"You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased." (Mark 1:11)
Shutterstock Licensed Image - stock photo ID: 561548122. MEDJUGORJE, BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA, 2016/06/05. Mosaic of the baptism of Jesus Christ by Saint John the Baptist as the first Luminous mystery. By Adam Jan Figel
WEEKEND MASSES STILL ON AT SURFERS PARADISE PARISH
As we are not in a restricted zone the Surfers Paradise Parish, masses will go ahead as planned.
For those who wish to stay home, we have the Surfers Paradise Parish weekly liturgy available to listen at home here. And the Cathedral Mass will be livestreamed on Saturday at 11:30AM, Sunday at 8AM & 10AM, and Monday at 8AM and can be found here. Please check the parish website for any late developments.
https://soundcloud.com/user-633212303/faith-hope-and-love-the-baptism-of-the-lord-year-b-episode-272
https://brisbanecatholic.org.au/multimedia/web-cast/
THE PASTOR'S POST: The God-Shaped Hole
One of the great enigmas of Christmas giving is when parents spend a great deal of time and money buying a gift for their young child, only to find that the child is more interested in the wrapping or the box, than the gift inside. If only they had thought to give the kid a roll of wrapping paper, then they could have found an inexpensive way to bring happiness. Of course, that type of happiness soon evolves into the never-ending quest to discover what makes a teenager happy. There seems to be some unbreakable code that says between the ages of 12 to 17, no teenager is to show any signs of joy and contentment in the presence of an adult, in case they betray their tribe, and actually let it slip that they actually enjoy the company of their parents. Thus begins the elusive quest of discovering how to find happiness, and even more demanding, how to bring happiness to others?
Of course, everyone wants to be happy. No big news there. It's the trouble that people are prepared to go to for that happiness you might find a bit more interesting. Amazon.com an online bookshop lists 90,000 self-help books. Clearly, the desire for happiness commands a strong market. Self-help books may help some of us to be happy, but as Christians, or any religious faith for that matter, unless they deal with our relationship with God, that happiness will be short-lived, built upon transient foundations.
There is nothing wrong in wanting to be happy, although some people give the impression that being happy is a guilty pleasure, which might lead to a mighty fall if we get too content. Totally misguided, in my opinion. So don't feel guilty if you spend a huge amount of time seeking it. Happiness is a God-given desire to start with. Saint Paul, in my very favourite reading, was very clear in Philippians 4:4 when he said "I want you to be happy, always happy in the Lord. I repeat, what I want is your happiness" Some have called this need for happiness "the God-shaped hole" in our hearts. The question is, of course, can we only be truly happy when we are close to God and the things of God? Are there other ways of being happy and will it last?
The great Saint Augustine put it this way. "How is it Lord that I seek you? Since in seeking you, my God, I seek a happy life. Let me seek you so that my soul may live, for my body draws life from my soul and my soul draws life from you."
Other things may give us a measure of momentary contentment or fun, and God certainly had nothing against fun. It often takes a few tries to eventually discover that these passing things are often distractions from the deeper, more demanding quest for profound contentment, rather than a superficial amusement. But that quest requires time to roll out and settle into our life's wisdom. Like a good rich maturing wine, it cannot be rushed.
It is a real breakthrough when we eventually work out what makes us happy. For nearly all of us, happiness will involve people, since people are the irreplaceable necessity that houses, cars, money, prestige and celebrity masquerading as 'having arrived' and 'hitting the big time' don't provide long term.
This then begs the next question. How do I know if I'm really happy or just fooling myself by treating myself to sparkling, colourful things that may lose their lustre over time? While happiness is certainly more than the absence of sadness, it can be a good indicator that, if we are not carrying unreasonable burdens or dealing with loss or grieving unnecessarily, then it is reasonable to think that we might be somewhere close to being happy. If we have security, nourishment, purpose and a group of people we can trust and whose company we long for and can smile with, then it is highly likely we are in the happiness zone. If we have a sense of purpose and feel that we are valued in some way, if we have a belief system that gives us enough answers to continue life with its valleys and hills, if our first response is not complaining or negative, then count yourself among the blessed ones, the happy ones. Everything else is just some flavoursome icing on a rich cake. See, it doesn't take a huge effort to fill the God-shaped hole.
Fr Peter Dillon PP.
