HAPPY FATHERS DAY
Photo by Lucas George Wendt on Unsplash
This weekend, the first Sunday of September, we give thanks for all Fathers; for their love, care and generosity. We pray that God grants them joy in their family and friends, and health and strength.
Also, for all fathers who have passed into eternal life. May God give them a permanent place at the heavenly feast; the reward for all their goodness and kindness.
Happy Father's Day to all our Dads in the community. May God bless you and grant you peace and joy.
OVER THE NEXT TWO WEEKENDS,
PLEASE PRAY FOR THE CHILDREN OF OUR PARISH WHO ARE CELEBRATING THEIR
FIRST HOLY COMMUNION
They and their families have done very well to prepare; especially in this time of lockdown and restrictions. Welcome to the Table of the Lord.
IMAGE: Josh Applegate/Unsplash
THE PASTOR’S POST
A contender for the best title of a book I once read was the autobiography of the French actress Simone Signoret, called “Nostalgia Isn’t What It Used To Be”. While I can’t recall too much of the content of the book, the title stayed with me, possibly because with age comes the recalling of memories of days gone by, and while most of these memories have filtered out the less joyful parts, I am honest enough to recognise that not everything new is inferior to “the good old days”. For example, the access we now have to information is so much more immediate, if not a little tainted by political agenda or artistic licence. While the internet might require a good deal of initial concentration to prove its worth, once mastered it can bring the world to your desk in seconds. Frightening, yet fantastic. Of course the temptation when recalling days of yore is to think that all was smooth sailing, and that all the days of our youth were halcyon, where as if we are honest we were as pressured then as we feel these days, it’s just that the years have magically erased or blurred the difficult episodes.
Being a child of the early sixties, I am able to recall some fond memories of going to Church, when as children we were not permitted to say we didn’t want to go. Besides what else would we do when everyone I knew was attending the social event of the day called Sunday Mass? Of course. Like most kids then, and now, I didn’t really understand what was happening up ‘on stage’. I have since looked back, nostalgically at what believers of that time were devoutly experiencing and in some cases clinging to, with no great desire to change or comprehend what was taking place. It was simply enough to be close to the transformative action. As an altar boy, I was called on several times to serve Mass for Father who was celebrating the Mass on his own, no congregation attending, leaving me in some mumbled Latin so rattle off the ‘people’s bits’. I got the distinct impression that the Mass was really just meant for God and Father with me as a stage hand in case the candles blew out.
When people did attend, in what seemed large numbers, the priest, with his back to the people, would hold the host and chalice up high so that they could be seen and adored. It was believed that extraordinary graces were given at that time, such that to ensure that people didn’t miss the moment of elevation, bells were rung and incense was often used, (my favourite job at the time). Once, to my horror I actually recall a parishioner of longstanding yelling out to Father, “Hold it up higher, I can’t see it”. I’ve heard that some people were so keen on this practice that they would go from Mass to Mass just so they could be there for the moment of consecration.
Some of the other practices that we never questioned were receiving communion of the tongue with the communicant kneeling to show penitence and subservience. Only the priest gave communion and did all the readings. We had altar rails to define the sacred area, where only priests and altar servers could be present during Mass. A white heavily starched cloth ran the full length of the altar rails, which was to catch any crumbs that might have broken off the host. A further safeguard had the altar boy following after the priest with a plate held under the chin of the communicant, again for catching stray crumbs. This was another favourite job that allowed the altar boy (mainly me) to hit the throats of school mates or troublesome siblings.
The Eucharistic prayer was recited silently by the priest, except for the words of consecration, which sounded mostly like a gruff whisper, and because people couldn’t hear the Eucharistic prayer nor understand the Latin, they may have said the Rosary or other devotional prayers.
