MASS SERVICES CONTINUE AS PLANNED
Greetings,
With the news today, (28th August 2020), that the Gold Coast now had its first cases of community transmission, the Queensland government has extended the restrictions currently in place across [Brisbane's] metro north, metro south and west Moreton to the Gold Coast.
Businesses with COVID-Safe plans are allowed to continue business as usual.
The Catholic Church has an Industry COVID-safe plan already and so this increase of restrictions does not change our current operations.
Masses will continue as usual.
It is essential that people pre-book and that those who have not booked cannot enter if the maximum number for the Church size has been reached.
Anyone feeling at all unwell is asked to remain at home. People within a vulnerable age group, or with particular medical issues are asked to consider the increased risks.
Ushers and coordinators helping are asked to wear facemasks.
At this stage, we are still operating as planned. We will monitor the situation and announce any future changes, as and when the circumstances develop.
God bless.
______________________________________
Image Credit: James Tissot (French, 1836-1902). Get Thee Behind Me, Satan (Rétire-toi, Satan), 1886-1896. Opaque watercolor over graphite on gray wove paper, Image: 5 11/16 x 8 5/8 in. (14.4 x 21.9 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Purchased by public subscription, 00.159.153 (Photo: Brooklyn Museum).
“You are a stumbling block to me; you do not have in mind the concerns of God, but merely human concerns”
(Matthew 16:23)
THE PASTOR’S POST
In my early life as a Priest, I learnt some bad habits from other priests. Not immoral habits, mind you, but practices that were not always the healthiest and most productive ways to live this somewhat unusual occupation. I say unusual, because these days there are not many grown men who cohabit like middle-aged flatmates, living and working out of the same residence, often with one the manager of the duties of the other. Until such time as a phone call from the bishop changes the whole dynamic, by transferring one or the other to the next living and working relationship, often with little knowledge of what will be required by way of duties and certainly minimal knowledge of how you will manage the next living arrangement. The luck of the draw rather than precision planning plays a big part.
These days this is less of a problem, with fewer Priests living together and an Archbishop who is happy to discuss options. But in my early days there were often great differences in lifestyle, as well as a theological approach of the parish priest and his assistant. My first pastor was more than twice my age and made very specific decisions about presbytery life, mainly what and when we would eat, what television stations were to be watched (usually the ABC with the occasional dial-turn to Saturday football). I was told what time I should shower (daily, I’m happy to say) and permission was required before accepting an invitation to a parishioner’s home for dinner. I was given a roster on Monday morning letting me know what my week’s duties would be, and I was given an envelope every three months with my pay in cash. Holidays and the weekly day off was by application to him and was often cancelled due to work requirements. It was not an altogether unpleasant existence and was the norm for new priests, but there was no discussion about these procedures because he was just repeating what he had been taught by his first parish priest. While I know it was another age, my fear of repeating those early experiences later in life has stayed with me and hopefully helped me not replicate the rigidity of those early days. If anything, I learned early that I didn’t want to live like that for the rest of my life.
One of the bad habits of this first priest that I should mention, was that he rarely took a day off from busy parish life. While he was an excellent instructor in many ways, this particular omission made me feel a little guilty when I looked forward to those precious 24 hours away from the demanding life of a young curate. This guilt was exacerbated when I plucked up the courage to ask why he didn’t regularly have a day off each week. “Because Jesus didn’t”, was the short reply. (If only he had been like Jesus in every other way I could have understood, but why pick a ‘day off’?) He was a very hard worker and highly respected by parishioners after many years of dedicated service, but I often wonder, was he a happy man? On reflection he was a good teacher, although not all the lessons he taught were for the good of all or me.
If I had the courage and the confidence, I wish I could have told him that being busy to the point of exhaustion does not bring out the best in people. Clearing the clutter and doing some mindless activity does have some regenerative outcomes. We do not need to fill our lives with distracting entertainment to help us forget life’s difficulties, but we do need moments when we can see into life beyond the bright, hard surfaces. More than a day off, we need a “day on”, when we can gain more experience, more depth as human beings. I wish now we had been able to spend a few hours chatting about things that did not involve parish life or the latest document from Rome, so that I could have learnt other lessons about how real life can be found in leisure as well as work.
