“And he was transfigured before them, and his clothes became dazzling white…. And there appeared to them Elijah with Moses, who were talking with Jesus.” (Mark 9:2-4)
(Shutterstock licensed image ID: 1901199517- the transfiguration of Jesus on the mountain and the apostles . By mossolainen nikolai).
THE PASTOR’S POST: Some Dad Lessons
I’m wise enough to know that I’m not the wisest person I know. So I am always on the lookout for people who can share their experience of situations that I am unqualified to comment on. One of the most complex, and yet most important relationships is between a father and a son, particularly in recent times when social commentators have shaken up what we might call the “traditional roles” of men and suggested a range of new, sometimes conflicting ways, that they might express their masculinity in less constricted ways.
A truly wise and experienced man whose insights I have admired for a long time is Brother Damien Price. A Christian Brother who, for many years was the Dean of Mission at St. Joseph’s College, Gregory Terrace. Each week Damien wrote an observation piece for the college newsletter which seemed to have more effect on the parents than it did on their sons. These newsletters were eventually compiled in a book called ‘The Worth of the Ordinary – Stories for Your Journey’. This week I thought it would be worthwhile to share with you the insights of this very experienced sage as he shared his thoughts on the father/son relationship. He suggested the following, and was not prescriptive about what age the son should be:
Have fun together –find out what your son likes to do and do it with him. This should be done early before he finds out it is too uncool to have dad right there beside him.
Develop the ancient art of being there but not being there – somehow you are to be at every game, every debate, every performance, but still not be there.
In subtle ways tell the story of how and where you met Mum, of the girls you dated, the adventures and the disasters of your youth, and know that as you do, you will cop your fair share of “Oh no, not that story again’, but he will inwardly love it.
Be the king of ‘nudge, nudge, wink, wink – that knowing looking between father and son as the phone runs hot in adolescence and the warfare of negotiations about parties begins – be firm, fair and friendly.
Trust him, knowing that everyone has made big mistakes at some time, but he must learn that the best trust is that which is earned.
Don’t try to be superman. It’s not just okay to be fallible- it’s essential not to be perfect, because a perfect father is too hard to live up to.
Don’t confuse the issue with the person. Often the rebellion and the ‘why’ have little to do with the topic you are discussing.
In all of the above the key is to be there. It may seem like a waste of time, but it never, never is. Be the king of unconditional love. Ensure that he knows the door is always open.
Fr Peter Dillon PP.
HAVE YOU VISITED OUR NEW LOOK WEBSITE
We are excited to reveal that Surfers Paradise Parish has been working to rejuvenate the look of our website. It is now live! You can visit the site at www.surfersparadiseparish.com.au to explore the fresh look.
Thank You, from the Kennedy Family
Thank You to Father Paul, Christeen Harth & parishioners that attend 7am Mass at Stella Maris, and all who helped celebrate Peter Kennedy’s life in rosary & mass. Your support has been much appreciated.
Kind regards Marianne Kennedy & Family.
ADORATION OF THE BLESSED SACRAMENT
Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament will be held this First Friday 5th March at Sacred Heart Church from 7pm to 8.30pm. All welcome. Enquiries: Jim 0424381069 or Helen 0421935678.
FIRST SATURDAY OF THE MONTH MASS
Our First Saturday of the month Mass will be on again on Saturday the 6th March at 9 am Sacred Heart Church. Bookings essential.
(Due to Holy Week and Easter, there will not be a First Saturday Mass in April).
STEWARDSHIP REFLECTION
“’Here I am!’ he answered.”- Genesis 22:11
It is easy to say, “Here I am, Lord,” when we are kneeling in church. But how easy is it to say “Here I am, Lord,” when a neighbor needs our help, when we are invited to join a parish ministry, or when we are asked to provide financial support? Oftentimes we are called when it’s not convenient for us. Discipleship is not always easy, most of the time it will make us uncomfortable and vulnerable.
The vision of Stewardship speaks in every aspect of life, inviting everyone to be thankful, generous and accountable for what each has been given.
ST KEVIN'S PRIMARY SCHOOL - Day of Discovery
Don’t miss this opportunity!
PARISH MISSION
15th- 17th MARCH
Facilitated By Rev Dr Richard Leonard SJ
WHAT DOES IT ALL MEAN?
LIVING A CONTEMPORARY CATHOLIC LIFE OF FAITH, HOPE & LOVE.
Monday 15th March
“Going out to the world: we need all the help we can get”
Tuesday 16th March
“Nine steps to making better choices for my life”
Wednesday 17th March
“Where the Hell is God? Holding to Faith through the Tough Times.”
SESSION TIMES
Morning Sessions 9.30am – 10.45am (immediately after the daily 9am Mass)
Evening Sessions 7.00pm - 8.15pm (this is a repeat of the morning session)
PLACE SACRED HEART CHURCH, 50 Fairway Drive, Clear Island Waters
WEEKEND MASSES: Fr Richard will preside and preach at all Masses at Sacred Heart Church on the 13th and 14th of March.
BOOKINGS for the Parish mission
Weekday Sessions, (15-17th March) book now via the Parish Bookeo system
Book here: https://bookeo.com/catholicmassgoldcoast?type=232MJJNKU17751567E7A
A Time Of Grace - All Welcome
For Lent
Project Compassion
Second Sunday of Lent - 28th of February 2021
Margret, 39, is a teacher at a vocational school for deaf students in the Solomon Islands. She was born deaf, so she knows the challenges it poses to education and employment.
The school faced water shortages that often left staff and students without safe water for drinking, cooking, washing and growing vegetables.
Then Tropical Cyclone Harold damaged the school and its vegetable garden as the threat of COVID-19 loomed. With Caritas Australia’s support, the school installed water tanks, provided cyclone-proof building materials, and helped to implement COVID-19 prevention measures.
Margaret's school now has enough water for its students and the capacity to cater for more, and is now planning to boost food security through increased agricultural production.
