"I am the Lord's servant," Mary answered. "May your word to me be fulfilled." (Luke 1:38)
Shutterstock Licensed Image:ID: 1744818170. BARCELONA, SPAIN - MARCH 5, 2020: The modern fresco of Annunciation in the church Santuario Maria Auxiliadora i Sant Josep by Fidel Trias Pages and Raimon Roca (1966). By Renata Sedmakova
THE PASTOR'S POST:
Families Without Borders
More than any other year I can remember, this year there has been a massive effort for people trying to come home for Christmas. Naturally the pandemic has been a huge impediment for people who may have been able to catch up several times a year with family, but border closures and a ban on regular international travel have certainly made the heart grow fonder for being with those we love.
The discipline of having to stay put and follow health directives has made people feel an added pressure, being denied the freedoms that have never before been restricted in their travel plans. Scenes of weeping and hugging families at airports as southern states have been able to come to Queensland, reminded of seeing a great aunt of mine for the first time in 1968. She was a Sister of Mercy who left Brisbane as a young adult to join the order in Sydney, and returned for the celebration of her Golden Jubilee, having not seen her sister, my grandmother for 50 years. I could not imagine what it must have been like to have been separated from close family for that length of time, but I stored up in my memory her explanation, that God had given her many other companions who felt like family to her. It only really made sense to me, when, as a priest who has been transferred many times, I realised how different types of communities can become family-like in the ways that they share plans and values, sadness and celebrations.
Since those days, I have met many people who had migrated to Australia mostly from post-World War II Europe and earlier, who arrived thinking that they would never see their families again. What must they have felt as they said goodbye to their European families, often from small close-knit villages, then mostly sailing off to an unknown future, hoping that someone might show them a kindness that might in some way replace the family life they were leaving behind. The boat-people following the Vietnam war in the early 70's made my family, for one, show a little more kindness to each other as well as strangers, imaging how we might feel in the same situation. Is it any wonder that these new arrivals gravitated to the first people they met who either showed them kindness or spoke their familiar language of their homeland.
While many of these immigrants were simply seeking a better life, others were seeking to escape from horrendous political oppression or war-ravaged countries, the likes of which we have never seen nor want to see in this, our lucky, country.
Some of these people never had the chance to say goodbye to loved ones as they have secretly departed under cover of night, careful not to involve their remaining families for fear of what might happen to them. It is impossible to imagine what courage and desperation that must require, while no written or spoken description can truly capture the emotional toll and utter emptiness that such separation must cause.
It depresses me to think that in this modern world of wealth and opportunity, of massive advances in medicine and technology, of international organisations focussing on peace and eradication of poverty like the United Nations and NATO, that there are still countries, many in fact, who deny their citizens basic human freedoms. Freedoms that we here often take for granted, mainly because we have not had to fight to defend them, at least in recent times.
Like others who see these situations in the media, I assume that things surely could not be that bad, occasionally thinking the stories of imprisonment and carnage are embellished to make for more interesting news stories. Our first reaction to lifestyles so contrary to our own is disbelief. That really wouldn't, couldn't happen, could it? Perhaps it's that we don't want to think that we live in a world where such uncivilised oppression could be happening at the same time as we here in Australia have big decisions to make about what size house we will live in, which supermarket has the cheaper prices for the same items, which school might provide the best employment opportunities, or where we will go for our next holiday.
I know it would be less confronting not to have to see what might be happening elsewhere in the world, to turn off the news reports, but that is the equivalent of closing our eyes and pretending that unpleasantness doesn't exist. When you couple this with the other frustration of feeling so disempowered to find a solution, it seems the least that we connect, then the less guilty we feel.
So back to families at Christmas. If you are lucky enough to have people who will own the privilege of being a member of your family, blood relative or other, don't let the time pass without some acknowledgement of the blessing that they are. They may not be perfect, they may not be your favourite go-to friend, they may not have called or visited as much as you might wish, but they are connected for some reason that may not be clear to you yet, and then give thanks that they are close enough to touch.
Fr Peter Dillon PP.
