"Jesus saw them following and asked, 'What do you want?' " (John 1:38)
Shutterstock Licensed Image - stock photo ID: 158676443 oil painting illustrating a religious scene, jesus christ and his disciples on a meadow. By Comaniciu Dan
THE PASTOR'S POST: Necessary Losses
Many years ago I happened upon a book that has helped me many times when I have had to deal with loss and tragedy, mainly in the lives of other people, but occasionally in my own life. The book was called: "Necessary Losses and How to Deal with Them". It spoke candidly about the times in everybody's life when, while we might wish otherwise, we will have to live with and through times of loss, often seemingly unbearable, but as we discover, are mostly able to be dealt with over time. Losses as tough as death or divorce or as simple as moving from our town or home. The writer was quick to point out that these losses are handled differently by most people, yet they all needed time and space to find a place in our new reality.
Over the past 12 months Father Paul and I celebrated over 100 of these 'necessary losses in the form of funerals. Some of these were small intimate gatherings, while others were filled to distancing capacity with much singing and prayers and sharing of stories. Yes, I did use the word 'celebrate', even though it may take a lot of strength to arrive at that feeling. It is nevertheless one of the very real aspects of recalling and realizing that, although someone we love has physically left us, their memory is something that we can and need to celebrate, along with a range of other emotions. As celebrants at these gatherings, we have come to understand that there are no rules about how people handle death, and that each person needs permission to manage how they incorporate this demanding time into their life. Even though our clearer thinking understands that "life goes on", in the face of immediate sadness, it is very hard to imagine how life can go on, at least as we have known it. There are no time limits or rules for grieving, just some gentle guidance as to how one can put this very natural step of life.
While as celebrants we regard our involvement in the ritual as leading the family and friends in the farewelling of a person, there are often several people's concerns to take into account. Clearly some family members want to recognise the deceased person's faith in a strongly religious ceremony, while other members might want something simple and thoughtful. While it is important to honour the deceased in a manner befitting their religious practice, funerals are mainly to assist those saddened by the death to deal with the loss. If the family has not been practicing their faith for some time, it can be a major concern for them to know what to do at a Requiem Mass, with its responses and specific rituals. They can feel under such serious pressure to keep up with the prescribed formula of the mass, that it provides them with little or no solace. They are too concerned with doing something wrong, instead of finding spiritual sustenance for the coming days and weeks.
One of the aspects of grieving that I notice when I am with someone close to the deceased person is that they are often confused about what they are actually feeling. Sometimes they are guilty that they feel a sense of relief that the person's suffering has ended. That relief, in fact, is the lifting of the anguish of having to witness the discomfort of someone we love, when we can do little to release them from their suffering. Our helplessness has ended and it takes a while for us to recover a sense of control over what is happening around us. It can actually take some time before any feelings surface. It is not uncommon for someone to ask, "How am I supposed to feel, because at the moment it's just numbness". It's important to know that when someone is grieving they can feel anything they want. There is no emotion that they should or should not be feeling. God can make good use of our emotions so we do not put any 'shoulds' on our feelings, for example, 'I should be feeling sad all the time" or "I should not be angry with God". Sometimes our emotions may be contradictory at times. It is perfectly normal to feel happy and at peace one minute and terribly sad or angry the next. What is important is that we don't try to hide away from God at these times, thinking God won't understand or that God would expect me to be stronger in my faith at this difficult time. Bring God into the experience and allow yourself to embrace the core of our faith that says, in God's hands all will be well. Again no time limits or unrealistic expectations that we should not be affected by death and loss. More faith does not always bring more acceptance, it is simply a background to our healing of our spirit.
While it is important to acknowledge sadness, it is also more important to remember that as Christians we believe in resurrection, and there is no more important time to recall what that means as when someone we love moves into that realm of immortality of the soul. For the Christian "life is changed, not ended", but what that means takes on a whole new aspect when we have to confront it in the loss of our corporal identity.
I suspect the real healing takes place following the ritual when a little more time and space allow those grieving to integrate their feelings into their normal life, as if anything will be normal again.
Fr Peter Dillon PP.
STEWARDSHIP REFLECTION
"Jesus turned and saw them following him and said to them, 'What are you looking for?'"
- John 1:38
What are you looking for? Are you wasting your time looking for the material comforts of the world? Or, is your heart longing for something deeper that can only be found by spending time with God? Take time, each day, in silence and ask the Lord what it is that He wants you to do.
The vision of Stewardship speaks in every aspect of life, inviting everyone to be thankful, generous and accountable for what each has been given.
