SURFERS PARADISE E-NEWSLETTER
Friday, 27 March 2020
Are you, (or
anyone you know), not receiving and email with occasional updates direct to
you? If not, please email Fr Paul at kellyp@bne.catholic.net.au and we
will put you on the email list. Please note that some people had previously
given us emails but they are bounced or come back to us saying ‘undeliverable.’
We have tried to follow up on this but if you are in doubt, please email us and
we will ensure you are on the list.
++++
A Message from
Surfers Paradise Parish Priest, Fr Peter Dillon.
The Things I’ve Never Noticed Before
Maybe it’s
because I’ve never had so much unoccupied time or just a heightened awareness
of this fragile world, but I find myself hearing, seeing and doing things that
I hadn’t noticed before. Things like relishing a quiet, almost vacant car-park
in the morning and afternoons around school drop-off and pick-up times, of
reading sections of the newspaper that I had previously only scanned, of
sticking with the daily crossword puzzle until I can proceed no further and
becoming quite addicted to the hourly news reports on the progress of the
Covid-19 virus. I have never been so thirsty for facts about the progress of the
virus and for any unexpected outcomes, like the fact that in China, clean air
has been attributed to saving 20 times more lives than the number lost through
COVID-19 in that country. Now that put a whole new spin on things.
Among the many
downsides of the impact of this virus, like seeing every day the locked and
vacant Churches, that seem to be such a waste of our precious scared spaces,
that in other circumstances would have been the place to gather for prayerful
intercessions, there are some happenings that can only be seen as good and
generous responses at a time when we need to be so hopeful. Fr. Paul is at his
creative best, finding ways to make liturgies available to you in your homes,
so that Lent and eventually Easter, will not be dismissed simply because we are
not going to be in our usual pew at our usual church with our usual faith
community. This time may well be a real opportunity for growth in our
relationship with God now that we have more time not to have to fit God into
leftover spaces in our week. We may all have to celebrants in our own domestic
church. Don’t miss out on the weekly readings and homilies offered o the parish
website.
Both Fr. Paul
and I have been delighted to get messages from parishioners who are checking up
on us to see how we are travelling. These callers seem to have no other agenda
than to make sure that their pastors are following all the required safety
restrictions, and to let us know that we can call on them if needed. I have
suggested that they continue this kindness to their fellow parishioners who just
might be feeling a bit forgotten in the middle of the mayhem.
Our thoughtful
office staff you have opted to use their holiday leave time during the shutdown
of meetings and ministries at the parish are calling in each day to see if they
are needed. For the present Fr. Paul and I are answering phonecall each day
between 9am and noon just to handle the odd inquiry. With this in mind, please
be understanding if your calls are not answered as efficiently as you would
usually expect. Our receptionist and telephonist skills and our knowledge of
the workings of the parish it seems are seriously lacking.
Several people
have recognised that without our Sunday masses and their intrusive collection
plates that they are prepared to sign up for direct debit contributions just to
“keep the ship sailing” as one gentleman commented. I am comforted to know that
people have understood that this is their parish and not owned and operated
solely for the benefit of the Archdiocese.
We are feeling
the sadness of families who have had to restrict numbers at the funerals of
their loved ones. Yet people have been so understanding and cooperative in this
health requirement. While we are still able to offer anointing of the sick to
those seriously ill, a number of nursing homes have imposed restrictions on
outside visitors, so we must comply with their wishes. I’m sure our
understanding God is inspiring us to find new ways for these new times.
It is quite
surprising to realise that, while we thought it impossible to adhere to the new
daily restrictions, life is still manageable and strangely enriching. Slowing
down to take in the events of the day, not filling every waking moment with an
activity. Relishing calls and emails from family and friends and making plans
for the times when this madness is behind us. I hope I don’t slide back into
old habits when the light starts to shine at the end of the tunnel. I will
certainly be more attentive to, and appreciative of, the times when I can shake
hands with or hug someone, now that these displays of affection are on the
banned list.