SURVEY INTO THE SURFERS PARADISE PARISH E-NEWS SERVICE
The Surfers Parish leadership team would like to receive feedback about the resources we are sending out regularly. We would be grateful if you could take some time to fill out this survey. It will help us provide the resources you need and most value. Please click here for the parish survey. Your input will help us in providing helpful resources and communication:
https://fs19.formsite.com/paulkelly/5jf4e4d1xz/index.html
CHRISTMAS MASSES IN SURFERS PARADISE CATHOLIC PARISH
PLEASE NOTE:
ONLY THOSE WHO HAVE BOOKED WILL BE ABLE TO ENTER THE CHURCH.
CHRISTMAS MASS SPACES ARE LIMITED.
Participation via Liturgy-podcast Continues to be encouraged.
Most Christmas services will not be at usual times.
The times are only available at the point of booking.
Due to Covid-19 we have scheduled extra masses for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Because of Covid restrictions the numbers will be limited and it is absolutely vital that people book in advance. As the masses need to be by booking only, times will not be advertised widely, as we cannot accommodate any people who simply turn up without a confirmed booking.
The dispensation from attending Mass continues to apply in these times of Covid restrictions and if people are unable to book into a mass we will have the Mass for you at home audio liturgy and also other streaming options. Thank you for your cooperation at this time.
(Please do not assume the usual schedule for Christmas masses, and in any case pre-booking is vital).
Mass Booking: https://bookeo.com/catholicmassgoldcoast or, if you are unable to book online, please ring the parish office between 9am and 12 noon Mon-Fri. Ph: 5572 5433
Yours faithfully, The Parish Team
ST VINCENT DE PAUL CHRISTMAS APPEAL
Thank you for your generous donations over the years that have assisted us in giving our Companions a great Christmas with food, gifts and toys for the children. God Bless,
Craig McMahon. (Surfers Paradise Conference President of SVDP).
SACRED HEART AND ST VINCENT'S RELIGIOUS GOODS SHOPS
Great little stocking fillers available at the Religious Goods Shops in the Parish include, children's religious story books, prayer books, holy cards, rosaries, statues, crucifixes, magnets, key-rings and many more gift ideas. God's Word 2021 and Columban Calendars still available.
Checkout the Religious Goods Shops today. For enquiries and phone orders telephone Pat 0404 805 819
STEWARDSHIP REFLECTION
"Rejoice always, pray constantly, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." – 1 Thessalonians 5:16 - 18
This scripture reading sums up Stewardship. "Rejoice always" means place your trust in God; He will provide all that you need. "Pray constantly" means prayer should be a running conversation with God throughout the whole day, every day. "Give thanks in all circumstances" means even in bad situations, thank God. Suffering a little bit helps build empathy for others in similar situations and shows our dependence on God.
The vision of Stewardship speaks in every aspect of life, inviting everyone to be thankful, generous and accountable for what each has been given.
THE GOSPEL THIS WEEKEND -
"I Am the Servant of the Lord. Let it be as you say."
In this weekend's readings, the wonderful news of the Annunciation to Mary occurred more than two thousand years ago. The message Mary received was the start of the fulfilment of God's promise, made to King David one thousand years before that. That timeline is so long that it is hard to comprehend.
God has a very, very long memory. The people of Israel hoped and trusted in God's promise to King David. And as the years went on, (and there were many years); that hope was boosted, and then seemingly shattered, then rebuilt.
The people of God had an up-and-down relationship with God's promises. Sometimes they remembered God's promises with deep expectant hope. Other times they would remember God's promises with impatience. With frustration, sometimes even bitterness, scepticism and resentment. Other times they would remember God's promises with hope. And all the while, God bided his time and was quietly at work preparing the groundwork that would take centuries to bring to fruition. Our God thinks in thousands of years, humans think in terms of years.
God remembers everything with a loving heart and a determination to fulfil what God has promised. But it is always in God's own time, and in God's own way, according to God's wisdom, not human wisdom. God is patient: unlike humans who often demand the future occur right here and right now. -We only ever see part of the picture; because our lifespan is comparatively short.
And now we arrive at the wonderful scene of the Annunciation. After all this time, (-in the fullness of time), God's promise is fulfilled at the home of a humble maiden.