Please donate to Project Compassion 2021 and help people living with disabilities in the Solomon Islands gain access to education and clean water, empowering them with skills to protect our common home.
You can donate through Parish boxes and envelopes, by visiting www.caritas.org.au/projectcompassion or phoning 1800 024 413.
LENTEN AND EASTER ONLINE PROGRAM FOR 2021
The suppliers of this excellent resource have sold out, due to unprecedented demand.
However, you can sign up for a daily reflection from Evangelisation Brisbane which is drawn from this same book.
If you wish to receive the weekday reflections by email please subscribe to the above link.
SURFERS PARADISE PARISH SACRAMENTAL PROGRAM FOR CHILDREN
Where to begin …
Please complete an online Sacramental Enrolment Application by going to www.surfersparadiseparish.com.au
and then use the drop down menu under Sacraments.
If you are seeking Baptism for your child, click on the website heading Baptism (under Sacraments), read the explanation of the sacrament and then scroll down to and click on BAPTISM ENROLMENT FORM (in the blue box). Complete the form and click on submit.
If your child has been baptised and you wish them to continue their journey of initiation by the celebration and receiving of further sacraments, click on Confirmation (under Sacraments), read the explanation of the sacrament and then scroll down to and click on CHILDREN’S SACRAMENTAL PROGRAM APPLICATION FORM (in the blue box). Complete the form and click on submit.
Once you have submitted the form, you should receive an automated response to indicate that your application has been received by the parish team. The timing of a more personalised response to your application will vary depending on the sacrament for which you wish to prepare.
Baptism requests will be responded to fairly quickly as baptisms occur weekly and bookings are quite heavy and consistent throughout the year - What a blessing!
The timing of responses to Confirmation, First Communion and Reconciliation requests vary according to the time of year. As the children prepare for these sacraments in groups, our Sacramental Coordinator will use the information provided on the completed online forms to email parents approximately two months prior to the celebration of the sacrament. If you feel that you enrolled some time ago and you have not received sufficient information through our parish or school newsletters, please email Cathy Anderson andersoncm@bne.catholic.net.au
FIRST COMMUNION PREPARATION IS NOT FAR AWAY
Dates for First Communion 2021, Surfers Paradise Parish:
Parent Meeting - either April 20 or April 21
Practice Meeting - either May 25 or June 3
First Communion Celebration - either Sunday, May 30 at 11:00am or Sunday June 6 at 11:00am
All venues: Sacred Heart Church
Please note that First Communion preparation and celebration is offered to baptised and confirmed children who are in Year 4 or greater.
Children who have enrolled in our Parish Sacramental Program in previous years should not need to re-enrol. You should receive an email invitation in late March. If you are unsure, please email Cathy Anderson andersoncm@bne.catholic.net.au
CONFIRMATION
Last week the Parish Sacramental Team met with the parents, and some grandparents, of nearly 80 children who are preparing for Confirmation. These families are working through a program combining prayer, discussion and reflection around the core of our Catholic beliefs; the role and meaning of the sacraments and especially the power and action of the Holy Spirit.
These parents have accepted the important responsibility of teaching and sharing their faith as they guide the children through the videos and activities we have provided. We ask all parishioners to pray for these young people and their families at this time, that they may sense the care and support of their Catholic family here in Surfers Paradise Parish and, be emboldened by God’s Holy Spirit to live and share God’s good news with those they meet each day.
Bishop Ken Howell will confirm the children on the evening of Friday, March 12. There will be a second opportunity to celebrate Confirmation in October this year so if your family missed out on this first group, please go to the parish website and complete an online enrolment application to ensure that your child is included in the October group.
POPE FRANCIS - LENTEN MESSAGE 2021 -
“Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem” (Mt 20:18)
Lent: a Time for Renewing Faith, Hope and Love
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
Jesus revealed to his disciples the deepest meaning of his mission when he told them of his passion, death and resurrection, in fulfilment of the Father’s will. He then called the disciples to share in this mission for the salvation of the world.
In our Lenten journey towards Easter, let us remember the One who “humbled himself and became obedient unto death, even death on a cross” (Phil 2:8). During this season of conversion, let us renew our faith, draw from the “living water” of hope, and receive with open hearts the love of God, who makes us brothers and sisters in Christ. At the Easter vigil, we will renew our baptismal promises and experience rebirth as new men and women by the working of the Holy Spirit. This Lenten journey, like the entire pilgrimage of the Christian life, is even now illumined by the light of the resurrection, which inspires the thoughts, attitudes and decisions of the followers of Christ.
Fasting, prayer and almsgiving, as preached by Jesus (cf. Mt 6:1-18), enable and express our conversion. The path of poverty and self-denial (fasting), concern and loving care for the poor (almsgiving), and childlike dialogue with the Father (prayer) make it possible for us to live lives of sincere faith, living hope and effective charity.
Fasting, prayer and almsgiving, as preached by Jesus, enable and express our conversion.
1. Faith calls us to accept the truth and testify to it before God and all our brothers and sisters.
In this Lenten season, accepting and living the truth revealed in Christ means, first of all, opening our hearts to God’s word, which the Church passes on from generation to generation. This truth is not an abstract concept reserved for a chosen intelligent few. Instead, it is a message that all of us can receive and understand thanks to the wisdom of a heart open to the grandeur of God, who loves us even before we are aware of it. Christ himself is this truth. By taking on our humanity, even to its very limits, he has made himself the way – demanding, yet open to all – that leads to the fullness of life.
Fasting, experienced as a form of self-denial, helps those who undertake it in simplicity of heart to rediscover God’s gift and to recognize that, created in his image and likeness, we find our fulfilment in him. In embracing the experience of poverty, those who fast make themselves poor with the poor and accumulate the treasure of a love both received and shared. In this way, fasting helps us to love God and our neighbour, inasmuch as love, as Saint Thomas Aquinas teaches, is a movement outwards that focuses our attention on others and considers them as one with ourselves (cf. Fratelli Tutti, 93).
