| All Churches, Parish Office & buildings are closed until further notice Parish Office: (07) 5572 5433 (9am – 12pm Mon-Fri). (Prefer phone contact) Email: surfers@bne.catholic.net.au Emergencies: Priest contactable via office phone (after hours, follow menu prompts) Website: www.surfersparadiseparish.com.au 50 Fairway Drive, Clear Island Waters, Queensland, 4226 |
E-Newsletter Edition 13 Sunday June 28, 2020 | The Thirteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time. Year A |
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Readings for Thirteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time. Year A FIRST READING: 2 Kings 4:8-11, 14-16a| Ps: Psalm 89:2-3, 16-17, 18-19 “Forever I will sing the goodness of the Lord.” SECOND READING: Romans 6:3-4, 8-11 GOSPEL ACCLAMATION (1 Peter 2:9): Alleluia, alleluia! You are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy people. Praise God who called you out of darkness into his marvellous light. GOSPEL: Matthew 10:37-42 |
“Whoever Welcomes You Welcomes Me”
Image: Photo by Liane Metzler on Unsplash
THE PASTOR’S POST
It has been suggested to me on many occasions that I should never offer insights into areas where I have had little or no experience, and while that is wise counsel, I do pride myself on being a keen observer. Watching from a short distance can in fact offer helpful insights, and so I feel mildly qualified to offer some observations I have gleaned over 40 years of observing married life: that sacred institution that is a font of great joy and fulfilment, as well as being a source of sadness and dissatisfaction for many.
While I have had the privilege of celebrating well over 1500 weddings in my priestly life, I have been connected with many more marriages, which I have come to understand are often something completely different to weddings. Weddings are the ceremony that begins the daily living of marriage.
Firstly let me say that research (I always like to have my insights supported by research) tells us that married people live longer and are physically and emotionally healthier than single people (which makes single people like me a bit nervous), they appear to need a greater range of skills in order to be able to happily live out their commitment.
Under the guidance of Fr. Bill Bausch, a former lecturer of mine during my studies at Boston College, I prepared a small checklist of added roles and skills that might be helpful for married couples to consider.
The first one is a chemist, since I have heard people say that “the chemistry just isn’t there anymore”. From that, I gather that mixing up a compound of expectations, hope and energies can sometimes produce an explosive outcome. What often feels comfortable on first meeting, can become very constricting if it is not blended with the needs of the other. And it may be necessary to return to the initial formula that produced such a good outlook in the first place. Introducing some new chemicals, or attitudes, might aid in seeing where old practices have gone stale. Renewing wedding vows and significantly celebrating anniversaries, in preference to birthdays etc., might remind people of where the important relationship needs acknowledgment and recalibrating.
While being a good chemist might help, then being a bad mathematician is equally important. Firstly, you don’t keep score, because scorekeeping leads to balancing out rights which leads to victims instead of partners. Secondly, I have always believed that in marriage each partner should be more willing to put in more than they take out. Marriage is not a fifty/fifty proposition. Each person has to do a bit more than what they think is their share, particularly when it comes to daily gestures of kindness and care.
When I refer to couples needing to be comedians, I am thinking that healthy couples do not take themselves too seriously. Laughing at and with each other not only puts things in perspective, but also heals. Truths told with lightness and concern are often heard with grace.
And now the difficult role: that of being a realist. Realism says that the road will never always be smooth, but patience and trust will reap great rewards. As the author Madeline L”Engle wrote: “The growth of love is not a straight line, but a series of hills and valleys. I suspect that in every marriage there are times when love seems to be over. Sometimes those desert lines are the only way to cross to the next oasis, which is far more lush and beautiful after the desert crossing than it could have possibly been without”.
Now, just in case you thought that I was trying to be more of a relationship therapist than a Priest, there is one more element that I would add to the mix that I think is the most valuable and yet is the most rarely employed, and that is the role of prayer. But don’t take my word for it. It has been a long held product of research (there it is again)that shows that couples who pray together, compared to couples who don’t, have a greater respect for their partner, agree more frequently on how to raise their children, are more playful, and believe their mate is a skilled lover. While individual prayer correlates to marital happiness, joint prayer correlates at a level twice as high.
