Say No to Euthanasia !
A letter from the bishops of Queensland:
https://brisbanecatholic.org.au/assets/uploads/Bishops-Pastoral-Letter_final.pdf
Let us pray for all families, and all leaders in the communities, as well as doctors and nurses and care-givers, who care for the sick and the dying. That they may be strengthened to use their gifts in the service of the dignity of human life. Lord, hear us.
“ For many are invited, but few are chosen.”
(Matthew 22:14)
Licensed Shutterstock stock photo ID : 536007283. The parable of the King invited all to his Banquet. By askib
THE PASTOR’S POST: A Love That Asks Much
“No parent of mine is ever going to go into a nursing home”. If this statement had been said to me 30 years ago I might have been more sympathetic, but it was said only a month ago, by a daughter who was trying to come to terms with her mother’s fast declining journey into dementia. I had gone to visit them both, whom I had known for many years, and was surprised to see how quickly the disease had taken hold of the eighty-something mother, a woman of great intelligence and humour, who had clearly been robbed of her sparkling personality and physical energy in the space of one year. The daughter was doing an excellent job of taking care of all her Mum’s daily needs, but was struggling to be strong and courageous in the face of this demanding illness. How long could she keep up her stoic care without any geriatric nursing background? She had given up her substantial business career to take care of her mother, with the hope that her love and concern would give her the skills to do all that was needed. Both mother and daughter were clearly under pressure to stay on top of things.
What a cruel disease this dementia is, affecting both patient and carer and imposing impossible decisions on those closest to the sufferer about what is the best option for the patient and who has the responsibility for those decisions. Other siblings were involved. But their other responsibilities meant that they were not able or ready to be available on an everyday basis. Tensions and judgments started to surface, adding to an already overcrowded list of issues.
As has happened several times in the past, I was asked to offer an opinion on the best course of action, being aware that no outcome would be ideal or acceptable to all the participants. Although I am part of a relatively large family, my siblings and I had been spared this onerous decision of having to decide what was the best way to care for our parents in their aging or infirmed stages, as both my parents went to God following a very brief time of illness. Although it didn’t feel like it at the time, it is now viewed by sisters and myself as a blessing.
However, I can say I have had a great deal of experience in observing the aging and demise of many older people, both as a nursing orderly in geriatric words of a public hospital in the 70s during my seminary training and many times in the years since, as I have spiritually ministered to the aged and dying in nursing facilities and hospitals over 40 years. The suspicion and concern many people have about the culture and care of nursing homes has probably come from what was certainly substandard care in those early years. The terms palliative or aged care were not familiar terms then, so the problem of how to provide medical care and respect for the dignity of the elderly, was totally up to the individual perspective of the carers, and not seen as a part of valuing life at all stages of the human cycle. Aged people were a problem that had no easy solution, therefore we did not know how to value and include them in the progress of society. We knew little of the ways that many cultures honoured their elderly and saw them as integral parts of family life, even when they were no longer able to be physically or mentally capable of contributing as they had in the past. The facility where I worked at the time was by no means a place where anyone I cared for should go, and was mainly available for those people who had no family or resources to provide for their needs. I am happy to say, it no longer exists.
It is however, with a great sense of relief that I have seen similar facilities change radically over the intervening years as our social and political system has recognised the immense value that we should place on the infirmed and elderly. Not just as a result of Royal Commissions or family complaints about lack of care, but more to do with our social awareness that aging and illness is largely a part of every family and individual life, and that we cannot simply hide away from problems that don’t have a clear and immediate solution.
To this end I believe, that all the facilities that I have visited in the last few years (especially the ones within our parish boundaries, and there have been many), are places where the quality of their attention to the needs of their residents is not just something that is advertised on a brochure or advertising blurb. Staff are welcoming and personable, rooms and services seem comfortable and of high quality and family involvement is not just tolerated, but encouraged. Public scrutiny, as well as a strong voice from the general public, has made these homes places of genuine care and accountability. Obviously, improvements should, and could be constantly made to make them more like the “homes” they profess to be, but my observation is that all the centres that I visit are places where I would be happy to visit a relative or friend and know that the best care will be provided, certainly more medically prepared than they might receive at home, although it will never truly be home, because that is where the people we love live with us.
