"Immediately they left their nets and followed him." (Mark 1:18)
Shutterstock Licensed Image - stock photo ID: 1020806050 Christ calling the apostles James and John. By Vuk Kostic
THE PASTOR'S POST:
Food For Thought
After reading a recent article by William McInnis about his fond memories of a particular hamburger that he used to relish as a teenager, and his elusive search for a modern day replica, I was reminded of many of the culinary treats of my youth that seem to have either passed into history or are no longer fashionable. Mind you, I'd like to think my tastes have matured a little (or a lot over that time), I do sometimes pine for some of those flavours of yesteryear, reminding me that all memories turn into good memories over time.
As kids there were certain foods that we knew as "holiday food", never bought during the rest of the year, but saved for a special time only, so that we would be able to be controlled while we let loose on holidays. I was always allowed a 'Chiko roll' or two (in the misguided belief that they contained chicken and not cabbage as I later discovered), whenever we went to the beach, along with a bottle of "Passiona", (sadly spellcheck has no knowledge of this heaven-sent nectar), backed up my a three-scoop elixir of strawberry Quik, never permitted outside of the two week window of holiday abandon at the beachside. Back then I made no connection between these haute cuisine offerings and the regular stomach pains I experienced hours later. You might ask, "What responsible parent would allow their child to consume such rubbish?" Well it would seem that for two weeks of the year my parents became 'do-what-you-like' parents, reminding us that it was their holiday too. I suspect that they also thought it might teach me a lesson in moderation. It didn't work. Nevertheless, like most recollections of childhood, I have been able to delete the unpleasant stuff that happened, as just remember the bliss of having delicious treats. Oddly enough, a good cheese and Vegemite sandwich (white bread only) has never left my menu of foods I will always enjoy. Don't get me started on lollies from a lost age.
I recently bought about 6 apricots from a supermarket that shall remain nameless. They were plump and strong in colour and even had the right texture I recalled from my childhood Stanthorpe days, only to find that as I bit into one, if I had been blindfolded, I could not have been able to identify which fruit I was eating. Any semblance of "apricotiness" had been chemically removed, leaving only the appearance, but not the essence, of my once favourite old fruit. The same could be said of pineapples, tomatoes or rockmelons , unless they have been purchased from a roadside stall. I seem to remember that certain fruits were seasonal, available only in the warmer months, but now for the right price, they can be found all year round. Hence the washed-out flavour, while maintaining the outward appearance. Having lived in the Granite Belt as a child, the kitchen always had a ready supply of stone fruit, in pine cases, not plastic bags, delivered straight from the orchard, sometimes within hours of being picked.
However, there are a few modern day food opportunities for which I am very grateful. Ice-cream, for one. A 'brick' of Peter's vanilla drowning in Cottee's sugar-enhanced flavouring was all I ever knew for years in the 60's. None of your fancy burnt fig or salted caramel, that was decades away. Sausages only came in two varieties back then, pork or beef. Now I wouldn't be surprised if they came infused with Beluga caviar with just a pinch of gold dust. These days a good snag is a great meal and not just a cheap barbecue option for the kids. By the way, what happened to raspberry jelly and Windsor sausage (served on separate plates, of course)? I'm sure I ate my own weight in them every week at boarding school.
Before you think I have an obsession with the past or a food fetish, I will admit that I really adore food: today and then. I value the joy that it brings, that skill of preparing it and the art of presenting it. I enjoy the celebrations which accompany it, and the people who value it. I hate to see it wasted or badly prepared. I don't believe good food needs to be expensive, but I believe that kitchen artists should be rewarded for their offerings. I have no difficulty thanking God for every morsel, and only hope that taste is the last of my senses to go.
So until then, I shall continue to reminisce about the times when calories and carbohydrates never existed, at least in my diet.
Fr Peter Dillon PP.
Surfers Paradise Parish Warmly Welcomes the New Principal
of St Vincent's Catholic Primary School, Mr David Sewell
We here at Surfers Paradise Parish are delighted to welcome Mr David Sewell as the new Principal of St Vincents School. And it is also welcome back, as David worked here at the school as APA in 2003-4.
We know you will enjoy working with this excellent and welcoming community. God bless your ministry.
A Message from David Sewell:
I am very honoured and excited to be taking up the role of Principal of St Vincent's Catholic Primary School, following the leadership of Kerry Rowlands in this role for the past 15 years. Kerry leaves an enviable and profound legacy of leadership, progress and performance and I acknowledge the significant contributions that Kerry made over such a sustained period. I missed working with Kerry at St Vincent's by only a few years, as previously I was Assistant Principal – Administration (APA) of St Vincent's back in 2003 & 2004. This will also be the second time that I have followed Kerry, as I took over Kerry's APA role at St Francis Xavier Catholic Primary School, Runaway Bay as Acting APA in 2000.