Fasting helps us to love God and our neighbour, inasmuch as love, as Saint Thomas Aquinas teaches, is a movement outwards that focuses our attention on others and considers them as one with ourselves.
Lent is a time for believing, for welcoming God into our lives and allowing him to “make his dwelling” among us (cf. Jn 14:23). Fasting involves being freed from all that weighs us down – like consumerism or an excess of information, whether true or false – in order to open the doors of our hearts to the One who comes to us, poor in all things, yet “full of grace and truth” (Jn 1:14): the Son of God our Saviour.
2. Hope as “living water” enables us to continue our journey.
The Samaritan woman at the well, whom Jesus asks for a drink, does not understand what he means when he says that he can offer her “living water” (Jn 4:10). Naturally, she thinks that he is referring to material water, but Jesus is speaking of the Holy Spirit whom he will give in abundance through the paschal mystery, bestowing a hope that does not disappoint. Jesus had already spoken of this hope when, in telling of his passion and death, he said that he would “be raised on the third day” (Mt 20:19). Jesus was speaking of the future opened up by the Father’s mercy. Hoping with him and because of him means believing that history does not end with our mistakes, our violence and injustice, or the sin that crucifies Love. It means receiving from his open heart the Father’s forgiveness.
In these times of trouble, when everything seems fragile and uncertain, it may appear challenging to speak of hope. Yet Lent is precisely the season of hope, when we turn back to God who patiently continues to care for his creation which we have often mistreated (cf. Laudato Si’, 32-33; 43-44). Saint Paul urges us to place our hope in reconciliation: “Be reconciled to God” (2 Cor 5:20). By receiving forgiveness in the sacrament that lies at the heart of our process of conversion, we in turn can spread forgiveness to others. Having received forgiveness ourselves, we can offer it through our willingness to enter into attentive dialogue with others and to give comfort to those experiencing sorrow and pain. God’s forgiveness, offered also through our words and actions, enables us to experience an Easter of fraternity.
God’s forgiveness, offered also through our words and actions, enables us to experience an Easter of fraternity.
In Lent, may we be increasingly concerned with “speaking words of comfort, strength, consolation and encouragement, and not words that demean, sadden, anger or show scorn” (Fratelli Tutti, 223). In order to give hope to others, it is sometimes enough simply to be kind, to be “willing to set everything else aside in order to show interest, to give the gift of a smile, to speak a word of encouragement, to listen amid general indifference” (ibid., 224).
Through recollection and silent prayer, hope is given to us as inspiration and interior light, illuminating the challenges and choices we face in our mission. Hence the need to pray (cf. Mt 6:6) and, in secret, to encounter the Father of tender love.
To experience Lent in hope entails growing in the realization that, in Jesus Christ, we are witnesses of new times, in which God is “making all things new” (cf. Rev 21:1-6). It means receiving the hope of Christ, who gave his life on the cross and was raised by God on the third day, and always being “prepared to make a defense to anyone who calls [us] to account for the hope that is in [us]” (1 Pet 3:15).
In order to give hope to others, it is sometimes enough simply to be kind.
3. Love, following in the footsteps of Christ, in concern and compassion for all, is the highest expression of our faith and hope.
Love rejoices in seeing others grow. Hence it suffers when others are anguished, lonely, sick, homeless, despised or in need. Love is a leap of the heart; it brings us out of ourselves and creates bonds of sharing and communion.
“‘Social love’ makes it possible to advance towards a civilization of love, to which all of us can feel called. With its impulse to universality, love is capable of building a new world. No mere sentiment, it is the best means of discovering effective paths of development for everyone” (Fratelli Tutti, 183).
Love is a gift that gives meaning to our lives. It enables us to view those in need as members of our own family, as friends, brothers or sisters. A small amount, if given with love, never ends, but becomes a source of life and happiness. Such was the case with the jar of meal and jug of oil of the widow of Zarephath, who offered a cake of bread to the prophet Elijah (cf. 1 Kings 17:7-16); it was also the case with the loaves blessed, broken and given by Jesus to the disciples to distribute to the crowd (cf. Mk 6:30-44). Such is the case too with our almsgiving, whether small or large, when offered with joy and simplicity.
Love rejoices in seeing others grow. Hence it suffers when others are anguished, lonely, sick, homeless, despised or in need.
To experience Lent with love means caring for those who suffer or feel abandoned and fearful because of the Covid-19 pandemic. In these days of deep uncertainty about the future, let us keep in mind the Lord’s word to his Servant, “Fear not, for I have redeemed you” (Is 43:1). In our charity, may we speak words of reassurance and help others to realize that God loves them as sons and daughters.
“Only a gaze transformed by charity can enable the dignity of others to be recognized and, as a consequence, the poor to be acknowledged and valued in their dignity, respected in their identity and culture, and thus truly integrated into society” (Fratelli Tutti, 187).
Dear brothers and sisters, every moment of our lives is a time for believing, hoping and loving. The call to experience Lent as a journey of conversion, prayer and sharing of our goods, helps us – as communities and as individuals – to revive the faith that comes from the living Christ, the hope inspired by the breath of the Holy Spirit and the love flowing from the merciful heart of the Father.
May Mary, Mother of the Saviour, ever faithful at the foot of the cross and in the heart of the Church, sustain us with her loving presence. May the blessing of the risen Lord accompany all of us on our journey towards the light of Easter.
Rome, Saint John Lateran, 11 November 2020, the Memorial of Saint Martin of Tours
Source: https://www.americamagazine.org/faith/2021/02/12/pope-francis-lent-2021-message-240008
iMAGE Photo by Nacho Arteaga on Unsplash
FAITH AND WORSHIP SPOT - Don’t call it “First Eucharist” - Because it is not!
Image shutterstock licensed. ID: 1102835111. Holy communion received within the celebration of Eucharist. By Cavee.