Of course if your marriage is travelling as smoothly as you had ever hoped then you can ignore what I have just said and keep on doing what you are already doing. You have found a rare treasure.
On the other hand . . . . Now a story that made me smile;
A woman accompanied her husband to the doctor for his annual check-up. The doctor then asked for a private conversation with her before they left the office. “Your husband”, he said, “is under great stress and you must devote your life to caring for him and keeping him comfortable. Don’t argue or disagree with him. Get up before him each day and prepare his favourite breakfast. Make sure the house is clean and free from any possible infections. He must have a nutritious lunch every day and under no circumstances is he to have any physical exertion. Perhaps each day you could have a special dinner waiting for him when he returns from work and allow him to watch TV without disturbance, perhaps followed by little displays of affection, should he be interested. This must be your schedule daily if you are to help him through his illness.”
The wife left the office, picked up her husband and drove him home. “Well”, said the husband, ‘what did the doctor say?”The wife quickly replied. “He said you’re going to die.”
Fr Peter Dillon PP.
NOTE ON MASSES - BOOKINGS REQUIRED
We are now permitted to have up to 100 people attend Mass, provided we maintain all the necessary distancing, cleaning and recording requirements as laid down by the health authorities.
There are a significant number of stipulations that must be complied with before we are able to achieve what is called an Industry COVID SAFE PLAN. (Some of which are included below). Achieving these requirements will require some organising of personnel and processes as well as working out the best way to be fair with access to all people, particularly those who have no internet access, but must rely on the telephone of information from a fellow parishioner.
At a meeting of the pastoral team this week it was decided that the simplest way to begin was to celebrate mass every day at the same time in the same Church, until even more people are allowed to attend. Presently only Sacred Heart Church has the space to accommodate 100 people distanced by 1.5 metres. We will begin these Masses on Wednesday 1st July at 9am, for at least two weeks. After these two weeks, we may have further restrictions lifted. Mass will be offered every day at Sacred Heart Church at 9am including Saturday and Sunday. Please note, because of the restrictions, it is important that not everyone goes to the Sunday Mass. The Archbishop has exempted everyone from the obligation to attend Sunday mass during these restrictions, so please consider booking for ANY of the masses of the week.
The understanding and support of so many parishioners during these demanding restrictions to the celebration of our faith has been outstanding. It is never easy to have to place such restrictions on a community that is so used to freely gathering often and in large numbers. That day will come again, but until then we should be careful and caring, so that we don’t find ourselves having to restart the restrictions again because we were too impatient to take things slowly.
Here is the link for bookings to the Masses upcoming. Only people who have booked will be able to enter the church. PLEASE, if everyone attempts to book into the Sunday Mass, it will not work. It is only ONE of seven and everyone will not fit. If you are able to attend any of the other masses, that would be helpful.
https://bookeo.com/catholicmassgoldcoast
We ask that people consult the parish website https://www.surfersparadiseparish.com.au, to keep up to date with any changes relating to masses.
WE LIVE IN A SACRAMENTAL WORLD
LITURGYSPOT
We live in a sacramental world. Because God created the world and everything in it, all things are capable of revealing the handiwork of its creator. For example, one person may see a beautiful sunset and think: “There must be a fire somewhere, and it Is causing the sky to look quite red this evening!” The same sunset may evoke something different to someone who looks at it and recognises it with the eyes of faith: “Lord, what a wonderful world you have made. I thank you for the beauty of creation that you have given us in love. I feel your love.”
The Sun is capable of being a “sacrament” of God’s love to us, just as a kiss can be a sacrament of love, because it conveys and is a real sign of someone’s affection or respect.
Jesus is the ultimate sacrament of God. He shows us everything that God the Father is. Jesus shows us how God loves us, how God relates to us, and how God forgives and heals us. The Church, which carries on the mission and love of Jesus, can be said to be a “sacrament” of Jesus, because it continues the message of Jesus and does the things that Jesus did. The Church is never more church when it gathers together to encounter its seven foundation sacraments.