Here we can learn our response from Mary the right response to God's message: "Be it done to me according to your word." If only we could all learn to respond to the Lord in such a wonderful way as Mary did! May we more readily and with joy proclaim: "Be it done to me according to your word!"
Mary is the model for all of us who want to follow God's ways. She was a humble servant of God who was faithful to the Lord. In her lowliness, God chose her for the most important role: the mother of His Son.
This weekend's gospel, for the closing Sunday of Advent is all about the greatness of that word "YES" in Mary's life and in the lives of all of us who want to be Disciples of Christ. Mary's trust in God's promise is absolute. Mary continues to live according to God's ways, even when the events in her life are confusing and worrying and disorientating.
Mary's words in response to the announcement of the angel Gabriel are both profound and also very simple. Her simple "yes" changed the world. Surely, the universe paused in a silent hush in the silent moments between the Angel announcing the message and Mary responding with such loving positivity. With that response, Mary welcomed God in a special way into her life. She literally made a home for God in her life. Her "yes" is the response we can say daily as we welcome Jesus into our lives.
It would be a tragedy if Mary's "yes" was the last "yes" in human history! In fact, Mary's YES becomes the pattern for a many more "Yesses."
The Hebrew word "Amen" means "yes," --That is, "so it is!" or "let it be so." We too say this "Yes/ Amen," every time we come forward for the Communion at Eucharist. We say yes, we will be the house where God, in Jesus, makes his home.
We are saying YES. We will take the divine life of God into our bodies, - by receiving the body and blood of Our Lord. And we too say "Let it be done to us, according to your word." So, as amazing and wonderful as it seems, one of God's last known addresses is within YOU !
Today's readings remind us that God truly is with us always. This Advent time of preparation is to more deeply appreciate that Christmas is the feast of God making his home with us. God became one with us and dwells in our hearts and in our lives.
God is always with us, as near as a heartbeat, as close as our own humanity itself. God wants us to follow Mary's example, and say YES to what God is building in our lives, and to say YES to helping transform the world by "lives built on the good news of Jesus."
Daily, we have God's presence and action so close to us, as to be part of us.
Mary was a woman of faith. She believed in God and in the wonderful things God had done not only for her but also for her people over many, many centuries. The Blessed Virgin Mary remembered Abraham, Moses, Deborah, David, and all the men and women throughout history who God had chosen to help the people keep their faith.
In joy, Mary rejoices in the goodness of God who shares our life. Loved by God, we, too, rejoice in God's coming and gladly welcome God into our lives.
One thing I find really striking and challenging. Mary's wonderful reply to the Angel was very down-to-earth and with no puffed-up pride. She answers: "I am God's servant !!" The idea of being a servant (or a slave) seems difficult in this day and age. Slavery has been abolished. People are free and equal. So, what do we make of Mary saying to God, "I am your servant. I am your humble slave; let it be done to me according to your word"?
Briefly put: We are here to do things God's way, not our way.
May this Advent bring us all closer to the Lord because He is always close to us. God loves us and sends His Son to save us. Mary intercedes for us as we learn from her complete trust in God's plan and learn to serve her Son, Jesus Christ the Lord.
We say YES to God's invitation to cooperate in the constant work of building up God's Kingdom, not only in heaven, but here and now, in this life. May this coming Christmas celebration be a time of incredible renewal and peace as we allow God's grace to strengthen and build upon our YES. Inspired by Mary's great YES to God.
O Emmanuel,
king and lawgiver,
Desire of the nations,
Saviour of all people.
Come and set us free.
To listen to the whole Sunday Mass each week (including homily) from Surfers Paradise Catholic Parish, please visit this link: Liturgy for you at Home (by SPCP) - https://soundcloud.com/user-633212303/tracks
Fr. Paul Kelly.
(References: Celebrating the Gospels; My Daily Visitor, Nov-Dec 2011; Monastery Of Christ In The Desert. Abbot's Homily. http://christdesert.org). Image - Shutterstock licensed Image: stock photo ID: 1203620218. Biblical vector illustration series, Gabriel visits Mary also referred to as the Annunciation to the Blessed Virgin Mary. By rudall30
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, 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. 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 man.surfers@bne.catholic.net.au or, please ring the parish office between 9am and 12 noon Mon-Fri. Ph: 5572 5433.
