"Prepare the way for the Lord,
make straight paths for him." (Mark 1:3)
photo Image ID:Photo by Eddie & Carolina Stigson on Unsplash
THE PASTOR'S POST:
What's It All For?
While watching TV for much more time than is healthy, looking to see if there is some comforting Covid news, I have been interested to see how various countries have handled this pandemic. While I think Australia appears to be the winner in freeing ourselves from its restricting clutches, many countries have resisted the health directives and 'played' at being safe, e.g. the unmasked rallies for the US elections. Some people have objected to being told what to do, saying that their human rights are being violated. What made people think that rules were made for other people, or that medical professionals, with years of training and experience, really didn't know as much as they did? Now, I know that there is no better education than the experience of the real thing, but having the world come into my house via the television set, has made me sit up and notice that my little section of the globe is not the whole world and that for as many people as there are who think like me, there are so many more who lived by different values and expectations. It's both wonderful and confronting, all at the same time. I have had to broaden my perspective, but in doing so, I came to understand that there are also many people who I will never meet, who are part of my 'tribe' or my 'mob', to use a term that we have borrowed from our First Peoples. There certainly is a comfort in knowing that we do not wander alone with our sometimes crazy attitudes. We are not making the journey as a solo passenger.
What I also noticed was that even while there are remarkable differences in what we thought the world should look like in general, there are so many factors that united us. What became really clear is that, despite the diversity within societies and across the world, we somehow all want to achieve our safe middle class ambitions like financial security, a wholesome family life, an education for excellence, a fulfilling job with a handsome wage, good health and white teeth, a house in the suburbs, freedom to worship, protection from terrorism and an environment ready to do our bidding. We may take a different road, but the journey's end is roughly the same.
Now we know that life is not so straightforward. We are not only here to make money, though we need that too. We are not just here to enjoy good health, though we all know what an incredible difference that makes. We are not here solely to live morally good lives, admirable though moral living is. We are here for a project so audacious that something within us finds it hard to believe. We are here to transform our world. Is that too lofty a goal? If we cannot believe that we are called and capable of this task, then it's because we have downsized our beliefs, and accepted that that responsibility is for other people, and our job is just to sit there and do what we are told. In truth, it is our greatness, rather than our littleness that intimidates us. It would seem that for many people, their talents and opportunities are too heavy to carry to fulfilment, so they gently lay them down and float aimlessly into mediocrity, hoping to survive life, rather than celebrate. Even though I am guilty of criticising some of the movers and shakers I have met, I am wrong to deny them their chance to make the difference of which they believe they are capable. Do I judge them, before I understand them? Do I resent them for doing what I don't have the energy or ambition to achieve?
I really believe that the secret ingredient that separates the sprinter from the 'also ran' is hope, fed by imagination. These give us the entry ticket into a world that suggests there are always possibilities for better things, not just believing that this is the way it will always be. It is for this element of hope that I am so in awe of those scientists who are researching day and night for a vaccine, or those health workers, who I see working in hospitals all over the world, gowning up to try to ease the suffering of patients in ventilators. If these people don't have hope that we can beat this beast, then why would the rest of us even bother to social distance or sanitise our hands. These small signs of community connection are all based on the hope that we are better than a virus, and that we are destined for a brighter life than being imprisoned by a bug.
Fr Peter Dillon PP.
CHRISTMAS MASSES IN SURFERS PARADISE CATHOLIC PARISH
PLEASE NOTE:
ONLY THOSE WHO HAVE BOOKED WILL BE ABLE TO ENTER THE CHURCH.
CHRISTMAS MASSES AND SPACES ARE LIMITED.
PARTICIPATION VIA LITURGY-PODCAST CONTINUES TO BE ENCOURAGED.
MOST CHRISTMAS SERVICES WILL NOT BE AT USUAL TIMES AS THEY ARE AVAILABLE ONLY FOR THOSE WHO ARE CONFIRMED BOOKINGS.
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
The Annual St Vincent de Paul Christmas Appeal will be conducted this Weekend at all Masses with a leaving collection. A Member of St Vincent De Paul will be at the door to collect your much-needed contributions as you leave the church. Your generous donations over the years have assisted us in giving our Companions a great Christmas with food, gifts and toys for the children. This year due to COVID there will be more Families and Single Companions requesting a Christmas Hamper, so please give generously. Envelopes are also placed around the church. If you require a receipt please complete the details on the Envelope. All donations are 100% tax-deductible.