SACRED HEART AND ST VINCENT'S RELIGIOUS GOODS SHOPS
In this year of St Joseph, many religious items can be found in our Religious Goods Shops, that honour St Joseph such as statues, medals, holy cards, and children's story books, Holy Family plaques and window prayer cards.
Have a look today. Enquiries and phone orders telephone Pat 0404 805 819
POPE FRANCIS: Proclaims 2021 to be the "Year of St Joseph"
With the Apostolic Letter "Patris corde" ("With a Father's Heart"), Pope Francis recalls the 150th anniversary of the declaration of Saint Joseph as Patron of the Universal Church. To mark the occasion, the Holy Father has proclaimed a "Year of Saint Joseph" from today, 8 December 2020, to 8 December 2021.
In a new Apostolic Letter entitled Patris Corde, ("With a Father's Heart"), Pope Francis describes Saint Joseph as a beloved father, a tender and loving father, an obedient father, an accepting father; a father who is creatively courageous, a working father, a father in the shadows.
The Letter marks the 150th anniversary of Blessed Pope Pius IX's declaration of St Joseph as Patron of the Universal Church. To celebrate the anniversary, Pope Francis has proclaimed a special "Year of St Joseph," beginning on the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception 2020 and extending to the same feast in 2021.
The Church grants a plenary indulgence for the year of St. Joseph:
The Holy Father wrote Patris corde against the backdrop of the Covid-19 pandemic, which, he says, has helped us see more clearly the importance of "ordinary" people who, though far from the limelight, exercise patience and offer hope every day. In this, they resemble Saint Joseph, "the man who goes unnoticed, a daily, discreet and hidden presence," who nonetheless played "an incomparable role in the history of salvation."
A beloved, tender, obedient father:
Saint Joseph, in fact, "concretely expressed his fatherhood" by making an offering of himself in love "a love placed at the service of the Messiah who was growing to maturity in his home," writes Pope Francis, quoting his predecessor St Paul VI.
And because of his role at "the crossroads between the Old and New Testament," St Joseph "has always been venerated as a father by the Christian people" (PC, 1). In him, "Jesus saw the tender love of God," the one that helps us accept our weakness, because "it is through" and despite "our fears, our frailties, and our weakness" that most divine designs are realized. "Only tender love will save us from the snares of the accuser," emphasizes the Pontiff, and it is by encountering God's mercy especially in the Sacrament of Reconciliation that we "experience His truth and tenderness," – because "we know that God's truth does not condemn us, but instead welcomes, embraces, sustains and forgives us" (2).
Joseph is also a father in obedience to God: with his 'fiat' he protects Mary and Jesus and teaches his Son to "do the will of the Father." Called by God to serve the mission of Jesus, he "cooperated… in the great mystery of Redemption," as St John Paul II said, "and is truly a minister of salvation" (3).
Welcoming the will of God:
At the same time, Joseph is "an accepting Father," because he "accepted Mary unconditionally" — an important gesture even today, says Pope Francis, "in our world where psychological, verbal and physical violence towards women is so evident." But the Bridegroom of Mary is also the one who, trusting in the Lord, accepts in his life even the events that he does not understand, "setting aside his own ideas" and reconciling himself with his own history.
Joseph's spiritual path "is not one that explains, but accepts" — which does not mean that he is "resigned." Instead, he is "courageously and firmly proactive," because with "Holy Spirit's gift of fortitude," and full of hope, he is able "to accept life as it is, with all its contradictions, frustrations and disappointments." In practice, through St. Joseph, it is as if God were to repeat to us: "Do not be afraid!" because "faith gives meaning to every event, however happy or sad," and makes us aware that "God can make flowers spring up from stony ground." Joseph "did not look for shortcuts but confronted reality with open eyes and accepted personal responsibility for it." For this reason, "he encourages us to accept and welcome others as they are, without exception, and to show special concern for the weak" (4).
A creatively courageous father, example of love:
Patris corde highlights "the creative courage" of St. Joseph, which "emerges especially in the way we deal with difficulties." "The carpenter of Nazareth," explains the Pope, was able to turn a problem into a possibility by trusting in divine providence." He had to deal with "the concrete problems" his Family faced, problems faced by other families in the world, and especially those of migrants.
In this sense, St. Joseph is "the special patron of all those forced to leave their native lands because of war, hatred, persecution and poverty." As the guardian of Jesus and Mary, Joseph cannot "be other than the guardian of the Church," of her motherhood, and of the Body of Christ. "Consequently, every poor, needy, suffering or dying person, every stranger, every prisoner, every infirm person is 'the child' whom Joseph continues to protect." From St Joseph, writes Pope Francis, "we must learn… to love the Church and the poor" (5).