In the end, my friends mentioned above, are now looking at nursing care options close to where they live, as they have all decided that their mother might be more medically assisted in a nursing home as her needs become more acute, and that their needs to have her close might have to come second so that she can be comfortable in her last days. Sometimes caring from a distance might be a more realistic form of caring. It’s not a one option fits all cases scenario, but it’s one that has been carefully considered and arrived at through a great deal of thought, prayer and deep love.
Fr Peter Dillon PP.
Public Rosary to be held at Sacred Heart Church, Saturday 10 October 2020, at 2.30pm
The Public Rosary will be recited outdoors under the large fig tree near Casey Hall.
For further information please phone Grace Sulfaro mobile 0415 551 991
The Public Rosary is an international campaign to pray the rosary together in commemoration of the last apparition of Our Lady (October 13, 1917) at Fatima. It is a great opportunity for prayer groups and communities to join together in public prayer.
"Public prayer is powerful for praying to God and calling down His mercy, and the prayers of Holy Mother Church, guided by the Holy Spirit, have always advocated public prayer in times of public tragedy and suffering."
We congratulate the McKenna, Montesalvo and Barisic families, whose children Alaska, Olivia and Orlando will be baptised in our Parish this weekend.
As Alaska, Olivia and Orlando begin their faith journey,
Please keep the Baptism families in your prayers.
IN OUR HEARTS AND PRAYERS AT THIS TIME
FOR THOSE WHO ARE SICK: Baby Charbel, Sam Maxwell, Margaret Paterson, Rodney McGrath, 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, 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: Gwyneth Aiken, Yvonne Henrietta Lofthouse, Irene Crocket, Noelene Rosengren, Stella Maria Cross, John Webber, Michael Moroney, Teresa Montgomery, Nan Gorman, Josie Hegarty, Gordon Farquhar, Mario Podrecca, Carol Rose Williamson, Del Enid Anderson, Joan Margaret Gibbon, Carina Barrington, Peteria Moran, Thearsa Johnston.
ANNIVERSARY OF DEATH: Charlotte Chauelet, Thelma Muggleton, Emy Vetsch, Harold Alexander, Gwen Hoare, Yvonne Martin, Theresa Hooworth, Sylvia Moray, Bea Hughes, Hugh Shepherd, Tom Toomey, Anna Cleeve, Leo Brennan, Frank Alcock, Muriel Rasey, Bessie Rice, Barry Harth, Sylvia Moray, Elaine Presswood, Ted Szczesny, Tom Killin, Keith Smith, Lee Cross, Ernest Barrett, Olive May Cam, Margaret Netting, John Hanna, Rita McCarthy, Dominica Borgia, Neville Coorey, Fanny Macky, Alan Taranto, Shirley Alford, Muriel Doris Miller, Nea Mary Butler.
DECEASED: Ronald Keene, Bruck Wheeler, and the Wheeler, Westwell and Woodgate families.
STEWARDSHIP REFLECTION:
“My God will supply whatever you need…” - Philippians 4:19
God really does provide for those who are grateful and generous. This is very difficult for people that don’t live a stewardship lifestyle to believe. People are skeptical and say it’s just coincidence. If you are skeptical, try living a stewardship lifestyle for just one month – be generous with your gifts of time in prayer, talent in charitable works and treasure and see how God provides for your needs.
The vision of Stewardship speaks in every aspect of life, inviting everyone to be thankful, generous and accountable for what each has been given.
Surfers Paradise Catholic Parish Memorial Mass to Celebrate the Life of
Yvonne Lofthouse
We invite you to participate in a Parish Mass to be offered by Fr. Paul Kelly to give thanks for the life of Yvonne Lofthouse, and to offer prayers for the repose of her soul - on Thursday 15th October, at 9am Sacred Heart Church.
Yvonne has been an integral part of our Parish for many years and lost her battle with kidney disease and the many rounds of dialysis and entered eternal life on Friday 1st October 2020 and was taken into the arms of her loving God and Saviour. We offer our sincerest sympathy to her husband John and their family. Yvonne was deeply involved in the Catholic Women’s League (CWL), together with many of our Parishioners, and then later in what was to become the Surfers Paradise Catholic Ladies (SPCL). Many of those years, she would be President/Treasurer of CWL National, State and our prior Parish CWL branch, and general Organiser/Participant/Caterer of many Surfers Paradise Parish masses, events, and gatherings.
She will be sadly missed by all but especially by those in her CWL/SPCL group. A woman with a generous heart and big smile for all, no matter what the occasion or circumstances.
