUBLIC - OCTOBER 17, 2018: The fresco of Presentation in the Temple in church kostel Svateho Cyrila. Metodeje probably by Gustav Miksch and Antonin Krisan (19. cent.). By Renata Sedmakova

 

THE PASTOR'S POST:

Let's Try Again.

 

This is the first year for as long as I can remember when I have felt a bit insecure. Unsure about our future, uncertain about where we might be heading as a world, country and as a Church. It feels like we have been bombarded by a mixture of issues piling up and then blending in together, which has confused and obscured what has previously been a more clear and confident hope for the future. I feel like I have given in a little to the prophets of doom, who suggest it's a big bad world out there.

 

As I sifted through concerns like the drought and the bushfires, the horrific domestic violence deaths and injuries, the continued unrest in the Middle East and Northern Africa, global warming, the uncertainty of the political systems in the US, Great Britain, South America and North Korea, and just in case we forget it, the new monster called Covid, it seemed easier to see darkness and no so much light. Add to this the absolute dearth of priestly vocations and the aging of people attending church in all denominations. I found myself thinking that some people weren't doing enough to change things that needed changing, but I wasn't too sure who those people were. Oddly, all these things have become a huge burden for many people who can do nothing to change or solve them. We watch and listen, but feel so powerless to make things right again. We hunger for something to bring us hope. Some good news, more substantial than the Boxing Day sales or the cricket test.

 

You might say that Christmas was supposed to achieve regrouping as positive and thankful people, sadly it has become sapped of its true intention, almost devoid of gratitude, unless we get the present we were hoping for. This year in particular we talk a lot about celebrating Christmas, but celebrating what? It is full of such intense pressure around shopping, food, decorating tables and houses, holidaying and finally resting from all the hard work of celebrating. It all seems too busy for us to stop and contemplate, to recall the things for which we are grateful. This week the British Prime Minister referred to having to cancel Christmas this year, intimating that there was nothing to celebrate and that since people couldn't gather in large groups, they might as well write it off as a "no show". What about those who hold on to the promise of salvation through the birth of Christ, who have found a way to replace the trimmings with the real essence of peace and joy, that does not depend on gifts and rich food.

 

This hopeful attitude does not simply come because we wish it so. This hope only happens when we watch, we listen and we learn how to change, only when we practice what it means to be a person baptised into the body of Christ. Coming to church once or twice a year may make a small difference, but is it enough to shine a hopeful light on a world that spends a lot of time and dollars making us feel powerless and dependent on governments, industry and technology?

 

I do think we have to start simply. Not to overburden this season with unrealistic expectations. Having done all the planning and preparation, we should sit back and let the real story happen. Remind ourselves that this time is not founded on anything more complicated than the beginnings of a new family, each of whom had undertaken a journey without a certain destination, but certain of the way to get there.

 

If you are fortunate enough to be able to get together with family can we at least say 'Grace before the Meal', a quaint and old fashioned tradition, that has largely been forgotten, but is so important as a reminder that what we have before us is a gift not a right.  Can we stop for a second and take stock of who and what we have around the table? Can we try to have one day at least when we are not wishing for something more than what we have, and see that we have here in Australia is a hundred times more than most people in the world. Can we try to move away from the old patterns of complaints or gossip? Can we broaden our perspective and not think that ours is the only way to get things done? Let's not just tell everyone what is wrong, but seek to change it ourselves.

 

Let's also remember fondly those who will not be with us around the table this year. Those who in their lives gave us so much to hope for and who lived the spirit of thanksgiving. While they may be thought of with sadness, do not let it overtake the joy that comes with remembering them. Let happiness rise to the surface and leave regret for another day.

 

Christmas was fast approaching and everybody was happy and everybody was sad.

Everyone was glad and hopeful and everyone was full of regret.

Everyone was excited and everyone was totally exhausted.

Everyone was irritable and everyone was kind and caring.

Everyone felt lost and lonely and everyone felt peaceful and joyous.

Well, not EVERYONE.

There were those who just sat there grinning.   (Leunig)

 

Fr Peter Dillon PP.

