“You give them something to eat!” (Mt 14:16)
Shutterstock licensed image stock photo ID: ID: 1184313556. Biblical vector illustration series, Jesus feeds the five thousand. By rudall30
THE PASTOR’S POST
I have been so very fortunate to have had opportunities to travel beyond our own local shores and as well as realising that, without any argument, Australia is the most secure, picturesque and welcoming country I have ever been to (I am open to discussion about this, but it would need to be with an interesting person who likes a nice red), I have learned two very valuable lessons. The first is that at some point in your travels you will find yourself in a dire predicament – out of money, out of food, unable to find a hotel room, lost in a big city or on a remote trail, stranded in the middle of nowhere. The second is that someone will miraculously take care of you – to lend you money, feed you, put you up for the night, and lead you to where you want to go. Whatever the situation, dramatic or mundane, some stranger will save you. While some may call this stranger a ‘guardian angel’, I choose to think of them as personal Saint Christopher’s reasserting himself after being removed from the Roman calendar of saints in 1969. These two lessons will become important if we are ever able to travel again outside our own state or country.
The reason and moral of these lessons is simple and clear: human beings care about each other. Whatever their background, religion, culture and condition, on a person-to-person level, just about everyone everywhere wants to be good to others. This is particularly true of travellers who can all recall how at some time on our journeys we have all needed a kind understanding face or a guiding smile in a strange land.
This message of human care, that we all know in our hearts, periodically gets beaten down or drowned out by world affairs. We tend to keep a balance sheet of giving and receiving and when we feel that balance tends too much against our comfort or satisfaction, we try to correct it by withholding or begrudging. Then ignorance, greed and divisiveness take hold. Despair and distrust abound. Stereotypes are sown and spread. Threats are brandished, and missiles, real or figurative are primed. Fearful spectres are invoked and dispatched. Personal and sometimes global rifts grow. Can this ever be changed or are we destined to just follow the same patterns? Does history need to keep repeating itself? Does it require the greatest minds of the world to discover a formula to stop the inevitable collapse that seems to start so simply, positively and innocently but complicates itself because we won’t humble ourselves enough to offer or receive the kindness of others.
If we really think about it, our very survival depends upon the acts of kindness of so many people. Right from the moment of our birth, we are under the care and kindness of our parents; later in life when facing the suffering of disease or old age, we again are dependent upon the kindness of others. If at the beginning and the end of our lives we depend upon others kindness, why then in the middle should we not act kindly toward others. Has kindness been devalued, by not being taught, encouraged or appreciated?
Kindness can be such a soft and insipid word, unless we give it substance and power, unless it is less a concept and more an action. The truth is that kindness is ours to withhold or bestow. If we live every day with a sense of wonder and curiosity and appreciation, if we encounter others with respect and openness, if we see our human differences as enriching rather than threatening, we will go a long way toward creating a world graced, interlaced with peace and opportunity. I believe all this is possible if we learn from childhood the value and strength of kindness.
Fr Peter Dillon PP.
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OPENING UP THE CHURCHES FOR MASS
After nearly a month of carefully reintroducing Masses back into our parish after a long time of restrictions, we are offering Sunday Masses in all three churches in our parish. Commencing Saturday August 1st the following mass schedule will operate while the present restrictions are in place. Bookings are still necessary as is social distancing and extensive sanitising conditions, to comply with COVID-safe requirements.
Additional to these Sunday Masses we will continue to celebrate Mass at Sacred Heart each weekday at 9am. You will be informed by the parish website or E-Newsletter when this situation changes.
With the added masses you are still required to make bookings for each mass using the booking site on the parish website, maintaining a social-distance of 1.5metres, receiving Holy Communion in the hand only and refraining from physical contact when offering the Sign of Peace. Please know that Masses are now open to all age groups but certainly stay at home if you are feeling even slightly unwell. At each Mass we need marshals at the door to record the names of attendees and ushers to show people to the designated seats. After each Mass, we are required to clean the church and toilets thoroughly. It is possible that our church facilities may be inspected by the health department to ensure that we are adhering to the strict requirements.
To assist in these requirements you are asked to let us know at the parish office if you are ready to assist. At least six people are needed to take on these duties at each Mass. Please do not leave these duties to the usual generous people who always seem ready to help. Each parishioner is asked to consider helping in this unusual time.
