Fourth Sunday of Easter. Year A - Sunday, May 3, 2020

Fourth Sunday of Easter. Year A - Sunday, May 3, 2020

Readings for 4th Sunday of Easter A
FIRST READING: Acts 2:14a, 36-41
Ps 23:1-3a, 3b-4, 5, 6. "The Lord is my shepherd, there is nothing I shall want"
SECOND READING: 1 Pet 2:20b-25
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION (John 10:14). Alleluia, alleluia! I am the good shepherd, says the Lord. I know my sheep and mine know me.
GOSPEL: John 10:1-10
 

Image Credit: Shutterstock Licensed stock photo ID: 779033308. LONDON, GREAT BRITAIN - SEPTEMBER 14, 2017: The modern painting of Good Shepherd in church St. Mary le Bow from 20. cent. Photo by Renata Sedmakova.
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Please listen to my audio recordings of the readings, prayers and reflections for the Fourth Sunday of Easter. Year A - Sunday, May 3, 2020, by clicking this link here https://soundcloud.com/user-633212303/easter-4a-2020-episode-226  (EPISODE: 226)
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Prologue (Fr Paul): Jesus gives an example of himself as a good shepherd, the perfect leader. Sadly, the world has witnessed plenty of examples of bad leaders, who were motivated not PRIMARILY or the good of others, but their own ambitions and ego.   Christ, instead,  puts his people first, he knows them personally, and he is not in it for himself, and he literally "gives of himself completely"  for our sakes.  What a superb example and model for leadership/,/, Christ uses the image of the 'shepherd BEING the gate, ---- (there would not be a timber gate, but rather.. the shepherd themselves, would lie across the opening of the sheepfold and their body would act as a human gate, Nothing could pass by without disturbing the shepherd, who would risk life and limb to protect his sheep. The true leader puts themselves on the line. The good shepherd literally puts his body on the line, for his beloved.  

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The homily this weekend will be given by Fr. Peter Dillon. 

One of the things I would really like to know is what Jesus voice sounded like. I imagine he spoke with a measured pitch and gentle volume. Not harsh but definitely wanting to impress upon his listeners that he was both honest and serious, not wanting to use a hard-sell approach, not wanting to soften the impact or apologise for the strength of his message. The first thing newborn babies hear is the sound of their parent's voice. They can discern that voice from many others, knowing that is comforting and safe. Whenever they hear that voice, even though they don't always understand what is being said, they know that everything will be alright.

There are some singers in the world whose voice we recognise immediately. People like Adele, Michael Buble, Andrea Bocelli, and Elvis. One of the most trusted people in the world is Sir David Attenborough. Even without meeting him, you can tell from his distinctive tone, concern and authority that he is telling us the truth.

They have distinctive voices that, when we hear them, seem to draw us in to listen. Sometimes teachers, politicians and every so often priests do the same. Something about the timbre and tone of their voice, and the wisdom of the content, make us accept their message as sincere and honest.

Equally, there are the voices that we know right from the start are going to be shallow in truth and make us suspicious, even though they promise us something that will be for our benefit.  They can sound harsh and loud, overbearing and persuasive, yet strangely alluring and attractive. These voices too seem to lead us, but not always in a good direction.

In a world of many voices it is increasingly difficult to know which voices to believe and follow.

With so many conflicting voices, messages and images, we get tired of trying to be careful. We sometimes give up or give in and so we listen to the most tempting voice. The one that tells us how to be wealthy, or thin, or beautiful and powerful, without having to go to too much trouble - the voice that tells us we can have all we want and all we need do is hand over our choices to someone who will go to all the trouble for us. Who wouldn't want that?

In the midst of this comes a voice that suggests we can be both poor and happy. We can be content with loving faithful relationships with just one person. We can be happy by being of service to others. Why would we trust that voice? Why listen to a voice that goes against making the easy choices? A voice that is difficult to hear in a world that seeks to do things the easy and comfortable way.