 

SURVEY INTO THE SURFERS PARADISE PARISH E-NEWS SERVICE

The Surfers Parish leadership team would like to receive feedback about the resources we are sending out regularly. We would be grateful if you could take some time to fill out this survey.  It will help us provide the resources you need and most value. Please click here for the parish survey. Your input will help us in providing helpful resources and communication: 

 

https://fs19.formsite.com/paulkelly/5jf4e4d1xz/index.html 

 

MASS TIMES (PRE-BOOKING ESSENTIAL): SURFERS PARADISE MASS TIMES


Sacred Heart 

350 max capacity

Saturday Night - 5 pm

  • (Maronite Mass 6:30pm, Saturday Night)

*Note First Saturday of the month morning Mass 9am (Next: 2nd Jan)

Sunday - 9 am & 6 pm

  • (Polish Mass 12 noon Sunday)

  • (Italian Mass 4pm Sunday)

St Vincent's

200 max capacity

Sunday - 8 am & 10 am

  • (Hispanic Mass – 5.30 pm on 1st and 3rd Sundays)

Extra parking is available only meters from St Vincent's Church, at King's Car Park, entry via Beach Road

Stella Maris 

200 max capacity 

Saturday Night - 5 pm

Sunday - 7 am

Please note: Numbers allowed in each Church are based on social distancing restrictions and the Archbishop has continued to exempt everyone from the obligation to attend Sunday mass during restrictions.

CLICK HERE TO BOOK FOR MASS

Additional to the above times, we will continue to celebrate weekday Mass at Sacred Heart at 9am. The 9am Saturday Mass will be on the First Saturday of the month (2nd Jan) at Sacred Heart.

Please remember that as per restrictions we are still expected to book and check in for mass, maintain a social-distance of 1.5m, receive Holy Communion in the hand only, refrain from physical contact when offering the Sign of Peace, and to sanitise when entering and exiting the premises. We ask that people consult the parish website www.surfers paradise parish.com.au, to keep up to date with any changes relating to masses. 

Mass Booking:  bookeo.com/catholicmassgoldcoast or if you are unable to book online, please ring the parish office between 9am and 12 noon Mon-Fri. Ph: 5572 5433

 

The dispensation from attending Mass continues to apply in these times of Covid restrictions and if people are unable to book into a mass we will have the Mass for you at home audio liturgy and also other streaming options. Thank you for your cooperation at this time.

 

Mass Booking:  https://bookeo.com/catholicmassgoldcoast or, if you are unable to book online, please ring the parish office between 9am and 12 noon Mon-Fri. Ph: 5572 5433

Yours faithfully, The Parish Team

 

 

We congratulate the Jalili, McCafferty and Stevens  families, whose children Luisa, Edward, Harry and Leo will be baptised in our Parish this weekend.

 Please keep the Baptism families in your prayers as they begin their faith journey.

 

SACRED HEART AND ST VINCENT'S RELIGIOUS GOODS SHOPS

A great range of children's story books, prayer books and  holy cards for that quiet time over the holidays.

Holy Family statues, window prayer cards and holy cards available now 

For enquiries and phone orders telephone Pat 0404 805 819

 

STEWARDSHIP REFLECTION

"…as the Lord has forgiven you, so you must forgive."  - Colossians 3:13

 

Forgiving is one of the hardest things for people to do.   We can't give what we don't have.  We need to receive God's mercy and forgiveness first before we can give it to others.  Go to the sacrament of Reconciliation and receive God's mercy and forgiveness.   Then, share the gift of forgiveness with someone – a family member, a friend or a co-worker.  

Pick up the phone or text someone right now. 

The vision of Stewardship speaks in every aspect of life, inviting everyone to be thankful, generous and accountable for what each has been given.

 

 

PETITION TO STATE PARLIAMENT – THE 'CARE FIRST' APPROACH WORKS BEST

  

As you may be aware, Voluntary Assisted Dying (VAD) legislation will come before parliament in mid-2021.

This is a complex life ethics issue and requires action from those who support palliative care and accompanying the sick and vulnerable as the more compassionate way of caring for the terminally ill.

 

There are still options for those who are opposed to euthanasia/assisted suicide and adding your voice to the following petition is one of them.