Maybe the gospel writers only wanted the reader to think that Jesus didn’t have a day off or have spaces in his preaching and healing ministry. Perhaps they wanted us to think the Son of God had super energy as well optimum health and fitness and didn’t need any down-time to catch his breath. I, however, choose to think he really enjoyed his hiking or sauntering from town to town, that his parables were told around a campfire relaxing with his mates and that not all sharing of wine and bread was a lesson in transubstantiation. I choose to think he may have had a Red Sea shack where we went to chill out and prepare for the next line up of needy followers. I choose to think he did these things so that he could show others how to get the best out of life, that he lived a fulfilling and enjoyable life, and not just taught lessons about how to live it.
Fr Peter Dillon PP.
The Surfers Paradise Parish community congratulates the Davari and Noya families whose children Havana and Elena will be baptised at the Sacred Heart Church this weekend.
As Havana and Elena begin their faith journey, please keep the families in your prayers.
ANNUAL CATHOLIC CAMPAIGN (19-20 SEPTEMBER 2020)
Annual Catholic Campaign (19-20 September 2020). These annual appeals were delayed because of the Covid-19 lockdowns. They are still vital to the operations of the Archdiocese.
GOLDEN WEDDING ANNIVERSARY MASS
COVID restrictions are preventing the celebration of the Golden Wedding Anniversary Mass, held each year at the Cathedral of St Stephen, in the usual way. However, on Saturday 26th September at the 11.30am Mass, Archbishop Mark will celebrate Mass for the special intentions of all couples celebrating 50 years or more of marriage. Attendance of Mass at the Cathedral is restricted to 132, if however, any couple celebrating their Golden Wedding Anniversary are in good health and wish to attend the Mass in person, please contact the Cathedral office on 3324 3030 or register on-line via the Cathedral website: https://www.cathedralofststephen.org.au/mass--reconciliation-times.html
The Mass will be live-streamed via the Cathedral website for those who are unable to attend in person.
SACRAMENTAL SNAPSHOT
Confirmation 2020
While our online link (via the parish newsletter) will still allow parishioners to complete a form, any sacramental enrolment applications received after July 2020 will be held as enrolments for the 2021 Sacramental Group.
Families of children enrolled (prior to the end of July) in our Sacramental Group - Preparation for Confirmation 2020 should be aware that in response to Covid restrictions, our Sacramental Team is currently organising an ‘At Home Preparation for Confirmation’ document. This document will be similar to the recent At Home Learning-Teaching Model used when schools were in lockdown earlier this year. This step is still several weeks away and will eventually be offered via email. We thank you for your patience.
First Communion 2020
A number of our Parish children have been working at home to complete their Preparation for First Communion. Children have been learning and praying with their families to explore the information and activities provided.
We ask all parishioners to pray for the adults and children of these families, as they journey together and excitedly anticipate their First Communion in early September.
MASSES (PRE-BOOKED)
Sunday Masses are being offered, (pre-bookings still required), in all three churches of our Parish. 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. Saturday morning Mass will only be on the First Saturday of each month, also at 9am.
You will be informed by the parish website or E-Newsletter when this situation changes.
Please remember that as per restrictions we are still expected to book and check in for mass, maintain a social-distance of 1.5metres, receive Holy Communion in the hand only, refrain from physical contact when offering the Sign of Peace, and to sanitise when entering and exiting the premises.
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: https://bookeo.com/catholicmassgoldcoast or
Or, if you are unable to book online, please ring the parish office between 9am and 12 noon Mon-Fri. Ph: 5572 5433
When You Are Late For Mass
Let’s try our hardest to arrive early and enable everyone to enjoy God’s company and wonderful blessings.
STEWARDSHIP REFLECTION:
“What profit would there be for one to gain the whole world and forfeit his life?” (Matthew 16:26)
St. Francis of Assisi once said, “Remember, you are what you are in the eyes of God, and nothing else.” We often forget this stewardship wisdom when we spend all of our time, talent, and treasure to gain more of the world’s riches. We need to set our priorities based on God’s values and not the values of the material world.
The vision of Stewardship speaks in every aspect of life, inviting everyone to be thankful, generous and accountable for what each has been given.
THE GOSPEL THIS WEEKEND
Shutterstock licensed image. ID: ID: 8791768. Magnificent mosaic portrait of Saint Peter, in the UNESCO listed byzantine basilica of Saint Vitalis, Ravenna, Italy.
By mountainpix
ROCK OR STUMBLING BLOCK. WHICH IS IT TO BE?