I have however
noticed that the grass and the hedges haven’t restricted their growth in line
with the virus, so mowing and pruning still happen at the usual intervals. The
bins still need to be emptied and dirty dishes still need to be washed. These
everyday mundane tasks are good to remind us that life at all its levels of
importance is simple and precious and should never be taken for granted.
Now wash your
hands and enjoy your day.
Fr. Peter Dillon
PP.
Please ensure
that you keep up with updates on our parish website:
+++++++
Parish Financial Support.
We have had
inquiries from parishioners about how they can give DONATIONS to the parish during
the Coronavirus pandemic. We are very
aware that many people are struggling financially at this time and our concern
and prayers are with you. The parish is also affected financially by this
situation, as you would be aware, with masses suspended the parish collections
are not being taken up and the parish office is operating on minimum emergency coverage.
Given the
uncertainty of the situation we ask you, at this time, to prayerfully consider
making weekly or monthly donations to your parish via internet banking. The
cost of running our large parish consumes almost 100 per cent of the regular
weekly collection. As our masses are indefinitely suspended, this will place
our parish in a very difficult position financially. Our appeal to you is if
you have been blessed with the resources to give to the parish at this time,
please consider donating regularly.
Our parish has
been incredibly supported by its very generous parishioners over the years and
this is a time where your prayerful and financial support is most in need. The internet
bank details are:
Bank: BSB 064-786 Account: 007331103 Reference: use
your name
Also, if more
convenient: You can make a one-off or monthly contribution by credit card. Please
email us at surfers@bne.catholic.net.au, including in
the message your phone number, and we can contact you about this option.
If you have any
enquiries or wish to join a direct debit planned-giving please contact the
Parish for the required forms.
Yours
faithfully, Sonya Slater,
Parish Manager
Surfers Paradise Catholic Parish Commonwealth
+++++++
Let us remember
the safety recommendations by the Health authorities:
Stay home unless
urgent. Observe the social spacing requirements.
Meetings ought to
be replaced with phone calls, emails or other distance technology.
Funerals can only have a maximum of ten people in the
building and who also observe social spacing of two square metres.
Weddings (can only have five people including the couple,
the priest and the two witnesses). and Baptisms, sacramental programs and
other gatherings should be postponed.
Unfortunately, communion to the sick and the housebound
is only to be given in extreme situations where the person is in imminent
danger of death. This is to be conducted by the priest alone with the sacrament
of Viaticum
(the sacrament for the dying). Sadly we cannot give people hosts to take home with them. Communion to
the sick and the housebound by special ministers is to be suspended until
further notice.
+++++++
The Catholic Leader Archdiocesan
Newspaper:
Livestream
of Catholic Mass from Brisbane Cathedral:
Video
on Demand of Masses:
Mass
for You at Home (free-to-air TV)
Channel 10 Sundays 6am-6.30pm
also on Foxtel 173 Aurora Channel
Celebrating HOLY
WEEK AT HOME – 2020 - Resources from Brisbane Archdiocese
"We are
preparing for a Holy Week like no other. The days of Holy Week and the Triduum
are central to the liturgical life of the Church and are to be celebrated this
year under the present restrictions, without a congregation." (Archbishop
Mark Coleridge).
Please see the
important links below:
"These are a
series of leaflets prepared by the Archdiocese of Brisbane, that are for people
in the parish family for use in your homes during the days of Holy Week. Given the Health mandates that
have been given by the Government, that people should stay at home and not be
approaching places like our churches at this time." (And recent
Clarification has been received from the government that all churches must be
closed, even to private prayer).
This resource is a very important way for individuals and families to stay connected in prayer and
ritual.
"Australia was
founded at a time when the Mass could not be celebrated on these shores. Following
the most recent advice from the commonwealth and state governments, it may seem
that we are again in that situation. But where our forefathers and mothers
waited for years to receive the Holy Eucharist, it will be at worst a matter of
months for us. But just as prayer sustained them through those times, so can it
for us today. The spirit of those first Australian Catholics should inspire us
through the times ahead." (Quote from Archdiocese of Sydney message).