Sometimes it's only towards the end of our lives when we have looked, listened, loved and learned about life that the voice of Christ can sound soothing, and reassuring. It can offer us explanation and direction because it is mixed with the other truths we have learned throughout our lives, often learnt the hard way. It's really only through trial and error, through tasting and seeing that wisdom starts to settle and we see the sense that we have been hiding from.

Every parent would love to save their child from having to discover this truth the hard way, but why would a child want to listen when the easy softer way is more convenient and immediate.

Of course, it is never too late to find that truth, but it has wasted some valuable time. What's so hard for us to comprehend early in life, is that life to the full is offered all the time, but we always thought there was an easier way.

Clearly we know that many people did not want to hear the truth from Jesus. He was simply wanting to tell them how to be human, but to be human does not mean the same as being human. By virtue of our birth, we are all human beings, but we have to learn what it means to be truly human in our world.
Jesus teaches us that. He takes our inhumanity on his back and carries it to the cross. His way to the cross is his most authentic voice. It speaks of the shepherd wanting to die for his sheep. He dies for what he believes in.

Jesus' way of being human keeps us all on our toes. Sometimes we do appreciate that his way is not strange to our condition; it is the human condition at its finest, but it takes some living of it to discover its truthfulness. Other times we look to ourselves and feel helpless to move with that generosity of spirit. But the voice of Jesus forever calls us. It calls to a deep place within us. A place that recognises the voice of the one who loves us with an everlasting love. And when we hear that voice, we know that it does not belong to a stranger.
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References:

Homily by fr. Peter Dillon.

prologue - Fr Paul W. Kelly

Image Credit: Shutterstock Licensed stock photo ID: 779033308. LONDON, GREAT BRITAIN - SEPTEMBER 14, 2017: The modern painting of Good Shepherd in church St. Mary le Bow from 20. cent. Photo by Renata Sedmakova.


Fourth Sunday of Easter. Year A  (Sunday, May 3, 2020)  (EPISODE: 226 )
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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{{How are you today}}

As one family in Christ, let us prepare ourselves to celebrate the sacred mysteries by calling to mind our sins.
Lord Jesus, you are the image of the unseen God: Lord, have mercy.//You are the firstborn of all creation: Christ, have mercy//You are the head of the body, the Church: Lord, have mercy//
May almighty God have mercy on us, forgive us our sins, and bring us to everlasting life.  Amen.++++++++++++++++++++
Memorial Acclamation
1. We proclaim your Death, O Lord, and profess your Resurrection until you come again.
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PREFACE: Easter III
Euch Prayer II
Communion side.  pwk:  LH
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{Cheers and thanks everyone for this time of prayer and reflection - I hope you have a blessed week.}

Go forth, the Mass is ended.

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Archive of homilies and reflections:  http://homilycatholic.blogspot.com.au
To contact Fr. Paul, please email:  paulwkelly68@gmail.com

To listen to 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.

- "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.

May God bless and keep you. 
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E-Newsletter 4th Edition Sunday, April 26th 2020 - Surfers Paradise Catholic

All Churches and Parish Office buildings closed until further notice Parish Office: (07) 5572 5433 (9am – 12pm Mon-Fri) Email: surfers@bne.catholic.net.au Emergencies: Priest contactable via office phone (after hours follow the menu prompts) 50 Fairway Dr, Clear Island Waters, Q, 4226

E-Newsletter 4th Edition Sunday, April 26th 2020

Third Sunday of Easter - Year A

Readings for 3rd Sunday of Easter A FIRST READING: Acts 2:14, 22-33 PSALM: Ps 16:1-2a+5, 7-8, 9-10, 11. “Lord, you will show us the path of life.” SECOND READING:  1 Pet 1:17-21 GOSPEL ACCLAMATION: (cf. Luke 24:32). Alleluia, alleluia! Lord Jesus, make your word plain to us. Make our hearts burn with love when you speak. GOSPEL: Lk 24:13-35

Emmaus

Shutterstock licensed stock photo ID: 664526395. BERLIN, GERMANY, FEBRUARY - 14, 2017

The mosaic of Jesus with the disciples on the road to Emmaus on the facade of church Emmauskirche by workroom Deutschen Glasmosaik - Gesellschaft Puhl & Wagner.