Saint Peter has just declared that Jesus is the Messiah, the chosen one, and the Son of God. Jesus has rewarded this God-inspired declaration with the declaration that Peter is the ROCK on which he will build his church.
Our Lord’s church is founded on the “rock-solid profession of faith” first uttered by Saint Peter.
But now, (astoundingly), only moments later, Jesus is rebuking Peter. Calling him a stumbling block.
Peter has gone from “Rock” to “Stumbling block” in seconds…
How easy it is for any of us to go from one-minute being a person who is supporting the vision Of Jesus, to being an unwitting stumbling block, or obstacle to the project!! It is very sobering stuff!!
Our Lord’s instinctive reaction, even to one of his closest disciples makes sense though. He had been sorely tempted in the desert by the “adversary.” The temptations were persistent but he deflected them powerfully….. Then, time and time again.. he had to shrug off the “all too subtle temptations” to “sell-out” or “take the easy path”…..
If the easy path was not so attractive…. And if the hard path was not so shocking and awful… there would have been no problem,…. but the right way was something no one would be happy to follow unless it was necessary…. and the easy path is so reassuring….. Jesus has time and time again fended off the adversary’s temptations…. “give them bread… give them material things they desire and then they will follow you…..’…. “give them sensations… give them wonders…. and they will follow you….”……. “never challenge them…. given them what they ask without questioning… without moving them forward…… and they will follow you…..”……. “compromise with the world…. reduce your standards……. sell out…. and they will follow you….”…. and now….here is his friend… his devoted disciple…… his rock……. Peter….. saying similar things….. no wonder Jesus shot back that retort like an arrow shot from its bow…….. Jesus has been fending off these obstacles to his true mission time and time again throughout his ministry… and this would not be the last time each-other…
Jesus is saying to Peter.. and to each one of us…. okay… you know I am the Messiah… the Christ… the chosen one…. fine… that is only the beginning…. NOW you must listen and learn from me WHAT the true meaning of the messiah is……
Peter and the disciples would have grown up with a very different image of the meaning of a “messiah” or the “Christ”…. To them.. It was a king… a warrior… in the mould of King David… who would come with revolution and power and cast down the regimes in control, and rule the chosen people in a Kingdom better than the days of Solomon……. God’s kingdom on earth…. and earthly kingdom…. too…. Jesus had to teach them to let go of all that….. he is the messiah but a messiah like nothing they had expected…. (even though this gentle, peaceful King, this suffering servant is actually to be found in the ancient scriptures, but the expectation of an overwhelming warrior-king had long ago drowned-out this gentler message). Jesus’ Kingdom is not of this world…… his power is the cross…. his sword is his word and his weapon is love….. and persuasion… inclusion, forgiveness and justice……
It is interesting though… Jesus does not speak to Peter the same way he dismissed Satan in the desert… But, there is a big difference here…… In the desert Jesus says to The Adversary… “begone”…. “depart”…….. (The Adversary, will never follow God… his pride is too overwhelming)./….. but to Peter.. he says… begone adversary… get behind me ….. its two separate ideas…... Two different things…… to the adversary he says … begone from me…. but to his trustworthy, loyal Peter… he says….. get back behind me… FOLLOW me… learn from me… Don’t try to lead me…. Don’t tell me how to do this…. Become my follower again…. learn the ways of the Messiah from the Messiah and not from your own preconceptions. . And of course Peter does…. He had gotten out of his place and tried to drag Jesus into false visions of his mission… but Jesus would have none of that… Peter was a quick learner. After this rebuke, he gets back to following Jesus…. Walking behind him, not in front of him, (not as an adversary or an obstacle)….
This is very important for all of us.
So often, we might do something for a good motive, but sometimes that motive may be misguided. St Peter MEANT WELL too. He pulled Jesus Aside and said to him out of the sincerest concern and affection for his master…. NO WAY!!!…. His Lord and Master, the Messiah, simply cannot be permitted to go off and be executed in Jerusalem. This MUST NOT HAPPEN. Peter loved and respected his master and wanted to protect him and preserve his life. He was trying to be a good friend, but he unwittingly was becoming an obstacle to Jesus because Peter did not understand that Jesus’ whole mission was to sacrifice his life for the salvation of all. It was necessary that Our Lord MUST go to Jerusalem and be handed over and sacrificed.