Just a bit about me:
I was born in Bathurst NSW in 1974 (Yes! I support NSW at State of Origin time!) and we moved to the Gold Coast when I was three, due to Dad's work as an Administration Manager with Myer Western Stores. I grew up in Palm Beach then Elanora and went to Marymount Primary and Marymount College finishing Yr. 12 at the end of 1991.
I have three education degrees from Australian Catholic University (Bachelor Teaching, Graduate Diploma Education – Religious Education, Master of Educational Leadership).
I am married to Melissa (who has just been appointed APA of Marymount Primary from the beginning of this year) and we have four children (boy-girl-boy-girl: very blessed) – all who attend Marymount College:
Bailey (almost 17) – Yr. 12, Molly (15) – Yr. 10, Charlie (14) – Yr. 9, Jesse (12) – Yr. 7
We live at Palm Beach (in the same street that we - my Mum, Dad, younger brother and younger sister first lived in when we moved up from Bathurst in 1977, just a different house). Mum (Cheryl) passed away in 2008 from Bowel Cancer aged 56 and Dad (Edd) passed away in 2013 from Melanoma aged 66.
2021 will be my 17th year as a Principal (Our Lady of Good Counsel Catholic Primary School: Gatton from 2005 – 2007; Jubilee Primary School: Pacific Pines from 2008 – 2016; St Brigid's Catholic Primary School: Nerang from 2017 – 2020).
My interests are Rugby League (in particular the St George Illawarra Dragons and locally the Tugun SeaHawks), cricket (Bailey plays for the GC Dolphins), athletics (Molly is a 3000m, 1500m, 800m Cross Country runner) fishing, cooking and spending time with family and friends.
My vision for St Vincent's from the beginning is to grow St Vincent's as a 'Happy, productive and performing Catholic primary school'. It's about showing dignity and respect to every person, in every interaction every day. I will be visible, present and this will enhance my influence. I hope to be known for being measured, knowledgeable and relational.
The St Vincent's School Song is etched in my memory and I was actually prepared to sing it at my interview, should the opportunity have arisen. The message in it really suits my work ahead:
"St Vincent's proud and true!
Sticking together through everything we do!
We are St Vincent's – you and me!"
Probably a good thing that I didn't sing in that interview though, as I reckon if I had, I might not be the one writing this message !!
David Sewell. Principal of St Vincent's Catholic Primary School.
Excellent News - THE CATHOLIC LEADER 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. You may notice you will receive less copies of the newspaper than normal for this edition. This is because The Catholic Leader is seeing a few changes this year. This first February edition is going to be useful in measuring demand in parishes and we will revise the print numbers you receive accordingly.
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.
* The month-long lead time should assist in selling all copies.
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/
NEW LOOK LENTEN AND EASTER PROGRAM FOR 2021
AVAILABLE FOR ORDER
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 we will be buying a small number of books and making them available in the piety stores. The book is also available for pre-order. Those who buy a book online will also receive access to the e-book and an audio version. To purchase or find out more, go to www.lentprogram.com - Meanwhile, We will let you know when we get the copies into the store. For the price of foregoing one coffee, you can get a whole season of Lenten reflection!
You can also ring our parish Mon-Friday 9am-12 noon and we can order some more copies.
SACRED HEART AND ST VINCENT'S RELIGIOUS GOODS SHOPS
Daily Mass Books, Sunday Missals, Community Bibles, children's Bibles, prayer books and story books.
Enquiries and phone orders telephone Pat 0404 805 819
POPE FRANCIS:
Vatican modifies distribution of ashes for Ash Wednesday (In light of Covid issues)
The Congregation for Divine Worship released a note laying out the procedures priests around the world are to follow for the distribution of ashes at the start of Lent.
The health situation caused by Covid-19 continues to force changes on daily life, which are also reflected in the Church's sphere.
Ahead of the beginning of Lent, on Wednesday, 17 February, the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments has published a note detailing how Catholic priests are to distribute ashes.
Instructions:
After blessing the ashes and sprinkling them with holy water in silence, the priest addresses those present, reciting once the formula found in the Roman Missal: "Repent, and believe in the Gospel" or "Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return".
At that point, the note continues, the priest "cleanses his hands, and then, If masks are required under government restrictions on that date, they will put on a face mask covering nose and mouth. The ministers distribute ashes on the head of those who come forward or, if appropriate, they go to those who are standing in their places. The minister takes a pinch of the ashes and sprinkles them lightly over each person's head, without saying any words.
You can find the instruction from Rome here - the instruction from Rome here.
STEWARDSHIP REFLECTION
"Follow me and I will make you fishers of men."- Mark 1:17
Jesus' call to "Follow me" is a call to all Christians! The call is in the here and now, in our present circumstances, not when we think we are "ready" or have everything in order. Good stewardship of our God-given gifts means that things aren't always going to go according to our schedule and that God has a much better plan in store for each of us.