These sacraments are guaranteed to convey the presence and action of Christ, because they are so intimately linked with the life, and mission of Jesus. As Jesus welcomed people into his life and called them to abide in him, the church has sacraments of initiation to bring people intimately into the life and mission of Jesus. As Jesus opened the Scriptures for us and broke the bread (giving himself to us), so too, the church repeats this twofold action to strengthen the people in holiness.
As Jesus healed and forgave, the church continues this mission in its sacraments of penance and anointing of the sick. As Jesus committed himself as servant and teacher, so too does the church have sacraments of commitment like marriage and ordination. The sacraments of the church are concrete expressions of Christ’s presence and action, and make sense in the broader context of Jesus “the Sacrament of God,” and the whole world as a sacrament of God’s love and action.
Fr Paul Kelly
[for more information on this wonderful subject, you can read: Vorgrimler, H. (1992). Sacramental theology. Collegeville, Minn.: Liturgical Press].
THE GOSPEL THIS WEEKEND
Image: Photo by Spencer Davis on Unsplash
Even Our Lord hesitated at the enormousness of the cross. At the garden of Gethsemane he prayed that this cup of suffering would be taken from him. But then he added what I truly believe we all should add to the end of every prayer of petition we address to God - the wonderful words of Christ: “However, not my will be done, but yours!”
Nobody rushes towards suffering or prefers the cross. The mystery of the cross is a difficult but central reality in the life of Christ and of all of us. In life, there are many little crosses as we journey along our path.
Helen Keller, the American author, political activist, and lecturer, who was both deaf and blind, said the most extraordinary thing once. It is challenging and difficult to comprehend this message but it is perfectly consistent with the message Christ and of the Cross. The following are Helen Keller’s own words and this is what she said motivated her life..... "I thank God for my disabilities. For through them, I have found myself, my work, and my God!" - WOW!! What an amazing outlook. This way of looking at God and at her life transformed everything she did and said. Because of, and despite of many major obstacles in life, she did not let them stop her. And neither do we.
Fr. Paul Kelly
GOSPEL RESOURCES - Thirteenth Week in Ordinary Time. Year A. |
In preparation for the Thirteenth Week of Ordinary Time, Year A. The resources can be found on the Liturgy Brisbane website and will be updated each week.
Sunday Readings: Read at Home
In these unique times where our Sunday Masses have been suspended, you may wish to read the Sunday readings and associated commentaries at home.
Family Prayer: Week by Week
This resource is designed for families with young children and has been a joint endeavour of Liturgy Brisbane and Evangelisation Brisbane. An extract from the Sunday gospel is provided, along with some reflection questions, family activities and a worksheet for children.
PARISH SACRAMENTAL PROGRAM - What’s happening?
Confirmation
Due to Corona Virus restrictions, the previously advertised Sacramental Program: Parent Information Session (July 20th or 21st) and the subsequent three Confirmation Preparation Workshops from late July to mid-August will not be offered in the usual face-to-face style. Instead we will offer children and parents the opportunity to complete an Online Confirmation Preparation Program.
After the completed online preparation work has been returned to the Sacramental Coordinator, the Confirmation celebration will be negotiated around the availability of the bishop and the health related restrictions in place at that time.
We are at the beginning of the process of converting our Confirmation material to suitable formats for use in the proposed Online Program. It is our hope that the Confirmation Preparation Program will be ready for use by late August. We anticipate that the program will bear some similarities to the types of information delivery and learning activities that children and families were provided during the recent school lockdown experience. We realise that this style of learning may stir a range of emotions, so we understand and support those families who may choose to wait until 2021 in the hope that we can return to our previous learning model.
