Shutterstock licensed Photo by ID: 378710533. Eucharist symbol of bread and wine, chalice and host, with wheat ears, wreath and grapes. First communion illustration. By Thoom
CONGRATULATIONS TO THE CHILDREN OF OUR PARISH WHO ARE CELEBRATING THEIR
FIRST HOLY COMMUNION THIS WEEKEND
Amidst this time of lockdown and restriction, they and their families have done extremely well to prepare. Welcome to the Table of the Lord.
THE PASTOR’S POST
In 2018, the parish of Saint Patricks in Scottsdale, Arizona was awarded the title of “Parish of the Year” by the Pastoral Planning Conference in the United States. You might wonder how a parish could ever be judged as being the best among thousands, when there are so many different types and cultures of parishes that encompass a thousand more spiritual needs. Fortunately, I have been in the position of visiting this very parish on several occasions, and have actually been privileged enough to have celebrated Sunday liturgies with the parishioners there, so I can put some context to what makes this faith community so vibrant and relevant.
There are many aspects of this parish that make for great community connections, but I just want to focus today on some of the physical aspects that serve as a backdrop for all the other engaging events that are happening within the Church. There are four Sunday Masses with about 4000 people attending each weekend. Clearly it is a parish environment that is well cared for physically. Being Arizona there is little, if any, grass that needs mowing, but there is plenty of sand and rock that needs sweeping and dusting. It’s difficult to know the age of the church building, but it blends comfortably in with the surrounding houses and businesses, which is a good metaphor of how churches should blend with surrounding culture and lifestyle. It seemed ageless. When the church was being built, each family in the parish at the time was invited to bring a small amount of soil from their own home to be placed in a space underneath the circular altar, reminding all present that this table of the faithful is founded on the same ground that supports each worshipping family.
The first thing you notice on arrival is a vast car park that can accommodate well over 200 cars, with golf carts to pick up people who can’t get close to the entrance to the Church. This was particularly welcome for a celebrant with arthritic knees. I’ve often contended that a large car park is more important than a comfortable pew when it comes to attracting people to a particular church. The parishioners are clearly very proud of their resources, both as a physical location as well as their programs and personnel. They can spot a visitor quickly and, on one of the days I was there, every parishioner was asked to use a stick-on name tag, just using first names, which made for a comfortable introduction to anyone who might have felt like a stranger.
Obviously, it really isn’t possible to simply lift certain parish practices and impose them on another, but there are certain qualities that should apply to every community no matter the country, the denomination or the availability of resources. Although it might sound superficial, if a Church doesn’t look well cared for on the outside, observers sometimes wonder if the people inside take a similar care with their communal faith life. This especially applies to people who are considering possible participation in a church community. First impressions mean a lot and the first impression does not require grandeur or opulence, but a sense of welcome and pride in appearance. The entrance to Saint Patrick’s is called a ‘narthex’, a large vestibule or porch, where people can gather before and after the liturgy to do that necessary activity of catching up with each other to experience being a community outside of the formal service, yet still within the confines of the church building. When the entry to a church is well designed and spacious, people are less hurried about getting to their cars and rushing away from the religious activity they have just experienced. While there is pre-mass preparation activity inside the large church, the noise is just a quiet hum as musicians, singers, ushers, sacristans and other ministers ready themselves and the congregation for the approaching liturgy.
I’m told that like our own churches here in Surfers P, people gravitate to their “own pew”, and usually end up chatting quietly to their regular pew buddies, before being invited to have a few minutes silence before the liturgy begins. Interestingly, the parish newsletter is not distributed until after the Mass given out as you leave the Church. No chance of reading the news during the homily, which would be a great waste anyway to miss any nourishing words from either of the two priests of the parish. Similarly any parish announcements are given before the Mass commences, so that parish business is out of the way before the Mass begins. The back pews are left empty so that any later-comers can easily find a seat without disturbing others, and people process to receive Holy Communion from the back seats first, with the front pews receiving last. This apparently stops crowding in the seats while waiting to join the procession to the altar. Nothing seems rushed with plenty of quiet space to absorb the reading, prayers and hymns. Of course, all this can lead to a Sunday Mass that might take longer than an hour (an almost unforgivable sin elsewhere), but no one seemed to complain or needed to hurry off until well after the final verse of the Recessional hymn. A full-time music director with a ten piece instrumental and singing group and audio visual technician means that sound and music is always clear and engaging.