God Bless,
Craig McMahon. (Surfers Paradise Conference President of SVdP).
STEWARDSHIP REFLECTION
"Prepare the way of the Lord…" - Mark 1:3
We are all called to live a holy life. We are all called to invite others to live holy lives. Living a stewardship lifestyle, being grateful and generous with our gifts, puts us on the path to holiness and is an example for others to be holy, too. We are responsible not only for our own lives, but for the lives of others as well.
The vision of Stewardship speaks in every aspect of life, inviting everyone to be thankful, generous and accountable for what each has been given.
THANK YOU! THANK YOU!
TO ALL OUR VOLUNTEERS AT ALL THREE CHURCHES
DURING COVID-19
We do not think you are aware of this, but your efforts during these difficult COVID times have been greatly appreciated by everyone in our Parish. So, with this in mind, we would like to invite each and every one of you, our volunteers, to a MORNING TEA at Sacred Heart Church after the 9am Mass on Friday the 11th December 2020 where we may officially express our gratitude for giving up your time, for coming out of your comfort zones, and for so generously taking on all sorts of jobs that you may not have been asked to do before.
This will be a great way for us all to come together and chat. Hasn't it been a truly blessed time where we have come to know many more of our Parishioners? We have become friends with some of the most unexpected people and are enjoying finding out about each other.
SOOOOOOO – see you there next Friday – all welcome.
ENJOYABLE GATHERING FOR A FISH FEAST 4TH DECEMBER 2020.
Twenty-seven parishioners were able to join together at The Fish Emporium at Capri On Via Roma. Many thanks to all who were able to attend. A special thank you to Marguerite McMahon for organising the event. It was a nice chance for people to catch up, amidst this year of covid-isolation, and parishioners to meet each other, including some new faces. We were even musically serenaded by parishioner Joe Castellana. God bless you all.
SACRED HEART AND ST VINCENT'S RELIGIOUS GOODS SHOPS
Christmas gifts available at the Religious Goods Shops at St Vincent's and Sacred Heart Churches include Columban calendars, statues, rosaries, plaques, medals, children's story books. holy cards, and much more.
2021 Daily Mass Books and God's Word for 2021 in the shops now
Phone orders and enquiries ring Pat 0404 805 819
THE GOSPEL THIS WEEKEND
Just to be only a very small part of God's grand project, is surely satisfaction enough.
A fitting quote (from Scripture scholar, William Barclay), is quite apt for today... "In youth, because I could not be a singer, I didn't even try to write a song; and I planted no little trees along the roadside because I knew their growth would take so long that I would never see them fully grown. But now from the wisdom that the years have brought me, I know that it may be a blessed thing; to plant a tree for someone else to water and enjoy, Or make a song that someone else will sing when I cannot." (William Barclay)
The goal will never be reached unless the labourers unite to make it possible, under the great architect's plan. Each one adds their little bit to a project much bigger than any one of us. God's plan was being unfolded long before we came on the scene and it will continue to come to fruition long after we have finished our earthly journey.
In the gospel, we hear that those who were baptised also confessed their sins... Admitting to our sins and faults is difficult. But when we do this we straighten the path between us and God. Often, the most difficult person to admit a sin to, is actually ourselves. For example, when the prodigal son took off with half his father's property, he probably thought very well of himself. He thought he was a fine and clever young man who will make it big. But, later, in extreme poverty, as he even longed to eat the scraps of pigs' food and realised his folly, he would first have had to admit to himself how pathetically he had acted. Even before he returned to his father, he had to look at himself honestly and humbly, and it must have been very deflating and difficult. But he could not have imagined the astounding love and mercy he would receive when he made a straight path back to his father.
We must let the barriers down… and fill in the valleys of pride and self-satisfaction. It is not the person who desires to meet God on equal terms who will discover forgiveness, grace and compassion - but rather, the person who falls to their knees and whispers: "Lord, I need you! I am a terrible mess without your help. Be merciful to me, for I am a sinner!"