Currently, forty children have enrolled for Confirmation Preparation in Surfers Paradise Parish. Once the online program is ready to go, our Sacramental Coordinator Cathy Anderson will email all enrolled families to offer those families the opportunity to participate in this different style of learning. If you know someone who is interested in their child participating in this program please ask them to go to our parish website: www.surfersparadiseparish.com.au and use the drop down menu: Sacraments, Sacramental Program and then complete the Sacramental Program Enrolment Form.
First Communion
As discussed more fully in last week’s newsletter:
Any of the 120 children who were confirmed in 2019, or earlier, or those who have moved from other parishes and expressed an interest in receiving the Sacrament of Eucharist for the first time in Surfers Paradise Parish in 2020 are invited to email to express their interest in participating in the Online First Communion Preparation program.
(Sacramental Coordinator, Cathy Anderson: andersoncm@bne.catholic.net.au.)
Cathy will reply by sending our Online First Communion Preparation material. This material may bear some similarities to the types of information delivery and learning activities that children and families were provided during the recent school lockdown experience. We would expect that children and an adult (or whole families where possible) would explore through discussion and prayerful reflection, the information provided via videos and text. Then we hope that children and adults would talk and research together to complete the associated activities.
In the meantime, we are hoping that restrictions around numbers for church gatherings and celebrations will continue to ease. The Celebrations of First Communions may occur over several parish masses but at this stage we cannot provide exact dates.
We assure you that our goal is to assist our parish children and their families to experience God’s amazing grace more deeply through this sacramental journey and celebration so we welcome any communication that helps us to provide support for this important time in your family’s life.
Surfers Paradise Parish Sacramental Team
RELIGIOUS GOODS SHOP
Popular feasts celebrated over the past few weeks have been the Sacred Heart of Jesus, and the Immaculate Heart of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Sts John Fisher and St Thomas More who were martyrs, and the Nativity of St John the Baptist. This coming week we celebrate feasts of the apostles Sts Peter & Paul and St Thomas. Our Religious Goods Shops have many devotional items such as statues, chaplets, rosary beads, medals, holy cards, including gift lines for Baptism and other Sacramental gifts. For enquiries please ring 0404 805819
THE CATHOLIC LEADER
The Catholic Leader dated 28th June 2020 digital edition is now available here. Access to previous digital editions also available here: https://catholicleader.com.au/digital-newspaper-covid19.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/
Fr Paul Kelly has taken a well deserved break to enjoy a little rest and recreation this week and to also celebrate his birthday. Hearty Birthday congratulations Fr Paul from all of us.
We offer congratulations to the Owuor family who will present their son Billy for Baptism at the Sacred Heart Church this weekend.
Happy 59th Anniversary of Priesthood to my uncle - Fr Clem Hodge, who celebrates this blessed milestone on Monday along with many priests who were ordained on the feast of Saints Peter and Paul.
From Fr. Paul
HAVE YOU PLANNED TO GIVE TO YOUR PARISH? A Message from Fr Peter
Some people have already given through their commitment to Planned Giving Direct Debit and others have called to say they are keeping their envelopes until they can bring them when they return to Mass. I am truly grateful to these people who have understood that contributing to the Parish is not just something we do when we come to Mass. A financial contribution to the Parish is not paying for service, but an acknowledgment that we are participants in the operation of parish life in all its activities. But the reality remains that the Parish has taken a substantial financial hit and until we return to full operation, the loss will only increase.
How will COVID-19 pandemic change the way we financially contribute to the Parish? When weekend masses eventually fully resume, will some restrictions remain?
However, until then, due to the present restrictions, the 1st and 2nd Collections will be replaced with a collection point for cash/cheque/planned giving envelopes near the altar. You will be reminded at Mass to place your contributions there before or after Mass. What follows are some ways for you to contribute. These options are in order of preference which relate to the administration load for each contribution option.
1. Direct Debit (The most preferred parish option)
The Covid-19 pandemic has shown the Parish that the sure and certain way to give without interruption is by Direct Debit. I strongly encourage you to consider this option. Unlike Credit Card giving, Direct Debit comes from your account directly to the Parish account. There is no need to update details when a new card arrives or the hassle of filling in forms every couple of years. A Direct Debit continues to roll smoothly. It is the least amount of work for Parish administration. The parish provides you with an annual receipt. A form is attached.