Have you seen the beautiful new timber stands in the church? They are called 'payWave' (or 'tap-and-go' machines). These are a handy new way of donating to the parish.
Following several requests from parishioners, we have decided to provide payWave facilities in each of our Parish Churches, to assist people who may wish to donate to the work of the parish, but find that they don't have ready access to cash when they arrive at Church.
The donation points are set at $5, so that each time you wave your credit card you would be making a donation to the parish of $5 (or $10 if you wave twice and so on). EFTPOS is also available for larger amounts. We hope this will be a more convenient way for some parishioners to donate to the parish, and that people will not feel uncomfortable if they do not contribute when the plate comes past at the collection times. All in all it is a safer, easier and more sensible way to donate as the carrying of cash is fast becoming a thing of the past. Please ask for assistance from the priests or Mass coordinators if you experience any difficulties or have questions or concerns.
To payWave, just tap a credit card or bank card on the sensor and it will donate $5 and once it has processed this first tap, (which may take 30 seconds), you can tap it again, to give another $5, and so on. A safe and handy way to give money.
God bless you for your support.
Yours faithfully, Sonya Slater, Parish Manager
LITURGY SPOT: Trees, flowers, plants and fruits in the Scriptures.
Trees and their extremely Biblical relevance.
The Bible, both old and new testament, is full of references to trees, plants, flowers and fruits. Sometimes they were descriptive, but many other times these were used as illustrative of God's creation, action and Kingdom, and of the good or bad state of a person's life as a follower of God. Trees, plants, flowers and fruits were used in parables and allegories in the old Testament and in Our lord's teaching.
Trees and plants and fruits were very much in the mind of people especially in the biblical time, for the people were very much dependent on these for the things they needed for food, shelter, fuel and wellbeing. They continue to have a very powerful symbolic significance in Christian iconography and theology as attested by Our lord and his teaching and the use of parables including trees. flowers, crops, vines and their fruits. One of the most powerful images for the People of Israel, as a symbol of God's Kingship over them and the greatness of God's kingdom is the towering and majestic Cedars of Lebanon.
Psalm 92:12-15. "The righteous man will flourish like the palm tree, He will grow like a cedar in Lebanon. Planted in the house of the LORD, They will flourish in the courts of our God. They will still yield fruit in old age; They shall be full of sap and very green, To declare that the LORD is upright; He is my rock, and there is no unrighteousness in Him."
Here is an extensive list of references to trees, flowers, vines, and fruits from the Bible and also lists of how these are used in the context of the Bible passages.
In this season of Advent the following quote is particularly pertinent:
Isaiah 11:1 - The royal line of David is like a tree that has been cut down; but just as new branches sprout from a stump, so a new king will arise from among David's descendants.
Psalm 1:1-3 How blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, Nor stand in the path of sinners, Nor sit in the seat of scoffers! But his delight is in the law of the Lord, And in His law he meditates day and night. He will be like a tree firmly planted by streams of water, Which yields its fruit in its season And its leaf does not wither; And in whatever he does, he prospers.
Proverbs 11:30 The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, And he who is wise wins souls.
Trees » Created by God
Trees » Made for the glory of God
Trees » Designed to beautify the earth
Trees » Illustrative » (green,) of the innocence of Christ
Trees » Illustrative » Of Christ
Trees » Illustrative » Of kings, &c
Trees » Illustrative » (good and fruitful,) of saints
Trees » Illustrative » (duration of,) of continued prosperity of saints
Trees » God increases and multiplies the fruit of, for his people
Trees » Illustrative » Of the life and conversation of the righteous
Trees » Figurative
Psalm 1:3 - He will be like a tree firmly planted by streams of water, Which yields its fruit in its season And its leaf does not wither; And in whatever he does, he prospers.
Jeremiah 17:8 - "For he will be like a tree planted by the water, That extends its roots by a stream And will not fear when the heat comes; But its leaves will be green, And it will not be anxious in a year of drought Nor cease to yield fruit.