During these COVID-19 times it has been exceedingly difficult for some to keep up with when Masses are being offered and also to book in, so we are asking you to get in touch with anyone you think knew Yvonne and would like to be at her memorial mass but may not be able to get there, to offer a lift or just to book in for them. Don’t forget to do your bookings Online
Mass Booking: https://bookeo.com/catholicmassgoldcoast
OR if you are unable to do that then ring the Parish Office between 9am and 12 noon, Mon – Fri and ask for them to book you in - Ph: 5572 5433. What a great opportunity for us to come together as one Parish to celebrate Yvonne’s life.
World Mission Sunday – Brisbane 17-18th OCTOBER 2020
Next weekend our parish will be holding the annual Catholic Mission Church Appeal. This year we are invited to partner with the Church in Cambodia, which is reaching out to those who have been affected by disability and giving them hope and support to live a fulfilling life.
Chen was just 16 years old when he lost both his legs in a landmine accident. Knowing that his life would never be the same, he felt hopeless, until he and his family were approached by the Arrupe Centre. Led by Bishop Enrique Figaredo Alvargonzalez, the Arrupe Centre provides children like Chen with support and opportunities they may not access otherwise.
BREAK OPEN THE WORD, DAILY MASS BOOK & ORDO
Orders will be placed shortly for the 2021 BREAK OPEN THE WORD for YEAR B, which commences the First Sunday of Advent. Cost $22. The Parish will subsidise the book as previous years if you are a rostered parish reader.
All readers are invited to order a copy to enable you to practice the reading prior to your rostered Mass. If you have copies of the books for Years A, B, or C, from previous years, these can be used, by following the appropriate Liturgical Sunday of the year.
A reminder that we follow the New Revised Standard Version which is found at the back of the book. The Jerusalem translation can be found at the front of the book along with a commentary.
Orders are being taken now for
2021 DAILY MASS BOOK, which starts 1st Sunday of Advent, cost $22.
ORDO 2021, starts 1st Sunday of Advent, is a reference book highlighting the particular commemorations in the General Roman Calendars of Australia and New Zealand and also shows those commemorations displaced from their usual day in the General Roman Calendar, cost $12.
If you would like to order a copy of these books please email the Parish Office surfers@bne.catholic.net.au or telephone 55 725 433 9am-12pm Monday - Friday
HELP FOR MARRIAGES UNDER STRESS:
The BreakThrough Online Course created by SmartLoving will enable you to identify your conflict triggers, learn strategies to de-escalate an argument and find constructive ways to re-establish connection.
Restore hope for your relationship’s future.
Visit: smartloving.org/breakthrough
Fr Warren livestream Mass on ShalomWorld.org website
Fr Warren will celebrate Mass live on “ShalomWorld TV” each Friday afternoon for the next few months at 1pm* (Brisbane time).(*adjusted for daylight saving).
If you want to join in you do this through a browser on your mobile device or computer (or by downloading the ShalomWorld app on a Smart TV or to your device).
The link is:
You then need to get to choose “SW PRAYER” from the menu
It seems that all the browsers work a bit differently so we cannot give more precise details. Chrome, Edge or Safari are recommended. Firefox seems to have some difficulties.
Warren Kinne
THE GOSPEL THIS WEEKEND
[shutterstock licensed image: stock illustration ID : ID: 48691415. A long table with a lot of plates with food on holiday banquet. By Dmytro Khlystun
[Gospel values included in the readings: We are deeply reassured that God walks with us to protect us and accompany us through all the highs and lows of life. We are in good and faithful hands. God’s invitation is for all, but not all will accept it. Avoid apathy and distraction]
It is deeply reassuring this weekend to hear these wonderful readings.We are given the beautiful picture of the heavenly banquet feast where there are no more tears, no more illness, no more suffering or death. On the lips of everyone: “See, we were right to put our hope and trust in God. Because he has saved us.”
This is echoed in the superb psalm. The Lord is my Shepherd. He knows us each by name. He protects and reassures us along the pathway of life, so that come-what-may, we are never alone. We will be okay. For, our God is with us and faithful in all his promises to us.We will live in the Lord’s house forever and ever; taking our place at the Heavenly wedding feast prepared for us, (and for all), who accept God’s wonderful invitation.