If anything actually MUST NOT HAPPEN, it is that NO ONE MUST be allowed try to stop our Lord or become an obstacle to his road to Calvary, , (not even Peter or any of his disciples), Anyone who promotes an easy way out or watering down of the Gospel message, will be nothing but a stumbling block to be gotten around.
I find it very helpful to always keep in mind that good intentions are not the be all and end all. Sometimes meaning well can end up defeating the purpose of what we are here for.
Any ‘overly helpful’ disciple can fall into St Peter’s trap of thinking they are helping, when they are not really listening and learning God’s ways, which are not like the ways of the world. …. We have a task from our Lord to try and comprehend his mission as fully as we can. The “overly helpful” end up doing the exact opposite of what God is actually trying to achieve. Despite meaning well, it is nevertheless misguided….
To prevent this mistake, it is urgent that we take regular time to read the scriptures and deepen our spiritual and scriptural reading…. And also, these readings we hear each weekend.. are so rich and full of meaning.. It would be wonderful if we read over the coming weekend’s readings, at least once or twice during the preceding week,… and perhaps just prior to coming to mass.. even read the texts reflectively again…. Prior to hearing it proclaimed at Mass… to ever deepen our hearing and perceiving of the wonderful message and challenge of God’s Word.
Jesus puts the icing on the cake at the end of this Gospel….…. “anyone who wants to follow me must ‘deny themselves’ ….. Jesus knows that human pride…. human ego is an enormous obstacle to his mission…… Jesus wants to teach and guide all his followers into a mindset that leaves behind ego, pride and self-interest…. If we are to be always true to Jesus' message… then we must accept a heavy but liberating truth…. This is not about ME…. this is not about MY needs…. this is about the good news… this is about what is best for others and for all……… My comfort… my needs….. my pride…. ,me… me…. me….. it all must be left behind……. So that we can follow where Jesus leads us….and respond generously and compassionately to what happens.
Today’s gospel demands of us deep and regular prayer, contemplation and reflection, so that we can be a rock, and not a block… and so that we can not only “mean well” but also “achieve well” when we act according to the Lord’s vision.
Fr. Paul Kelly
[Reference: THE DAILY STUDY BIBLE. GOSPEL OF MATTHEW. (REVISED EDITION). BY WILLIAM BARCLAY.
Concepts from William Barclay, The Daily Study Bible – Matthew vol 2].
LITURGY SPOT
Readings at Mass
Some handy hints for Proclaimers of the Word at Mass.
Whether singing or reading the Psalm or the texts of the readings of the Holy Scriptures, it is important to clearly enunciate the words. Hearing the Word of God is the highest priority, even over the hearing of the notes of any music.
We deliberately use the term “Proclaimer of the Word” to describe what is often called a Reader. Proclaimer of the Word is a better term because the person is not merely reading the text out but are actively doing a ministry of Proclaiming the Word of God for the benefit of people’s minds and hearts.
It is vital that those rostered to Proclaim the Word of God in Liturgy to practise the reading several times prior to arriving at Mass. There are books with the readings in them, called “Break Open the Word.” And also, if you contact the parish we can email you a copy of your reading. Whilst it is fine to look over the reading just prior to Mass, this must not be the first time the person has looked at the reading.
There are some words that confuse the casual reader. For example, the word ‘accept,’ should be pronounced as ‘ak-cept’ not as a similar word with a completely different meaning: ‘except.’ Proclaimers of the Word sometimes stumble over ‘bows’ as in bows and arrows, and not boughs as in trees, or ‘bow of a ship’ which is pronounced like ‘I bowed to the applause.’ Be careful of the word Tear (sometimes used as in “rip”) and other times tear as in crying. Also, the word “consolation” means to give comfort, whilst ‘consolidation’ means to gather together.
When proclaiming the word at mass there is no need to say: “ The second reading is a reading from...(such and such).” This last sentence is redundant as we already know it is the second reading, and it is not necessary to to hear that it is a ‘reading’ twice in a few seconds. The words to be read out are shown in the text, and ought not be confused with the heading for that reading.
Proclaimers of the Word, please keep a careful ear on your own reading. Watch out for your breath causing a popping noise on the microphone. One can hear when this happens. If this is happening, move your mouth slightly to the side of the microphone so your breath is not directly striking the microphone. Also, it is possible to pronounce words starting with ‘p’ and ‘F’ (known as ‘plosives’), by carefully positioning one’s lip so that the air is directed downwards and not toward the microphone.