The Prophet Isaiah in the first reading speaks of comfort for God's people. God assures the people that they have 'done their time' for their sins. The debt is cancelled. However, one gets a distinct feeling that God is just being kind and generous. We couldn't have paid off the debt; but God, in his love and mercy, has cancelled it and written "paid in full" anyway. Another act of astounding generosity.
John the Baptist was out in the desert. This reminds us of the time when the People of Israel wandered in the desert and lived in the wilderness for forty years, In that time, they were utterly reliant on God's providence. They had nothing else but the presence and leadership of God's guiding hand. The people had to trust totally in God's wisdom and care. For the most part, they were humble and grateful, although at times, as they trudged the relentless desert paths, - pride, distrust and ingratitude got the better of many of them.
In the process of trying to give up sin and live with virtue, we often find it difficult. Even after years of struggle, we can often find ourselves still facing the same sins and defects in our lives. But let us not lose hope. The Lord assures and comforts us…… He comes to save us, not to condemn us. The secret is to trust completely in Jesus Christ. To surrender to God. To stop wrangling with God and resisting him with our wilfulness. We humbly admit our need for Our Lord's grace and mercy.
Everything God gives us is a grace -- Gifts and blessings are given, completely and unreservedly in love for all people….By contrast, we are tempted to keep score or place conditions on love, or by "trying to live as if we were an island complete of itself," this is what creates valleys and mountains – making rocky the pathway of communication and friendship between God and ourselves. In the same way, wilfulness, pride and self-focus are obstacles to our peace and to accepting Christ's unconditional love.
May we appreciate more deeply, the reality of Christ's selfless and generous love and make it an ever deeper reality in our lives too.
"O Come, Lord Jesus!"
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
Image: Photo by Ray Fragapane on Unsplash | [References: Barclay, W. (1975). The Gospel of Mark. 2nd ed. Edinburgh:
St. Andrew Press, Leonard, R. (2006). Preaching to the converted. New York: Paulist Press.,
Monastery of Christ in the Desert. Abbot's Homily. Advent 2, Year B. 2008.]
SMART LOVING PROGRAM
Wanted: Loving Married Couples to Become a Sponsor couple.
SmartLoving is a Catholic marriage ministry and is calling for enthusiastic married couples to journey with an engaged couple as they prepare to be married in the Catholic Church. Find out more at this free information session: Wed, 9 December - 8pm AEDT www.smartloving.org/webinar
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 - "It's COVID, COVID, COVID, COVID, DIFFERENT!!"
Image Photo by ID: 792056965. Musical notes in flowing design of elements in realistic style, vector illustration. By dTosh
It is encouraging that it really feels we have been seeing 'the light at the end of the tunnel' in relation to this global Coronavirus pandemic. However, it is important that we don't let our guard down in this time of increasing hope and lowering restrictions. We certainly have seen light at the end of the tunnel, but we still have a way to go yet. We are not 'out of the woods' quite yet.
I have found it very helpful to remind myself that the changes that have occured still mean that because of this crisis and the safety measures implemented, it is really important to keep in mind that things are different and that the way we have always done things may very well not apply at the moment or for some time to come.
In several ways, we have witnessed incidents where people seem confused about why things are not the same as always, but surely we all know why! Now is not the time to lower our guard.
I have even come up with a little phrase and set it to music, (I will spare you the sung version), but this is it:
Why are things the way they are at the moment?
Because it's "COVID, COVID, COVID, COVID, DIFFERENT!!"
This may seem like stating the absolutely obvious, but you would be amazed how often people forget.
For example:
Why are the Christmas Masses not at the usual times this year? Because, it's…
"COVID, COVID, COVID, COVID, DIFFERENT!!"
(even with a lowering of restrictions, there are still significant restrictions in place about numbers and distancing in churches, and we have had to put on many more masses than usual and to fit them into a reasonable schedule and also not run our priests into the ground, we have scheduled them to maximise the coverage. However, not everyone will fit in and we cannot allow the huge crowds that usually come to Christmas masses, and standing room outside is also restricted for health reasons. Only those who book can attend, and we are obliged to discourage walk-ins).