HEARTFELT THANKS FROM THE FAMILY OF CATERINA RANDAZZO
Thank you to everyone for the prayers and presence of parishioners at the passing of our beloved Caterina. We felt so supported by the presence of our much loved parishioners at Caterina (Cathy) Randazzo's Mass of Thanksgiving and farewell and the many messages of support and love.
We truly feel that Mum's farewell was a true reflection of her faith, humility and beauty.
Caterina Randazzo, Rest in the peace of Our Lord. Amen.
STEWARDSHIP REFLECTION
"And a voice came from the heavens, 'You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.'" - Mark 1:11
Through our baptism, we too, are daughters and sons of God. We are disciples of Jesus. As true disciples we are called to actively participate in our Catholic faith, not just be mere bystanders. This means working in collaboration with the Holy Spirit and discerning how we are being asked to use our gifts. Using our gifts for the benefit of others and not just for our own interests and comfort.
The vision of Stewardship speaks in every aspect of life, inviting everyone to be thankful, generous and accountable for what each has been given.
POPE FRANCIS: The Importance of Christian Gratitude
Pope at general audience: Gratitude makes the world better, transmits hope.
During his general audience, Pope Francis reflected on the importance of gratitude in prayer. The healing of the ten lepers by Jesus is an example.
By Vatican News staff writer
Continuing his series of catechesis on prayer, Pope Francis, during his general audience this week, dwelt upon the importance of gratitude in prayer, which he said makes the world better and brings hope.
The Ten Lepers:
As a case in point, he took the episode of the healing of the ten lepers in the Gospel of Luke. The ten not only suffered physically but also from social and religious marginalization. "However, Jesus did not back off from meeting them. Sometimes, He surpassed the limitations imposed by the law and touched, embraced and healed the sick person. However, in this case, there was no contact"
He heard their prayer, their cry for mercy, and sent them to the priests who were designated by law to certify their healing and re-admit them to normal life. But on their way, when they found themselves healed, only one returned to thank Jesus and praise God before proceeding to the priests. That man was a Samaritan, a sort of "heretic" for the Jews of that time. And Jesus comments: "Was no one found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner?" (17:18).
Grace precedes thanksgiving: This episode, the Pope said, "divides the world in two: those who do not give thanks and those who do; those who take everything as if it is owed them, and those who welcome everything as a gift, as grace." The Catechism says, "Every event and need can become an offering of thanksgiving." Hence, the Pope said, the prayer of thanksgiving always begins with recognizing that "grace precedes us". "We were thought of before we learned how to think; we were loved before we learned how to love; we were desired before our hearts conceived a desire." "If we view life like this," he pointed out, "then 'thank you' becomes the driving force of our day."
Gift of life: Pope Francis then explained that the word "Eucharist," the most essential Sacrament, is derived from the Greek word, which means thanksgiving. And Christians, as all believers, bless God for the gift of life. "All of us are born because someone wanted us to have life. And this is only the first of a long series of debts that we incur by living. Debts of gratitude." After God, educators, catechists and others "gazed on us with pure eyes and carried out their roles above and beyond what was required of them. They provoked us to be grateful. Even friendship is a gift for which we should always be grateful."
Love begets gratitude: Continuing his catechesis, the Pope said that this "gratitude" grows in meeting Jesus. Jesus often provoked joy and praise to God in those whom He met. We too are called to participate in this immense jubilation as the episode of the ten lepers points out. They were happy for recovering their health, which allowed them to "end that unending forced quarantine that excluded them from the community".
The joy of encountering Jesus: However, only one among them experiences an "additional joy" in his healing. "He rejoices at meeting Jesus. He now is certain of being loved." And this is the crux of the matter. It is the discovery of love as the force that governs the world, the Pope said, quoting the Italian poet Dante. For Christians, the Pope said, "this means we have a home, we dwell in Christ, and from that 'dwelling' we contemplate the rest of the world which appears infinitely more beautiful to us.
The Holy Father, thus, urged Christians to seek to remain always in the joy of encountering Jesus, never forgetting to give thanks. "If we are bearers of gratitude," he said, "the world itself will become better, even if only a little bit, but that is enough to transmit a bit of hope." "Everything is united and connected, and everyone needs to do his or her part wherever we are."
For the full text click here: Vatican News
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 (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
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.
FR WARREN LIVESTREAM MASS on ShalomWorld.org website.