A father who teaches the value, dignity and joy of work:
"A carpenter who earned an honest living to provide for his family," St Joseph also teaches us "the value, the dignity and the joy of what it means to eat bread that is the fruit of one's own labour." This aspect of Joseph's character provides Pope Francis the opportunity to launch an appeal in favour of work, which has become "a burning social issue" even in countries with a certain level of well-being. "there is a renewed need to appreciate the importance of dignified work, of which Saint Joseph is an exemplary patron," the Pope writes.
Work, he says, "is a means of participating in the work of salvation, an opportunity to hasten the coming of the Kingdom, to develop our talents and abilities, and to put them at the service of society and fraternal communion." Those who work, he explains, "are cooperating with God himself, and in some way become creators of the world around us." Pope Francis encourages everyone "to rediscover the value, the importance and the necessity of work for bringing about a new 'normal' from which no one is excluded." Especially in light of rising unemployment due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the Pope calls everyone to "review our priorities" and to express our firm conviction that no young person, no person at all, no family should be without work!" (6).
A father "in the shadows," centred on Mary and Jesus:
Taking a cue from The Shadow of the Father — a book by Polish writer Jan Dobraczyński — Pope Francis describes Joseph's fatherhood of Jesus as "the earthly shadow of the heavenly Father."
"Fathers are not born, but made," says Pope Francis. "A man does not become a father simply by bringing a child into the world, but by taking up the responsibility to care for that child." Unfortunately, in today's society, children "often seem orphans, lacking fathers" who are able to introduce them "to life and reality." Children, the Pope says, need fathers who will not try to dominate them, but instead raise them to be "capable of deciding for themselves, enjoying freedom and exploring new possibilities."
This is the sense in which St Joseph is described as a "most chaste" father, which is the opposite of domineering possessiveness. Joseph, says Pope Francis, "knew how to love with extraordinary freedom. He never made himself the centre of things. He did not think of himself, but focused instead on the lives of Mary and Jesus."
Happiness for Joseph involved a true gift of self: "In him, we never see frustration, but only trust," writes Pope Francis. "His patient silence was the prelude to concrete expressions of trust." Joseph stands out, therefore, as an exemplary figure for our time, in a world that "needs fathers," and not "tyrants"; a society that "rejects those who confuse authority with authoritarianism, service with servility, discussion with oppression, charity with a welfare mentality, power with destruction."
True fathers, instead, "refuse to live the lives of their children for them," and instead respect their freedom. In this sense, says Pope Francis, a father realizes that "he is most a father and an educator at the point when he becomes 'useless,' when he sees that his child has become independent and can walk the paths of life unaccompanied." Being a father, the Pope emphasizes, "has nothing to do with possession, but is rather a 'sign' pointing to a greater fatherhood": that of the "heavenly Father" (7).
A daily prayer to St Joseph… and a challenge:
In his letter, Pope Francis notes how, "Every day, for over forty years, following Lauds [Morning Prayer]" he has "recited a prayer to Saint Joseph taken from a nineteenth-century French prayer book of the Congregation of the Sisters of Jesus and Mary." This prayer, he says, expresses devotion and trust, and even poses a certain challenge to Saint Joseph," on account of its closing words: "My beloved father, all my trust is in you. Let it not be said that I invoked you in vain, and since you can do everything with Jesus and Mary, show me that your goodness is as great as your power."
At the conclusion of his Letter, he adds another prayer to St Joseph, which he encourages all of us to pray together:
Hail, Guardian of the Redeemer,
Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
To you God entrusted his only Son;
in you Mary placed her trust;
with you Christ became man.
Blessed Joseph, to us too,
show yourself a father
and guide us in the path of life.
Obtain for us grace, mercy, and courage,
and defend us from every evil. Amen.
Source: https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2020-12/pope-francis-proclaims-year-of-st-joseph.html
FR WARREN LIVESTREAM MASS on ShalomWorld.org website
Fr Warren's online Masses on ShalomWorld.org have resumed and will continue each Friday at 3pm.
"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."
Also, please see the special interview with Fr Warren, presented by Shalom World. You can see it here - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ZoDjo1v7xY
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.
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.