The Lord's parable reminds us that anyone invited to the feast that lasts forever is not invited because they deserve it, nor because they have earnt it. We CANNOT earn our place at God’s table and we don’t deserve it. God's invitation is generous, loving and is open to anyone who says "yes."
Saint Paul’s letter today is superb too. He says: “Look, in my ministry, I have been full of joy, and I have had times of sorrow and suffering too. I have been starving and satisfied at different times. Now, I am content to live my life within the providence of God’s care and demand nothing other than to take things as they come. Remaining available, eager, but detached; to respond to God’s word and help build up God’s Kingdom. The Kingdom of God is not for the faint-hearted. It will be given to those who respond to the invitation, and who are prepared to embrace fully its different values and ways. With God’s grace and God’s vision, no hardship will be unendurable, and no eventuality will change our journey towards God.
We are being asked by Our Lord: “Can you imagine God’s vision for the future? What the Kingdom looks like through God's eyes? Will you accept how different the thoughts, attitudes and priorities are for those who are citizens of the Kingdom?” There is no room for arguments about who’s “IN” and who’s “OUT”!
The first ones to receive the invitation to God's banquet feast are the respectable-looking people, who outwardly show they wish to live according to God’s ways. However, when the call goes out for people to attend the party, they are busy with other priorities. What distracts them is not all bad, (some things were quite pressing: Properties, businesses, farms), but they are putting their focus into things that would eventually disappear and they had forgotten to invest in the Kingdom that lasts forever.
In Our Lord’s time, wedding invitations went out well in advance and were accepted definitively. The final call, just before the event occurred, was a mere formality. It would be an unspeakable insult to decline when the final call arrived. They had already accepted and had already made their firm commitment. Now, they will miss out! And so, the master sends out messengers to the highways and byways. That is, to everyone, respectable or not. All are invited. From now on, the invitation is being made, (not to a select and exclusive minority of privileged people), but in the wider public forum - to ALL people.
All who respond are welcome. There is no special preference anymore. Sinners, outcasts, Gentiles and Jews were all invited.Those accepting the invitation are not any better than those who declined. Except the poor and the outcasts, not having any other options and seeing what a rare gift this was, accepted and attended. Again it reminds us not to be complacent or superior, as all of us are truly blessed to be invited but we might have tickets on ourselves if we think we can presume that we deserve a permanent place without responding to it. (It is a reminder that in this modern day and age one hears a lot of stories of people who have invited others to a party or a function and many accept but then don’t turn up or cancel at the last minute, or others don’t reply but turn up, causing great distress to their hosts. The old-fashioned courtesies still apply).
This parable reminds us, the invitation is for all, but the invitation can be refused. The Kingdom is open to all but guaranteed to none. We don’t earn the Kingdom but we sadly can decline it; which would be madness!And one final thought. The waifs and strays enter the banquet but then one gets kicked out for not wearing a wedding garment. It seems unfair at first glance. However, the invitation is for all, but acceptance means a change of standards and values symbolized by being clothed in the garment that resembles and represents the Baptismal Garment of goodness and Christ-like living.
Fr. Paul Kelly [Reference: Bergant, D. and Fragomeni, R. (2001). Preaching the new lectionary. Year A. Collegeville, Minn.: Liturgical Press.Cronin, G. (2003). Celebrating the Gospels. 1st ed. Liguori, Mo.: Liguori. 372-3, DeBona, G. (2013). Between the Ambo and the altar. Year A. 1st ed. Collegeville, Minnesota: Liturgical Press. 263-266; Gutiérrez, G. and Dees, C. (1997). Sharing the Word through the liturgical year. 1st ed. Maryknoll: Orbis Books. P. 239-40 ].
PARISH FINANCIAL SUPPORT
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
MASS TIMES (PRE-BOOKING ESSENTIAL)
Additional to the above times, we will continue to celebrate weekday Mass at Sacred Heart at 9am.
The 9am Saturday Mass will be on the First Saturday of the month (3rd Oct) at Sacred Heart.
You will be informed via 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
LITURGY SPOT
A suggestion for what could be called “The Ten Commandments of Liturgy.” The Top principles for worship in Spirit and truth:
1. Justice and integrity. The most “correct” and carefully prepared liturgy can be neutralised if - in order to achieve it - people have stepped on toes or acted disrespectfully and forced their opinions and preferences on others. Similarly, if people have in any way failed to relate in a human and respectful way towards others, it is not “good liturgy” no matter how smoothly it flows or how beautiful the end result seems to be.