It’s worth noting that there is only one church in St. Patrick’s parish which allows the parish priest to see his parishioners every week, and there is no parish school, so much time is spent engaging young children in a range of Sunday activities. I have no doubt that Father Eric, the pastor, could pick up some helpful practices from us here should I be able to coax him to visit, but whenever I feel that I need a little lift in my style of celebration, I only need think of how we have a twin parish across the Pacific that is working hard to create a parish that is inclusive, enthusiastic and a clearly a place where God is found.
Fr Peter Dillon PP.
The Surfers Paradise Parish community congratulates the Salazar and Burgess families whose children Luka, Enzo and Kai will be baptised
at the Sacred Heart Church this weekend.
As Luke, Enzo and Kai begin their faith journey, please keep the families in your prayers.
STEWARDSHIP REFLECTION:
“For if we live, we live for the Lord, and if we die, we die for the Lord; so then, whether we live or die, we are the Lord’s.” (Romans 14:8)
This is the essence of stewardship – everything we have and everything we are is a gift from God. We aren’t “owners” of anything, we are merely “stewards” of the gifts that God has given us, especially our very own lives. Pray to God daily and ask Him how He is calling you to live the life that He intended for you.
The vision of Stewardship speaks in every aspect of life, inviting everyone to be thankful, generous and accountable for what each has been given.
People are still arriving at Churches late and also others arriving without booking. It is also absolutely essential that people arrive in plenty of time to enter and be seated prior to the start of mass. Pre-booking is necessary, as we have a legally mandated limit, (based on distancing requirements for any interior space), as to how many people can attend each mass. These limits are different, depending on the size of the church. Quite a few people have tried to book in but have not checked to ensure that they have completed all steps and “saved” or “checked out” the results before logging out. If you do not receive a confirmation message and a confirmation email, and a reminder email prior to attending, you may not have filled out the form completely. Please contact the office if you are unsure.
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.
Next weekend, our Church is delighted to be supporting the Annual Catholic Campaign. It is the one time a year that all of the parishes in the Archdiocese come together to help vital works of our church and local community.
Funds raised will support ministries that directly impact this parish. The Campaign supports training future priests, caring for our elderly, retired priests; helping local families in dire need access a Catholic education and caring for those suffering physically and emotionally in our community.
For your health, and in-line with our GOVID-safe plan, we are not sharing brochures and pencils this year. Please do take a Campaign brochure and giving-envelope [handed out at the end of mass] with you when you go today. You can either pop it in the mail or return it next week. Thank you and God bless.
THE GOSPEL THIS WEEKEND
The gospel value: “Do unto others, as you would have them do unto you!” “The Golden rule,” and the principle on which Our Lord’s parable is based has had such a profound effect on not only Christianity, but also legal and ethical systems throughout the world.
In some ways the Golden rule is common sense and simply about consistency, justice and fairness, and yet, even now the world cries out for this principle to be applied evenly.
This gospel is given by Our Lord as a warning that we must be constantly on our guard. God has forgiven us completely for things we could not possibly hope to repay; and we are duty-bound in gratitude and compassion, to share that graciousness, forgiveness and charity that God gives to us, to others around us.
The other major problem is that some people just don’t seem to see those around them as their brothers and sisters in Christ.. or (at the very least), fellow citizens in the same commonwealth for common good… so they act with disregard for anyone but themselves and their nearest-and-dearest.
Jesus rejects this approach. He reminds us, if we do good to those who love us, what difference does that make, even the pagans and the sinners do that… Our Lord is preaching universal fraternity and goodwill to all…. Because we are truly ALL God’s children…
In an act of astounding generosity, the master in this parable not only gives the wicked servant time to start to repay the impossible debt, but he actually forgives the debt entirely, out of compassion and mercy. Based on the value of the debt mentioned in this parable, He wipes 16,000 years or so of debt from the face of the earth. The master is hoping that this act of kindness will sink deep into the heart of the debtor and be passed on in a new way of acting and living. But then this sad and miserable servant, with an astoundingly hard heart, goes out and does not do the same to a fellow servant who has a debt to him that was actually possible to repay. It might take 100 days of pay, but it is manageable given an extended amount of time…. It is pathetic. This servant shows no empathy, no connection to others. He does not identify himself with the feelings and plight of others. He does not see this poor fellow servant as brothers in similar need. He cannot see that he himself was just like the person (actually so much worse), bowing before him, begging for time to repay a debt.