We also have the liturgies of Holy Week and Easter in an audio-podcast created
here in our parish. Also, the Cathedral in Brisbane will be streaming live the
Liturgies at various times. Also, “Mass for You at Home” is broadcast on
Channel 10 each Sunday from 6am. There are several live-streaming and on-demand
services for daily Mass both locally and from around the English-speaking
world.
For Prayer and
Reflection at home During Holy Week:
Please share these
resources widely.
UNIVERSAL PRAYER.
(Prayer of the Faithful)
That our Church
leaders will be devoted to the pastoral and spiritual needs of all in this time
of anxiety. (Pause). Lord Hear us.
That in this time
of international crisis, people will discover anew the importance of faith, and
the consolation of knowing God’s love. (Pause). Lord Hear us.
That those affected
by the coronavirus - the sick, the unemployed, and those whose businesses are
on the verge of collapse, find strength and practical support at this difficult
time. (Pause). Lord Hear us.
That we as a Parish
Community will value friendships and remain faithful to our friends especially
in their time of greatest need. (Pause). Lord Hear us.
That our brothers
and sisters throughout the world who are denied their basic human rights will
receive respect, justice and assistance. (Pause). Lord Hear us.
That those who have
died - the members of our families and parish, as well as victims of the
coronavirus throughout the world – may rest in the peace of Christ. (Pause).
Lord Hear us.
We ask this through
Christ our Lord. Amen
++++
Please Pray for all
who are ill in the parish:
For all who have
died recently, including Tony McLeod, Jessie Dolan,
Sylvio Devito, James Vincent (Jim) Daly, Vizma Barrett, Giovanni Scalcione,
Giorgia Teresa Vinall.
For all whose
anniversary of death occurs at this time:
Ricardo Herft, Bernadette Bartley.
+++
Here is a beautiful message, written by a Catholic, who is reflecting on the recent events. This is
printed with permission.
Thanks
for the web-presentation of the Weekend Liturgy, and the thoughts and prayers
it contains.
It
is such a difficult time, and to be cut off from the Church Mass is really hard
for all of us. It makes me realise how much we take things for granted –
the freedom to go to Mass each week, and hug our friends, and receive the
Sacrament of Holy Communion. I look back on my life – all the Masses I
have been to, and taken for granted, and feel sorry that I did take this
privilege for granted. It is but a taste of what others throughout
history have had to suffer for their faith.
Sunday
didn’t even feel like Sunday. And we will probably have lots more Sundays
to face in the same way.
Thank
you for filling the void, for bringing us comfort and hope. If nothing
else, this isolation will teach us to value what is important. All the
chasing after life’s successes, money, achievements, mean nothing if we don’t
have our health. I am sure a lot of priorities will change after this and
one day we will see God bringing us blessing through the ordeal of this
time. It is uplifting to see people helping each other, caring about each
other, and the whole world forgetting their differences to fight this thing
together.
+++
Fifth
Sunday of Lent. Year A - Sunday, March 29, 2020
(EPISODE: 216)
Readings for 5th Sunday of Lent A
FIRST READING: Ezekiel 37:12-14
Psalm 130:1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 7-8. "With the Lord, there is mercy and fullness
of redemption."
SECOND READING: Romans 8:8-11
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION (John 11:25a+26). Glory and Praise to you, Lord Jesus
Christ! I am the Resurrection and the life, says the Lord. Whoever believes in
me will not die forever.