Even though many of these practices have changed over 55 years ago they are still clear in my mind, and I still recognise that some of these practices still linger. They were certainly not wrong rubrics, because they reflected a particular understanding of what was taking place, but as we came to seek a closer understanding of Eucharistic theology, so did we need to make some liturgical changes that would better reflect that theology. What I now understand about some of what we experienced then gave us a sense that we, the congregation, were spectators and the priest performed every function for the people not with the people. What I also recall is that we were not asked to understand what we were experiencing, it was simply enough that God was doing something wonderful in our presence and we didn’t need to understand it all, but just to be present under pain of serious sin.
I have come to understand over time, that while my early experience of gathering as a faith community around the sacrifice of the Mass brought comfort and a strong sense of belonging, it did not bring an understanding of what it meant to share in the priesthood of Christ when I was anointed at my Baptism. That understanding came much later, helped by the revelations of the Eucharist being celebrated in my own language and the presider facing the people. The inclusiveness of the people who are now able to read and respond as well as bring forth from the body of the community the gifts of bread and wine that will be changed into the Body and Blood of Christ, now present in the complete gathering of the faithful, each with a function and role, each with a responsibility to respond in action to the spiritual food they are receiving.
There are many things I would wish to return to when I recall those trouble-free peaceful days, I am indeed grateful to be living in this time in the history of our Church when we can ask questions and seek more effective ways of being the Body of Christ, not simply watching hoping that God notices us, but participating in a real and active way in the real presence of God in our midst.
Fr Peter Dillon PP.
People are still arriving at Churches without booking. It is absolutely essential that people pre-book.
We have a limit 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” 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.
National Child Protection Week
6 – 12 September 2020
Celebrating 30 years with the theme ‘Putting children first’.
Under this year’s theme of ‘Putting children first’ all Australians are invited to look at how they can prioritise children in their lives and communities and to engage in National Child Protection Week – as individuals, and as part of families, organisations, communities and society.
Putting children first means prioritising the safety and wellbeing of children. To grow up well, children need to feel safe and loved, have a chance to play and explore, have a say in decisions that affect them, and access to essential things like food, shelter and healthcare.
For children to thrive we need to come together as a community and put children’s needs first during National Child Protection Week and every week.
For more information, please visit: https://www.napcan.org.au/tips-for-playing-your-part/#1533621523866-576cf417-6696
Or to follow the week on their Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/napcan.playyourpart
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.
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.
The Surfers Paradise Parish community congratulates the Drinkwater-Newman and Dellosa families whose children Axel John and Annabelle Rose will be baptised
at the Sacred Heart Church this weekend.
As Axel and Annabelle begin their faith journey, please keep the families in your prayers.
Shutterstock Licensed Image Credit:ID: 30700369. (Photo taken prior to Covid-restrictions).
Large group of people seen from above gathered together in the shape of a cross, on white background. By Arthimedes.
“Where two or three are gathered in my name,
I am there among them.”
(Matthew 18:20)
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.
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
First Communion 2020
This weekend we celebrate with twenty-three 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. Together at mass this weekend, we are the Surfers Paradise Parish Community celebrating the future and honouring our past. We are nourished by God’s word and Jesus’ body so that we may go out into the world ready to be the hands and feet of Jesus for others.
(by one of our First Communicants)
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.
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!
Shutterstock licensed image ID: 235373353. Praise and worship concept: Silhouette human raising hands to praying God on blurred cross with crown of thorn sunset background
THE GOSPEL THIS WEEKEND- LOVE, LOVE, LOVE!
All of the readings this weekend are really about the primacy of Love in Christ’s vision for the Kingdom of God. Love, as saint Paul says, is the fulfilment of all the law… and love is the motivation for the prophet’s words and the driving-force for the Christian community and its members to resolve misunderstandings and conflict.
In the first reading, The Lord says to the great prophet Ezekiel… I have made you a sentinel… a watchman…..This is the true key to the role of the prophet…… forget about the fact that it sounds terrible that the prophet will be punished with death if they do not fulfil God’s law… rather… if the prophet is the sentry… the watchman.. their vital role is actually a role of love and protection and concern for the welfare of everyone..