THE GOSPEL THIS WEEKEND
The gospel this weekend is really fascinating. John the Baptist is speaking with two of his own disciples and says: LOOK, THERE is the Lamb of God ! (Which, we now know is short-hand for… "Look!...There is the one who is to come; and who will be the perfect, unblemished sacrifice to take away the sins of the world and restore our right-relationship with God, and as not merely God's people, but as sons and daughters of God)
.
The two disciples immediately take off and follow Jesus and he invites them to stay with him. To really become disciples and followers of Jesus, we have to be close to him, and live with him, and learn from him; how he thinks, what he values, what he does not approve of, and so on. We need to "walk his walk," and not just "talk his talk." It took years of walking and living in Jesus' community, for the disciples to even begin to understand who he was and what his message was about. They often got it wrong or half-right, and thank goodness they had Jesus there, as the teacher, to set them straight and deepen their learning.
What I find intriguing is that one disciple definitely follows Jesus, but the other… what becomes of the second. Perhaps he followed Jesus too, but the story isn't about him. OR perhaps he saw where Jesus lived and went back to John. It would seem hard to comprehend to us that someone might see what Jesus has to offer and not accept it, but there were many people in Jesus' time who were affronted by Jesus and rejected him because his message was too challenging and too radical and at other times, not what they expected the messiah and the chosen one to be LIKE. So, it's a reminder, many are called, but few are chosen. Many are invited, but not all accept. Jesus understood this difficulty because he witnessed people stopping following him. He warned his followers to count the cost of their discipleship and not be wishy-washy, because there is no time to "umm and ahhh," when the work of the Kingdom is urgent!!
Jesus calls us all to the primary vocation of being servants and disciples of Christ in our daily lives and work. We achieve this by staying very close to Jesus in prayer, in scripture reflection, in reading about the teachings of Christ, in worshipping regularly at church and learning from the teachings of our church too. Christ must live in and with us, as we with him! It is that deep a connection that we are called into.
Each one of us is still called by Jesus. And our response, like Samuel, is 'here I am, Lord, I come to do your will!"
The Church, obedient to the message and gospel of Jesus, is such a challenging and insightful teacher for us and for the wider community in this age as in ages past. As Jesus' message was challenging and instructive of God's ways and not merely human ways, so too the church and its members also seek to follow. In this day and age, the message of Christ is needed more than ever, and yet in some ways, it is so different and foreign to some of the values and ways of looking at things.
It is not an easy job to explain the complexity and radicalness of Jesus message; yet, in other ways it is; ultimately it is about faithfulness to God's will in the world, which is to build up a people who live and breath God's unconditional love and care for all people and for the world we live in. People who aren't about 'me first' or 'what's right for me' but rather, 'what's right for God and what's best for all."
Just as Jesus received opposition and misunderstanding and rejection, so too the church can expect the same. But it keeps persisting in the message.
Christ and his church, have a rather powerful and different view of the human person and the human body, than do some sectors of the world. St Paul sums up this gospel-focused understanding: "You know, surely, that your bodies are members making up the body of Christ; anyone who is joined to the Lord is one spirit with him. ……. Your body, you know, is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you since you received him from God. You are not your own property; you have been bought and paid for (by Christ's life, death and resurrection). That is why you should use your body for the glory of God."
At its essence, this is a positive and encouraging teaching. To put ourselves: mind, body and Spirit, at the service of God. Our lives are to be lived with attention to not so much 'rights,' but 'responsibilities.'
I don't think it's an exaggeration to say that this world sometimes makes too much of different aspects of the mystery of humanity, to the point where they are removed out of their proper context This is only being honest and lovingly open to the profound reality that we are truly temples of the Holy Spirit and individually members of the Body of Christ. .
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: Paul Kelly.
{Image - Shutterstock licensed Image: ID:167252546. Sacrifice. Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. Illustration in Byzantian style. By Julia Raketic}
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: TO CLAP OR NOT TO CLAP
A question that we get asked fairly regularly: "Is it appropriate to applaud during Mass."
the answer is, mostly: No!
Firstly, an important exception where it IS indeed appropriate to applaud and is actually indicated in the ritual book:
A writer by the name of Fr. Vincent adds, "There are times when applause is called for, as in the ordination ceremony when you are asked to give the response to the worthiness of the candidate for ordination. (Or perhaps at the welcome of Candidates and Catechumens, or Children for enrolment to the sacraments, or in presentation of these to the community). This is a communal sign of welcome and affirmation and is specifically introduced within the liturgy, at the direction of the presider."
Whilst there is no doubt that people applaud to show appreciation or encouragement or welcome, it ends up taking the focus away from God, whom we are gathered to worship and thank. It is to God that all glory, thanks and honour is ultimately addressed.