GOSPEL: John 11:1-45 - Raising Lazarus
Image Credit: Shutterstock Licensed ID: 1550955998. October 10, 2019
Larnaca, Cyprus. The church of St. Lazarus. The icon near the entrance to the
church. By Altosvic
++++
Please listen to my
audio recordings of the readings, prayers and reflections for the Fifth Sunday
of Lent. Year A - Sunday, March 29, 2020, by clicking this link
here: https://soundcloud.com/user-633212303/faith-hope-and-love-ep-215-lent-5-a-2020/s-l27GC (EPISODE: 216)
+++++
I am
the resurrection, says the Lord in today's wonderful gospel. This
is such a beautiful and important scripture passage today. Our Lord assures
us that he has the power and the intention to raise us to eternal life;
to call us out of the grave and into the new life of the Kingdom. This
powerful scene of Jesus raising his friend Lazarus shows us so many
things. He feels deeply for us in our loss even at the same time he is
certain that he will call us into eternal life- but he still shares with us the
pain of loss. He also reminds us that as well as the promise of the
bodily resurrection on the last day, we can meanwhile get caught in many
symbolic tombs during our living years as well. We can get stuck in e
darkness of attitudes, actions and thoughts that are not life-giving. We
can get bound up with cares and ambitions that wrap us in the things of death
and not of new life. Our Lord has the power to call us out of the tombs
and darkness and enmeshment of this life as well as the ultimate call to
eternal life. let us trust in this promise and follow Christ into the
light of his new life for us.
+++***
For people throughout the world dealing with the Coronavirus
(Covid-19) pandemic. That the Lord will grant healing and strength and support
the medical and emergency response people. Lord hear us. Lord Save
us.
We continue to pray for all people throughout
the world - the many people- who are suffering due to the Coronavirus pandemic
- We pray for those who have died, that the Lord will receive them into
his care. For bereaved family and friends, who also have experienced the
isolation from loved ones at this time of health-restrictions and quarantine.
We also pray for everyone affected by this terrible illness, including all
suffering the isolation and the severe economic and financial effects. May the
Lord inspire people of goodwill to find practical solutions to help and heal
and lessen the burdens of so many.
+++
(The following is a
couple of sections from the poem entitled).
LAZARUS. (John 11:1-53) (Written by Dan Doyle).
"If only his friend had been
here,
He would not have died,"
We say to one another.
If only…If only…
Is our desperate prayer.
II
"Rabbi, If you had been here
my brother would not have died."
"Martha, he will rise again."
"Yes, I know this, Rabbi. At the Resurrection."
"I am the one who raises the dead. Do you believe me, Martha?"
"Yes, Master. Oh, yes, I believe.
I know you and with all my heart
I believe in you."
Then, Jesus wept.
…. In the days that followed
we talked excitedly about this miracle
that we had all been witness to.
And, still, many could not believe
in their weary and frightened hearts
that this son of an old carpenter from Nazareth,
this wandering rabbi, Jesus,
might be the one we have been waiting for
since the time of Moses and the prophets.
But some of us knew that this Jesus,
who had come so gently,
yet so powerfully among us,
was, indeed, the Messiah of God
and we began to tell everyone we met
what we had seen him do for Lazarus, our friend.
Lazarus lived on for many years
and never tired of telling the story.
in hushed and awe-filled tones.
And we never tired of listening.
Lazarus was a man of gentle knowledge,
of abiding faith, and of quiet strength.
He told us over and over again
that we were loved by one
who knows our hearts, and who
despises not our petitions,
and that we would never be alone.
We began going to the synagogue differently.
We listened to the words the Rabbi read
from the ancient prophets more closely
and we were moved in our hearts and minds.
At long last, Lazarus died
and we wept for sorrow again.
But we knew in our depths
that he was not dead,
that the Resurrection
promised by the prophets is real,
that death no longer holds sway
over our simple lives,
and that we will see each other again
in the world to come. Amen
Jesus said a lot of words to people in his
ministry… (Words perfectly formed, and completely based on truth and
backed up by action). Sometimes the things he said really challenged the faith
of those who were with him……Other times, it healed and uplifted people, forgave
and included people in a way they never could have imagined.
In the gospel today, Jesus talks to them about God
having the final say on suffering and death…… / Jesus is powerfully
SHOWING that HE DOES CARE…. HE DOES LOVE US….. It profoundly matters WHEN
PEOPLE SUFFER, GRIEVE, DIE… …. OR FEEL TRAPPED BY THEIR PAST
SINS or MISTAKES….. HE CRIES WITH US….. not because he feels
helpless and can do nothing… he can do so much…
he cries in union with us… because he feels and experiences along with
us. HE SIGHS FROM THE HEART FOR US…….. AND HE SPEAKS
WORDS OF CHANGE…..