Fr Warren's online Masses on ShalomWorld.org have resumed as of Friday 8th January 3pm and will continue each Friday at that time.
"The on-line TV masses for Shalom World TV had 29,000 watching the Mass! It did indicate to me, that especially in the time of COVID in some countries, the desire for online services is enormous."
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.
SACRED HEART AND ST VINCENT'S RELIGIOUS GOODS SHOPS
Statues, medals, holy cards, greeting cards, children's story books, rosaries, led and wax candles, crucifixes, Mass books and prayer books all available at the shops in the Parish.
Enquiries and phone orders telephone Pat 0404 805 819
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
THE GOSPEL THIS WEEKEND
WATER is the main symbol of baptism. Water represents washing clean, rebirth and renewal.
Water is a perfect symbol, as it contains so many rich and significant meanings: First and foremost, water is an absolutely essential element for life.
Water contains so many meanings within itself……… Health and life, danger and threat, renewal and Destruction. When we think of water, we can imagine the sheer force and danger of flood waters, and the power and unexpected force of frozen glaciers. All over the world we have seen the effects of the power of water. Water represents both enormous power and also soothing, renewing, gentleness, as well as cleansing, washing and restoring.
Water and baptism. Baptism is a word that literally means "Plunge," and we believe that Baptism is not just a sign of following Jesus, but that Baptism unites us to Jesus, (grafts us onto him), and makes us one with his life and with the life of all other believers in Jesus. Being baptised, (water poured over us, or plunged into water), is a powerful and wonderful way of showing that by following Jesus we want to 'immerse" or "plunge" ourselves into Jesus' and his way of life.
In baptism, we become a beloved and cherished daughter or son of God. We become adopted and loved children of the same Heavenly Father as Jesus. God the Father is so generous, so lavish in love and praise, that the gospel today tells us the Father tears the heavens apart and pours down the most wonderful praise and encouragement and confidence and blessing upon his beloved son, Jesus.
As one commentator says…. "We are told that God rends the heavens to lavish praise on his son— a son who, up to that point, had yet to accomplish much of anything. It must have been indescribably affirming and motivating for Jesus as he was about to begin his most challenging and self-emptying ministry. Although Jesus is God made human, he was also fully human…. and in need of encouragement and affirmation and strength from his beloved father… who was in heaven… and who happened to be the father of all things….. Jesus was now absolutely assured and commissioned in the loved and confidence of his heavenly father….that God the father was completely pleased with him." (Patrice J. Tuohy)
It is a timely reminder, that it is so important, so human and so affirming to praise one another……. we live in a culture where it seems easier to voice criticisms…. and it seems that for some, if they are not unhappy with anything it is not so much praise that follows…. but silence……. so we live in a world where there is either criticism or begrudging silence……. or else… then we get the other extreme where people compliment others with empty and insincere words…….. that don't connect with the reality of what is happening… and so do very little good….. others feel that they shouldn't praise others for fear that it might give the other a 'big head' ……. or that the praise may be taken as mere flattery………. having said that….. there is no substitute for sincere, heartful and constructive affirmation, encouragement and praise…… which is a form of gratefulness in words…. naming that which we are grateful for, …..
Praise is so important…….. Good managers know this as do teachers, coaches, counsellors, volunteer coordinators, and fundraisers—anyone who is trying to get someone to take the next step, stretch themselves, and constantly strive to reach a higher level of commitment or performance.
For people who live without affirmation and who live with constant criticism…. they get the crippling message that everything they do is not good enough….. nothing they do will really satisfy or meet with approval…… for a person who gets false praise…. they either feel that the words are meaningless….. or else rely on compliments that don't really give them a good indicator of who they are and what they are doing and how it is affecting others for the better…….. and then there are those who get good, positive feedback and affirmation….. even when setbacks and the occasional mistake or failure come their way, they are not defeated, because they believe in their value and the strength of their own worth….. and persevere through the struggles and beyond….