Why haven't we advertised the mass times broadly instead of referring people to the online bookings page or the parish office?
Because…. It's
"COVID, COVID, COVID, COVID, DIFFERENT!!"
(because of limits in numbers we cannot fit everyone in. Advertising outside of the bookings system is self-defeating, as it will encourage those who have not booked to turn up. This is not possible due to covid).
Why were we not singing the psalm up until Advent?
Because…. It's
"COVID, COVID, COVID, COVID, DIFFERENT!!"
(initially, singing was not permitted, unless higher distancing occurred, which made it effectively impractical. When this limit was reduced, our musicians and choir and singers and the usual music plans which are made some months ahead, all went into hiatus. Many of those in this area could not gather or were not yet returned to masses for personal health reasons, age restrictions or the limitations on overall mass numbers. We were working on absolutely minimal basis in order to ensure we were able to service the masses we were doing. Also, the office hours have changed and are less than before, and there are a lot of logistical practicalities to get the music, liturgies and resources prepared and placed in each church. We also knew that most people would realise that during Covid times things would be different and that how we usually did things is not a particularly helpful thing to keep bringing up at a time of unprecedented change).
Why do some churches have only one reader and a limited number of ministers involved when we normally have two or three readers at each mass and many ministers?
Because…. It's
"COVID, COVID, COVID, COVID, DIFFERENT!!"
(In most of the churches, many of those on the original rosters for ministries were not able to attend mass due to health, age, number restrictions. In some of our churches a notable number of people on the rosters had not yet returned regularly to masses and for good personal reasons. With limits on numbers, and as it was always better to have as few people as possible handling the mass items, it was quite sensible to go into minimal personnel mode during this Covid time. Others who were not on the older rosters have come in to help fill the gaps, but even then people were not always turning up and with all the others coordinating for safety and sanitising, it was advisable to keep the number of ministers manageable).
I went to book into the online site for Masses, (including Christmas) and my preferred time and church are already full. Why can't I get into that mass?
Because…. It's
"COVID, COVID, COVID, COVID, DIFFERENT!!"
(We do have limited numbers and we simply cannot allow people beyond the set limits. These limits have improved but they still exist and there is no point arguing about them. Because of these limits, the requirement to attend mass is still dispensed with during this Covid time and we beg you to go to whatever mass is available and if there is no room, we are sorry but please stay home as these are not ordinary times).
Why didn't we plan a large outdoor gathering?
Well, we did consider this. However, this is a huge logistical problem. There are still limits to the size of outdoor groups. We were flat out getting more than a few helpers for the indoor church events over the last few months. We have not been flooded with volunteers. Outdoor events still require no excess numbers and everyone must be booked in and there are serious problems with preventing those who have not booked (huge crowds of people turning up). The logistics of ministries for communion and keeping social distancing makes this option not practical. This option was looked at and it became clear that this would not be viable. This is still not the time to have huge gatherings of people in one place, despite the progress in limiting the spread of the virus. The opening up of borders and the potential for large groups of people here on the coast during the holidays raises some serious consideration of what we can and cannot do).
But we always get our whole family together and come to the "such and such - (mass time and location named)" for Christmas.
Sorry, we really are, but this year …. It really is
"COVID, COVID, COVID, COVID, DIFFERENT!!"
This is not trying to be funny. There are very good and very real reasons for all the decisions we have made over the last few months. We know that not everyone will agree with the decisions but they have been made because things have clearly not been business as usual and all systems go. And you can be sure, the more we accept that things are different and will continue to be different for a while yet, it will help us to cope with the "new normal" that we are presently living.
Thanks for your understanding and support.
Ps. Here is the tune - (after Big Ben)!
(To play this discordant little gem, please click the link below: https://my.scorecloud.com/song/a6c1090691efcff0f691c40874e69371/New-Song)
Fr Paul Kelly
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 (5th Dec) 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 1.5metres, 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 www.surfersparadiseparish.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
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 is 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.
You can visit the Stay Connected page on our website to find an extensive list of information and resources.
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
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
THE SACRED HEART BRIDGE CLUB
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
YOGA AT THE PARISH HOSPITALITY CENTRE
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.