It is sad and quite frankly bewildering. This kind of attitude makes the world a meaner and nastier place, and is the cause of so much suffering. It is so unnecessary and opposite to the essence of the gospel.
Do unto others as you would have them do unto you, is such a central quality in the Kingdom of God, that Our Lord even incorporates it into the Great Prayer he taught his disciples to recite: “Forgive us our sins, according to how we forgive others.” Or, to put it another way, “Lord, please do not forgive us our sins unless we forgive others who hurt us.” This is very sobering stuff, and we pray this every day!
Saint Paul confirms this in the second reading. We live now for God and not for ourselves. Ego, hurt pride and moral outrage are barriers to reconciliation, understanding, and healing. We must let go of pride and entitlement, and a sense of moral outrage, and open our hearts generously and in a “self-forgetting” way. When we do this, we are beginning to truly experience and feel the love that is a part of God’s very nature.
Let us continue to foster that awareness that we are all in communion with one another with the One God. and what we do to others, we are taken as doing to God.
Fr. Paul Kelly
[Reference: Bergant, D. and Fragomeni, R. (2001). Preaching the new lectionary. Year A. Collegeville, Minn.: Liturgical Press.. And DeBona, G. (2013). Between the Ambo and the altar. Year A. 1st ed. Collegeville, Minnesota: Liturgical Press, pp.246-249]
“Shouldn’t you have had mercy on your fellow servant just as I had on you?”
(Matthew 18:21-35)
Shutterstock licensed photo ID: 1443376325. ZURICH, SWITZERLAND - JUNE 23, 2018: Forgive us our debts - the parable of the unforgiving servant, relief on the door of the Grossmunster ("great minster") church in Zurich, Switzerland. By Zvonimir Atletic
THE SEASON OF CREATION:
“Justice, Peace, and Integrity of Creation.”
Compiled by the Missionary Society of St. Columban – Oceania. Suva, Fiji Islands.
September 13 (24th Sunday in Ordinary Time)
Readings: Sirach 27: 30—28:7; Romans 14: 7-9; Matthew 18: 21-35
Ecological Migrants Sunday (Kindness and Mercy—Ps 102)
Ecological Migrants or Environmental migrants are defined by the International Organizations for Migrants as persons or groups of persons who, for reasons of sudden or progressive changes in the environment that adversely affect their lives or living conditions, are obliged to have to leave their habitual homes, or choose to do so, either temporarily or permanently and who move either within their territory or abroad.
According to the March 2018 report from the World Bank, Climate change, already is a growing driver of migration, forcing families to flee water scarcity, crop failure and rising sea levels, may cause as many as 143 million people to be displaced by 2050. It covers three regions—Sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia, and Latin America –that are major ‘hot spots’ and account for 55% of the developing world’s population. People who are looking for viable places to live in involve the poorest people from the poorest countries moving in large numbers from rural regions to increasingly overburdened urban areas. Without prior planning, such dramatic swells of migration could lead to major disruption and instability, the report says.
Pope Francis clearly stated in his encyclical letter, “Laudato Si’”, our responsibility to our fellowmen calling us to respond. He said, “There has been a tragic rise in the number of migrants seeking to flee from the growing poverty caused by environmental degradation. Our lack of response to these tragedies involving our brothers and sisters point to the loss of that sense of responsibility for our fellow men and women upon which all civil society is founded.”
As we come together to pray for these migrants, let us be empathetic to their plight of leaving their homelands because of extreme weather events like flooding, drought and more effects of climate change. May we be kind and merciful to them and work together to reduce our contribution to the destruction of the environment and suffering of the people around us.
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.
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
THANK YOU FOR THE DONATION
The Surfers Paradise Parish gratefully acknowledges the generous support from two local businesses.
A family owned Australian company, recently donated 6 x 5 litres of hand sanitiser gel for use in our three churches. Conceptpaints.com.au
The IQR Group donated three hand sanitiser machines and 5 litres of hand sanitiser gel which we have installed in our three churches. IQRMedical - iqrpro.com
We thank both businesses for their generous gift to the Parish,
These donations have truly made a difference. Thank you!
SACRAMENTAL SNAPSHOT
First Communion 2020
This weekend we celebrate with twenty-one of our parish children who will be receiving First Holy Communion in Sacred Heart Church. We are enriched by their presence as fully initiated members of our Catholic Faith.