In the gospel acclamation, the assembly should remain seated until the musical cue or the priest invites them. This is because there is intended to be a time of silent reflection between second reading and gospel acclamation. Because of this, please do not say ‘please stand for the gospel.’ There are two good reasons for this. It is not time to stand for the Gospel immediately after the end of the second reading or the psalm, as there is meant to be a pause of silent reflection. Secondly, the singing or speaking of the Alleluia is enough of a cue to stand without needing to say “please stand.” The music or the intonation of the gospel acclamation is itself a sign of the need to stand.
The musician has also been instructed to wait for the Proclaimer of the Word to leave sanctuary completely before starting the psalm or the gospel acclamation.
At the end of the readings, the Proclaimer of the Word says: “The word of the lord.” They do not say “this is the word of the Lord.” Nor do we say “word of the lord.” Also, no need to point to the lectionary as if to say “this is the word” as after the Word of God is proclaimed, it is no longer just in the book on the ambo, but it is out in the community, resounding in the ears and hearts and minds of the listeners.
There are very good pronunciation guides available for difficult words for place names or people in the bible. In Brisbane, and around Australia we have the annual booklet “Break Open the Word” which features the readings, plus a section at the back for pronunciation. One hint that may be helpful to all Proclaimers of the Word: A lot of difficult proper names of people or places in the translations of the Ancient biblical texts, usually have an equal and strong emphasis on every syllable. That is, there are not that many soft or silent letters. So a good guide for pronunciation is that the most biblical personal names and place names will have a strong equal pronunciation of each syllable. For example, it is Shad-rak, Me-shak, Abed-Ne-Go, who were sent by King Neb-ud-ken-nez-er, into the burning, fiery furnace. Other names such as Shal-el-ti-el and Zer-uu-bub-bel). If in doubt, pronounce each syllable strongly and equally, and with a longer, harder, pronunciation than shorter or softer.
Interestingly, even in the pronunciation guides there is room for differences in pronunciation. There are often two different versions of many of the same words, which are equally acceptable. For shorthand, I describe it as the American pronunciation version and the British/Australian version, as there are similarities and differences in how each region pronounces many words in any case, whether it be a modern or an older word. That is just a general guide, but I find this really helpful.
Whenever speaking or singing, the words to use should be the ones printed in any booklets being used in the ceremony or on the projector screen – Since these are the ones the people in the assembly are singing from. (That is, unless there is a glaring error in the text which makes it unsingable). The point of singing in Liturgy is to support the worship of the people, so if they have a particular version of the psalm or hymn or other text or prayer on the screen, we need to try to use that one that the people have.
It is, in my opinion, a good idea to ask the projector person (when there are slides used), to put up the response straight away in those cases where the text in the lectionary response is translated differently in the screen or worship aid booklet.
Proclaimers of the Word please speak clearly and slightly slower than usual conversational speaking speed.
Listen for sound levels. Practice awareness and listening so that you become very aware of the level of your voice as you speak. If you notice you are too loud or too soft, you can adjust. It is important that you can hear the speaker level. This seems common sense but you would be surprised how many people stand up to read and clearly cannot be heard at all, and the microphone is not even on, or the sound is screaming and feeding back and they go on reading as if they didn’t even notice. (In those cases, one might say to them, “did you notice the sound was too soft or too loud?” but the Proclaimer of the Word sometimes seems utterly surprised and had not noticed). The more we remain deeply aware of how everything we do and say and sing impacts the people whom we are serving, the better.
It is important to listen for any unpleasant electronic FEEDBACK SOUNDS. These are the awful screeching noises that occur when sound is feeding-back from the microphone to the speakers. It often starts softly but the ringing and screeching gets louder and louder until it almost deafens everyone. We can all be alert to this, to help nip it in the bud as early as possible. (If this occurs, one can help reduce the feedback by lowering one’s own speaking level and moving back from the microphone and even pausing if the screeching starts to creep up). COORDINATORS/ sacristans, will also keep an ear to the sound levels, take note, and turn down the sound or up the sound if something is clearly not right. (In a rare situation if the screeching continues, turn off the sound altogether, rather than try to “soldier on” with the screeching unabated). This problem also occurs when other microphones are left on the on position when not needed, - If anyone who is near a microphone can possibly turn off the one they are not using, (where the microphones have their own on/off switches, that is even better.