2. Parish Giving App https://parishgiving.brisbanecatholic.org.au/login
This is a secure way to give by Credit Card. It can be set up as a recurring weekly or monthly gift. Once you have set up the app it will generate a receipt by email.
3. Planned Giving Envelopes
The Parish is about to order the annual planned giving envelopes. Can you please let the Parish know, as soon as possible, if you would prefer to change to Direct Debit? The cost to the Parish is approximately $6 per set and we have reduced these envelopes to 160 sets. This has been the most popular means of giving. However if you wish, you could use a regular/plain envelope and allocate an amount to first and second with your name on the envelope. Remember, as you return to Mass, you will need to place your envelopes (before or after mass) at the collection point near the altar.
4. EFTPOS facility available
The Parish has organised EFTPOS for their piety shops and you will be able to contribute at the facility before or after mass. Upon request a receipt can be provided.
5. Cash/Cheque donations
Due to Covid-19 cash has been restricted in many locations and tap and go is the preferred option. But the parish recognises that this continues to be the preferred way of giving for many of our parishioners. Cash donations will still work for the Parish and we understand, however, we encourage you in faith to consider Direct Debit.
6. Direct Credit
Upon request a form will be provided by the Parish. This function could be replaced by the Parish Giving App, where possible. This relies on heavier Parish administration. It is the least preferred way to give.
Thank you for your continued support and I look forward to being able to thank you personally when we are able to return to parish life as we have known it is the past.
Fr Peter Dillon, Parish Priest
Our faith sustains us through challenging times. 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 during this time of isolation, you can give via http://parishgiving.brisbanecatholic.org.au
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. 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 manager.surfers@bne.catholic.net.au
Yours faithfully,
Sonya Slater, Parish Manager
STAYING CONNECTED AND RESOURCES FOR PRAYER AT HOME |
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 help stay in touch with our Parish and celebrate Mass at 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 10 am): 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 - 6:30 am and on-demand at https://10play.com.au/mass-for-you-at-home
also available on Foxtel 173 Aurora Channel
Current Parish Office Operating Protocol
The office is still not open for pop-in visits. The Parish has phone contact hours Monday to Friday 9 am 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 Parish phone number is 5572 5433.
PLEASE PRAY We remember Roza Masa who passed away on the 22nd June aged 97. Many will remember Roza who until the lockdown was at weekday masses at the back of the church in Sacred Heart Church. Always smiling and prayerful. May she rest in Peace. Her funeral Mass will be at Sacred Heart on Monday, (subject to the covid-restrictions on numbers).
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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): Peter O’Brien, Baby Charbel Raphael, 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, Yvonne Lofthouse, Maureen Murphy, Peter Walsh, Arthur Haddad, Jean Di Benedetto, Damian Callinan, Rosemary Wales, Peter Allsopp, Yvonne Campesi, Louis Couch, Steve Wayt, Michael Tracey, Joanne Mooney, Joanne Parkes, Michelle MacDonald, John & Molly Robinson, Mary Kerr, Eileen McCarthy.
ANNIVERSARY: Carole Stratigos, Josephine Sanders, Elizabeth Fredericks, Grant Butterfield, Polly Cummings,
Eamon Starrs, Julian Rogers-Ford
RECENTLY DECEASED: Anthony McCudden, Benjamin Moore, Roza Masa, Sr. Christine Chia, James Mark Tamai
Readings for Fourteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time. Year A
FIRST READING: Zechariah 9:9-10
Ps: Psalm 145:1-2, 8-9, 10-11, 13-14 “I will praise your name forever my king and my God”
SECOND READING: Romans 8:9, 11-13
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION (cf. Matthew 11:25): Alleluia, alleluia! Blessed are you, Father, Lord of Heaven and earth. You have revealed to little ones the mysteries of the Kingdom.
GOSPEL: Matthew 11:25-30
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.