The vision of Stewardship speaks in every aspect of life, inviting everyone to be thankful, generous and accountable for what each has been given.
FR WARREN on ShalomWorld.org website
Fr Warren's online Masses on ShalomWorld.org have finished now, due to technical complexities.
You can still 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
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
Thank you for your cooperation at this time.
THE GOSPEL THIS WEEKEND
Our first reading this weekend is from the wonderful Book of Jonah. This delightful and very short book of the bible is well worth reading in its entirety, ...Have a look here or at the link at the bottom of the article.
We only get a small but delicious taste of the book of Jonah in today's reading. Prior to this, God has told Jonah to go and preach repentance to the people of the great city of Nineveh. But, Jonah hates the people there and does not want to go and preach repentance; because they are his enemies and he is worried they might turn and repent and be saved; and Jonah didn't want that.
Jonah seems happy to have everything just the way it always was. That is, with Jonah and his people's good books, and people like the Ninevites, in God's bad books, marked for destruction. It is all very well complaining about how bad people are who don't agree with us, or do the wrong thing by us, but what if our enemies were to see the error of their ways and change? They would become no longer enemies but allies, and this would require a whole new way of thinking, relating and acting. It's all too much!! At least when someone is in the category of enemy, where we have them carefully labelled, and we know where they stand in relation to us. Repentance, however, means a whole new situation.
So, Jonah runs away in the opposite direction. But we all know that you cannot run away from God. God pursues him and continues to call on him to deliver God's message of love and God's heartfelt invitation to repent.
Jonah does not have a vested interest in them; but God does. God created the Ninevites, as much as God created Jonah. God loves them and cares for them, and wants them to turn away from sin and be saved.
Jonah, (perhaps like us too), doesn't want change or surprise. We all bemoan the contrariness of a rival or an enemy, but do we really desire that they change their ways, because this means new ways of relating to them as well.
The slow but sure emerging of the Kingdom of God MEANS change and transformation… and that is painful and challenging and at times very unsettling; because it means a re-ordering of values and changing of relationships. It means inviting "inside" those who were previously "outside" God's chosen ones. Also, possibly some will also find themselves "outside" who used to be "inside." God has a way of turning things on their head. And for Jonah and the Ninevites, this is one of those great examples.
At times I wonder if we fully appreciate how truly different God's ways are to human's ways and thoughts, and what that means for us who are Disciples of Christ.
You could imagine the half-hearted, whispering "calling-out" of Jonah as the preaches "repent now or in forty days Nineveh will be destroyed!." Only to find the people saying: "What was that you were whispering? Repent or perish? Oh, okay. We repent! We will change immediately. Thank you for this warning, we will truly heed it. Quickly everyone, proclaim fasting and penance!"
Jonah was appalled and horrified. They have changed. They will be saved! They are now his friends (not his enemies). So Jonah goes off sulking and is mortally offended with God. But, isn't God right to care about his people???
Today's readings are all rather striking!
Each of them shows a response which is immediate and wonderful.
Jonah preaches and The Ninevites surprisingly repent and change Immediately.
Paul calls upon everyone to live in the immediate moment, for the day of the Lord is imminent.
Jesus calls his disciples and they leave IMMEDIATELY!
Jesus' call is offering a whole new world, a new vision and a new set of relationships. The values of the gospel are revealed in their fullness.
If the disciples paused and thought about what they were doing, they could have dreamt up heaps of reasons why they shouldn't go… their business, the risks, the insecurity, and so on…. But they did not let these things get in the way. Thank goodness, they responded to the call straight away. This is not encouraging recklessness, because surely Jesus called people after a lot of prayer and discernment and he called disciples whom he had observed were already living in a way that showed their longing for the values of the Kingdom to be established in its fullness.
Along comes Jesus… and he says- "the time has arrived.. come… follow me…." (and they DO. IMMEDIATELY). (It is what they have been waiting for!).
In our lives, Jesus calls each one of us, in big and small ways - in the daily events and people of life. In our words, actions and priorities, let us respond immediately and with trust.
Book of Jonah: https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/G/01/books/a-plus/OT-excerpt-book-of-jonah.pdf
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:72512117. SAN GIMIGNANO, ITALY - JULY 11, 2017: Fresco depicting Jesus calling of Saint Peter and Andrew, in the Collegiata of San Gimignano, Italy. By jorisvo}
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.
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
We receive really good questions about our church liturgical year. One recently was this:
What is the reasoning behind the Australian bishops moving certain holy days of obligation to the closest Sunday?
Answer: It is important to remember that, historically, holy days were generally the same as holidays. A holy day of obligation meant that there was no work that day. It was a day of rest and prayer. Mass attendance was but one part of what was expected on those days.