Below are photographs from last weekend's First Communion celebrations. Your parish family congratulates you and looks forward to celebrating with you again soon. May you take every opportunity to be nourished at the table of the Lord with your brothers and sisters in Christ.
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.
LITURGY SPOT
What is the difference between a “Sermon” and a “Homily?”
The Second Vatican Council (1962-1965) declared that the homily is an integral part of the Liturgy, (Sacrosanctum Concilium, Para. 52).
Prior to this declaration one often heard reflections after the gospel that took the form of talks on moral or ethical topics or church teachings. Such talks were called “sermons” and did not necessarily have any relevance to the readings proclaimed in that particular Liturgy.
For example, on a particular Sunday the Priest might read the gospel of Matthew 2:13-23 (about the visit of the Magi and the Holy Family’s escape to Egypt), and then after the priest had read this text, he might put the gospel book down and say, “today I will speak to you about the sin of sloth (laziness).” Such a sermon, whilst helpful in exploring various moral matters, has no strong connection with the readings of the day.
A homily, however, is inextricably linked with the word of God as proclaimed. The homilist attempts to “break open the word of God,” which we have all just heard. A homily reflects upon particular aspects or implications of one or more of the readings. A homily can also be inspired by the set prayer texts of that day’s Mass or of the church season which we are presently celebrating. The homilist, either a Priest or a Deacon, attempts to assist the assembly in our encounter with the Risen Christ as revealed in the Scriptures of the day, and try to make practical connections between the biblical texts and our everyday lives.
There is a wonderful saying that “the homilist preaches first to himself and then to others.” This means that the person giving the homily is not pretending to be perfect or to have all the answers. If the homily is challenging it may very well be as challenging to the one giving it as the ones hearing it. The Homilist and the people are together humbly exploring what the Word of God is saying to them in this time and place. The message of the gospel at different times invites, encourages, challenges and convicts both the Homilist and the listener alike. The homilist knows that the message and meaning of God’s word is meant to challenge or comfort them personally, or perhaps even more, than it challenges or comforts others. The Homilist is as much in need of God’s life-giving word as everyone else and is not in any way exempted from its demands and delights.
One mistake that can be made by those unfamiliar to the liturgical function of a homily is that it is very different in style and focus from a lecture on scripture or a bible study reflection. These other forms can be very helpful in their own place, but the homily is part of our worship and encounter with Christ and its focus is pastoral and grounded in the issues and questions of life today in this place.
The point of a homily is not really to repeat what has already been proclaimed by the reader. A homily explores some of the issues and questions raised by the readings, so that both homilist and assembly may more deeply engage with God who was actively inspiring these writings of the Scriptures when they were first made, and is also present and active in our lives here and now as we listen to them. The assembly is invited to ask itself, what do these readings say to us in this place and at this time?
We consciously commit ourselves to being open and humble in our listening, so that we will allow the Scriptures to challenge us and invite us deeper into the mystery of God’s love and justice.
Fr Paul
Image credit: Shutterstock licensed image - ID: 1295171767
A quote from the Bible "In the beginning was the Word" is typed by an old typewriter on a sheet of paper. Vintage photo. By d_odin
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
SACRED HEART & ST VINCENT’S RELIGIOUS GOODS SHOPS
Last minute First Holy Communion gifts available now.
We have a vast range of religious items available and are happy to order items for you
Contactless eftpos facilities available to make it easy for you to finalise your purchase.
God’s Word 2021 has arrived. Secure you copy now for only $18
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.
IN OUR HEARTS AND PRAYERS AT THIS TIME
FOR THOSE WHO ARE SICK: Rodney McGrath, Masahiro KANAYAMA 金山æ£æµ©, Emmanuel Cominos, Paul Kennedy, 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: Del Enid Anderson, Joan Margaret Gibbon, Nora Sanchez, Luciano Fioravanti, Donny Murray, Elsie O’Regan, Nora Fitzpatrick, Dominic Condon, Santina “Tina” Mantello, Antonio Impiombato, Janet Edwards, Tony Lenchuca, Angela Di Pietro.
ANNIVERSARY OF DEATH: Dominica Borgia, Neville Coorey, Fanny Macky, Edmund O’Brien, Tom Killin, Keith Smith, Jean-Paul Hoang, Dr Des McGarry, Dean Tamer, Pat Mullins, Edna Hamilton, Fr Sean Nugent, Alan & Veronica Bond, Phillip Taplin, Henry Filo, Saviour Bugeja, Margaret Corney, Mary Marsh (US), Bill Wall, Clement Durkin, Max Butler, Molly Brennan, Edna Hamilton, Michael Borg.