 

Although this is a secular based petition, please note it is perfectly in harmony with the Catholic position on VAD, in that:

·        we support better funding of palliative care instead of legislating VAD

 ·        Faced with a new parliament hosting many first time members, it's wise to follow due legislative process and allow a proper parliamentary committee scrutiny of the new draft legislation

 

To show your concern about the legislation of VAD, please stand with thousands of other Queenslanders and visit the e-petition page at:

https://www.parliament.qld.gov.au/work-of-assembly/petitions/petition-details?id=3449

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

THE GOSPEL THIS WEEKEND -

As we continue on our journey through this Christmas season, this Feast of the Holy Family is a really important celebration, straight after the Feast of the Nativity of our Lord, And within the Octave of Christmas. 

 

At this time of year, we give sincere thanks for the love, nurturing and support that family can give us. And the love, example and intercession which the Holy Family give us on our life journey. 

 

We think of those countless acts of kindness and love and sacrifices by our parents and families. When we were young, we probably didn't appreciate the scale of it all. When we get older, and have our own families, or watch with admiration brothers and sisters and friends raising their own families, we start to appreciate what our parents must have given and sacrificed out of love. We are truly grateful for this.

 

We are also very mindful of people whose family life has been extremely difficult and who did not have that support that others take for granted.  That is, not everyone in this world has been blessed with an unconditionally loving and accepting family, who support one another. We give thanks for mentors and all people who have been good role models and sources of care and protection for the young. These people have been family to others, beyond the ties of blood. 

 

We keep in mind at this time, families all over the world, who have done it really tough this year, due to Covid illnesses, distance, separation and financial hardship and worries. 

 

The Holy family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph, are the patron saints of supporting each-other and sticking together when everything is going wrong around them. for example:

 

When we take a close look at the very first Christmas we quickly see that life, for the Holy family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph, was anything but smooth sailing.  The joy and hope of this celebration comes from the fact that God came into our world and made a home with us when everything was going really badly for the world. The first Christmas came at a time of incredible unrest for the people of Israel, who were suffering under the foreign domination of a pagan empire, which had values quite opposed to many of the sacred religious values of the Jewish people.

 

Mary and Joseph are forced to take a terribly difficult trip to Bethlehem when Mary is imminently due to give birth. This would have been a difficult trip at the best of times, but it must have been extremely difficult for an expectant mother at the end of her term. They arrive at their ancestral home town and there is nowhere to stay. They are forced to sleep in a barn and Mary gives birth to a baby surrounded by animals. The baby is placed in a food-trough where the animals normally eat. The poorest and lowliest "outcasts" in the society at that time, the shepherds, are the first to hear about the birth and come to pay their respects.

 

Very soon after the birth, Mary and Joseph and the baby Jesus must flee for their lives, becoming refugees from King Herod's murderous jealousy. They escape into exile in a foreign land.

 

And today's gospel, which is truly wonderful, the prophet Simeon and the prophetess Anna, in the temple, praise God for Jesus who is the one who will not only save Israel but who comes to save all the world. But then Simeon turns to Mary and warns her that her life will be touched by a sword of extraordinary suffering and sorrow, as the implications of loving and caring for her only son, will touch her life deeply too. Her beloved son must tread a  loving path of indescribable suffering and sacrifice for our sakes. 

 

Mary and Joseph also had countless incidents when they just had to trust in what God was doing and, all the while, were plunged into confusion about what it all meant. They trusted in God and supported each other, especially at times when things were not clear and did not make sense to them, and this made all the difference.

 

The Holy Family are our inspiration and our prayerful support for us ….

 

And this feast day, and within the Christmas season, we give sincere and heartfelt thanks for family….. and the support and strength that we can give each other along life's long journey, with all its joys and sorrows, its graces and temptations.

 

Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph. Pray for us. 

 

To listen to the whole 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

Fr. Paul Kelly. 

(References: ). Image - Shutterstock licensed Image:  stock photo ID: 150278416. 

Vranov, Slovakia. 2019/8/22. The Nativity Icon – the Icon of the Birth of Jesus. Chapel of the Convent of the Holy Trinity in Lomnica, Vranov nad Toplou, Slovakia. By Adam Jan Figel

 

PARISH FINANCIAL SUPPORT 

Now, more than ever, your support is needed to help our Parish to continue valuable pastoral activities and to provide ongoing sustainability. To assist you to support the Parish, you can give via http://parishgiving.brisbanecatholic.org.au

If you are able to continue to support us, we would be most grateful. For all those who have been making payments via credit card and those who have donated directly into the parish account, we thank you.  The spirit of generosity is alive in our Parish.  If you would like confirmation of your donation or a receipt emailed to you please contact me at man.surfers@bne.catholic.net.au or, please ring the parish office between 9am and 12 noon Mon-Fri. Ph: 5572 5433. 