This image of the watchman reminds me of something I noticed when I visited Rome a few years back… the Firefighters in Rome had a wonderful name… they were called "Vigili del Fuoco"which in English is rather poorly translated as “Firefighters” just as we use here..// But, that is not actually what the word means.. “firefighter” (the word), tends to give the impression of a "responder to fire," reacting once the fire has broken out; whereas the words "Vigili del Fuoco" literally means “watcher for fire” - a watchman..// a sentry…// actively keeping vigil.... looking out for the danger of fire.. Caring for the community by watching for danger… alerting them as soon as the danger is seen.. and acting immediately to put out the fire… (that is indeed what firefighters do everywhere, of course, and including in this community… they don’t just respond to fires.. they also engage in community involvement to look into and point out risks and hazards to minimize the risk of fire…
So too with the prophets of old… the true Prophets were not self-righteous, superior know-it-alls. They were sentries.. they were showing God’s love by watching out for danger and alerting God’s beloved people so they could respond immediately and end the danger… they lovingly/ caringly watch for dangers so as to alert people, so they can act swiftly to avoid harm and disaster. So, this vigilance and faithfulness to God's word is an act of love and care… No wonder God is so strict with his prophets… saying.. if you fail to warn them, you will suffer the same fate… Their role is like a security guard or a military watchman… if they fail to be alert.. if they do not warn people when danger is nigh, they have no regard for the people to protect and serve… and they are guilty of failing to do the very thing they are there for. Looking at things that way, one can see God’s absolute love for his people.. and desire that people have every opportunity to live in the light of God’s care and protection.. Walking in God’s ways.
God’s Law of love…. Asks all of us to be Vigilant not only to outside dangers, but also keep watch within…..…. keep guard and watch over our heart…. To ensure that we love, as God’ loves, and that our hearts do not harden into legalism, lack of compassion or mercy…. Or apathy…..… we are all Sentinels… watch-persons.. vigilant for any discord, hatred, or inconsistency with the gospel. And we are vigilant within ourselves, where resentment, jealousy, desire, begins: in the heart…
The essence of discipleship and faithfulness to God is love, this is a love that is formed from within by God’s grace.
It fosters loving watchfulness inside and out, and it softens the heart and saves us from ourselves, It turns us back towards each other,
and creates understanding, healing and reconciliation.
Love, not righteousness is the key to all of this.
Fr. Paul Kelly[Reference:Bergant, D. and Fragomeni, R. (2001). Preaching the new lectionary. Collegeville, Minn.: Liturgical Press. P. 340;
Barclay, W. (2009). The gospel of Matthew. Edinburgh: Saint Andrew.]
STEWARDSHIP REFLECTION:
“You, son of man, I have appointed as a watchman for the house of Israel…” (Ezekiel 33:7)
Many of us are generous with our gifts. However, many of us are not generous in proportion to the gifts we have been given. How often do we give at the minimum level required? Remember, the Lord calls us to nurture and develop our gifts. He calls us to be generous with all the gifts He has given us, especially the one that means the most to 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.
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.
First Holy Communion and Baptism gifts available.
We have contactless eftpos facilities available to save you handling cash in these times.
LITURGY SPOT
Liturgical Furniture
Inanimate objects play their part in our Church’s liturgy too! The central focus in all Catholic Churches are the “two tables.” These are the two most important pieces of furniture in our churches. They are the Altar, (also wonderfully described as the “Table of the Lord”), from where we are fed the Body and Blood of our Lord. The second is called the Ambo, (also called the “Table of the Word”), from where we are nourished by God’s holy and transforming word.
Both these pieces of furniture are in relationship with each other, and always should be seen in necessary connection with each other. These tables need to be made of substantial materials. They ought not to be moved. The altar and ambo should be made of the same materials as each other, so as to show the interconnection they have between them. It is essential that they have an air of permanency and dignity about them. They must never be moved around during the liturgy, as this would give the impression that they are something additional or secondary to the liturgy. What happens upon the Table of the Word and the Table of the Lord is not something that can be wheeled in and out as if they are mere cameo appearances to something else.