CARITAS SOUTH-EAST ASIA - TYPHOON APPEAL
Caritas Australia has had a significant number of enquiries from people wishing to know what we are doing in relation to providing emergency aid to the Philippines and other East Asian nations affected by the recent Typhoons. Caritas Australia's thoughts and prayers are with the people of the Philippines, Vietnam and Cambodia who have been devastated by unprecedented flooding after Typhoon Vamco hit the region - only weeks after being hit by Super Typhoon Goni, the strongest storm this year. Severe flooding has submerged towns up to 12 metres deep across the Cagayan region of the Philippines, leaving tens of thousands of families trapped without electricity, clean water or road access. Across the region, homes have been destroyed and livelihoods lost with hundreds of thousands of people fleeing to evacuation centres, where the risks of spreading COVID-19 are high.
With your help, and with our church and NGO partners on the ground, we can provide vital support to those affected by this and other disasters as part of our Asia Emergency Appeal. Donate today at www.caritas.org.au or by calling 1800 024 413 toll free.
AID TO THE CHURCH IN NEED (ACN) -LEBANON UPDATE:
Immediately following the Beirut explosion, ACN provided an initial emergency grant of $400,00 AUD for food. ACN has just announced a further commitment of $8 million for the repair and reconstruction of churches and convents. ACN thanks everyone who has already donated to their national appeal and welcomes any further support. Visit www.aidtochurch.org/Lebanon or call 1800 101 201.
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: 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. Warren Kinne
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 hold a current Blue Card or having 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.
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
REACHING BEYOND 2020
People of all trades and professions are being requested by communities abroad seeking to build the capacity of their organisations and the skills of their people. Restrictions this year have made communities' needs acute, but your assistance will help to develop self-reliance and sustainable solutions to poverty. Palms Australia will provide you with thorough preparation to ensure your readiness as travel resumes, and support on assignment. See www.palms.org.au and talk to Roger on 0431 995 058, or email palms@palms.org.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)
2 opportunities to choose from:
Friday 11 December 6pm to Sunday 13 December 3pm OR 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)
FANS IN THE CHURCH DURING HOT WEATHER ARE TO BE LEFT ON
It may be necessary to relocate to another seat that may better suit your needs or bring something warm to put on. Thank you for your consideration in this matter.
IN OUR HEARTS AND PRAYERS AT THIS TIME.
FOR THOSE WHO ARE SICK: 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, Clare Dobozy, 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: 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: Joseph Nazari, Nikola Bukvic, George Stidwill, Bill Wall, Relatives & Friends of Hooworth Family, Aaiden (Joseph) Ng, Jan Hart, Beth Green, Colin Peter Randazzo, Owen Louis Ryan, Kevin Francis Ryan, Norman John Desmond (Des) White, Albina Kristina Vah, James William Boland, Gail Patricia Little, William Raymond Willbrandt, Desmond Robert Castle, Kenneth Raymond Martin, John McCabe (Husband of Maureen), Jack O'Brien (Husband of Shirley) , Ken Martin, Marko Jaksic, Fabian McCarthy (Fr Michael's Father).
Readings for Third Sunday Advent. Year B
FIRST READING: Isa 61:1-2a, 10-11
Ps: Luke 1:46-48, 49-50, 53-54 "My soul rejoices in my God."
SECOND READING: 1 Thess 5:16-24
Gospel Acclamation: (Isa 61:1 [cited in Lk 4:18]) Alleluia, alleluia! The Spirit of the Lord is upon me; he sent me to bring the Good news to the poor. Alleluia!
GOSPEL: John 1:6-8, 19-28
"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.
Position Vacant – (Brisbane - Cathedral of St Stephen - Administration Officer).
Applications are open for the above position at St Stephen's Cathedral Parish. A person with excellent administration and secretarial skills is required for a full-time position of Administration Officer for 38 hours per week, Monday to Friday. Applications close Friday 18 December 2020. For additional information, please visit the Archdiocese of Brisbane website https://brisbanecatholic.org.au/ and to careers. The Archdiocese of Brisbane has standards of conduct for employees and volunteers to maintain a safe and healthy environment. Our commitment to these standards requires that we conduct background referencing for all persons who will engage in direct and regular involvement with children, young people and/or vulnerable adults.
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