Please stay informed about any changes to this schedule through the newsletter or website, particularly if any new restrictions are required by our health authorities.
The Archbishop has continued to exempt everyone from the obligation to attend Sunday mass during restrictions.
We ask that people consult the parish website https://www.surfersparadiseparish.com.au, to keep up to date with any changes relating to masses.
Mass Booking page: https://bookeo.com/catholicmassgoldcoast
Or, if you have no access to a computer, please ring the parish office between 9am and 12 noon Mon-Friday. Ph: 5572 5433
SACRAMENTAL SNAPSHOT
Confirmation 2020 Sacramental Program Enrolments for Preparation for Confirmation have now closed. While our online link (via the parish newsletter) will still allow you to complete a form, any enrolment applications received after July 2020 will be held as enrolments for the 2021 Sacramental Group.
Families of children already enrolled in our Sacramental Group - Preparation for Confirmation 2020 should be aware that our original 2020 dates and workshop style Preparation Program for Confirmation were cancelled due to Covid restrictions. Consequently there are, as yet, no dates set for the Celebration of Confirmation 2020 - This will be negotiated around the availability of the bishop or his representative and the much reduced allowances for the number of guests each confirmation candidate will be able to invite due to social distancing requirements.
There will also be no preparation workshops in the style of recent years but the Sacramental Team is currently organising an ‘At Home Preparation for Confirmation’ document that will be similar to the at home learning-teaching model used when schools were in lockdown earlier this year. We will eventually email the document to parents of enrolled children but this step is still several weeks away.
Please know that we are working hard to bring this opportunity for preparing for Confirmation at home while respecting and complying with Covid 19 response requirements. We very much appreciate your patience and will contact families via email as soon as possible.
First Communion celebration in Surfers Paradise Parish 2020
A number of our parish children have been working at home to complete their Preparation for First Communion. They have been learning and praying with their parents (or whole families where possible) to explore the information and activities provided. We have asked that children and adults talk and research together to complete the tasks and then return the completed work to our Children’s Sacramental Coordinator, Cathy Anderson.
Those who have returned their completed activity document will be offered places at parish masses in Sacred Heart Church in the beginning of the month of September. Each first communicant may invite 6 guests on the day of their First Communion.
Notification of the offer of places at one of the First Communion masses and booking for these places will be managed through emails from and to Cathy Anderson andersoncm@bne.catholic.net.au and NOT through the online booking system available to other parishioners. First Communion families, please don’t trigger a double booking situation by making your own online booking - Thanks in anticipation of your help on this.
Sacred Heart Masses available for First Communicants:
5pm Saturday, 5th September or
9am Sunday, 6th September or
5pm Saturday, 12th September or
9am Sunday, 13th September
Congratulations and thanks to all families who have agreed to try this different approach to preparing their children to receive the sacraments. We ask all parishioners to pray for the adults and children of these families, as each family member fulfills their amazing part in spreading the Good News and growing the family of faith here in Surfers Paradise Parish.
THE GOSPEL THIS WEEKEND
“What Christ gives us is quite explicit if his own words are interpreted according to their Aramaic meaning. The expression 'this is my Body' means ‘this is myself.’ [Jesuit Theologian, KARL RAHNER (1904-1984)].
These readings remind us that in every age the Lord ensures that he feeds us with his Body and Blood; He nourishes us with his life-giving and transforming Word; He strengthens us with his grace; restores us with his mercy and, (first and foremost!), he loves us as his own, as sons and daughters; with a bond of love that simply can never be broken. Not even death, nor life, not distance, nor time, nothing at all can separate us from God’s love. Our gracious God sends us out as his family, his friends, his people, and as disciples and co-workers, to be an instrument of God’s nourishment and strength for others.
Jesus is still at work in our lives and in the world; inspiring people of goodwill everywhere to respond with compassion and practical action to help the starving, the homeless, the guilty, the dispossessed, the ill.. and so many others in need. Let us always remember Jesus’ loving and challenging command: "YOU give them something to eat, yourselves!" (Mt 14:16)
(REFERENCES:Break Open the Word). And http://homilycatholic.blogspot.com/
Fr. Paul Kelly
Photo by Hudson Hintze on Unsplash
LITURGY SPOT
Another interesting area of the Mass is the penitential rite:
If we were to ask people to write a penitential rite, I am fairly certain that it would be written like this…
For the times we have sinned, lord have mercy
For when we didn’t consider others in our actions. Christ have mercy.