Photo by Renata Sedmakova

THE PASTOR’S POST

Are We There Yet?

“Take care of the new, for the sake of tomorrow. Always creatively, with simple creativity, capable of creating something new every day. Inside the home that’s not hard to discover, but don’t run away, don’t take refuge in escapism, which in this time is no use to you”  Pope Francis, March 2020

I have become a bit impatient in recent days, asking the questions on everyone’s lips. “How long will this thing last”. This thing being the pandemic, the isolation, the idleness and the frustration that comes with staying in the same place day after day. And the answer to that question is the one I would get from my parents when we were on a family trip. “It will be over when it’s over. We’ll get there when we arrive”. Hardly a comforting answer for a restless child, but it should suffice for those of us who have made a few long trips in our life.

Unlike the many journalists and writers of letters to the editor of newspapers, who think that social isolation and restrictions are going too far, I feel quite secure with the directions and information that I am getting from our political leaders and health professionals, who seem to be giving us regular and informative instructions about how to beat this thing, this thing that we, and they, have never had to face before, at least in recent years. Call me gullible, but in the absence of personal knowledge, I am content to listen to those who, at least, are talking to the professionals, the ones whose expertise is far more informed than  mine, and in my case, non-existent in the area of medical science.

So how do we adults, we more mature people, who have had a reasonable go at life hold our nerve?  How do we put these crazy days into perspective and navigate a passage through these waters that have uncertain currents, but probably would not lead us to fall off the edge of the world?

One of the great contributions that the outstanding program of Alcoholics Anonymous  has made to the wider community are the life-enhancing instructions they offer as to how we can order our life with ordinary disciplines which are so grounded in truth, as well as practicality.

In the recent days of isolation, confinement, hibernation or whatever we choose to call it, the mantras of “Live one day at a time” and “ to accept the things we cannot change” from the Serenity Prayer are so relevant for what we are trying to live out.

While having to stay at home for weeks, maybe months on end, I know a number of people have found this virtually impossible. They use words like incarcerated or imprisoned, locked down or living in exile. There are also others who have seen this as a time of great learning and helpful realignment of what is really important. I, for one, who is always complaining about lack of time to do the important things, have now got my wish, and am finding it energising to discover new ways to make sure time is not wasted and that tasks, sensible tasks, are achieved. But is a sensible task one that produces something that we can see or touch, or is it something that improves me or mine. Can it be something we have learned or experienced that gives us a richer picture of daily life or longer?

I am finally discovering what the myriad of apps on my computer and IPad are actually used for, the pile of paper mounting up on my desk over the years has at last been reduced to a manageable level by filing or trashing. My true addiction to books has now been arranged into ‘must-read, will read, never will read and gifts to the library’. I’m finally trying to write down some of those items that have been swimming around in my head, hoping to contribute to some homily or newsletter in the future. I have faced my fear of Skype and WhatsApp (these are communication applications for those of you technologically-challenged like me) and already participated in three meetings via these magical programs. A little bit more exercise than usual and a lot more discipline with my eating habits and voila (that’s French for ‘behold’, courtesy of another app on my phone), a happier healthier me.

I no longer have to fill every waking moment with physical activity and have become quite content giving myself a new learning pursuit each day. See, that’s how you do “one day at a time”, slow and steady. Who knew there was so much stuff in life that I didn’t know?

Fr Peter Dillon PP.                                                                                                   

Photo by Karsten Würth on Unsplash

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ANZAC DAY MASS FOR YOU AT HOME

Saturday the 25th of April is very special for us in Australia and New Zealand.  Every year the two nations stop and remember the sacrifices made in a time of war, and pray for peace in our world.  The pandemic has prevented us from gathering physically but we will still be united in remembrance and prayer.