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-fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time. Year A
FIRST READING: Isaiah 55:6-9|
Ps: Psalm 145:2-3, 8-9, 17-18 “The Lord is near to all who call him.”
SECOND READING: Philippians 1:20c-24, 27a
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION (cf. Act 16:14b): Alleluia, alleluia! Open our hearts, O Lord. To listen to the words of your Son.
GOSPEL: Matthew 20:1-16a
“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.
MESSAGE FROM ARCHBISHOP MARK TO THE PEOPLE OF BRISBANE ARCHDIOCESE. ON LAW CHANGE IN QUEENSLAND RELATED TO THE SEAL OF CONFESSION:
FROM THE ARCHBISHOP OF BRISBANE
The Most Reverend Mark Coleridge
GPO Box 282, Brisbane Qld 4001 Australia
10 September 2020
TO THE PEOPLE OF GOD
OF THE ARCHDIOCESE OF BRISBANE
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
Peace be with you.
The Queensland Parliament this week passed an important piece of legislation, namely the Criminal Code (Child Sexual Offences Reform) and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2019. It will soon become law. Much of the Bill was strongly supported by the Archdiocese of Brisbane as we remain unequivocally committed to the protection of children.
The legislation enacts some recommendations of the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse. It creates two new crimes in relation to how people and institutions respond when they have knowledge of possible child sexual offences.
Firstly, it requires all adults with information relating to a child sexual offence to report it to the police. The law covers the Sacrament of Penance.
This was one part of the Bill which the Archdiocese found unacceptable. The Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse did much to make for safer environments for young people. For that we are all grateful. However, with many others I have said that one point which the Royal Commission failed to understand was the nature of the Sacrament of Penance and the importance of the seal. The Archdiocese has previously provided its feedback on this to the State Government.
Secondly, the Bill requires an accountable person (in an institution) who knows there is a significant risk of a sexual offence against a child, and the person has the power or responsibility to remove or reduce the risk, the person must act to reduce or remove the risk.
The Archdiocese is working to develop a coordinated approach to police reporting of possible child sexual offences. Priests will receive further information to assist their understanding of the civil and canonical requirements they now face. You will all receive more information about this as we strive to make our parishes, schools and agencies as safe as possible for our young people and all who are vulnerable.
As always in the Lord,
The Most Reverend Mark Coleridge
THE ARCHBISHOP OF BRISBANE
Further information on the Church’s position on the seal of the Sacrament of Penance can be found here:
1. Submission to legislative enquiry https://www.parliament.qld.gov.au/documents/committees/LACSC/2019/CriminalCodeChild2019/submissions/010.pdf
2. Holy See observations on the recommendations of the Royal Commission https://www.catholic.org.au/acbc-media/media-centre/media-releases-new
BISHOPS OF QUEENSLAND ELECTION STATEMENT:
The Bishops’ statement highlights a number of key issues that Catholics may wish to consider as they prepare to participate in the State Election.
These include:
combatting homelessness
support for survivors of child sexual abuse
dignity of employment, a just living wage and combating poverty
healthcare, especially in regional and remote areas
funding for Catholic schooling
Closing the Gap between Indigenous Queenslanders and the rest of the population
euthanasia, assisted suicide and the need for increased access to palliative care
providing for sustainable, quality aged care services which provide older people and their families with choice and control
an increase in the incidence of mental health issues, especially amongst young people
support for women and families, including the great challenge many women face when confronted an unexpected or difficult pregnancy
responses to rising levels of family and domestic violence
the need for a ‘new universal solidarity’ to combat climate change.
As Catholics we look to the city of God. This obliges us to take our place firmly and faithfully in the human city that we are called to join others in building. That’s why we take elections and our participation in them as seriously as we do. Politics is by no means everything, but the political process is very much part of building a truly human city that looks to the city of God.
– A Statement by the Catholic Bishops of Queensland for the 2020 State Election
Full statement attached. Also available here:
CHOOSE LIFE
Cherish Life – Gold Coast Branch – Meeting
All Life minded people are welcome
6.30pm Monday 14 September 2019
Parish Hospitality Centre
50 Fairway Drive Clear Island Waters
Covid protections in place
Three Churches One Parish
Are you interested in becoming Catholic or learning about the Catholic faith?
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
No comments:
Post a Comment