Friday 29 January 2021

SPCP_E-newsletter -Sunday, January 31, 2021- Fourth Sunday in ordinary Time, Year B

 

Surfers Paradise Catholic Parish E-Newsletter

Parish Office: (07) 5572 5433 (9am – 12pm Mon-Fri) | Mass Times: (07) 5595 8466

Email: surfers@bne.catholic.net.au | Website: www.surfersparadiseparish.com.au 

Emergencies: Priest contactable via office phone (after hours follow menu prompts)

50 Fairway Drive, Clear Island Waters, Queensland, 4226

Masses via pre-bookings here

 

Sunday, January 31, 2021

Fourth Sunday in ordinary Time, Year B

 

Readings for Fourth Sunday in ordinary Time, Year B 

FIRST READING: Deut 18:15-20

Psalm: Ps 95:1-2, 6-7b, 7c-9 "If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts. "

SECOND READING: 1 Cor 7:32-35

Gospel Acclamation: (Matt 4:16) Alleluia, alleluia! A people in darkness have seen a great light. A radiant dawn shines on those lost in death.

GOSPEL: Mark 1:21-28

 

 

"The people were amazed at Jesus' teaching, because he taught them as one who had authority, not as the teachers of the law." (Mark 1:22)

 

Shutterstock Licensed Image -  stock photo ID: 541079824 VIENNA, AUSTRIA - DECEMBER 19, 2016: The icon of Jesus among the apostles on the canvas in church Brigitta Kirche by unknown artist of 20. cent.By Renata Sedmakova 

 

 

THE PASTOR'S POST: The Good Fight

Even though I was a big lump of a kid, I was never much of a pugilist. My grandfather told me once, that one should never have a fight if you were angry, to which I replied, "What was the point of a fight if you're not angry?" To which his wise reply was, "Exactly, so don't get angry". It took me a while to get his sage advice, that anger and arguments are never good companions, and my own experience has taught me that recovery from a physical altercation heals much quicker than ones where words are involved.

 

As a Christian I am called to win over hearts and minds to Christ. As a priest that obligation is even more imperative. Experience has taught me that this outcome is achieved more effectively by gentle cajoling than angry confrontation. Like many older Catholics, I can remember the days when the celebrant at Mass might berate the congregation for their neglect in following certain commandments from the Church or directives from Father. While I don't remember any parishioners standing up in Church and disagreeing with 'Father', there was often heated discussion driving home, about how we shouldn't be spoken to like that or "who does he think he is". It was the first time I ever heard the term "chill pill", when it was suggested that it might help the priest get over his "hissy fit".

 

Over the years I have been at the receiving end of some significant confrontations, as well as occasionally serving it up to others who took me beyond my ability to control my temper, (not often, I am happy to report). If I am honest, the root of my confrontation was more to do with anger and frustration, more than wanting to win over hearts for Christ. Except on the rare occasion, I have found confrontation to be an ineffective tool in getting others to see my point of view, mainly because it usually causes the person being confronted to be defensive about their perspective, rather than to be open to new ideas or new ways of thinking. Of course, with a clearer head, I find if I try to place myself in an atmosphere of listening and acceptance of differences and not be threatening in what I say, I usually get a better hearing.  If however, I judge that no amount of careful language and peaceful attitude can calm the conversation I have been known to say: "Perhaps it is time for us to finish this conversation in case I say something I might regret". Imagine the self-control required for that response.

 

However there are times when the most loving thing to do is to openly confront someone. Never a comfortable thing to do, but sometimes it's the only way to bring to conclusion a difference or misunderstanding. The key ingredient is to temper what you are about to say with calm and kindness. Once your defensive emotions take over, you are likely to say or do something that is not pertinent to the real issue. The student of counselling is taught that "an argument is not really what the argument is about". In other words, when we start to bring up old agendas or issues that we have kept hidden or suppressed, and introduce them, confusion reigns and the need for self-protection comes into play. When your head is clear and you clearly know what the point of difference is, and you can articulate those points with little anger, then, and only then, are you ready to speak respectfully and honestly. It is then possible after such discussions that you and the other party may in fact be able to say" I can see your point of view, I might not agree with it, but I can hear what you are saying". You know yourself, how rarely you walk away from a heated confrontation, having changed your mind. We don't hear clearly or think rationally when we feel threatened.