Trees » Illustrative » Of wisdom
Trees » The Jewish people of the Old Testament often pitched their tents under
Trees » The Jewish people of the Old Testament Often buried under
Trees » Illustrative » of the elect
Trees » Illustrative » (evergreen,) of saints Eg Isaiah 61:3
Trees » Illustrative » (dry,) of useless persons compared with (vibrant fruitful) good person
Matthew 7:17-18 "So every good tree bears good fruit, but the bad tree bears bad fruit. "A good tree cannot produce bad fruit, nor can a bad tree produce good fruit.
Trees » Illustrative » (producing evil fruit,) of the wicked
Trees » Illustrative » (shaking of the leaves off,) of the terror of the wicked
Trees » Illustrative » (dry,) of the wicked ripe for judgment
Trees » Illustrative » (barren,) of the wicked
Isaiah 65:22 - "They will not build and another inhabit, They will not plant and another eat; For as the lifetime of a tree, so will be the days of My people, And My chosen ones will wear out the work of their hands.
Psalm 1:3 - He will be like a tree firmly planted by streams of water, Which yields its fruit in its season And its leaf does not wither; And in whatever he does, he prospers.
Psalm 52:8 - But as for me, I am like a green olive tree in the house of God; I trust in the lovingkindness of God forever and ever.
Hosea 14:6 - His shoots will sprout, And his beauty will be like the olive tree And his fragrance like the cedars of Lebanon.
Psalm 92:12 - The righteous man will flourish like the palm tree, He will grow like a cedar in Lebanon.
Numbers 24:6 - "Like valleys that stretch out, Like gardens beside the river, Like aloes planted by the Lord, Like cedars beside the waters.
Isaiah 2:13 - And it will be against all the cedars of Lebanon that are lofty and lifted up, Against all the oaks of Bashan,
Hosea 14:5 - I will be like the dew to Israel; He will blossom like the lily, And he will take root like the cedars of Lebanon.
Romans 11:17 - But if some of the branches were broken off, and you, being a wild olive, were grafted in among them and became partaker with them of the rich root of the olive tree,
Revelation 11:4 - These are the two olive trees and the two lampstands that stand before the Lord of the earth.
Genesis 13:18
Then Abram moved his tent and came and dwelt by the oaks of Mamre, which are in Hebron, and there he built an altar to the Lord.
Micah 4:4
Each of them will sit under his vine And under his fig tree, With no one to make them afraid, For the mouth of the Lord of hosts has spoken.
Isaiah 41:19-20 "I will put the cedar in the wilderness, The acacia and the myrtle and the olive tree; I will place the juniper in the desert Together with the box tree and the cypress, That they may see and recognize, And consider and gain insight as well, That the hand of the Lord has done this, And the Holy One of Israel has created it.
Genesis 1:11-12 Then God said, "Let the earth sprout vegetation, plants yielding seed, and fruit trees on the earth bearing fruit after their kind with seed in them"; and it was so. The earth brought forth vegetation, plants yielding seed after their kind, and trees bearing fruit with seed in them, after their kind; and God saw that it was good.
Romans 11:24 For if you were cut off from what is by nature a wild olive tree, and were grafted contrary to nature into a cultivated olive tree, how much more will those who are the natural branches be grafted into their own olive tree?
Acts 5:30 The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom you had put to death by hanging Him on a cross (a tree).
Deuteronomy 8:8 a land of wheat and barley, of vines and fig trees and pomegranates, a land of olive oil and honey;
Luke 23:31 For if they do these things when the tree is green, what will happen when it is dry?"
Revelation 22:14 - Blessed are those who wash their robes, so that they may have the right to the tree of life, and may enter by the gates into the city.
Trees » Symbolical
Daniel 4:10-12 'Now these were the visions in my mind as I lay on my bed: I was looking, and behold, there was a tree in the midst of the earth and its height was great. 'The tree grew large and became strong And its height reached to the sky, And it was visible to the end of the whole earth. 'Its foliage was beautiful and its fruit abundant, And in it was food for all The beasts of the field found shade under it, And the birds of the sky dwelt in its branches, And all living creatures fed themselves from it.