Have you seen the beautiful new timber stands in the church? They are called 'payWave' (or 'tap-and-go' machines).  These are a handy new way of donating to the parish.

Following several requests from parishioners, we have decided to provide payWave facilities in each of our Parish Churches, to assist people who may wish to donate to the work of the parish, but find that they don't have ready access to cash when they arrive at Church. 

The donation points are set at $5, so that each time you wave your credit card you would be making a donation to the parish of $5 (or $10 if you wave twice and so on). EFTPOS is also available for larger amounts. We hope this will be a more convenient way for some parishioners to donate to the parish, and that people will not feel uncomfortable if they do not contribute when the plate comes past at the collection times. All in all it is a safer, easier and more sensible way to donate as the carrying of cash is fast becoming a thing of the past. Please ask for assistance from the priests or Mass coordinators if you experience any difficulties or have questions or concerns.

To payWave, just tap a credit card or bank card on the sensor and it will donate $5 and once it has processed this first tap, (which may take 30 seconds),  you can tap it again, to give another $5, and so on.  A safe and handy way to give money.   God bless you for your support. 

Yours faithfully, Sonya Slater, Parish Manager


LITURGY SPOT: 

(Shutterstock licensed stock photo ID: 1793920924. Birth, death, resurrection of Jesus Christ. Wooden manger, nativity scene, three crosses background. Jesus is reason for season. Salvation, Messiah, Emmanuel. By j.chizhe)


Holy Days of Obligation. 


This last year, and even now, the idea of Holy Days of Obligation has been a bit different.  

This is because, with Covid restrictions, a large percentage of people have been unable to attend Mass or have been advised to avoid gathering with large numbers of people for their own health.  So, in an unusual step, but quite understandable in the circumstances, the ordinary obligation to attend Sunday mass or "Holy Days of Obligation" have been suspended for those who are not able to attend due to limited numbers, or due to particular health risks for older and vulnerable members of the community. The Archbishop continues this dispensation for everyone until the situation normalises some time in the future. People are strongly encouraged to keep these holy days special by watching livestream Masses and lso reading the scriptures of the day or joining in Mass with the assistance of podcasts such as our parish regularly publishes. 


Just out of interest, a question was raised about how many Holy Days of obligation are usually to be found in the annual Church calendar. This is a bit complicated, as each regional Bishops Conference is given some freedom to choose whether some major Solemnities are celebrated on the traditional date or whether they should, for various pastoral reasons be moved to the nearest Sunday. So, this is why some regions have  variations. Nevertheless, the basic answer is this -  Holy Days of Obligation:

(In ordinary non-Covid circumstances), there are usually fifty-four Holy Days of obligation for the Catholic Church in Australia. The Holy Days of Obligation are 15th August, (The Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary), and 25th December (Christmas). Each Sunday is also, (in ordinary non-Covid circumstances), a holy day of obligation for Christians. 


The importance of a celebration in the liturgical calendar is determined by its Rank (whether it is a solemnity, feast or a memorial). Establishing a holy day of obligation simply means that a solemnity is celebrated like a Sunday (no matter what day the feast day occurs). Its actual rank does not change. 


You will note that, although celebrations like the First of January - the Solemnity of Mary the Mother of God, and Ash Wednesday, and Good Friday and All Saints Day and All Souls Day are wonderful and very sacred and special feasts and Solemnities, they are actually not Holy Days of Obligation, but are very highly recommended and extremely spiritually fruitful. 

Fr Paul Kelly


STAYING CONNECTED

Have you ensured that your contact details are up to date with the Parish:

Please fill out this form if you are unsure. Census Form Information Update

SURFERS PARADISE CATHOLIC PARISH - CENSUS UPDATE

Are you on our mailing list for the weekly e-newsletter, weekly homily/Mass audio blog and occasional breaking news alerts? If not, please email us at paulwkelly68@gmail.com. Note: sometimes we have added a person to our email-list but the email is going to their 'spam' or 'junk-mail' folder. It is a good idea to check these folders to see if it is  there. If that is happening to you, you can mark these emails as 'approved' or 'not-spam/junk', so your email server lets them get through to you.