For our lack of charity and love. Lord have mercy.
But it is really important to note that this is NOT the correct format and it flows from a misunderstanding of the form and intention of this rite….
It is amazing because, although we call it a penitential rite, you could more accurately describe it as a “litany of praise…” People do not often notice that 90% of the options for the penitential rite are actually worded in such a way that they do NOT say things like: “for the times I have sinned, Lord have mercy.” Actually, most of the words are praising God and naming the wonderful qualities of our Lord and God. As we bring to mind these saving qualities about God, we ask God to be merciful to us.
So, there are three main forms of the penitential rite, with several optional styles within them…
We will start with the third version of the penitential rite, as it is most familiar to us and is the one used most often in practice. This is the one that runs as follows:
You were sent to heal the contrite of heart. Lord, have mercy.
You came to call sinners: Christ, have mercy.
You are seated at the right hand of the Father to intercede for us: Lord, have mercy.
(As I mention, this is actually the third form of the penitential rite, but arguably the most-often used format, and has been adapted into at least nine sample versions at the back of the Missal, and in fact preparers of the the liturgy are welcome to write countless versions of this general format, as long as it follows this litany of praise style.
Notice the form… we are not actually focusing on our sinfulness, (not directly anyway), rather we are focusing upon God’s abundant goodness and mercy. The statements are not about us, but about what God is like and what God is doing.
So, the format is: Lord you are (like this), Lord, you are (like that), Lord you act (in this way).…
These are wonderful praise-filled statements about the nature and action of God…. /
Lord You are merciful. Lord have mercy.
Lord, you call us to turn to you and be saved. Christ have mercy.
Lord you are good and forgiving, full of love to all who call. Lord have mercy.
Or (just some examples):
Lord you are Prince of Peace...
Lord you are the GOD OF ALL GRACE...
Lord you are the GOD OF ALL COMFORT...
Lord, you are the GOD OF ISAAC, THE GOD OF JACOB, THE GOD OF ISRAEL...
Lord you are GOD OF THE UPRIGHT...
Lord you are the GOD OF LOVE AND PEACE. ..
Lord you are the GOD OF ABRAHAM. ..
You are the God who sees everything. ………..
And so on…. Endlessly…. There are as many different variations you could use, based upon this format, as there are different titles for God, or titles for Jesus, or for that matter, lists of qualities or descriptions about God and what God does and who God is and even what God does not ever do. These statements are positive and praise-filled and inspiring statements about God which then lead us to pray Lord Have mercy. Christ have mercy.
The first version of the PENITENTIAL RITE is the Confiteor, or the “I confess.” This is hardly used, but it is one of the three main options and there is no reason not to use it more regularly. (True, this form actually does focus on our sinfulness, but it is different from the usual format of the rite in the other options. Still it is very special and should be used often).
I confess to almighty God and to you, my brothers and sisters, that I have greatly sinned, in my thoughts and in my words, in what I have done and in what I have failed to do, through my fault, through my fault,* through my most grievous fault; therefore I ask blessed Mary ever-Virgin, all the Angels and Saints, and you, my brothers and sisters, to pray for me to the Lord our God.
May almighty God have mercy on us, forgive us our sins, and bring us to everlasting life. Amen.
(Note, if we use a format that does not have the “threefold Lord have Mercy, Christ have Mercy, Lord have Mercy” form intrinsic to it, then the Missal instructs that they be added at the end of it…..
Any penitential format that is structurally different, automatically has added at the end…… Lord have mercy, Christ have mercy, lord have mercy).
The Second version of the penitential Rite:
[Pray for me here, because I try to use this version every so often and it almost always falls flat, much to my disappointment and confusion. The following version of the penitential rite, causes all sorts of confusion. And it is made worse by the fact that, because it is different it is not used as much, and because it is not used much it is unfamiliar, and the cycle goes on! (The same thing happens to me whenever I try to use the Greeting at Mass: “Grace to You and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ,” and receive a stunned silence, instead of the reply: “And with your Spirit”). This is because these options are not used regularly enough].
There is a liturgical principle that says, “an option never used, is no option at all,” and so it is important to be ready for this one……and to use it regularly ..