This date marks the landing of the Australian and New Zealand soldiers at Gallipoli, in 1915, during World War I. This national day of remembrance honours the courage and self-sacrifice of those who served in all wars, conflicts and peace-keeping operations. In the Catholic Mass for you at home on this day, we particularly recognise the sacrifice of the fallen. We commend them to God's eternal care, and we also fervently pray that the justice and peace for which they sought to defend and preserve will dwell richly in our land and in our world.

We are all acutely aware of the fact that the health crisis at present has made it impossible for the usual extremely well-attended gatherings to remember and pay our respects at Anzac Day. Nevertheless, in many different ways, and within the ability of each and every household, we still commemorate this time.  And we remember the sacrifices, the bravery and the loss now, as always. We also look forward to the day when we can gather again as a community to mark this important day.

The emotion and the significance of these events in no way lessens with the passage of time…

For a nation of 5 million people as we were back then…   61,511 young Australian lives were lost.

In all wars and military operations, including peacekeeping operations…  Australia has, in total lost 102,930 - and that's an increase of 85 human lives lost in the last six years. With 226,060 injured (another 187 added in the last six years),  and 34,733 taken as prisoners of war (an addition of three.. which although thankfully low, is bad enough).  And surely 100% of those who served and returned have been profoundly affected in ways that one could hardly put into words….

The sheer size of these numbers  (let alone the human effects behind it- and countless more lives which were changed forever, are almost impossible to fully comprehend…

We hear from the 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 those who served in times of war…  and those who risked life and limb for those they loved…

Lest We Forget.

Please join us in prayer through the audio recordings of the Anzac Day Mass from our parish, featuring the readings, prayers and reflections for Anzac Day, April 25th 2020, by clicking this link here: https://soundcloud.com/user-633212303/easter-anzac-day-memorial-mass-2020/s-YTyGfS13tiV

Also a livestream Mass from the Cathedral:

Livestream Catholic Mass (from Brisbane Cathedral, Anzac Day around 11.30am): St Stephen’s live webcast

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

Image Credit: Shutterstock Licensed stock vector ID 1055357618. Silhouette of a soldier paying respect at the grave, vector. By Sea.

THE PROMISE OF A QUIET EASTER

Fr Warren Kinne’s Holy Week and Easter experience

It looked like it was going to be a very quiet Easter with all the Churches closed. I had already started up a small family and friends group on various internet platforms for Mass on Sundays. In China, they use We Chat as most other apps are banned, but Australian friends didn’t like the idea of We Chat with their Chinese servers. I found a happy compromise on Zoom and the small and intimate group was pleased with the interaction from our various locations.

Then, just before Palm Sunday a friend in Shanghai, a Malaysian Chinese convert to the Church, who had previously involved me with her bible study groups, contacted me with a request. The ex-pat English-speaking Catholic community in Shanghai, whom I had formerly had a lot to do with, were without Easter ceremonies. The Chinese priests who ran the three parishes with English Masses were in lock-down and all confined to the huge Cathedral priests’ residence and said they were unable to be of practical assistance. Her request was, would I be able to do some online services for them.

Now Anne Chai is a very persuasive person and for some reason or other she calls me Barnabas and I am not sure why. She is very knowledgeable about the scriptures. I, of course, tried to fend off her request from my relaxed Easter with a few books and alone here on the Gold Coast. I asked where the local priests were. But in the end, I agreed to do the Easter ceremonies from my desk in my apartment with whatever resources I had at hand.

Little did I know that I was in for meetings with multiple groups preparing the different celebrations for the number of ceremonies that take place over Easter. One meeting for the Easter Vigil took two and a half hours online, and then my We Chat snapped and crackled for hours on end as everyone in the preparatory groups had their say. People that I hadn’t spoken to for years wanted to chat and with the time change, it made for very long days and short nights.

Despite the glitches that go with a bonfire for the Easter vigil in Hong Kong, the cantors in Shanghai, the priest in Main Beach, the host of the account in Malaysia, everything worked out reasonably well. We had our fair share of static; switching of the camera to the wrong person at the wrong time; the maid yelling at the kids in the kitchen; and the fire that would not go out; but all in all, it was a great celebration with many people shedding tears of joy over the experience.