LINKS & RESOURCES

You can visit the Stay Connected page on our website to find an extensive list of information and resources. 

Liturgy for you at Home (produced by SPP): https://soundcloud.com/user-633212303/tracks

Weekly Homily (produced by SPP): https://homilycatholic.blogspot.com

Surfers Paradise Parish Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/surferscatholic/

Breaking Parish News (SPP Blog): https://news-parish.blogspot.com/

Access the digital Catholic Leader: https://catholicleader.com.au/digital-newspaper-covid19


NOTICES AND OPPORTUNITIES

FR WARREN LIVESTREAM MASS on ShalomWorld.org website.  (In Recess until 1st January). 

"The on-line TV masses for Shalom World TV has revealed that 29,000 watched the Mass! It did indicate to me, that especially in the time of COVID in some countries, the desire for online services is enormous."

Fr Warren's celebration of  Mass live on "ShalomWorld TV" each Friday afternoon has ended for the moment and will start again on 1st January at 2:00 pm Brisbane time.

Meanwhile, there are many interesting things to watch on this Catholic online network. If you want to watch ShalomWorld TV, you can do this through a browser on your mobile device or computer (or by downloading the ShalomWorld app on a Smart TV or to your device). The link is: www.shalomworld.org/watchlive 

You then need to get to choose "SW PRAYER" from the menu. It seems that all the browsers work a bit differently so we cannot give more precise details. Chrome, Edge or Safari are recommended. Firefox seems to have some difficulties. 


SCHOOL CROSSING SUPERVISOR CASUAL POSITION VACANT 

A casual position exists for a School Crossing Supervisor at St Vincent's Primary School. The hours of work for the School Crossing Supervisor may be up to an hour and half an hour on any school day in all weather conditions. Commencement of work for the successful applicant is dependent on: 

  • The favourable outcome of a health assessment carried out by a duly qualified Medical Practitioner according to the guidelines in the "Notes for Medical Practitioner" on the School Crossing Supervisor Scheme - Health Assessment Form;

  • The applicant either holds a current Blue Card or has submitted an application for a Blue Card to the Commission for Blue Card Services. An applicant will not be employed by the Department of Transport and Main Roads unless they meet this criterion.

The Department of Transport of Main Roads will organise and fund both for the selected applicant. Application packs are available from the administration office. Completed applications should be returned to southportroadsafety@tmr.qld.gov.au

 



HELD IN GOD'S LOVING HANDS: A Quiet Weekend Retreat For Women

What do God's hands look like? How can we reimagine our lives held in lovingly cupped hands and held close? Comfort, compassion, mercy, nurture, deep love…

A weekend opportunity for women to leave behind the chaos and clutter that can be a part of life and enter into quiet in community. Come and experience a time of prayerful reflection.

Facilitated by Grace Harwood (Dragonfly Ministries)

Friday 15 January 6pm to Sunday 17 January 3pm

Location: Santa Teresa Spirituality Centre, Wellington Street, Ormiston

Cost: $370 ($340 for pensioners, f/t students and unemployed) includes all accommodation, meals, resources and facilitation. Santa Teresa requires an additional $30 fee for those with special diets.

To register or enquire contact: grace@dragonflyministries.net.au or 0409 524 283 (also Grace)

 

 

POSITION VACANT: Albany Creek Parish

Position Vacant – Parish Secretary (Albany Creek). 

Applications are open for the above position at the Albany Creek Parish. 

The position is a part-time 16 hour role, over 2 days per week (Wed & Fri).

For additional information, please click here or visit the Archdiocese website and head to careers.

 

CHRISTIAN RELIGIOUS INSTRUCTION 

Instructors And Assistants Needed at our local State Primary Schools for 1-2 hours per week.

Tell children about JESUS.                                 

New volunteers are placed with experienced Instructors.

Training is free, with support.

An easy curriculum ensures Bible stories are covered to give an understanding of God's love.

The door is open for us to 'go' (Matthew 28:19)

Will you go?