 

I have heard it said that, "when we have done our best, we should await the result in peace." That in itself can be very calming for the spirit and it can remove some of the anxiousness from our spirit. If we can achieve that peace, then even when we are on the receiving end of the confrontation or bad news seems to affect my clarity of thought, moving to a sense of confident acceptance and peaceful mindset will allow me to genuinely find some sense of love for the other person. If I can't find that respect for the other person, why do I expect that they should be offering it to me? 

Fr Peter Dillon PP.

We congratulate the Santanoceto, Evangelista and Frawley families, whose children Estelle, Emilia and Jesse have been baptised in our Parish this week.

 Please keep the Baptism families in your prayers as they begin their faith journey.

 

Breaking News

PARISH MISSION 

COMING SOON

A TIME OF GRACE - ALL WELCOME 

FACILITATED BY REV DR RICHARD LEONARD SJ

 

What does it all mean? Living a contemporary Catholic life of faith, hope and love.

Parish missions are a time for us to reflect on where we have been, where we are and where we are going. This mission will focus on the issues that confront us as Christian in the contemporary world and offer practical direction about how we can live more deeply our lives of faith.

 

If you have not heard Fr Richard speak/preach before then now is that golden opportunity - he is inspirational. This will be for everyone, young and old, catholics and those who are enquiring into our Catholic Faith from other Christian traditions - everyone is welcome.  Our thanks go to the Parish Team, led by Fr Peter, for giving us this wonderful opportunity to spend time examining where we personally are at.

 

PLACE:  SACRED HEART CHURCH, 50 Fairway Drive, Clear Island Waters

TIMES & SESSIONS:

13th and 14th March - Fr Richard will preside and preach at all Masses at Sacred Heart Church                                                                         - 5pm Saturday Vigil 13th March, 9am Sunday morning and 6pm Sunday night on 14th March.

Sessions will be offered both in the morning and at night for the three days - the morning session will commence immediately after the 9am morning Mass.  Fr Richard will preside at each of these Masses.

Monday 15th March - 9.30am – 10.45am and 7pm - 8.15pm

"Going out to the world: we need all the help we can get"

One of the richest things Catholics take the world is our tradition. Some people think Catholic Tradition is a static bloc of doctrines that must be imparted to our young. By looking at Mary, the Mother of Jesus we will see how our tradition is rich and responsive to the needs of today.

Tuesday 16th March - 9.30am – 10.45am and 7pm - 8.15pm

"Nine steps to making better choices for my life"

On the strongest elements within the Catholic tradition is the process of discerning the promptings of God in my daily life.  How can we practically apply the best of our Christian spirituality to the choices we make at home, work and the wider community?

Wednesday 17th March - 9.30am – 10.45am and 7pm - 8.15pm

"Where the Hell is God? Holding to Faith through the Tough Times."

Our faith in God is easier when everything is going well. But what about the times in our lives when it is challenged, undermined and threatened by the things that happen to us, or those we love? This critical session will help out words around how we can hold to a God who walks with us in the "valley of tears"? 

 

Bookings will be essential

However, please wait until the Bookeo is set up for the Sessions so that you can go online to make your booking. Thank you for your cooperation at this time.