Matthew 21:19 Seeing a lone fig tree by the road, He came to it and found nothing on it except leaves only; and He *said to it, "No longer shall there ever be any fruit from you." And at once the fig tree withered.
John 1:48 - Nathanael *said to Him, "How do You know me?" Jesus answered and said to him, "Before Philip called you, when you were under the fig tree, I saw you."
Isaiah 61:3 - To grant those who mourn in Zion, Giving them a garland instead of ashes, The oil of gladness instead of mourning, The mantle of praise instead of a spirit of fainting. So they will be called oaks of righteousness, The planting of the Lord, that He may be glorified.
Deuteronomy 6:11 and houses full of all good things which you did not fill, and hewn cisterns which you did not dig, vineyards and olive trees which you did not plant, and you eat and are satisfied,
Matthew 3:10 - The axe is already laid at the root of the trees; therefore every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.
Luke 3:9 Indeed the axe is already laid at the root of the trees; so every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire."
Matthew 7:18 A good tree cannot produce bad fruit, nor can a bad tree produce good fruit.
Proverbs 15:4 A soothing tongue is a tree of life, But perversion in it crushes the spirit.
Matthew 13:32 and this is smaller than all other seeds, but when it is full grown, it is larger than the garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and nest in its branches."
Luke 23:31 For if they do these things when the tree is green, what will happen when it is dry?"
Trees » Illustrative » (barren,) of the wicked
Hosea 9:16 Ephraim is stricken, their root is dried up, They will bear no fruit. Even though they bear children, I will slay the precious ones of their womb.
Job 14:7 "For there is hope for a tree, When it is cut down, that it will sprout again, And its shoots will not fail.
Luke 12:27 {Cyclamen are closely related to species native to the Holy Land}. "Consider the lilies, how they grow: they labour not, neither do they spin. But I say to you, not even Solomon in all his glory was clothed like one of these."
or Anemone (Lily of the Field) - anemone coronaria Matthew 6:28-30 These are wild field flowers in Palestine and almost certainly the wild anemones that were referred to by Jesus as the lilies of the field in His sermon on the mount, as they still grow wild near the Lake of Galilee.
Fr Paul Kelly
(Photo by Greg Rosenke on Unsplash)
(Article Reference: https://bible.knowing-jesus.com/topics/Trees )
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SURFERS PARADISE CATHOLIC PARISH - CENSUS UPDATE
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You can visit the Stay Connected page on our website to find an extensive list of information and resources.
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THE SACRED HEART BRIDGE CLUB
In Recess until 18th and 20th of January
Meets at the Sacred Heart - Parish Hospitality Centre, Fairway Drive, Clear Island Waters.
Playing Bridge keeps your brain active and increases your social network! So why not give us a try?
Learn to play Bridge at "Our Friendly Club" - Free Lesson. "Introduction to Bridge"
Easy to learn format, no previous card playing experience necessary. All are welcome.
For more information and to enrol, Please phone: Cheryl 5538 8821 or Mob 0417 772 701
POSITION VACANT: Albany Creek Parish
Position Vacant – Parish Secretary (Albany Creek).
Applications are open for the above position at the Albany Creek Parish.
The position is a part-time 16 hour role, over 2 days per week (Wed & Fri).
For additional information, please click here or visit the Archdiocese website and head to careers.
CHRISTIAN RELIGIOUS INSTRUCTION
Instructors And Assistants Needed at our local State Primary Schools for 1-2 hours per week.
Tell children about JESUS.
New volunteers are placed with experienced Instructors.
Training is free, with support.
An easy curriculum ensures Bible stories are covered to give an understanding of God's love.
The door is open for us to 'go' (Matthew 28:19)
Will you go?