I am not sure when it started creeping into everyday usage, but there is a phrase that drives me crazy when it comes to Catholic liturgy.
At one point it was seemingly being used everywhere. Fortunately it is steadily declining again.
It even occasionally crept into the official diocesan sacramental policy documents, but it has crept out again just as quietly, thank goodness!
What is this phrase that can turn an earnest priest into a raving lunatic?
It is this: “The children are soon going to prepare to celebrate their First Eucharist.”
No they are not!
They are soon going to begin preparing, (after Easter), for the celebration of their “First Holy Communion.”
We used to call it First Holy Communion, and that was correct and it is still correct today.
It is actually easy to see where the confusion crept in. As we know, there are seven sacraments in the Catholic Church - Baptism (which is the entry-point into the life of Christ and his Church- and the sacrament from which all other sacraments flow), then the sacraments of Confirmation, Penance, Eucharist, Matrimony, Holy Orders, Anointing of the Sick. They are indeed the names of the seven sacraments.
Some sacraments are once and only, such as Baptism and Confirmation. Others can be repeated often and are encouraged to be celebrated often - Eucharist and Penance.
Other sacraments happen usually once, and occasionally more in certain circumstances - Holy Orders (ordination - man can be ordained a Priest and later ordained a Bishop). Another sacrament which is often just once but could be celebrated again, for example if a person who has been widowed and then were to re-marry they could celebrate Matrimony again.
Anointing of the sick can be conducted any time a person’s health is seriously affected, and this can be repeated if the person’s health further declines. It ought not be left until the last moment but the time for anointing has arrived if a person’s health is seriously affected or due to advanced age or frailty, one’s health is declining notably.
So, whilst it is true that the Sacrament of Eucharist is correctly called Eucharist, children preparing to make their First Holy Communion are very likely not preparing to celebrate their first Eucharist. This might seem like quibbling about words, but within these words is a rich significance that must not be lost.
Most children have participated in many celebrations of the Eucharist at different times of their lives prior to their communion day. Whether it is attending mass on Sundays with their families, or participating in a school mass, or being a valued part of a celebration of a wedding mass or a funeral mass, or a Mass where there is a baptism etc, everyone present is participating in the celebration of Eucharist, even if they are not receiving holy communion. If they are part of any Mass and participating as best they can in that celebration they are celebrating in the sacrament of Eucharist. To suggest that someone is not participating or celebrating in Eucharist because they have simply not received communion is patently incorrect.
Also, as we have known all-too-well over the last year, when Masses were limited or even restricted from having public participation, people still joined in and participated in the celebration of eucharist in any way that they could, whether it be from home or by praying at the same time as a mass was being offered, or following a live-stream of the Eucharist or listening to Mass on the podcast.
Whilst it was obviously true that those who were not physically present at the celebration were not physically receiving holy communion, they were participating in the way that they could and were even receiving what is known as “spiritual communion” where we pray quietly a prayer like this:
“My Jesus, I believe that You are present in the Most Holy Sacrament. I love You above all things, and I desire to receive You into my soul. Since I cannot at this moment receive You sacramentally, come at least spiritually into my heart. I embrace You as if You were already there, and unite myself wholly to You. Never permit me to be separated from You. Amen.”
This is powerful and beautiful, and many people have prayed this prayer of spiritual communion, and continue to pray this all around the country and the world. People pray this because they are unable to come to mass due to distance or other inability, and others cannot attend due to ill health or advanced age. Others , who are present at a Mass, may not all receive communion, such as those who have not yet made their Holy Communion. These people are spiritually participating in the Eucharist until they are ready to fully receive communion, and so many more reasons. For all who have made their First Holy communion, they are encouraged to participate in Eucharist often and receive Holy Communion regularly.
However, if for some reason a person does not receive communion at a particular mass or masses, they are still a welcome member of the community and are participating as fully as they can . This is why we invite those who have not made their First Communion yet, to still come forward in the communion line and with a sing of the hands in a cross over the chest, this signals that they wish a blessing prayer and shows they are participating spiritually in the celebration of Eucharist.
Anyway, this shows why it is really quite a mistake to talk about people making their “First Eucharist.” Eucharist is the whole act of gathering, listening to God’s word, offering prayers, praise and petition, participating prayerfully and in response to the eucharistic prayer presided by the priest, and being fully, consciously and actively involved in the celebration, and worshipping Christ present in his Word and in the Sacrament of the Eucharist, and of course for those who can , receiving holy Communion. Communion is one part, (a really sacred and special part), of the whole larger action which is all the Eucharist.
So, we participate in the celebration of the Eucharist, in which we may, either physically or spiritually, receive communion, and amongst us are children and adults who are preparing to celebrate their first communion.
One’s “first Eucharist” would be way back when one first attended and participated in any way, in a celebration of the Mass, or Eucharist.
Fr Paul
THE GOSPEL THIS WEEKEND - ABRAHAM AND HIS FAITH JOURNEY
The story of Abraham being asked to deliberately sacrifice someone he loved, (more than his own life), is really horrifying. It is really important to keep in mind that it is, after all, God who is the one stopping the hand of Abraham. In fact, this incident is a foretaste of what God alone proposes to do to save humanity - For out of astounding love and faithfulness to us who were not worthy, God the father did not even spare his only son (Jesus) –in order to save everyone… Because God’s love is so profound that he is willing to sacrifice himself in love, in order to save us all. (And it is the Father and the Son united who willingly sacrifice so much for us. God spares nothing and goes to the ultimate length to share complete solidarity with us.
In life and death, in joy and devastation, God gives us everything he has. God holds nothing back. It is impossible to truly understand the depths of this unmerited love and commitment that God has given to us.