Catholic holy days have their root in Jewish holy days, when all temporal activity was expected to cease. The entire day was dedicated to God, not just an hour of worship.
In modern times this expectation still exists in canon law:
Can. 1247 - On Sundays and other holy days of obligation, the faithful are obliged to participate in the Mass. Moreover, they are to abstain from those works and affairs which hinder the worship to be rendered to God, the joy proper to the Lord's day, or the suitable relaxation of mind and body.
Fitting Mass attendance into one's work day is not the spirit of the holy days of obligation. In today's world, outside of a few exceptions, it's simply not the case that the faithful can abstain from work during the week. The Church moves such holy days to Sundays as a way of not building up unnecessary burdens upon the faithful (Matt 23:4).
In many areas around Australia (and the world) there is also the practical problem of having enough priests to cover Masses at all the churches on those days.
Hence the church allows the local Bishop's conference to make adjustments for pastoral reasons such as those mentioned above: -
Can. 1246
§2. With the prior approval of the Apostolic See, however, the conference of bishops can suppress some of the holy days of obligation or transfer them to a Sunday.
This is indeed what has happened here in Australia.
Presently the requirement to attend Sunday Masses and other Holy Days is still suspended due to the health restrictions and limitations imposed by covid-safety. All who can manage to attend Mass are strongly encouraged to attend, and those who are not able to attend can read the scriptures of the day, and watch or listen to various online or broadcast masses.
Fr Paul Kelly
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, Along comes Jesus… and he says- "the time has arrived.. come… follow me…." (and they DO. IMMEDIATELY). (It is what they have been waiting for!).
In our lives, Jesus calls each one of us, in big and small ways - in the daily events and people of life. In our words, actions and priorities, let us respond immediately and with trust.
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. We now have 9 Candidates so are desperate to hear from you.
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) - this is optional if you have commitments at other Masses - you can just come along at 10am for the instruction in the Parish Hospitality Room
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/
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
NEW PRIMARY SCHOOL OPENING WITHIN THE PARISH - AT MERRIMAC (2022)
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
BIBLE STUDY GROUP RECOMMENCING
ALL WELCOME - We will be recommencing our fortnightly Reflection and Bible Study Group 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.
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.
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
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
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, Graham O'Reilly, Kevin Carmody, Caterina (Cathy) Randazzo, Joseph Ngati Kechl, Paul Connaughton, Joe McKeon, John St Clair Pote, Felicidad Dumagat.
ANNIVERSARY OF DEATH: Armando Covino, John Covino, Enzo Covino, Thomas Lloyd Muggleton, Len Scully, Jim Zadko, Kath Power, Johann Ofner, Leonarda Batosin-in, Trevor Raymond Karst, Kenneth Charles Emmerton, Kenneth Charles Emmerton, Paul Anthony Zappa, Peter Bernardi, Stan Hancock, Gloria Klaasen, Susan-Gai Walsh, Jeffrey Eric Fittler, Klaus Diga , Jacqueline Rivet, Raelene Mavis Maroney, Ronda Jean Terese Hall, Anna Marinic.
Readings for Fourth Sunday in ordinary Time, Year B
FIRST READING: Deuteronomy 18:15-20
PS: Psalm 95:1-2, 6-7b, 7c-9 "If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts. "
SECOND READING: 1 Corinthians 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 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.
Archbishop Mark has a message for you:
George Washington is supposed to have said in his early life, "I cannot tell a lie". There's doubt that he ever said it, but he certainly set great store on truth in both personal and political life. At times in a culture lying can come to seem the norm; and when that happens the culture itself becomes a big lie. This was true of Fascism and Communism in the last century; and the mountains of corpses they left behind show how destructive lying is. The Bible stresses the need for truth in our speech, which is one of God's greatest gifts to us; animals can make noises but they can't speak. We can speak in the miracle of language, which is one of the points where we share most deeply in God's creativity. Because, in the beginning, God created the world with a word: such is the power of speech. But when our words are not truthful we share not in God's creativity but in the destructiveness of evil. We all lie from time to time, usually to cover our backs. But the protection is illusory. We end up damaging ourselves still more when we choose lying over truth. Again, this applies to both personal and political life. In a time of affliction and anxiety like this, it's more important than ever that we speak the truth. It's also important that we listen to each other, because only God has full possession of the truth. You and I may know part of the truth, but we don't possess it whole. We come closer to the whole when we listen to each other and share the part of truth that each of us can offer. Now is a time for leaders who know how to listen and who commit to speaking the truth. That may mean short-term pain, but it alone guarantees long-term gain for all. As Jesus says, "The truth will set you free".
When Jesus calls you, what will you do?
How will you respond?
Listen to Deacon Mike's message.
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