For more information, please call Helene McCowan on 0419 747631 or email helene.mccowan@gmail.com
YOGA AT THE PARISH HOSPITALITY CENTRE
In Recess until 12th JANUARY
Come join us for our friendly, COVID-19 safe, class in the comfortable Hospitality Centre at the Sacred Heart Church, available every Tuesday 10:45am. Learn to relax, yet gain greater flexibility, inner strength, body awareness and concentration, all while increasing your breath support and general wellbeing. Ruth is an IYTA accredited instructor with wide experience and runs a caring, carefully monitored one hour session costing $10 (new attendees need to arrive by 10.30am to prepare adequately for class). For more information call Ruth on 0421338110.
FR WARREN LIVESTREAM MASS on ShalomWorld.org website. (In Recess until 1st January).
Fr Warren's celebration of Mass live on "ShalomWorld TV" each Friday afternoon has ended for the moment and will start again on 1st January at 2:00 pm Brisbane time.
Meanwhile, there are many interesting things to watch on this Catholic online network. If you want to watch ShalomWorld TV, you can 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: www.shalomworld.org/watchlive
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.
SCHOOL CROSSING SUPERVISOR CASUAL POSITION VACANT
A casual position exists for a School Crossing Supervisor at St Vincent's Primary School. The hours of work for the School Crossing Supervisor may be up to an hour and half an hour on any school day in all weather conditions. Commencement of work for the successful applicant is dependent on:
The favourable outcome of a health assessment carried out by a duly qualified Medical Practitioner according to the guidelines in the "Notes for Medical Practitioner" on the School Crossing Supervisor Scheme - Health Assessment Form;
The applicant either holds a current Blue Card or has submitted an application for a Blue Card to the Commission for Blue Card Services. An applicant will not be employed by the Department of Transport and Main Roads unless they meet this criterion.
The Department of Transport of Main Roads will organise and fund both for the selected applicant. Application packs are available from the administration office. Completed applications should be returned to southportroadsafety@tmr.qld.gov.au
HELD IN GOD'S LOVING HANDS: A Quiet Weekend Retreat For Women
What do God's hands look like? How can we reimagine our lives held in lovingly cupped hands and held close? Comfort, compassion, mercy, nurture, deep love…
A weekend opportunity for women to leave behind the chaos and clutter that can be a part of life and enter into quiet in community. Come and experience a time of prayerful reflection.
Facilitated by Grace Harwood (Dragonfly Ministries)
Friday 15 January 6pm to Sunday 17 January 3pm
Location: Santa Teresa Spirituality Centre, Wellington Street, Ormiston
Cost: $370 ($340 for pensioners, f/t students and unemployed) includes all accommodation, meals, resources and facilitation. Santa Teresa requires an additional $30 fee for those with special diets.
To register or enquire contact: grace@dragonflyministries.net.au or 0409 524 283 (also Grace)
"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.
MASS TIMES (PRE-BOOKING ESSENTIAL): SURFERS PARADISE MASS TIMES
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 (2nd Jan) at Sacred Heart.
Please remember that as per restrictions we are still expected to book and check in for mass, maintain a social-distance of 1.5m, 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 www.surfers paradise parish.com.au, to keep up to date with any changes relating to masses.
Mass Booking: bookeo.com/catholicmassgoldcoast or if you are unable to book online, please ring the parish office between 9am and 12 noon Mon-Fri. Ph: 5572 5433
IN OUR HEARTS AND PRAYERS AT THIS TIME.
FOR THOSE WHO ARE SICK: Veronica Elsmore, Lakyn Kearins, Carmen Reeves, Patricia Moor, Roy Ferraro, Caterina (Cathy) Randazzo, Ellanie Gonzalez, Draga Vlasic, Andrew Young, Sam Maxwell, Margaret Paterson, Rodney McGrath, Doug Reiser, Helen Bohringer, John Zappa, George & Margaret Cook, Peter O'Brien, 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: Itufo Ah Lo, Barbara Anne Farrell, Joanne Burge, Mrs Murphy, Mary Cale, Betty-Ann Hillesheim, Judith Musgrave, Marianne Lila Kyle-Little, Clare Dobozy, Rowena Santos-Ochavez, Leonardo Sorrenti, Anthony Netting, Ni Rui Yu, Garry Pearse, Alec Mackenzie (Scotland), Bridget (Breda) Dalton, June Marea Cogan, Douglas George Davey.