There was a hiccup the first night when many friends couldn’t get onto the site because it was overloaded. We had only purchased a platform for 100 participants. Of course, this represented a lot more viewers with a catechumen group of nine on one device and a family of six on another.  People projected the screen onto their TVs in their living rooms.

For Good Friday, one kind person offered to pay for an upgrade for us, for up to 300 devices. I needed to spend time instructing a couple of octogenarian relatives and friends how to use Zoom and log in with ID and Password with a long string of characters. Despite their magnifying glasses and many frustrating attempts, they did eventually have some success. I borrowed a purple scarf from one friend to cover the Good Friday cross; an orchid from another friend to liven up Easter, and my French Caribbean-born friend pedalled his bike with his daughter on the back to find me an Easter candle in a line of shops that were largely closed. It was a group effort.

Even as I write this Anne is ringing to say wasn’t it providential that the surprise party for my 50th anniversary in Singapore which many from China, Hong Kong and Taiwan had planned to attend was called off over the Coronavirus because now they didn’t need to worry about visas, and plane tickets and quarantines. And in any case, we had all met up for the most significant liturgies of the year. It is indeed an ill wind, I was told, that blows no good.

She also commended me on my political acumen in slipping St Columban into the optional Saint in the Masses and recommending, at the end of the Easter Sunday Mass, that they take our great experience back to their local parishes and goad the local priests into the experience of new technologies.

My quiet life might return.  

Fr. Warren Kinne

A CATHOLIC (CHRISTIAN) RESPONSE TO LOCKDOWNS

Freedom of the Holy Spirit vs Fundamentalism

The events of the last few months have turned out to be an unintended opportunity for us to really reflect on our faith in action.  Our thinking on some of the implications of these lockdowns can reveal whether we have a deep and dynamic understanding of our faith and our relationship with God and our neighbour, or whether we might still be harbouring fundamentalistic ways of thinking that do not actually match with the Catholic understanding.  For example, it is really important to see that there is a major difference between times and places in the Church’s history where Governments closed down churches and forbade the practise of Religion as an act of oppression and persecution, as opposed to a situation like the present when government and health laws require the closing of churches and suspension of public liturgies in order to save lives in a time of the contagious pandemic. In the first situation, the Christian would be right to passively resist such oppression, and there are countless saints in the Church’s history who resisted, suffered and even died for the freedom of their religion. In the second example, though, the Christian thing to do is to obey the health laws and policies so that people’s lives are saved and the health of the community protected.  

Occasionally one will hear of comments that suggest the church’s freedom is being restricted. This is fundamentalism and error! As Our Lord said once, the Sabbath is made for people, and not people for the Sabbath, (Matthew 12:1-8, Mark 2:23-28 and Luke 6:1-5).

This reminds us that God made all laws for our good and for the benefit and welfare of people. God’s laws and commands are not there to restrain our freedom to do good and minimise harm.   We take our example from our wonderful and pastoral Pope Francis, and our Bishops, such as Archbishop Mark and follow their advice and insight into these matters. These times suit perfectly the meaning of the following passage from the Bible: “Let every person be subject to the governing authorities; for there is no authority except from God, and those authorities that exist have been instituted by God. Therefore whoever resists authority resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgement,” (Romans 13:1-2 NRSV). Whilst it is certainly a great cross to be unable to gather for Masses at the moment, we are always united as the Body of Christ, near or far.

The church authorities have, for health and pastoral reasons, lifted, (temporarily), the requirement for people to attend mass or to receive the sacraments, and have directed us to participate spiritually in the celebration of our faith. If you come across anyone pushing a hobby-horse around, about how the Church should do something different from how it has lovingly and pastorally chosen to deal with this challenging emergency, then it might say more about them than the Church.

Fr. Paul Kelly

HOW EARLY CHRISTIANS HANDLED THEIR own ‘COVID-19’

An excerpt from a Brian Stiller article on the Christian response to the pandemic:

Early Christians faced two life-threatening epidemics within the first 200 years of the Church.