I just want to mention the curious second reading from the first letter of St John. He mentions the rather obscure reference to Jesus being shown to be the Messiah not only by the water, but also by the blood. This is a little strange… but what it seems to mean is…. St John was writing this letter at the time when a heresy was taking hold in the church communities… some were saying that Jesus was really just an ordinary human and at his baptism he was adopted by the Father and the spirit fell upon him… he lived as God's son and then on the cross… the divine spirit left and the mere human remained…. so God did not really suffer or die…. it was just the human who carried the divine spirit in him for a time…. but no… this is a heresy.. and is not the fullness of our Christian faith…St John reminds us that Jesus suffered and died… and shed real blood upon the cross… so that the true sign that Jesus was the real messiah and the beloved son of God…. Jesus was both truly God and truly human was that he gave his last drop of blood for us… and truly suffered and even gave his life for us… so not only his baptism in the waters of the river Jordan… shows us his identity… but also his suffering and death…. Baptism and the cross are essential and undivided elements of the perfect messiah… the two cannot be separated…..
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: 2009 – A BOOK OF GRACE-FILLED DAYS. BY Alice Camille; THE DAILY STUDY BIBLE. GOSPEL OF MARK. (REVISED EDITION). BY WILLIAM BARCLAY; PATRICE J. TUOHY, PrepareTheWord.com, 2008, TrueQuest Communications, LLC
{Image - Shutterstock licensed Image: ID:1503704669. Vranov, Slovakia. 2019/8/22. Icon of the Baptism of Christ — Theophany, also called Epiphany. Chapel of the Convent of the Holy Trinity in Lomnica. By Adam Jan Figel}
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
FAITH AND WORSHIP SPOT: The Importance of The Old Testament
(Photo by Tanner Mardis on Unsplash) Article by CHARLIE JOHNSTON (17/2/2017)
We have been asked an interesting question recently.
"Why is it even important to know and understand the Old Testament? Why read the Old Testament?"
Does not the New Testament override and supersede the Old Testament. The short answer is that it is extremely important to read the Old and New Testaments. They are two sides of the one coin. Our Lord Jesus came to complete and fulfil the Law and the Prophets of the Old Testament, not to abolish them.
The Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC, 1992), has a lot to say about the eternal value of the Old Testament, and why Christians, of all stripes, should read and study it. Here are just a few paragraphs from the catechism to show how much the Church values the whole body of scripture.
CCC 121: The Old Testament is an indispensable part of Sacred Scripture. Its books are divinely inspired and retain a permanent value, for the Old Covenant has never been revoked.
CCC 122: Indeed, "the economy of the Old Testament was deliberately so oriented that it should prepare for and declare in prophecy the coming of Christ, redeemer of all men." "Even though they contain matters imperfect and provisional," the books of the Old Testament bear witness to the whole divine pedagogy of God's saving love: these writings "are a storehouse of sublime teaching on God and of sound wisdom on human life, as well as a wonderful treasury of prayers; in them, too, the mystery of our salvation is present in a hidden way."
CCC 123: Christians venerate the Old Testament as the true Word of God. The Church has always vigorously opposed the idea of rejecting the Old Testament under the pretext that the New has rendered it void (See also: The heresy of Marcionism).
"The Old Testament is indispensable in understanding the New... the New Testament is the climax to a story, if you don't know the first part of a story then the ending doesn't mean that much" - Bishop Robert Barron
The two sections of scripture are divided into, what we now call, the Old Testament and the New Testament. The dividing line between the two sections being, just like in history, with BC and AD, the birth of the Son of God.
The New Testament contains the words, teachings, and commands of Christ, in both His own words and those of the inspired authors. The Old Testament contains the history of the people of God, the law, and the prophets.
You might ask why learning about Israel, the law of Moses, and the prophets should be of any concern to a Christian. There are many reasons, but the main one that I would proffer is this; Christianity is the fulfilment of thousands of years of prophecy about a Jewish messiah, with Jewish apostles and disciples, who were steeped in Jewish religion and tradition.
It's this base that Christianity is built upon. It's for this reason that the Old Testament is important, so important that the first reading at Mass will almost always be from the Old Testament (except during Easter season, when the first reading is from the book of Acts).
Context
Also, it's through the Old Testament that we can get the context of scripture as a whole.
What good is it to say, during the creed, that Jesus "rose again on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures," if we don't know what scriptures it's referring to? It's the unity of the whole body of scriptures that gives everything its meaning. As the Catechism says;
CCC 140: The unity of the two Testaments proceeds from the unity of God's plan and his Revelation. The Old Testament prepares for the New and the New Testament fulfils the Old; the two shed light on each other; both are true Word of God, (See also 1 Corinthians 10:11 & Romans 15:4)
Jesus taught, using the Old Testament
When Jesus taught His disciples, and the crowds that gathered, He taught in parables and by making references to the scriptures. That means He was making direct references to the Hebrew Scriptures, aka the Old Testament, because there was no New Testament at the time.