2. Read the texts. We do not need to “reinvent the wheel”. There are books of rites which provide rich detail of the structure of a liturgy and allow a number of options.
3. An option that is never used is no option at all. Make use of the options available. There are several options for the penitential rite. One could use the “I confess” (Confiteor) but not every week of the year, or one could use many versions of the Kyrie (Lord Have Mercy), or a Sprinkling Rite (to recall our Baptism, especially around the Easter season).
4. Plenty of space for silence and reflection is integral to good liturgy. When the Priest says Let us Pray, we need to stop and pray silently for a period of time. Before, during and after readings we need to prepare and reflect.
5. There are no spectators in Liturgy. Everyone is participating in the Liturgy: fully, actively and consciously. However, this does not mean that everyone has to do a ministry in every liturgy. The Assembly as a whole participates by posture, vocal response, and prayer.
6. Singing and Music are integral to the liturgy, not an added extra. A liturgy without music is virtually a contradiction in terms. There really is not such a thing as a “quiet mass” if it means a preference for no music.
7. Liturgy is an organic whole. Liturgy is not a collection of pieces but one whole action united into one ‘seamless garment.’ One always needs to look at the whole of the liturgy and not just its parts. We need to ask how all the pieces are fitting together and whether they are integrated. No one element should dominate the whole of the liturgy.
8. Every Mass does not have a special “Theme”. The readings do not set the theme for the whole mass. Every Mass has this as its core: the Celebration of the Life, death and Resurrection of Christ. Masses which try to unify the liturgy and its music and prayers entirely around the “theme” of the readings (as if there were only one theme for any one mass) are really violating the liturgy, (any and all Masses), as a celebration of the entire Paschal mystery.
9. The Liturgy and Social justice are inseparable. The Liturgy rightly flows out into practical consequences for our daily lives. We go out from “Mass,” (which is a latin word derived from the word “Go.. GO out… You are dismissed”). So, at the end of each and every Mass we Go in peace to love and serve the Lord in word and action and in particular by axts of practical charity and compassion.
10. The Liturgy is ultimately God’s work. it is God who gathers the assembly together. It is God’s grace --with our cooperation-- which allows the liturgy to be life-giving. It is not something we make work by ourselves. Therefore, let’s not be too devastated when things go wrong. It is best to take this attitude: “Prepare well, and leave the rest to God.” In the end, everything we do is directed towards a sincere act of worship of the living God.
Fr Paul
POPE FRANCIS’ LATEST LETTER
FRATELLI TUTTI (BROTHERS AND SISTERS ALL)
Friendship and solidarity key themes in Pope Francis’ letter
A world that looks beyond a global pandemic with no roadmap can find one in Pope Francis’ new encyclical, which Archbishop Mark Coleridge says “is not just for believers but for the entire human family”.
Published this evening, the Pope’s third encyclical is entitled Fratelli Tutti (Brothers and Sisters All) – words taken from St Francis of Assisi, who the Pope says has inspired what he writes.
“It is a vision of the dignity of every human being from which flows the call to build a new culture of fraternity and dialogue,” said Archbishop Coleridge, president of the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference.
“In his previous encyclical Laudato Si’ (Praise Be to You), Pope Francis spoke of care for our common home. Here he speaks of care for each other, the family that dwells together in the common home.”
Pope Francis writes early in the encyclical: “It is my desire that, in this our time, by acknowledging the dignity of each human person, we can contribute to the rebirth of a universal aspiration to fraternity.
“Let us dream, then, as a single human family, as fellow travellers sharing the same flesh, as children of the same earth which is our common home, each of us bringing the richness of his or her beliefs and convictions, each of us with his or her own voice, brothers and sisters all.”
The Pope started work on the encyclical before COVID-19 struck. But he says that the need for local, national and international solidarity has become even more important now. The pandemic has created in many people a sense of the interdependence of communities and the fragility of human beings left to themselves.
“Once this health crisis passes, our worst response would be to plunge even more deeply into feverish consumerism and new forms of egotistic self-preservation,” Pope Francis writes.
“God willing, after all this, we will think no longer in terms of ‘them’ and ‘those’, but only ‘us’.”
Archbishop Coleridge said the current divisions and conflicts all around are a road to nowhere.