This Sunday we hear of Abraham and of the Transfiguration story. Despite its vividness, the drama and even the horror of Isaac’s near-sacrifice - the main point of this passage… shown in such stark, unavoidable clarity…… - is that Abraham’s faith in God is utterly complete. Abraham, in his journey of faith, has learnt utter trust in God’s promises. Abraham and Isaac’s unswerving obedience to God, and trust in God’s faithfulness… (and particularly trust that God will provide), is a foreshadowing of the absolute generosity, faithfulness, sacrifice and love that God the Father, and the Son show for the world…
Abraham and his sacrifice is a proto-type for Christ’s death for us on the cross.. the comparisons are deep. Abrahams beloved son even carries the wood of his own sacrifice.. Jesus carries the wood of his own cross for his sacrifice. A Ram is found caught in thorns, and replaced Isaac as the sacrifice… Jesus is crowned with thorns.. ….Abraham goes to mount Moriah for the sacrifice…… this place would later be known as the city of Jerusalem… Our Lord offers his life in Jerusalem. and so on.. Only God would give up so much out of love, to save us.
Peter, James, and John also find deeper faith on the mountain: They see Jesus as he truly is, in his full glory. These scenes give us a taste of Easter glory to come and challenge us to believe that Jesus is truly and completely everything he says he is.
Even the disciples didn’t always or fully see Jesus clearly, and this is so, even though they had the singular benefit of being with him all the time. (Did they become so familiar with them, that they occasionally stopped seeing him… stopped learning from him…. and took him for granted, or projected onto him their expectations (or even lack of expectations at times), instead of being open to what he truly was offering.
Abraham, too, misunderstood the God he followed for such a long time.
In lent, let us take some time to try and see Jesus more clearly. Let us not allow familiarity obscure his glory and his challenging message.
We all need a transfiguration of our image of God once in a while to ensure we see God more clearly. May this season of Lent ensure that we are not fashioning God according to our convenience, or according to our own image and likeness…..but rather encountering God in Jesus in the fullness of his radical message.
We are invited to make Jesus the complete centre of all of our faith.
Jesus is the Son of God, the Son of the Father. Jesus gives meaning to every aspect of our life. Jesus invites us to share his relationship with His Father.
Can we, like Abraham, put our complete and utter trust in God. Trust God even when we don’t understand the meaning of what might be happening to us at any different moment of our lives. Will we trust utterly in Christ and be humble and completely obedient to his vision.
Lent is about removing obstacles to our faith but also about choosing to let Jesus be the meaning of our lives. Let us walk in the light of the Lord.
And, (Just as Jesus is transfigured), may we be changed.
Fr. Paul Kelly.
To listen to the whole Sunday Mass each week (including homily) from Surfers Paradise Catholic Parish, please visit this link: Liturgy for you at Home (by SPCP) - https://soundcloud.com/user-633212303/tracks
REFERENCES: Fr Paul W. Kelly, Pitre, Brant/ Bergsma, John. (2018). A Catholic Introduction to the Bible: The Old Testament: Vol 1. San Francisco, California. Ignatius Press; Life Application Study Bible Large Print. 2007. Carol Stream, Ill.: Tyndale House Publishers; also, Abbot’s Homily, Monastery of Christ in the Desert; Prepare the Word resourcesl}
Image Credit: Image Credit: Shutterstock Licensed. ID: 1344423617. Tiberias, Israel - 4/7/2015: Mount Tabor in the Lower Galilee region of Northern Israel, Jezreel Valley, Afula, Tiberias, Israel. The Church of the Transfiguration and the Franciscan Monaster. By Tomanovic Violeta
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 March) 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 Thank you for your cooperation at this time.
St Paul Fortnightly on a Tuesday
ALL WELCOME. Our next session will be on Tuesday the 2nd March at 6pm in the Parish Hospitality Room.
If you would like to participate in this please let Robyn know on 0409 486 326. This is a great opportunity for us to reflect, discuss, share and enrich our faith and relationship with Christ.
Catechumens
Spencer Brocklebank and his two children - Levi and Victoria
Tristan Mann and his three children - Jack, Nathaniel & Sienna
James Cannon Christina Pera Vala Ralulu Carla Ten Cate
Candidates
Tom Blackhurst Damien Ives Brady McFadden Leon Mostert Christine Taylor
Chenelle Butler, Colin Butler and their two children - Harper and Austin
Prayers needed for our Catechumens and Candidates journeying to Easter for Baptism, Reception into the Catholic Church, Confirmation and First Holy Communion. This Sunday we will be travelling to St Stephen’s Cathedral in Brisbane for the Rite of Election. This ritual is formerly known as the Rite of Election of Catechumens and the Call to Continuing Conversion of Candidates who are preparing Reception into Full Communion of the Catholic Church. Blessings on your day and pray for us during this important step of the journey.
PARISH FINANCIAL SUPPORT
Your support is needed to help our Parish to continue valuable pastoral activities and to provide ongoing sustainability. To assist you to support the Parish, you can give via http://parishgiving.brisbanecatholic.org.au
If you are able to continue to support us, we would be most grateful. For all those who have been making payments via credit card and those who have donated directly into the parish account, we thank you. The spirit of generosity is alive in our Parish. If you would like confirmation of your donation or a receipt emailed to you please contact me at man.surfers@bne.catholic.net.au or, please ring the parish office between 9am and 12 noon Mon-Fri. Ph: 5572 5433.
BANKING DETAILS FOR THE PARISH HAVE CHANGED
As of February 1st 2021 the Archdiocesan Development Fund (ADF) have announced to all the Parishes in the Archdiocese that they have upgraded their electronic banking numbers.
As a result all current parish banking details have changed. We must start making these changes immediately as we only have until the end of February to get all those who donate to the parish electronically to make the change.
If you are making a donation to the parish via Net Banking, paying for a sacrament (baptism, wedding, sacramental program), making an instalment for the Columbarium, or paying an invoice via Net Banking please use the parish account.
Parish BSB: 064-786 Account: 100000421
If you wish to make a planned giving donation via Net Banking please use Planned Giving Direct Debit account.