In a very powerful quote, Pope Saint Pius X said, "It is not fitting that the servant should be applauded in his Master's house."
Sharing from my personal point of view, when spontaneous applause breaks out during mass or at the end of Mass, my silent reaction is, "oops, that's a failure." I think this, because liturgically applause often indicates that we have unwittingly stepped over that fine line between worship and entertainment.
If we listen to a solo hymn in mass and that evokes applause, then it is highly likely that this has been experienced less as worship, in which all are participating, but rather the experience was a passive listening by an audience who are being "sung to." True, It is a very fine line, but it is also a really important one. I stick by my "rule of thumb" that applause usually means we didn't quite get the balance right, and that what preceded was closer to the "performance' end of the spectrum than the "worship" end.
There are two distinct types of reading, singing and speaking. One is "performative," in which the person performs and the others watch. The other type is "Worship," in which all members present, raise their hearts, minds and voices to praise and thank the Lord. One of the most difficult transitions that need to be made when a professionally trained performance singer, musician or reader joins a liturgical choir is to make a huge change of emphasis from "performance" to supporting the worship of others. This is why it takes a particular mindset, and regular tweaking, to be a minister in church roles, because the role of various ministries is to assist the community in its prayer. The Reader, the singer, the minister, are there to help the people pray, sing and participate. They are not meant to replace or eclipse them. If a leader of prayer or song can be heard singing loudly over the top of the assembly as they sing, then they may very well be too loud. They are there to support the singing of the assembly, not to dominate it.
There is an excellent quote from Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger (before he was Pope Benedict XVI). Here's what he said about applauding at Mass:
"Wherever applause breaks out in the liturgy because of some human achievement, it is a sure sign that the essence of liturgy has totally disappeared and been replaced by a kind of religious entertainment. Such attraction fades quickly – it cannot compete in the market of leisure pursuits, incorporating as it increasingly does various forms of religious titillation. (The Spirit of the Liturgy)
No doubt the applause is done in a well-meaning way and meant to express appreciation. However, it's more fitting to raise our thoughts and minds to God and thank Our Lord for the gift of music and bless the Lord for His many gifts to us through those in our community. An Amen or an Alleluia, Lord! Or a Bless you Lord, would also express appreciation to God for the efforts of ministers. A "thankyou, that was beautiful, that really helped me to pray and worship God," after mass is also a most excellent and personal way of expressing appreciation.
Church commentator Fr. Vincent Serpa has written: said, "The choir is not singing as a matter of entertaining anybody. They're singing to worship God. We don't clap for prayer. We pray."
He continues, "Again, that is not an option. If we were someplace else it would be a different matter. But Liturgy is liturgy. It's the worship of God, and it needs to be done in an appropriate way as the Church sees fit. It's good that they appreciate the choir, but they can thank them outside. Applause is not appropriate at that time."
(Even at times when one might consider invitation to applause within the assembly, I wonder whether it would be more fitting to instead call for a united "Amen," or "We praise and bless you lord for these candidates." Or "All praise to you, O Lord, forever and ever. Amen"). In any case applause at other times, this isn't that.
The best advice is, unless the Presider specifically invites the assembly to do so, it is best to refrain from applause in liturgy.
If anyone exercising a ministry expresses disappointment that they did not get "applause," we would be extremely surprised and disappointed. No well-trained liturgical minister would do this. In the unlikely event of this occurring, please send them to us and we will enlighten them to the key liturgical principle behind this.
Fr Paul Kelly
Reference: https://churchpop.com/2018/09/18/is-it-okay-to-applaud-at-mass-heres-what-popes-have-said-about-it/
RCIA - Volunteers Needed
URGENTLY LOOKING FOR VOLUNTEERS TO JOURNEY WITH OUR CANDIDATES
We will be recommencing, on 31 January 2021, the RCIA Faith Journey to Easter for our Catechumens and Candidates. Our Candidates will be attending 9am Mass on Sunday morning at Sacred Heart followed by prayer, reflection and instruction, at the Parish Hospitality Centre. This will, as stated above, recommence on 31 January and continue each week to Easter - followed by a few weeks for final instruction and assistance with integrating into our Parish Catholic faith community.
