Friday 27 March 2020

SURFERS PARADISE E-NEWSLETTER Friday, 27 March 2020




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. 
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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:
https://www.surfersparadiseparish.com.au/

Parish Email:  surfers@bne.catholic.net.au
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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

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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.

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Liturgy for you at Home (From Surfers Paradise):
 https://soundcloud.com/user-633212303/tracks

Weekly Homily:
https://homilycatholic.blogspot.com/

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

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

The Catholic Leader Archdiocesan Newspaper:
https://catholicleader.com.au/

Livestream of Catholic Mass from Brisbane Cathedral:
St Stephens Cathedral live webcast (usually around 10am)

Video on Demand of Masses:
https://www.youtube.com/user/CatholicBrisbane/videos

Mass for You at Home (free-to-air TV)
Channel 10  Sundays 6am-6.30pm
and also on-demand https://10play.com.au/mass-for-you-at-home
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

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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. 

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These are trying times

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.
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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
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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)
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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.  
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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.
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(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.
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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
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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).

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. 
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Fifth Sunday of Lent. Year A  (Sunday, March 29, 2020)  (EPISODE: 216)
The Lord be with you.
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{{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.
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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
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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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Sunday Lent V
Eucharistic Prayer III
Communion side.  PWK:  RH
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{Bless you all and May God's grace guide you each and every day.}

Go in peace.





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