For more information, please call Helene McCowan on 0419 747631 or email helene.mccowan@gmail.com

 

THE SACRED HEART BRIDGE CLUB 

In Recess until 18th and 20th of January

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"

Easy to learn format, no previous card playing experience necessary. All are welcome. 

For more information and to enrol, Please phone: Cheryl 5538 8821  or Mob 0417 772 701


YOGA AT THE PARISH HOSPITALITY CENTRE

In Recess until 12th JANUARY

Come join us for our friendly, COVID-19 safe, class in the comfortable Hospitality Centre at the Sacred Heart Church, available every Tuesday 10:45am. Learn to relax, yet gain greater flexibility, inner strength, body awareness and concentration, all while increasing your breath support and general wellbeing. Ruth is an IYTA accredited instructor with wide experience and runs a caring, carefully monitored one hour session costing $10 (new attendees need to arrive by 10.30am to prepare adequately for class). For more information call Ruth on 0421338110. 

 

 

PLEASE PRAY

IN OUR HEARTS AND PRAYERS AT THIS TIME.

FOR THOSE WHO ARE SICK:  Lakyn Kearins, Carmen Reeves, Patricia Moor, Roy Ferraro, Caterina (Cathy) Randazzo, Ellanie Gonzalez, Draga Vlasic,  Andrew Young, Sam Maxwell, Margaret Paterson, Rodney McGrath, Doug Reiser, Helen Bohringer,  George & Margaret Cook,  Peter O'Brien, Angela Duvnjak, Judy Dempsey, Monica Bailey, Rachel Raines,  Savannah Ayoub, Lisa Mangan, Colin Virtue, Ann Harris, Ann-Marie Loder, Angel Salvador, Brian Woodgate, Kate Smith, Tricia Baumann, Gus Reeves, Baby Maeve Lombard, Kathy Kiely, Ron Perry, Kim Parkes, Rosslyn Wallis, Jabour Haddad, Maureen Murphy, Peter Walsh, Arthur Haddad, Jean Di Benedetto, Damian Callinan, Rosemary Wales, Peter Allsopp, Yvonne Campesi, Louis Couch, Michael Tracey, Joanne Mooney, Joanne Parkes, Michelle MacDonald, John & Molly Robinson, Mary Kerr, Eileen McCarthy. 

And all those suffering from the effects of Covid-19.


RECENTLY DECEASED: Paul Thomas Grennan, Gary Moore, Denis Graham, Max Christmas,  Itufo Ah Lo, Barbara Anne Farrell, Joseph Bonnici, Joanne Burge, Mrs Murphy, Mary Cale, Betty-Ann Hillesheim, Judith Musgrave, Marianne Lila Kyle-Little, Clare Dobozy, Rowena Santos-Ochavez, Leonardo Sorrenti, Anthony Netting, Ni Rui Yu, Garry Pearse, Alec Mackenzie (Scotland), Bridget (Breda) Dalton, June Marea Cogan, Douglas George Davey.


ANNIVERSARY OF DEATH:  John Brian McCabe, James Rice, Alec Edwards, Elizabeth Di Leo, Donald Atkinson, Ramona & Juan Solitaris, Johan Egner, Carmen De Celis, Robert Henry Rathborne , Ferdinand Paul (Paul) Kiely, Bill Heather, Norma Heather, Dolly Tan,  Patricia Anne Burton, Norah & Harold Ragan, Alec Edwards, Dolly Dyer, Gregory Robert Mahoney, Victor Paul Aguggia, Janet Anne Winks, Alan James Russo, Merv Cross, Michael Joseph George, Zora Spiranovic, Dalibor Novak.

 

Next Sunday's Readings

Readings for Epiphany of the Lord. Year B 

FIRST READING: Isa 60:1-6|

Ps: Ps 72:1-2, 7-8, 10-11, 12-13 "Lord, every nation on earth will adore you."

SECOND READING: Eph 3:2-3a, 5-6

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION (Matt 2:2): Alleluia, alleluia! We have seen his star in the East; and have come to adore the Lord.

GOSPEL: Matt 2:1-12

 

"The Archdiocese of Brisbane holds that children and vulnerable adults are a gift from God with an intrinsic right to dignity of life, respect and security from physical and emotional harm.  They are to be treasured, nurtured and protected from any harm."  As a Parish Community, we pray for a change of heart, that we respond to our grief by reaching out to one another in truth and love.