We are extremely privileged to have obtained the services of Fr Richard Leonard who is a Jesuit priest. He has degrees in arts and education, as well as a Master's degree in theology. Fr Richard did graduate studies at the London Film School and has a PhD from the University of Melbourne. He directed the Australian Catholic Office for Film & Broadcasting for 22 years, is an Honorary Fellow of the Australian Catholic University, has been a visiting scholar within the School of Theatre, Film & Television at UCLA and a Visiting Professor at the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome. Fr Richard has served on juries at the Cannes, Venice, Berlin, Warsaw, Hong Kong, Montreal, Brisbane and Melbourne International Film Festivals and he has lectured on faith and culture all over the world. He has been published in America Magazine, Eureka Street, US Catholics, is regular columnist with The London Tablet and is a regular guest on ABC Radio. 

 

He is the author of ten books, among the titles are:

  • Where the Hell is God?

  • Why Bother Praying?

  • What are we doing on earth for Christ's sake?;

  • What are we waiting for? Reflections for Advent & Christmas;

  • What are we hoping for? Reflections for Lent & Easter;

  • What does it all mean? A guide to being more faithful, hopeful and loving. 

  • Hatch, Match & Dispatch: A Catholic Guide to Sacraments. 

His latest book, 'The Law of Love' will be published in early 2021.

 

BOOKING A BAPTISM FOR MY PRESCHOOL CHILD 

Please visit our website surfersparadiseparish.com.au click on Sacraments, found at the top of the page, then the drop down box for Baptism, where the online registration form can be completed and submitted back to us. We will need a copy of the parent's Baptism certificates and a copy of your child's birth certificate. You will then be contacted by a member of the Parish Sacramental Team to complete arrangements and explain preparation requirements.

 

SACRED HEART AND ST VINCENT'S RELIGIOUS GOODS SHOPS

Browse the shops before and after Mass each weekend or by appointment with the Parish Office morning only. For enquiries, contact Pat 0404 805 819

 

NEW LOOK LENTEN AND EASTER PROGRAM FOR 2021

(In Stock Now at the Piety Stalls)

Walk as a 'missionary disciple' on the path to Easter and beyond with the new-look Lent program from Evangelisation Brisbane. Look to Jesus: 52 Daily Reflections for Lent and Easter is accessible to both individuals and groups. 

It's just $5 and is now available in the piety stores or from the Parish Office (Mon-Fri 9am-12pm).

For a small price you can get a whole season of Lenten reflection and have a faith filled Easter!

 

STEWARDSHIP REFLECTION

"Brothers and sisters: I should like you to be free of anxieties."- 1 Corinthians 7:32

 

How much anxiety do we bring upon ourselves by constantly worrying about not having enough or attaining more things?  God won't necessarily give you everything you want, but He will provide everything you need.  Try this – use the word "pray" instead of the word "worry" in the future.  Then pray for things instead of worrying about them.

 

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 - Jesus Teaches with authority

Jesus, (in this weekend's gospel) is described as "speaking with authority" – something that both surprises and deeply impresses those who hear him. Our Lord is seen as having an authority that is very different from what they are used to experiencing from their regular religious leaders, who, you would think, should also be inspiring figures, and speaking with authority, one would hope;  -  but they were clearly not.

 

It goes to show that there are two different types of authority; 

One derives from the office that a person holds (the authority and respect due to the position a person holds), and then there is the personal authority that speaks powerfully of the inner integrity, vision and values of THAT person. 

 

When both are found together, then history has before them a great and impressive leader…. 

 

Jesus never had a formal office in his society (other than being rightly described as Rabbi or a teacher); however, his authority was absolute; flowing from deep within him, from the truth of who he is, (and his essential relationship to his heavenly Father).

 

Ironically, the true test of a person's faithfulness to God is how they respond to the embodiment of God (in Jesus). These so-called faithful followers of God failed miserably in this test, because they rejected Jesus and opposed his vision.

 

We must stay very close to the person and message of Jesus, and learn from him, and experience his compassion and love for all people, (because this is what motivates his mission – LOVE – at the very centre and nature of God). Without that, we too could fall into the trap of living the outward appearance and missing the point inside.