ANNIVERSARY OF DEATH: Remo Bos, Barry Arderne, Paul Muggleton, Jack O'Brien, Johny Augustinus Johanes Negati, Magdalena Johanes Negati, Joseph Johanes Ngati, Sebastian Johanes Ngati, Henry Restall, Joe Bugeja, Melita Bugeja , Pat Foster, Tessie Craig, Most Rev Joseph Angelo Grech, Maria Consiglio ,Charlie Restall White, Emidia Micallef, Henry Martin Prince, Abina Jean (Jean) Saalmann , Murray James Hill , Frankie Anne MacKedie, Mary Jean Lenthall, Alf Symonds; Michael John Lloyd, Ada Teresa Bradshaw, Mary Jean Lenthall, Robert John (Bob) Thorburn , Maureen Fitzgerald, Imelda Mary Rundell, Neil Davey Lawrence, Percy Felsman , Johan Egner, Carmen De Celis, Robert Henry Rathborne , Ferdinand Paul (Paul) Kiely, Disa Fleurette Hunt.
First Reading: Isaiah 9:1-7
Psalm: Ps 95:1-3. 11-13. "Today is born our saviour, Christ the Lord."
Second Reading: Titus 2:11-14
Gospel Acclamation: Luke 2:10-11. Alleluia, alleluia!. Good News and great joy to all the world: today is born our Saviour, Christ the Lord. Alleluia!
Gospel: Luke 2:1-14
Next Sunday's Readings
Readings for The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary And Joseph. Year B
FIRST READING: opt: Gen 15:1-6; 21:1-3 (new)
Ps: opt: Ps 105:1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 8-9 (new) "The Lord remembers his covenant forever."
SECOND READING: opt: Heb 11:8, 11-12, 17-19 (new)
Gospel Acclamation: (Heb 1:1-2) Alleluia, alleluia! In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets; now he speaks to us through his Son. Alleluia.
GOSPEL: Luke 2:22-40
Priests can celebrate four Christmas Masses
Published: 18 December 2020
Pope Francis venerates a figurine of the baby Jesus at the end of a Christmas Eve Mass in St Peter's Basilica (CNS)
The Vatican has decreed that priests can celebrate as many as four Masses on several important feast days, including Christmas, to accommodate the participation of the faithful. Source: Crux.
In a decree published in Latin this week, Cardinal Robert Sarah, prefect of the Vatican Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments, said the decision was made "in view of the situation brought about by the worldwide spread of the pandemic".
Due to the "persistence of the general contagion of the so-called COVID-19 virus, we willingly grant to the local ordinary permission to celebrate four Masses on Christmas Day (December 25); the feast of Mary, Mother of God (January 1); and the feast of the Epiphany (January 6)," Cardinal
Sarah wrote.
The concession, he continued, can be given by bishops whenever deemed "necessary for the benefit of the faithful".
According to the Code of Canon Law, while a priest "may not celebrate (Mass) more than once a day", a bishop may "for a good reason allow priests to celebrate twice in one day or even, if pastoral need requires it, three times on Sundays or holy days of obligation".
The decree would allow for more Catholics to be able to participate at Mass, especially in churches with limited seating due to social distancing measures.
PETITION TO STATE PARLIAMENT – THE 'CARE FIRST' APPROACH WORKS BEST
As you may be aware, Voluntary Assisted Dying (VAD) legislation will come before parliament in mid-2021.
This is a complex life ethics issue and requires action from those who support palliative care and accompanying the sick and vulnerable as the more compassionate way of caring for the terminally ill.
There are still options for those who are opposed to euthanasia/assisted suicide and adding your voice to the following petition is one of them.
Although this is a secular based petition, please note it is perfectly in harmony with the Catholic position on VAD, in that:
· we support better funding of palliative care instead of legislating VAD
· Faced with a new parliament hosting many first time members, it's wise to follow due legislative process and allow a proper parliamentary committee scrutiny of the new draft legislation
To show your concern about the legislation of VAD, please stand with thousands of other Queenslanders and visit the e-petition page at:
https://www.parliament.qld.gov.au/work-of-assembly/petitions/petition-details?id=3449
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