Planned Giving Direct Debit BSB: 064-786 Account: 100013666
If you use the parish App or have a Direct Debit established as a periodic payment you don’t have to do anything as the ADF have made the necessary changes internally and the parish will continue to benefit from your kind generosity. If you would like clarification about your particular situation please call the parish Monday to Friday between 9am and 12noon.
LAY CARMELITE MEETING
The monthly formation meetings of the Gold Coast Lay Carmelites & Friends will be held at the Surfers Paradise Morris Prayer Room at 10.30 am on Sunday 28th February, 2021. Visitors and enquires are most welcome. Please contact Norm Harding 0402 155 576 (normharding80@gmail.com)
DOMESTIC & FAMILY VIOLENCE AWARENESS: Zoom Workshops
Joint Churches Domestic Violence Prevention Project (JCDVPP) are offering three free workshops via Zoom.
Session 2, 4th March: DFV A Personal Story. Responding to DFV.
Session 3, 11th March: Theology and DFV. Expert Q&A Panel.
Sessions will run from 7pm-8:30pm. Enquires: admin@qct.org.au or phone 07 33696792.
Registration Here
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
LENT 2021 WITH BRUCE DOWNES THE CATHOLIC GUY
Be inspired, Be refreshed, Be renewed!
Come on a 40 day journey with me and I know this will be a powerful and prayerful Lenten journey together. Receive a short inspiring video each day during Lent. This program is FREE and you can sign up here: https://BruceDownes.org/Lent
Call 1300 734 880 for more info.
ARCHDIOCESE OF BRISBANE- Positions Vacant
Position Vacant – Administration Assistant / EA Support
Applications are open for the above full-time 37.5 hour positions. The Archbishop’s Office is currently seeking three applicants to fill these positions.
For additional information, please visit the Archdiocese of Brisbane website https://brisbanecatholic.org.au/ and to careers.
CATHOLIC LEADER NEWSPAPER PRINT EDITION
The Catholic Leader is now a monthly paper. The same edition is available in the church for the month until sold out.
https://catholicleader.com.au/subscribe And: https://catholicleader.com.au/
Changes at a glance: The Catholic Leader will be printed monthly and due to the associated costs of producing the newspaper, the cover price has been increased to $4 per copy. Next edition March 7th
YOGA AT THE PARISH HOSPITALITY CENTRE
Come join us for our friendly class in the Parish Hospitality Centre next to the Parish Office. Classes run every Tuesday at 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.
NEW PRIMARY SCHOOL OPENING WITHIN THE PARISH - AT MERRIMAC (2022)
Please fill out this form if to ensure your contact details are up to date with the Parish: SPP - 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’ to receive the newsletter in your inbox.
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/
IN OUR HEARTS AND PRAYERS AT THIS TIME.
FOR THOSE WHO ARE SICK: Lois and Doug Wood, Judy Dempsey (Wagga), Sam Maxwell, William Franklin, Gerry Stoffels (Capetown, SA), Maria Mihalic, Margaret Dawes, Bill Gilmore, Annie Scicluna, Anne Logan, Dymphna Hogg, Elaine Cotter, Margaret Thompson, 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: Marco Robertson, Hans Wagner, Jabour Haddad, Antonija Saceric, Fr Patrick Dowd, Peter Baker, Joan Geard, Julieann Miller, Valma Elaine Brew, Etiene Barbeau SA., Peter Kennedy, Kenneth “Ken” John Maccheroni.
ANNIVERSARY OF DEATH: Patricia (Pat) Moore, Ivy Gladys Yow, Kenneth Mason, William John (Bill) Kelly, George Schreiber, Margaret Mary Miller, Michael Anthony Geoghegan, Monique Mary Felsman, Malcolm Leslie (Mal) Flannery, Francis Vernon Maunder.
Readings for Third Sunday of Lent. Year B
FIRST READING: Exod 20:1-17
Psalm: Ps 19:8, 9, 10, 11 “Lord, you have the words of everlasting life.”
SECOND READING: 1 Cor 1:22-25
Gospel Acclamation: (John 3:16) Glory and Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ. God loved the world so much, he gave his only Son. That all who believe in him might have eternal life.
GOSPEL: John 2:13-25
“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.
PDF version of this parish newsletter here:
“And he was transfigured before them, and his clothes became dazzling white…. And there appeared to them Elijah with Moses, who were talking with Jesus.” (Mark 9:2-4)
(Shutterstock licensed image ID: 1901199517- the transfiguration of Jesus on the mountain and the apostles . By mossolainen nikolai).
THE PASTOR’S POST: Some Dad Lessons
I’m wise enough to know that I’m not the wisest person I know. So I am always on the lookout for people who can share their experience of situations that I am unqualified to comment on. One of the most complex, and yet most important relationships is between a father and a son, particularly in recent times when social commentators have shaken up what we might call the “traditional roles” of men and suggested a range of new, sometimes conflicting ways, that they might express their masculinity in less constricted ways.
A truly wise and experienced man whose insights I have admired for a long time is Brother Damien Price. A Christian Brother who, for many years was the Dean of Mission at St. Joseph’s College, Gregory Terrace. Each week Damien wrote an observation piece for the college newsletter which seemed to have more effect on the parents than it did on their sons. These newsletters were eventually compiled in a book called ‘The Worth of the Ordinary – Stories for Your Journey’. This week I thought it would be worthwhile to share with you the insights of this very experienced sage as he shared his thoughts on the father/son relationship. He suggested the following, and was not prescriptive about what age the son should be:
Have fun together –find out what your son likes to do and do it with him. This should be done early before he finds out it is too uncool to have dad right there beside him.
Develop the ancient art of being there but not being there – somehow you are to be at every game, every debate, every performance, but still not be there.
In subtle ways tell the story of how and where you met Mum, of the girls you dated, the adventures and the disasters of your youth, and know that as you do, you will cop your fair share of “Oh no, not that story again’, but he will inwardly love it.