 

It is ironic, that Jesus was unable to cast out the evil of malice and deception that was in the hearts of his opponents, who lied and deceived in order to wrongly accuse him of sedition and to have him crucified. But, they were too wilful. They were deliberately and stubbornly cooperating with evil in their hearts and choosing to oppose Jesus; and so Jesus had to die and rise again in order to break their power.

 

We are called by Christ to cast out (with his help) all that is destructive, hate-filled, deceptive, unjust and unloving in our lives and hearts. We do it by prayer and by reflection and by staying very close to the Lord. We must not allow ourselves to be distracted in our service of God's Kingdom and the values of the gospel. So, what really counts is listening to what God wants of us here and now. Married or single, with God's help, let us strive to live that vocation well.

Fr. Paul Kelly. 

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

 

REFERENCES: Fr Paul W. Kelly; Homily of the Abbot – Monastery of Christ in the Desert; 

MISSION 2000 – PRAYING SCRIPTURE IN A CONTEMPORARY WAY. YEAR B. BY MARK LINK S.J.

| {Image - Shutterstock licensed Image: ID:719621203 Teachings of Jesus. Frescoes of the ancient byzantine church of Hagia Sophia in Trabzon. The remains of the ancient temple. Old church wall. JULY 4, 2017. By Nurlan Mammadzada}

POPE FRANCIS: World Communications

"The call to 'come and see'… is the method for every authentic human communication," says Pope Francis in his Message for the 55th World Communications Day. The Vatican released the text of the Pope's Message on Saturday, the eve of the feast of St Francis de Sales, the patron saint of journalists."

 

"This year," says Pope Francis, "I would like to devote this Message to the invitation to 'come and see', which can serve as an inspiration for all communication that strives to be clear and honest, in the press, on the internet, in the Church's daily preaching and in political or social communication." This theme recalls the Gospel account of the first disciples' initial encounters with Jesus, who invited them to "Come and see," to enter into relationship with Him. Later, one of those disciples, St Philip, speaking to his friend Nathaniel, invited him to "Come and see" the Messiah whom he had found.

 

"That is how Christian faith begins, and how it is communicated: as direct knowledge, born of experience, and not of hearsay. says Pope Francis. He explains that seeing something for oneself is the best way of getting at the truth of things, and "the most honest test of every message, because, in order to know, we need to encounter, to let the person in front of me speak, to let his or her testimony reach me."

 

Hitting the streets:

Pope Francis is sharply critical of a tendency to reduce news to pre-packaged, self-referential soundbites, reflecting only the concerns and viewpoints of the "powers that be."

This leads to a flow of information "created in newsrooms," which does not accurately reflect reality on the ground. Rather, he says, we must instead "hit the streets," in order to see things we otherwise would not know, share knowledge that would not otherwise circulate, and have encounters that would otherwise not take place.

 

The courage of journalists:

Journalists, in particular, says Pope Francis, must be willing to go where no one goes, must have a desire to see things for themselves – a "curiosity, an openness, a passion." He praised the courage of journalists who have faced grave risks to share the stories of those who are oppressed, of the sufferings of the poor and of creation, of forgotten wars. "It would be a loss not only for news reporting, but for society and for democracy as a whole, were those voices to fade away," he says. "Our entire human family would be impoverished."

 

Pope Francis notes that many situations today call for someone to "come and see" things as they truly are. Too often, he says, we risk seeing things only through the eyes of the richer part of the world. This can lead to a divergence between the news we receive and what is really happening.

 

Opportunity and risks of the internet:

Pope Francis also notes the importance of modern means of communication, especially the internet. "The internet, with its countless social media expressions, can increase the capacity for reporting and sharing, with many more eyes on the world and a constant flood of images and testimonies." It allows many more people to share their stories, and to be witnesses of what they see and hear.