Priest says: Have mercy on us, O Lord.
The assembly replies: For we have sinned against you
Priest: Show us, O Lord, your mercy.
People: And grant us your salvation.
Priest: May almighty God have mercy on us, forgive us our sins, and bring us to everlasting life. Amen. (And, as the format is different from the norm,the priest adds at the end……
Lord have mercy, Christ have mercy, lord have mercy).
Fr Paul.
Photo by JOHN TOWNER on Unsplash
GOSPEL RESOURCES
In preparation for this coming weekend, the resources can be found on the Liturgy Brisbane website and will be updated each week.
In these unique times where our Sunday Masses have been suspended, you may wish to read the Sunday readings and associated commentaries at home.
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.
Stewardship Reflection: August 2, 2020 18th Sunday in Ordinary Time
“Jesus said to them,‘There is no need for them to go away; give them some food your-selves’.” (Matthew 14:16) This is what Jesus said right before he fed the five thousand men. How often do we really place our trust in Jesus when the situation looks grim? With Jesus, no gift is too small or insignificant when offered with love. But, we have to do our part. We should trust that Jesus will provide all that we need. We need to believe that Jesus has a better plan in store for us.
The vision of Stewardship speaks in every aspect of life, inviting everyone to be thankful, generous and accountable for what each has been given.
Last Thursday morning Stewardship principles were truly active in the St Vincent’s community where Cathy, Christeen, Eileen, Gary, Glenyse, Laila, Margaret, Mary, Madelon, Maxine, Pat, Ron, Sha, Silvana, Trish, Vince G & Vince O came together and participated in a ‘spring clean’ of the church prior to the return of their community. To these generous people we say thankyou for your time and your talents shared and used for our St Vincent’s community benefit.
The Surfers Paradise Parish congratulates the Gunter, Bonadies, Hutchings and Snyman families who will have their daughters Daisy, Olivia, Pearl and Indie baptised at the Sacred Heart Church this weekend.
As these children begin their faith journey, please keep them and their families in your prayers.
THE CATHOLIC LEADER
Access to the current and previous digital editions 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/
PARISH FINANCIAL SUPPORT
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
PLANNED GIVING ENVELOPES ARE READY
The Planned Giving Envelopes are now available at the Sacred Heart Church before and after the scheduled masses. Bookings for masses are still necessary. The parish office can also give you your envelopes between 9 am and 12 noon, Monday to Friday. We only have envelopes for those who requested them, or those who previously requested them. People who direct debit will not have envelopes. Receipts for anyone who direct debits will be available at the parish office between 9 am and 12 noon, Monday to Friday.
Book for Mass at Surfers Paradise Parish: https://bookeo.com/catholicmassgoldcoast
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 here also available on Foxtel 173 Aurora Channel
Current Parish Office Operating Protocol
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.
IN OUR HEARTS AND PRAYERS AT THIS TIME
FOR THOSE WHO ARE SICK: George Cook, Caterina (Cathy) Randazzo, 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.
And all suffering from the effects of Covid-19.
RECENTLY DECEASED: Vittoria Uliana, Terrence Faloon, Raphael (Ray) Desira, Margaret Ann Mason, Margaret Mary Gordon, Marie Nunn, Patrick Boyle, William (Bill) Wall, Marie Doreen Emslie, Dan Quinn.
ANNIVERSARY OF DEATH: Fr Bill Taylor CM, David D'Arcy, Lyn Daly, Joe Vella, Reg Sheehan, Bill Cronin, Roger Bullen,
Din and Arthur Swift, Joseph Robinson, Thomas Hirst, Ron Mooney, Tera Phillips, Valda Martin, Maurie Taafe, Patrick Kelly,
Mal Condon, John Ashby, Mary & John Reid, Corbett McKay.
DECEASED: Bruck Wheeler, and the Wheeler, Westwell and Woodgate families.
Readings for Nineteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time. Year A
FIRST READING: 1 Kings 19:9a, 11-13a
Psalm: Psalm 85:9ab+10, 11-12, 13-14 “Lord, show us your mercy and love, and grant us your salvation.”
SECOND READING: Romans 9:1-5
Gospel Acclamation: (cf. Psalm 130:5) Alleluia, alleluia! I hope in the Lord. I trust in his Word.
GOSPEL: Matthew 14:22-33
“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.
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