BE HEALED
BE FORGIVEN
BE FREED….
I AM the resurrection and the life. ….
Some other very special words have a powerful effect
because they are so intimately connected with Jesus' life, attitudes and
actions// His message and the perfectly consistent qualities about
himself are a perfect union. ….
These words are powerful, For the Spirit hovering over
them, fills them with resonance and effectiveness.
Words such as:
"Your sins are forgiven"
"Your debt is cancelled"
"Be Opened"
"BE freed FROM YOUR BURDENS"
"Unbind him…. set him free!"
"This is my body broken for
you…..
This is my blood poured out for you "
I love these words…. I know you do too…… They fill us
with hope… But more than that… they immediately begin achieving what they
say…….
No
wonder the church believes so powerfully in the reality and the effectiveness
of the Sacraments – where we touch, taste, smell, hear and see the action of
Our Lord – connected to his ministry and mission – made present to us in every
age.
Surely it is only Divine love that can truly fill us
with the fullness of life again….……and call us to life-eternal. Drawn
near, embraced…., healed, forgiven, included…. Always LOVED.
+++++
References:
Fr Paul W. Kelly
Doyle, D. (2020). This Poem Gives Such A
Great Perspective On How Powerful and Yet Tender Our Lord Is!. [online]
FaithHub. Available at: https://faithhub.net/dan-doyle-lazarus-poem/ [Accessed 7 Feb. 2020].
References:
Fr Paul W. Kelly
Image Credit: Shutterstock Licensed ID: 1550955998. October 10, 2019, Larnaca,
Cyprus. The church of St. Lazarus. The icon near the entrance to the church. By
Altosvic
+++
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).
Lenten Hymn: "Have Mercy," inspired by Psalm 50(51). Music by Paul W.
Kelly. Arranged and sung, with additional lyrics by Stefan Kelk. 2020.
[ Production - KER - 2020]
May God bless and keep you.
+++
Fifth Sunday of Lent. Year A (Sunday, March
29, 2020) (EPISODE: 216)
The Lord be with you.
+++++++++++++
{{Hi}}
My brothers and sisters, we have gathered to celebrate the Holy Eucharist, - so
let us pause and reflect upon our sins, so as to rejoice in Gods loving mercy.
Lord Jesus, you came to gather the nations
into the peace of God's kingdom: Lord, have mercy// You come in word and in
sacrament to strengthen us and make us holy: Christ, have mercy//You will come
again in glory with salvation for your people: Lord, have
May almighty God have mercy on us, forgive
us our sins, and bring us to everlasting life. Amen.
+++++++++++++++++++++
UNIVERSAL PRAYER. (Prayer of the Faithful)
That our Church leaders will be devoted to the pastoral and
spiritual needs of all in this time of anxiety.
(Pause). Lord Hear us.
That in this time of international crisis, people will discover
anew the importance of faith, and the consolation of knowing God’s love.
(Pause). Lord Hear us.
That those affected by the coronavirus - the sick, the unemployed,
and those whose businesses are on the verge of collapse, find strength and
practical support at this difficult time.
(Pause). Lord Hear us.
That we as a Parish Community will value friendships and remain
faithful to our friends especially in their time of greatest need.
(Pause). Lord Hear us.
That our brothers and sisters throughout the world who are denied
their basic human rights will receive respect, justice and assistance.
(Pause). Lord Hear us.
That those who have died - the members of our families and parish,
as well as victims of the coronavirus throughout the world – may rest in the
peace of Christ. (Pause). Lord
Hear us.
We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen
++++++++++++++++++
Memorial Acclamation
2. When we eat this Bread and drink this
Cup, we proclaim your Death, O Lord, until you come again.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Sunday Lent V
Eucharistic Prayer III
Communion side. PWK: RH
++++
{Bless you all and May God's grace guide you each and every day.}
Go in peace.