 

At the same time, however, Pope Francis warns of "the risk of misinformation being spread on social media," which has now "become evident to everyone." The internet is "a powerful tool" the Pope says, which requires us, both as producers and consumers of information, a great deal of prudence and responsible care for how we use it. "All of us are responsible for the communications we make, for the information we share, for the control that we can exert over fake news by exposing it," he says. "All of us are to be witnesses of the truth: to go, to see and to share."

 

No substitute for seeing with our own eyes:

Pope Francis emphasizes that "in communications, nothing can ever completely replace seeing things in person." Some things, he insists, "can only be learned through first-hand experience."

 

The message of Jesus was inseparable from the personal encounter with Him. "Indeed in Him – the incarnate Logos – the Word took on a face; the invisible God let Himself be seen, heard and touched."

 

This is true of all communication, which can only be effective when it engages others in an encounter, an experience, a dialogue, says Pope Francis. The Gospel is spread through personal encounters, as seen in the experience of those who met Jesus, or who heard the message of St Paul. "So too, the Gospel comes alive in our own day, whenever we accept the compelling witness of people whose lives have been changed by their encounter with Jesus."

 

"For two millennia, a chain of such encounters has communicated the attractiveness of the Christian adventure," says Pope Francis. "The challenge that awaits us, then, is to communicate by encountering people, where they are and as they are."

 

The Pope's message concludes with a prayer:

 

Lord, teach us to move beyond ourselves,

and to set out in search of truth.

 

Teach us to go out and see,

teach us to listen,

not to entertain prejudices

or draw hasty conclusions.

 

Teach us to go where no one else will go,

to take the time needed to understand,

to pay attention to the essentials,

not to be distracted by the superfluous,

to distinguish deceptive appearances from the truth.

 

Grant us the grace to recognize your dwelling places in our world

and the honesty needed to tell others what we have seen.

(source: https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2021-01/pope-francis-communicate-by-encountering-people-where-they-are.html

(Image:  by Ashwin Vaswani on Unsplash)

 

NEW PRIMARY SCHOOL OPENING WITHIN THE PARISH - AT MERRIMAC  (2022

 

MASS TIMES (PRE-BOOKING ESSENTIAL): SURFERS PARADISE MASS TIMES

Sacred Heart 

350 max capacity

Saturday Night - 5 pm

  • (Maronite Mass 6:30pm, Saturday Night)

*Note First Saturday of the month morning Mass 9am (Next: 6th Feb)

Sunday - 9 am & 6 pm

  • (Polish Mass 12 noon Sunday) 

  • (Italian Mass 4pm Sunday)

St Vincent's

200 max capacity

Sunday - 8 am & 10 am

  • (Hispanic Mass – 5.30 pm on 1st and 3rd Sundays)

Extra parking is available only metres from St Vincent's Church, at King's Car Park, entry via Beach Road

Stella Maris 

200 max capacity 

Saturday Night - 5 pm

Sunday - 7 am

Please note: Numbers allowed in each Church are based on social distancing restrictions and the Archbishop has continued to exempt everyone from the obligation to attend Sunday mass during restrictions.

 

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 (6th Feb) 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. Thank you for your cooperation at this time.

CLICK HERE TO BOOK FOR MASS 

or if you are unable to book online, please ring the parish office between 9am and 12 noon Mon-Fri. Ph: 5572 5433

 

ADULT FAITH ENRICHMENT

REFLECTION & BIBLE STUDY RECOMMENCING

ALL WELCOME - We will be recommencing our fortnightly Reflection and Bible Study on Tuesday the 2nd February 2021 at 6pm in the Parish Hospitality Room

As promised we will be concentrating initially on St Paul - his story, the various letters he wrote to the Romans, Corinthians, Galatians and Ephesians.  If you would like to participate in this please let us know by ringing 0409 486 326 Robyn.  Make sure you bring along pencil and paper as may be required.  Any notes for the first night will be supplied at that time.  Looking forward to commencing this again as it is a great opportunity for us to reflect, discuss, share and enrich our faith and relationship with Christ.