Therefore, we are looking for people who will be able to come along each week to walk with these candidates as SPONSORS and/or SUPPORT. These are Candidates who have made enquiries from each of our three Churches in the Parish, so we are calling for volunteers from all three Churches to be involved. We understand that this is a huge commitment for anyone but we are confident that you, our Parishioners, will be generous in making time for this sacred mission in our Church of being there for those who are enquiring into our faith. In the Gospel this weekend, as Father Paul indicates above, Jesus calls us all to the primary vocation of being servants and disciples of Christ in our daily lives and work…….. by staying very close to Jesus in prayer, in scripture reflection, in reading about the teachings of Christ, in worshipping regularly at church and learning from the teachings of our church …... Christ must live in and with us, as we with him! It is that deep a connection that we are called into. This is exactly what Jesus is calling you to today not only increasing our own faith journey and relationship with Christ, as this is ongoing, but being disciples of Christ by being there for others who journey to Him, assisting our Candidates to deepen their relationship with Christ so that one day they too might come to journey with others.
So what is the commitment?
Being at Mass together at 9am Sacred Heart (at least one of our Masses for the Candidates during this time will be held in each church)
Followed by instruction at the Parish Hospitality Centre from 10am to ~ 1pm (including sharing a light lunch together) - breaking open the Gospel for ourselves and sharing our reflections on the Gospel and other readings with each other. (The reason for the time is that we are just commencing instruction so there is a lot to cover before Easter - which is early this year 3/4th April)
Sharing in the discussion and input around Church teachings e.g. into a Catholic Community called Catholic, the Catholic message, what we believe, where we have come from, what we practice, the Bible, Catholic Prayer & Worship, the Sacraments of Initiation, Healing and Service, Catholic Morality, the Communion of Saints and Mary, Mission and Social Justice.
Sponsoring/Supporting our Candidates - some on a one on one basis (sponsors) and others supporting the group each week.
Who is invited to volunteer?
Each and every one of you - our Parishioners across all three churches - Sacred Heart, Stella Maris and St Vincent's - we require at least 16 Parishioners to participate. As some of you will be aware from the Rite of Acceptance that we had at Sacred Heart in late November, we have a number of young people who are enquiring as well, so it would be fabulous to see some of our young people step forward as well. Don't be shy - you don't need to know a lot about some of the topics mentioned above - you will be given handouts to read in the prior week so that you are familiar with the topic the next week. Please volunteer and support your Parish.
What do I do now and whom will I contact?
In the first instance please ring Robyn Hunt 0409 486 326 to advise that you are available to make this commitment (you can also ring the Parish Office however they will just be passing on your information to Robyn so probably easier to speak with her) and she will be able to give you full details.
Secondly, pick up a RCIA Schedule from the entrance to Sacred Heart, Stella Maris and St Vincent's.
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
AID TO THE CHURCH IN NEED
A message from Aid to the Church in Need Australia: As we begin a new year please remember the suffering Church. Your donation helps keep the faith alive during these difficult times. Visit www.aidtochurch.org
Aid to the Church in Need | ACN Australia
PO Box 335, Penrith NSW 2751
1800 101 201 | (02) 9167 9517 (Direct)
teresa@aidtochurch.org | www.aidtochurch.org
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
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
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
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
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: Bill Gilmore, Annie Scicluna, Anne Logan, Dymphna Hogg, Elaine Cotter, Margaret Thompson, 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: Russell Albury, Agnes Collins, Bill Magno, Peter Briggs, Joe Reilly, Henrica McDonald, Richard Evered, Graham O'Reilly, Kevin Carmody, Caterina (Cathy) Randazzo, Joseph Ngati Kechl, Paul Connaughton, Joe McKeon, John St Clair Pote, Felicidad Dumagat.
ANNIVERSARY OF DEATH: Rafael Toda, Manuel Amaro Dos Santos, Margaret Cooper (UK), Enid Cox, Kent Moray, Harold Alexander, Alfredo Boluso, Ms Lesley Court, Joe Borg, Josephine Lenaghan, Grazyna Palac, Ted Llewellen, Margaret Mary Byrnes, Ivan Michael Clark, Johann Ofner, Trevor Raymond Karst, Kenneth Charles Emmerton, Kenneth Charles Emmerton, Paul Anthony Zappa, Peter Bernardi, Stan Hancock, 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.
Readings for Third Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year B
FIRST READING: Jonah 3:1-5, 10
PSALM: Ps 25:4-5, 6-7, 8-9 "Teach me your ways, O Lord."
SECOND READING: 1 Corinthians 7:29-31
Gospel Acclamation: (Mark 1:15) Alleluia, alleluia! The Kingdom of God is near. Believe the Good News.
GOSPEL: Mark 1:14-20
"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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