Be the king of ‘nudge, nudge, wink, wink – that knowing looking between father and son as the phone runs hot in adolescence and the warfare of negotiations about parties begins – be firm, fair and friendly.
Trust him, knowing that everyone has made big mistakes at some time, but he must learn that the best trust is that which is earned.
Don’t try to be superman. It’s not just okay to be fallible- it’s essential not to be perfect, because a perfect father is too hard to live up to.
Don’t confuse the issue with the person. Often the rebellion and the ‘why’ have little to do with the topic you are discussing.
In all of the above the key is to be there. It may seem like a waste of time, but it never, never is. Be the king of unconditional love. Ensure that he knows the door is always open.
Fr Peter Dillon PP.
HAVE YOU VISITED OUR NEW LOOK WEBSITE
We are excited to reveal that Surfers Paradise Parish has been working to rejuvenate the look of our website. It is now live! You can visit the site at www.surfersparadiseparish.com.au to explore the fresh look.
Thank You, from the Kennedy Family
Thank You to Father Paul, Christeen Harth & parishioners that attend 7am Mass at Stella Maris, and all who helped celebrate Peter Kennedy’s life in rosary & mass. Your support has been much appreciated.
Kind regards Marianne Kennedy & Family.
ADORATION OF THE BLESSED SACRAMENT
Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament will be held this First Friday 5th March at Sacred Heart Church from 7pm to 8.30pm. All welcome. Enquiries: Jim 0424381069 or Helen 0421935678.
FIRST SATURDAY OF THE MONTH MASS
Our First Saturday of the month Mass will be on again on Saturday the 6th March at 9 am Sacred Heart Church. Bookings essential.
(Due to Holy Week and Easter, there will not be a First Saturday Mass in April).
STEWARDSHIP REFLECTION
“’Here I am!’ he answered.”- Genesis 22:11
It is easy to say, “Here I am, Lord,” when we are kneeling in church. But how easy is it to say “Here I am, Lord,” when a neighbor needs our help, when we are invited to join a parish ministry, or when we are asked to provide financial support? Oftentimes we are called when it’s not convenient for us. Discipleship is not always easy, most of the time it will make us uncomfortable and vulnerable.
The vision of Stewardship speaks in every aspect of life, inviting everyone to be thankful, generous and accountable for what each has been given.
ST KEVIN'S PRIMARY SCHOOL - Day of Discovery
Don’t miss this opportunity!
PARISH MISSION
15th- 17th MARCH
Facilitated By Rev Dr Richard Leonard SJ
WHAT DOES IT ALL MEAN?
LIVING A CONTEMPORARY CATHOLIC LIFE OF FAITH, HOPE & LOVE.
Monday 15th March
“Going out to the world: we need all the help we can get”
Tuesday 16th March
“Nine steps to making better choices for my life”
Wednesday 17th March
“Where the Hell is God? Holding to Faith through the Tough Times.”
SESSION TIMES
Morning Sessions 9.30am – 10.45am (immediately after the daily 9am Mass)
Evening Sessions 7.00pm - 8.15pm (this is a repeat of the morning session)
PLACE SACRED HEART CHURCH, 50 Fairway Drive, Clear Island Waters
WEEKEND MASSES: Fr Richard will preside and preach at all Masses at Sacred Heart Church on the 13th and 14th of March.
BOOKINGS for the Parish mission
Weekday Sessions, (15-17th March) book now via the Parish Bookeo system
Book here: https://bookeo.com/catholicmassgoldcoast?type=232MJJNKU17751567E7A
A Time Of Grace - All Welcome
For Lent
Project Compassion
Second Sunday of Lent - 28th of February 2021
Margret, 39, is a teacher at a vocational school for deaf students in the Solomon Islands. She was born deaf, so she knows the challenges it poses to education and employment.
The school faced water shortages that often left staff and students without safe water for drinking, cooking, washing and growing vegetables.
Then Tropical Cyclone Harold damaged the school and its vegetable garden as the threat of COVID-19 loomed. With Caritas Australia’s support, the school installed water tanks, provided cyclone-proof building materials, and helped to implement COVID-19 prevention measures.
Margaret's school now has enough water for its students and the capacity to cater for more, and is now planning to boost food security through increased agricultural production.
Please donate to Project Compassion 2021 and help people living with disabilities in the Solomon Islands gain access to education and clean water, empowering them with skills to protect our common home.
You can donate through Parish boxes and envelopes, by visiting www.caritas.org.au/projectcompassion or phoning 1800 024 413.
LENTEN AND EASTER ONLINE PROGRAM FOR 2021
The suppliers of this excellent resource have sold out, due to unprecedented demand.
However, you can sign up for a daily reflection from Evangelisation Brisbane which is drawn from this same book.
If you wish to receive the weekday reflections by email please subscribe to the above link.
SURFERS PARADISE PARISH SACRAMENTAL PROGRAM FOR CHILDREN
Where to begin …
Please complete an online Sacramental Enrolment Application by going to www.surfersparadiseparish.com.au
and then use the drop down menu under Sacraments.
If you are seeking Baptism for your child, click on the website heading Baptism (under Sacraments), read the explanation of the sacrament and then scroll down to and click on BAPTISM ENROLMENT FORM (in the blue box). Complete the form and click on submit.
If your child has been baptised and you wish them to continue their journey of initiation by the celebration and receiving of further sacraments, click on Confirmation (under Sacraments), read the explanation of the sacrament and then scroll down to and click on CHILDREN’S SACRAMENTAL PROGRAM APPLICATION FORM (in the blue box). Complete the form and click on submit.
Once you have submitted the form, you should receive an automated response to indicate that your application has been received by the parish team. The timing of a more personalised response to your application will vary depending on the sacrament for which you wish to prepare.
Baptism requests will be responded to fairly quickly as baptisms occur weekly and bookings are quite heavy and consistent throughout the year - What a blessing!