PARISH FINANCIAL SUPPORT

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.

What are 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.

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. Please ask for assistance from the priests or Mass coordinators if you experience any difficulties or have questions or concerns. God bless you for your support. 

Yours faithfully, Sonya Slater, Parish Manager

 

ST VINCENT DE PAUL - BUDDIES DAY

Buddies Day is a Vinnies QLD free monthly activity day where children can build friendships, catch-up with positive volunteer role models, and experience a safe and enjoyable day. Previous activities have included bowling, swimming, scavenger hunts, sports, laser skirmish, arts and crafts, and trips to zoos and museums. Morning tea and lunch every day helps keep energy levels high, and any equipment required for the day is provided, ensuring all children can participate with no costs. 

Once a year, children on Buddies Day are invited to participate in a free, memorable 3- day Kids Camp. Volunteer leaders support every child, developing meaningful and supportive relationships with children who attend camp. Spending quality time outside, children have fun participating in outdoor adventure activities and team building challenges. Buddies Day is for children aged 8-12 and is held once a month on the weekend.

For more information or to get involved, contact Soraya Vella on 0417 924 608 or soraya.vella@svdpqld.org.au.

FAITH AND WORSHIP SPOT - "Deus, per omnia saecula saeculorum"

 

Late last year, at the beginning of Advent, you may have noticed a small but significant change to the opening prayer at Mass. This opening prayer is called "The Collect," because it collects together all the intentions and prayers of the people. 

This change was first announced on 13 May 2020, when Cardinal Robert Sarah, Prefect of the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments, wrote to Episcopal Conferences in relation to a change to the Trinitarian conclusion to the collects (opening prayers) in the Roman Missal (2010).

 

Until recently, a typical conclusion to the collect read as follows:

"Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever."

 

Cardinal Sarah's letter indicated that the inclusion of the word "one" before God is problematic in relation to the Latin text: "Deus, per omnia saecula saeculorum". (That is, the Latin text - which is the standard by which all other texts are translated - literally says: "God, forever and ever." 

 

In relation to the inclusion of the word "one" before God, Cardinal Sarah wrote:

This "… can serve to undermine the statement of the Son's unique identity within the Trinity which the Latin formulas so strongly convey and, on the other hand, it can also be interpreted as saying that Jesus Christ is 'one God.' Either or both of these interpretations is injurious to the faith of the Church."

 

It is clear from the Latin texts that the doxology emphasises the divinity of Our Lord, Jesus Christ, the Incarnate Son, who intercedes on our behalf, as the Second Person of the Blessed Trinity, to the Father and which prayer is made in the unity of the Holy Spirit. Thus the Son's role of priestly mediation is made clear. To transfer the Trinitarian relational element in unitate as meaning unus Deus is incorrect.

 

The omission of the word "one" before God will mean that the three possible conclusions to the collects [as outlined in the General Instruction of the Roman Missal (2012), n. 54] will read as follows:

 

Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever.

 

Or

Who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever.

 

Or

Who live and reign with God the Father, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever.

 

Following advice from the Bishop's Commission for Liturgy, the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference approved the change to the Trinitarian conclusions to the collect prayers in the Roman Missal. The change took effect from the First Sunday of Advent, 29 November 2020.

 

{From the Bishops Commission for Liturgy (Dated: 28 September 2020)}

Fr Paul Kelly

 

 

 

 

 

NOTICES AND OPPORTUNITIES

ADORATION OF THE BLESSED SACRAMENT

Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament will be held this First Friday 5th February at Sacred Heart Church from 7pm to 8.30pm.  All welcome.  Enquiries: Jim 0424381069 or Helen 0421935678.