“The Holy Father speaks of ideologies that seek to divide rather than unite, policies that value certain people over others and economic systems that prioritise profit over people and the planet,” he explained.
Archbishop Coleridge noted that many of those whom Pope Francis describes as often undervalued or treated inequitably – women, older people, unborn children, people who are trafficked, Indigenous peoples, people with disability, migrants and refugees – are similarly those left on the margin or cast aside in Australia.
“In this country we may be tempted to think that the Pope is talking about elsewhere, but he’s not. True, he’s talking about the whole world – but he’s also talking about us,” the archbishop said.
“Pope Francis offers a grand yet simple vision of human interconnectedness. We’re all connected to each other in ways we scarcely imagine. Our task now is to work out what this means in practice as we look beyond the pandemic.
“In what he offers in this letter, the Pope can help with that. It’s impassioned yet tender, visionary yet practical, radical yet reasonable.”
You can read Fratelli Tutti here
COLUMBANS CELEBRATE CENTENNIAL OF “THE FAR EAST” MAGAZINE
The Archbishop of Brisbane and President of the Australian Catholic Bishops’ Conference Archbishop Mark Coleridge sends a message of thanks to the Missionary Society of St Columban as they celebrate 100 years of The Far East magazine in October 2020.
The Far East - October 2020
Read/Listen to the latest edition of The Far East Magazine. It features articles and photographs by Columban Missionaries from those countries where the missionaries work.
Read more from "100 Years - The Far East Magazine [1920-2020]"
https://protect-au.mimecast.com/s/qF0oCwV18ZI6qoXsl6poI?domain=stcolumbansmissionsociety.cmail20.com
SACRED HEART & ST VINCENT’S RELIGIOUS GOODS SHOPS
Many interesting religious items suitable for that special occasion and or Sacramental gifts available for purchase before and after Mass at St Vincent’s Church, and through the Parish Office weekdays 9am-12pm only Monday - Friday at Sacred Heart. Telephone enquires ph 0404 805 819
St Paul Liturgical Calendar for 2021 Cycle B - Year 1 $6. Only a few copies available in store.
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
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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.
BECOMING CATHOLIC
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 the 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.
Three Churches One Parish
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 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
You can visit the Stay Connected page on our website to find an extensive list of information and resources to help during these times of isolation. Below are quick links to help stay in touch with our Parish and celebrate Mass at home:
Liturgy for you at Home (produced by SPP): https://soundcloud.com/user-633212303/tracks
Weekly Homily (produced by SPP): https://homilycatholic.blogspot.com
Surfers Paradise Parish Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/surferscatholic/
Breaking Parish News (SPP Blog): https://news-parish.blogspot.com/
Access the digital Catholic Leader: https://catholicleader.com.au/digital-newspaper-covid19
Readings for Twenty-ninth Sunday in Ordinary Time. Year A. Mission Sunday
FIRST READING: Isaiah 45:1, 4-6
Ps: Psalm 96:1+3, 4-5, 7-8, 9-10 “Give the Lord glory and honour.”
SECOND READING: 1 Thess 1:1-5b
Gospel Acclamation: (Philippians 2:15d-16a) Alleluia, alleluia! Shine on the world like bright stars. You are offering it the word of life
GOSPEL: Matthew 22:15-21
“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.
ALLAMBE GARDENS MEMORIAL PACKAGE FOR SALE IN CATHOLIC SECTION
Due to family needs Mr and Mrs Swift have returned permanently to live in the UK. As a result of this decision they no longer require two burial plots at Allambe Gardens. Allambe does not arrange resale of their packages but the owner can arrange for the sale privately. The plot includes a double depth burial site, a polished jet black headstone (with 100 characters of gold leaf inscription), and two gold finished aluminium vases.
If you are considering purchasing a burial plot this could be to advantage as Jim is willing to sell below cost price.
If you are interested in negotiating with Jim and Linda please email on jfs.swift@gmail.com
PROTECT OUR UNBORN BABIES
Archbishop Coleridge recently said, “My thoughts were made very clear when the debate on abortion was going on in the state (of Queensland), and the Church’s position is unequivocal on it. I think the legislation that was passed was seriously mistaken. I’ve made no secret of that. Therefore, I would support legislative change.
This is a major issue in the upcoming State election.
If you want to help stop this barbaric practice, phone (07) 3871 2445
or go to http://www.cherishlife.org.au/volunteer
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