Proclaimers of the Word, please, if you move the place-marking ribbon in the lectionary, please do not leave it lying outside of the book. If the book gets closed, we are all lost. Please leave the ribbon in the lectionary.
When reading the psalm, please never say… “the response is…..” or at the end of each verse, please never say “Response!!” (psalm). There is really no need for this.
Psalm.. - when spoken…. Slow down at the end of the verse… to indicate that the verse is coming to an end, and that the response is about to happen. If the spoken response to the psalm is long or complicated, please say the refrain along with the people to help them.
Most psalm verses are usually four lines in length. If they are longer than four lines, this can cause confusion. Please Do not pause where the verse is not ended, but run along slightly faster, so that more than four lines, so people don’t jump in too early…
If you pause too long in a psalm verse (especially a longer one) - people will jump in with the response too early… If you don’t slow down as you near the end of the verse, people will be unsure when to come in with the response. The pace of your voice should be sufficient to cue them in.
Fr Paul. Image Shutterstock licensed. ID: Photo by Waldemar Brandt on Unsplash
SACRED HEART & ST VINCENT’S RELIGIOUS GOODS SHOPS
The two Religious Goods Shops in our Parish at Sacred Heart and St Vincent’s Churches are open before and after all Masses each weekend.
Our shops are ‘Holy Spaces’, all the religious goods stock has been blessed by the Priests. This will save you running after the Priest to bless your purchases.
We have many First Holy Communion gifts for that special little person in your life who is about to receive their First Holy Communion next weekend. Suitable gifts and cards available for parents, grandparents, siblings and friends.
The Sacred Heart Religious Goods Shop can be accessed on a Monday and Friday between 9:30am-12pm, just call into the Parish Office and we will help you. Other times before and after the weekend Masses.
The 2021 Columban Calendars are now available. Purchase your copy now before stocks run out.
We have contactless eftpos facilities available to save you handling cash in these times.
STAYING CONNECTED
Have you ensured that your contact details are up to date with the Parish:
Please fill out this form if you are unsure.
Census Form Information Update
SURFERS PARADISE CATHOLIC PARISH - CENSUS UPDATE
Are you on our mailing list for the weekly e-newsletter, weekly homily/Mass audio blog and occasional breaking news alerts?
If not, please email us at paulwkelly68@gmail.com. Note: sometimes we have added a person to our email-list but the email is going to their ‘spam’ or ‘junk-mail’ folder. It is a good idea to check these folders to see if it isn’t there. If that is happening to you, you can mark these emails as ‘approved’ or ‘not-spam/junk’, so your email server lets them get through to you.
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
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. At the Sacred Heart and St Vincent’s churches we are now able to accept tap and pay donations via our contactless eftpos machines. 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
The envelopes can be collected from the parish office Monday - Friday 9 am to 12 noon.
IN OUR HEARTS AND PRAYERS AT THIS TIME
FOR THOSE WHO ARE SICK: Doug Reiser, Helen Bohringer, John Zappa, 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, Michael Tracey, Joanne Mooney, Joanne Parkes, Michelle MacDonald, John & Molly Robinson, Mary Kerr, Eileen McCarthy.
And all those suffering from the effects of Covid-19.
RECENTLY DECEASED: Tony Lenchuca, Angela Di Pietro, Giuseppina Rovella, Dominic Joseph Condon, Stewart Chalmers, Rose Mary Saldanha, Billy Rios - (USA CoronaVirus), Fr Joe McGeehan, Paul Giacomantonio, Peter Bathis (Gosford), Manuel Dos Santos, Maria Beuk (Austral NSW), Hannah Bishop, Josephine ‘Joyce’ Farrugia.
ANNIVERSARY OF DEATH: Michael Perta, Algie Scharenguivel, Jim O’Brien, Dorothy Pierce, Ronnie Bourke, Clement Durkin, Max Butler, Molly Brennan, Edna Hamilton, Greg Jackson, Narda Hallam, Ron Neilsen, Barry Arderne, Charles Cam, Bernie Crane, Patricia Medway, Patricia Sievers, Rosy Micheal, Maureen Joseph.
DECEASED: Ronald Keene, Bruck Wheeler, and the Wheeler, Westwell and Woodgate families.