Benediction will also recommence following the first Saturday Mass of the month (Feb 6th)

 

CENTACARE MENTAL HEALTH HUB

Centacare provides practical and pastoral activities each weekday at the Mental Health Hub in Fortitude Valley for people living with a mental health issue.  Centacare mental health workers can support people with their application process to the NDIS to assess their eligibility, provide support funded under an existing package, or explore other sources of funding to join in activities if not NDIS eligible.  Centacare also offers a pastoral and spiritual care program at the Fortitude Valley site which is free to join.  For more information or to register interest please contact Centacare on 3853 7400  or email:  ccsbrisbanesouthgeneral@bne.centacare.net.au

 

CHRISTIAN RELIGIOUS INSTRUCTION

Instructors And Assistants Needed at our local State Primary Schools for 1-2 hours per week. 

Tell children about JESUS. Training is free, with support. New volunteers are placed with experienced Instructors.

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

 

MEDICAL STUDENT SEEKING GOLD COAST ACCOMMODATION

A medical student at Griffith University Gold Coast is seeking accommodation in the area or with easy access to public transport during semesters. Student is also a practising Catholic at Brisbane parish. Please contact Kim: 0405 967 192.

 

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.

 

CATHOLIC LEADER NEWSPAPER PRINT EDITION TO RETURN AS A MONTHLY NEWSPAPER

The Catholic Leader will be returning as a monthly print newspaper in February. The Leader team is already working on the first edition, which will be ready for parishioners to read on Sunday, February 7.

 

Copies will be delivered to parishes in the first week of February. We are encouraging all readers to take up a subscription, which will ease the burden on your parish staff. The February edition will be available at your churches and Mass centres. In the meantime, The Catholic Leader website catholicleader.com.au will continue to publish daily news stories. 

 https://catholicleader.com.au/subscribe And: https://catholicleader.com.au/ 

 

Changes at a glance:

* The Catholic Leader will be printing monthly.

* Due to the associated costs of producing the newspaper, we have increased the cover price to $4.

 

 

 

 

 

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.

SURFERS PARADISE CATHOLIC PARISH - CENSUS UPDATE

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PLEASE PRAY

IN OUR HEARTS AND PRAYERS AT THIS TIME.

FOR THOSE WHO ARE SICK: Collin and Gerry Stoffels (Capetown, SA), Maria Mihalic, Margaret Dawes, Bill Gilmore, Annie Scicluna, Anne Logan, Dymphna Hogg, Elaine Cotter, Margaret Thompson, Jabour Haddad, Patricia Moor, Helen Bohringer,  George & Margaret Cook,  Peter O'Brien, Angela Duvnjak, Rachel Raines,  Savannah Ayoub, Gus Reeves, Baby Maeve Lombard, Kathy Kiely, Ron Perry, Rosslyn Wallis, Arthur Haddad, Jean Di Benedetto, 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: Raymond Cezerẽ (Ray) Hoareau, Doug Reiser, David John Newlands, Ms Lesley Court, Bill Magno, 

Ignatius Nati, Ron Gigalias, Russell Albury, Agnes Collins, Bill Magno, Peter Briggs, Joe Reilly, Henrica McDonald, Richard Evered, Joseph Ngati Kechl, Paul Connaughton, Joe McKeon.

 

ANNIVERSARY OF DEATH:  Paul Barry, Milan Piglich, Antoun Christophi and Therese Salama, Ronda Jean Terese Hall, Anna Marinic, Patricia Mary Flori, Veronica Mary Moore, John David (Jack) Kelly, Les Alford, Dolores Mary Barakat, Judith Anne Jones, 

Gloria McLeod.

 

 

LINKS & RESOURCES

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/

 

 

Next Sunday's Readings

Readings for Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Sunday of the Word of God - Year B 

FIRST READING: Job 7:1-4, 6-7|

Ps: Ps 147:1-2, 3-4, 5-6 "Praise the Lord, who heals the broken-hearted"

SECOND READING: 1 Cor 9:16-19, 22-23

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION (Matt 8:17): Alleluia, alleluia! He bore our sickness. And endured our suffering.

GOSPEL: Mark 1:29-39

 

"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.