Even after Christ's death and resurrection, there weren't any written scriptures, except the Old Testament, until the first gospel was written in about 65AD. So when the inspired writers of the New Testament made reference to "the scriptures" it was always the Old Testament because the new had not yet been written.
For example, the phrase "the scriptures" is said 20 times in the Gospels, 7 times in Acts, 6 times in Romans, 3 times each in Galatians and James, 2 times each in 1 Timothy and 1 Corinthians, and once in 2 Peter. Each and every time, this is a reference to the Old Testament. And that's just with a concordance word search, there are more than these if you searched different terms, but the point is the same.
Just because it's interesting.
There are a whole host of theological, ecclesiological, soteriological, and eschatological reasons to read and study the Old Testament, but let me present an equally valid one; it makes for a good read!
There are countless stories in the Hebrew Scriptures, and some are more interesting than the bestselling novels of today. Adam and Eve, Noah and the flood, Abraham and Sarah, Abraham and Isaac, Jacob and his brother, Joseph and his brothers, Moses the prince and saviour of the Hebrews, the Red Sea, golden calf, and these are all just in Genesis!
That is why we all should "get out there" and read the Old Testament, study the way that the ancient Israelites worshipped God, and study the prophecies that pointed clearly to Jesus as the messiah. I promise you it will strengthen your faith, and add to it a level of depth that you didn't even know you were missing.
From - Charlie Johnston
(Source: https://www.catholic365.com/article/6102/the-importance-of-the-old-testament.html)
Fr Paul Kelly
Have you ensured that your contact details are up to date with the Parish:
Please fill out this form if you are unsure. Census Form Information Update
SURFERS PARADISE CATHOLIC PARISH - CENSUS UPDATE
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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
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Access the digital Catholic Leader: https://catholicleader.com.au/digital-newspaper-covid19
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
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)
POSITION VACANT: Sunnybank (Application open until 18 Jan).
Position Vacant – Youth Coordinator - Sunnybank.
Applications are open for the Youth Coordinator position at the Sunnybank Parish.
The position is a part-time 20 hour role.
For additional information, please visit the Archdiocese of Brisbane website:
https://brisbanecatholic.org.au/ and 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. 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
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.
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
IN OUR HEARTS AND PRAYERS AT THIS TIME.
FOR THOSE WHO ARE SICK: Jabour Haddad, Lakyn Kearins, Carmen Reeves, Patricia Moor, Roy Ferraro, Ellanie Gonzalez, Draga Vlasic, Andrew Young, Sam Maxwell, Margaret Paterson, Rodney McGrath, Doug Reiser, Helen Bohringer, 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, 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: Graham O'Reilly, Kevin Carmody, Caterina (Cathy) Randazzo, Mr Vivian David (Viv) Cogar, Paul Thomas Grennan, Gary Moore, john St Clair Pote, Denis Graham, Max Christmas, Itufo Ah Lo, Barbara Anne Farrell, Felicidad Dumagat, Joseph Bonnici, Joanne Burge, Mary Cale, 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: Georgette Haddad, Edmund O'Brien, Rex Joseph McShane, Violet Mary Nickson, Elvira Fantinelli, Christine Carberry, Jeanette Louise Vial, Joseph Johannes Emile Van Deurse, Trevor David Simes, Lionel Ernest Cunynghame, Brendan David Fitzhardinge, Joan Enright, Garth Stanley Rippin, Brian Miller, Antonio Falcone, Rafael Toda, Thomas Lloyd Muggleton, Joan Denise Hegerty, Christine Lucy Harding, Stanley James Jackson, Joseph Nicholas (Joe) Friedman, Deris Eunice Howell.
Next Sunday's Readings
Readings for Second Sunday Ordinary Time year B
FIRST READING: 1 Sam 3:3b-10, 19
Ps: Ps 40:2+4, 7-8a, 8b-9, 10 "Here am I Lord; I come to do your will. "
SECOND READING: 1 Cor 6:13c-15a, 17-20
Gospel Acclamation: (John 1:41+17b): Alleluia, alleluia! We have found the Messiah. Jesus Christ, who brings us truth and grace.
GOSPEL: John 1:35-42
"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.
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