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:
Book for Mass at Surfers Paradise Parish: https://bookeo.com/catholicmassgoldcoast
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/
Liturgy Brisbane - Gospel Resources for at home: Sunday Readings: Read at Home and Family Prayer: Week by Week
Access the digital Catholic Leader: https://catholicleader.com.au/digital-newspaper-covid19
Readings for Twenty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time. Year A
FIRST READING: Ezekiel 33:7-9
Ps: Psalm 95:1-2, 6-7b, 7c-9 “O that today you would listen to his voice! Harden not your hearts.”
SECOND READING: Romans 13:8-10
Gospel Acclamation (2 Corinthians 5:19): Alleluia, alleluia! God was in Christ, to reconcile the world to himself; And the Good News of reconciliation he has entrusted to us.
GOSPEL: Matthew 18:15-20
“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.
Three Churches One Parish
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Welcome!
The Catholic Church’s mission is to offer people of all ages and backgrounds the opportunity to deepen their understanding and relationship with Jesus Christ.
Becoming Catholic involves a journey of faith, accompanied by the support of a parish community. This process is called Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults, or RCIA. During the RCIA process you meet with others to share, reflect, pray and learn more about the Catholic faith. There are ceremonies or ‘rites’ at each stage to signify the steps along the way. If you or someone you know would like to know more about becoming Catholic or would like to start the process of becoming Catholic as an adult, please contact our Parish Office.
RCIA: Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults
St Augustine, a great Saint of the Church, said, “Our hearts are restless, O Lord, until they rest in you.”
The RCIA is for all seeking to become members of the Catholic Church.
The RCIA is best described as a journey of faith that passes through a number of different phases and focuses on conversion of heart and mind to Christ. It is a gradual journey tailored to the needs of the individual.
It is a faith journey of adults to initiation through the unified rites of Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist. Grounded in the four pillars of Word, Liturgy, Community and Mission, adults are provided with a sponsor, meet regularly to learn about Catholicism and become part of the fabric of the Parish prior to initiation.
The faith journey is adapted for children of catechetical age (8-17 years) and adults who are already baptised in another Christian tradition. It is a process for those who have not been Baptised at all, for those who have been Baptised into another Christian tradition and also for those who have been Baptised Catholic but have not throughout their lives been involved at all in the Catholic faith but are now wanting to make that Faith journey/commitment in their lives, and for all to become full members of the Catholic Church.
The RCIA process follows four stages of initiation
Inquiry Period
The Period of Evangelisation and Pre-catechumenate or Inquiry is the first stage of the journey. It is a time to explore and question your faith, uncover the basic message of the Gospel and begin to discern how to live this in your life.
It is a time of discovery with no fixed structure or duration. This is described this as a time for inquiry and introduction to the gospel values; an opportunity for the beginnings of faith. This period begins when you make your enquiry and continues to 1st November 2020.
Catechumenate Period
The Period of the Catechumenate is a time for you to deepen your understanding of the Catholic faith and relationship with Jesus. It is a time for suitable pastoral formation and guidance. It can be thought of as an apprenticeship.
At the heart of the Catechumenate period is conversion of heart, the conversion to Jesus Christ.
This period will commence on 1st November 2020 and continues to 16th February 2021 (with a break over the Christmas period).
Period of Purification
The period of Purification and Enlightenment is a time for reflection and prayer and a time to develop a deeper relationship with Jesus. This is a period of more intense spiritual preparation, consisting more in interior reflection than catechetical instruction.
This period occurs in the Church during the season of Lent before Easter – Wednesday 17th February 2021 to Saturday 3rd April 2021.
Easter Vigil – 3rd April 2021
Your Baptism and Reception into Full Communion with the Catholic Church during the Easter Vigil Mass Celebrations.
Post Baptismal Period or Mystagogy
This is a time when the newly baptised (neophytes) begin their lifelong commitment to living a Christian life. It marks a shift from learning about faith to living faith in everyday life and a shift from looking within to looking outside, to the community.
PARISH INVOLVEMENT
The RCIA process does not happen without the involvement of the Parish community. So we are asking you to pray about whether you will become involved in sharing with our Catechumens and Candidates your faith journey, your relationship with Jesus Christ and your spreading of the Kingdom beyond the doors of the church to your neighbour. You too are most welcome to join them on their journey and our continued journey of faith!
Parish Office: 50 Fairway Drive, Clear Island Waters Q 4226
Phone: 07 5572 5433
Email: surfer@bne.catholic.net.au
Parish Priest: Fr Peter Dillon