We aren’t the first Christians to face a global pandemic. In fact, now is a good time to learn how we might deal with this world-being-shut-down crisis. Those in the early church faced two life-threatening epidemics within its first 200 years. The first was in 165 A.D., in which up to one-third of Roman citizens died, and the second was in 251 A.D.

The first of these massive epidemics was smallpox (it is surmised) during the reign of Marcus Aurelius in 165 to 180. A hundred years later another destructive epidemic hit (it may have been measles), resulting in a massive loss of life.

However, the extraordinary response from Christians contributed to the unprecedented growth of the church. Christians projected a hopeful … portrait of the future.

...Christians bolstered by their faith seemed to endure hardships better than others.

While the world is constrained by fear, we take on a different posture. We observe facts and listen to scientists, those who are gifted to us by God to make us wise. We then take their analysis and see it through the eyes of our eternal and caring God, always framed by hope. He is our platform from which we observe and respond.

How then are we to respond?

How might we think differently, contrary to the swirling anxiety that fills our media, swamps our family conversations, and paralyses us when we think of our finances? Below is a suggested way to frame our response. (These ideas from an excellent article by Gary Hoag.)

First, pray and avoid people. Listen to our medical experts and keep a distance while praying. Prayer isn’t simple, nor is it always easy, but now we have time. Prayer is God’s gift to us, allowing us to enter into conversation with him, engaging in issues and in the lives of people, by “entreating” or speaking persuasively to our Father. He is not nervous. He can handle our candid and straightforward talk.

Second, pause and write to people. Try taking out paper and pen and write your thoughts and insights. Craft for others to read what you are learning from this experience. Write the life-giving words of Christ to inspire others of his power over all creation. (Of course, also use email and text.)

Cyprian, bishop of Carthage, wrote: “The Lord had foretold that these things would come. With the exhortation of His foreseeing word, instructing, and teaching, and preparing, and strengthening the people of His Church for all endurance of things to come.”

Christians are called on to see life empowered by hope. List what you can do today and tomorrow, for yourself and others, all the while relying on the Lord’s presence and help. May HOPE be the defining word of our disposition, attitudes, and resolve, always invoking the Spirit of the living God to enable us to think differently than those who have no such hope.

Retrieved from: https://www.christianitytoday.com/edstetzer/2020/april/how-early-christians-handled-their-covid-19.html

FAITH AT HOME: Spiritual Nourishment

At this time, when many are based from home, it is a perfect time for spiritual reading. We are fortunate that technology allows us to access really good spiritual resources from the Internet; audible books and e-books.  Spiritual classics which were once out of print or hard to access are now much easier to find. Reading is a wonderful source of strength and nourishment, no matter whether you are reading a hardcopy book, listening to an audiobook, or reading via an e-reader. I am really hooked on listening to spiritual books via an audiobook subscription. There are many different ones out there.

Recent books that I have found deeply spiritually satisfying are:

Francis of Assisi: The Life - by Augustine Thompson

The Story of a Soul: The Autobiography of St. Therese of Lisieux (narrated by Melissa Silvestro)

Jesus Transforms: The Heart of Teresa of Avila - by Sr. Vilma Seelaus ocd.

Teresa of Avila: The Book of My Life  (translated by Mirabai Starr & narrated Gabrielle Made & Kathleen Gati)

The Imitation of Christ - by Thomas À Kempis (narrated by P.J. Ochlan)

The Samaritan Woman Reconsidered - by Eli Lizorkin-Eyzenberg

For something surprising, you might like to read the autobiography This Is Your Captain Speaking: My Fantastic Voyage Through Hollywood, Faith & Life, written by actor Gavin MacLeod, (yes the captain from the Love Boat!). It was unexpectedly spiritually stirring.  

Also, a book which is not overtly religious but clearly has Christian underpinnings is called “Ego is the Enemy,” by Ryan Holiday, again available in hardcopy, e-book and audio.