Ideally again even in liturgies where Eucharist is not celebrated: such as baptisms, simple wedding ceremonies, funerals outside of Mass,etc. the altar should still be visible. This is simple in our churches as they are made of marble and quite unlikely to be moved. This is because these have a rich symbolic significance and not merely a functional one.
From the earliest centuries, the altar was recognised as a symbol of the permanence of Christ’s abiding presence among his people. Its solid, immovability afforded the faithful a strong trust in the abiding faithfulness of God and the continuing relevance of Christ’s once-and-for all sacrifice for humanity.
Did you know that, according to the liturgical books, including the General Instruction on the Roman Missal (1969, and revised 2010), it is actually the Altar which the priest and ministers bow towards at the beginning and end of any Liturgy. It is also the altar which the priest ought to bow towards before the gospel, not the crucifix. Usually because the cross and altar are in close proximity, one cannot tell. This is where the confusion creeps in.
The Altar and the Ambo are intended for holding the Sacred Eucharist upon it, and the Holy Word of God. These holy tables should not be used to place other things upon them. They are not handy resting places for other items.
Fr Paul
Social Justice Sunday was celebrated on 30 August. The Bishops’ 2020 – 2021 Social Justice Statement is titled “To Live Life to the Full: Mental Health in Australia Today.” The Statement is available electronically on the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference Office for Social Justice page along with liturgy resources, a prayer card and podcasts. A spoken word version is available as 3 podcasts. All resources are available at:
https://socialjustice.catholic.org.au/2020/07/03/social-justice-statement-2020-21/#content
The Social Justice Statement available here
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
UPDATE FROM THE ARCHDIOCESE -
The COVID flare-ups of the past week show there is no room for relaxing our guard. However, it’s pleasing to see that church activities haven’t come under any renewed threat of closure. In one instance a Catholic Church close to Sydney was shut after a Mass attendee tested positive, however due to good record keeping and social distancing, the Church was shut for a bare minimum of time and needed only a deep cleaning. NSW Health Authorities also applauded the parish for their compliance with public health directives, which enabled for very easy contract tracing processes.
This should serve as an encouragement to all parishes within the Brisbane Archdiocese to keep on doing the right thing, as you have been so well to date. Our vigilance protects the safety of our parishioners, and in turn the wider Queensland community.
The current restrictions remain unchanged since Saturday August 22nd but please keep checking regularly the recent contact tracing alerts.
COVID Testing
If a priest, volunteer, or employee experiences one or more of the following symptoms– a fever, cough, sore throat, shortness of breath, runny nose, fatigue and/or loss of smell or taste, (no matter how mild or severe) they should contact their doctor immediately to get tested for COVID-19.
Once tested, the person is required to self-isolate immediately while awaiting the results of the test. Employees must follow the directions provided to them by public health authorities while awaiting their test result. They are eligible to access COVID-19 Special Leave (2 days) while awaiting these results.
The Public Health Unit will contact the individual with a result, typically within 48 hours.
If a negative test result is received but the person has been overseas, interstate or disembarked from a cruise ship or in contact with a confirmed or probable case of COVID-19 in the last 14 days they must stay in self-quarantine.
If a negative result is received and the person doesn’t fit the above criteria, he or she can return to normal work once clear of all symptoms.
If a positive result is returned the Public Health Unit will be in direct contact with the person and provide information about what to do next.
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: 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: Santina “Tina” Mantello, Antonio Impiombato, Janet Edwards, 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: Jean-Paul Hoang, Dr Des McGarry, Dean Tamer, Edna Hamilton, Fr Sean Nugent, Alan & Veronica Bond, Phillip Taplin, 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-fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time. Year A
FIRST READING: Sirach 27:30 28:7
Ps: Psalm 103:1-2, 3-4, 9-10, 11-12 “The Lord is kind and merciful, slow to anger and rich in compassion.”
SECOND READING: Romans 14:7-9
Gospel Acclamation (John 13:34): Alleluia, alleluia! I give you a new commandment. Love one another as I have loved you.
GOSPEL: Matthew 18:21-35
“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
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