It is so important for the good of all the community and every member of it that we do take special time at home to praise God and listen to his word, particularly on Sunday, (or Saturday evening), and especially at this time when public masses and gatherings cannot occur. Bless you all.

Photo by Aaron Burden on Unsplash

THE CATHOLIC LEADER

Digital edition is now available here

The flipbook is downloadable in PDF and printable. First, enter full-screen mode by clicking the ‘full-screen’ button in the centre of the pages. Using the icons above the newspaper, you can select print or download.

Alternatively, you can visit the website: https://catholicleader.com.au/

RELIGIOUS GOODS SHOP

If you are missing browsing for that small religious gift or a spiritual item at our Religious Goods Shop, please contact Pat and she will be happy to help you out. Give her a call anytime and she will let you know what is available. Pat’s mobile number 0404 805 819

PARISH FINANCIAL SUPPORT

A New Way To Parish Giving

Donations and Financial Contributions Welcome.

We will continue to serve you through online resources and webcasts. If you are able to continue to support us, we would be most grateful.

You can make a donation via our Parish Giving online payment system or download and use the Parish Giving mobile applications.

You will need to create an account the first time you log in. After you are logged in, you will need to select the Surfers Paradise Parish from the group and fill out the prompts. Please click on one of the buttons below to make an online payment to the Parish. Alternatively, you can visit parishgiving.brisbanecatholic.org.au

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.

Yours faithfully,

Sonya Slater, Parish Manager

STAYING CONNECTED AND RESOURCES FOR PRAYER AT HOME

Current Parish Operating Protocol

Just a reminder that in line with health guidelines, the office is not open for pop-in visits. The Parish has phone contact hours Monday to Friday 9am until 12 noon, where we will endeavour to answer the phone for any inquiries. We are also contactable anytime via email surfers@bne.catholic.net.au. In the case of emergencies, there is also the same parish office number (with a button option to press for emergency contact) for the on-call priest 24/7.  The less face-to-face contact in these times of pandemic, the quicker we hope this situation can return to “normal.”  The Parish phone number is 5572 5433.

Home Resources:

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

Below are quick links to enable you to stay in touch with our Parish and help you celebrate Mass from home:

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/

Livestream Catholic Mass (from Brisbane Cathedral, usually around 10am): St Stephen’s Cathedral live webcast

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

Mass for You at Home (free-to-air TV):

Channel 10, Sundays 6:00 - 6:30am and on-demand at https://10play.com.au/mass-for-you-at-home

also available on Foxtel 173 Aurora Channel

PLEASE PRAY

IN OUR HEARTS AND PRAYERS AT THIS TIME

FOR THOSE WHO ARE SICK: All suffering from the effects of COVID-19. Also, the following who are ill (not COVID-19): 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, Brian Ellsmore, Greg Sharah, Sr. Christine Chia, Kurt and Betty Hillesheim, Judy Ferraro, Ron Perry, Kim Parkes, Rosslyn Wallis, Jabour Haddad, Yvonne Lofthouse, Maureen Murphy, Helen Bohringer, Peter Walsh, Arthur Haddad, Jean Di Benedetto, Damian Callinan, Patricia Bridge Wienand, Rosemary Wales, Peter Allsopp, Yvonne Campesi, Louis Couch, Steve Wayt, Michael Tracey, Joanne Mooney, Joanne Parkes, Peter O’Brien, Michelle MacDonald, John & Molly Robinson, Mary Kerr, Eileen McCarthy.

RECENTLY DECEASED: For the four Police Officers who passed away in Victorian Road Tragedy.  Also for Nicholas Braid, Yvonne Holt, Nicholas Leo (Nic) Angelucci, Ray Gardiner, Beau Massey, John “Jakes” Rennie, Vincenza Amato.

ANNIVERSARY: Daniel Farrugia, Diane Sammut, Nancy Mamo, Vincenza Luna, Shaun Cassar, Reno Zarb, Karl Horner, Shirley Harris, Joan Street, Greg Perkins.