The timing of responses to Confirmation, First Communion and Reconciliation requests vary according to the time of year. As the children prepare for these sacraments in groups, our Sacramental Coordinator will use the information provided on the completed online forms to email parents approximately two months prior to the celebration of the sacrament. If you feel that you enrolled some time ago and you have not received sufficient information through our parish or school newsletters, please email Cathy Anderson andersoncm@bne.catholic.net.au
FIRST COMMUNION PREPARATION IS NOT FAR AWAY
Dates for First Communion 2021, Surfers Paradise Parish:
Parent Meeting - either April 20 or April 21
Practice Meeting - either May 25 or June 3
First Communion Celebration - either Sunday, May 30 at 11:00am or Sunday June 6 at 11:00am
All venues: Sacred Heart Church
Please note that First Communion preparation and celebration is offered to baptised and confirmed children who are in Year 4 or greater.
Children who have enrolled in our Parish Sacramental Program in previous years should not need to re-enrol. You should receive an email invitation in late March. If you are unsure, please email Cathy Anderson andersoncm@bne.catholic.net.au
CONFIRMATION
Last week the Parish Sacramental Team met with the parents, and some grandparents, of nearly 80 children who are preparing for Confirmation. These families are working through a program combining prayer, discussion and reflection around the core of our Catholic beliefs; the role and meaning of the sacraments and especially the power and action of the Holy Spirit.
These parents have accepted the important responsibility of teaching and sharing their faith as they guide the children through the videos and activities we have provided. We ask all parishioners to pray for these young people and their families at this time, that they may sense the care and support of their Catholic family here in Surfers Paradise Parish and, be emboldened by God’s Holy Spirit to live and share God’s good news with those they meet each day.
Bishop Ken Howell will confirm the children on the evening of Friday, March 12. There will be a second opportunity to celebrate Confirmation in October this year so if your family missed out on this first group, please go to the parish website and complete an online enrolment application to ensure that your child is included in the October group.
POPE FRANCIS - LENTEN MESSAGE 2021 -
“Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem” (Mt 20:18)
Lent: a Time for Renewing Faith, Hope and Love
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
Jesus revealed to his disciples the deepest meaning of his mission when he told them of his passion, death and resurrection, in fulfilment of the Father’s will. He then called the disciples to share in this mission for the salvation of the world.
In our Lenten journey towards Easter, let us remember the One who “humbled himself and became obedient unto death, even death on a cross” (Phil 2:8). During this season of conversion, let us renew our faith, draw from the “living water” of hope, and receive with open hearts the love of God, who makes us brothers and sisters in Christ. At the Easter vigil, we will renew our baptismal promises and experience rebirth as new men and women by the working of the Holy Spirit. This Lenten journey, like the entire pilgrimage of the Christian life, is even now illumined by the light of the resurrection, which inspires the thoughts, attitudes and decisions of the followers of Christ.
Fasting, prayer and almsgiving, as preached by Jesus (cf. Mt 6:1-18), enable and express our conversion. The path of poverty and self-denial (fasting), concern and loving care for the poor (almsgiving), and childlike dialogue with the Father (prayer) make it possible for us to live lives of sincere faith, living hope and effective charity.
Fasting, prayer and almsgiving, as preached by Jesus, enable and express our conversion.
1. Faith calls us to accept the truth and testify to it before God and all our brothers and sisters.
In this Lenten season, accepting and living the truth revealed in Christ means, first of all, opening our hearts to God’s word, which the Church passes on from generation to generation. This truth is not an abstract concept reserved for a chosen intelligent few. Instead, it is a message that all of us can receive and understand thanks to the wisdom of a heart open to the grandeur of God, who loves us even before we are aware of it. Christ himself is this truth. By taking on our humanity, even to its very limits, he has made himself the way – demanding, yet open to all – that leads to the fullness of life.
Fasting, experienced as a form of self-denial, helps those who undertake it in simplicity of heart to rediscover God’s gift and to recognize that, created in his image and likeness, we find our fulfilment in him. In embracing the experience of poverty, those who fast make themselves poor with the poor and accumulate the treasure of a love both received and shared. In this way, fasting helps us to love God and our neighbour, inasmuch as love, as Saint Thomas Aquinas teaches, is a movement outwards that focuses our attention on others and considers them as one with ourselves (cf. Fratelli Tutti, 93).
Fasting helps us to love God and our neighbour, inasmuch as love, as Saint Thomas Aquinas teaches, is a movement outwards that focuses our attention on others and considers them as one with ourselves.
Lent is a time for believing, for welcoming God into our lives and allowing him to “make his dwelling” among us (cf. Jn 14:23). Fasting involves being freed from all that weighs us down – like consumerism or an excess of information, whether true or false – in order to open the doors of our hearts to the One who comes to us, poor in all things, yet “full of grace and truth” (Jn 1:14): the Son of God our Saviour.
2. Hope as “living water” enables us to continue our journey.
The Samaritan woman at the well, whom Jesus asks for a drink, does not understand what he means when he says that he can offer her “living water” (Jn 4:10). Naturally, she thinks that he is referring to material water, but Jesus is speaking of the Holy Spirit whom he will give in abundance through the paschal mystery, bestowing a hope that does not disappoint. Jesus had already spoken of this hope when, in telling of his passion and death, he said that he would “be raised on the third day” (Mt 20:19). Jesus was speaking of the future opened up by the Father’s mercy. Hoping with him and because of him means believing that history does not end with our mistakes, our violence and injustice, or the sin that crucifies Love. It means receiving from his open heart the Father’s forgiveness.
In these times of trouble, when everything seems fragile and uncertain, it may appear challenging to speak of hope. Yet Lent is precisely the season of hope, when we turn back to God who patiently continues to care for his creation which we have often mistreated (cf. Laudato Si’, 32-33; 43-44). Saint Paul urges us to place our hope in reconciliation: “Be reconciled to God” (2 Cor 5:20). By receiving forgiveness in the sacrament that lies at the heart of our process of conversion, we in turn can spread forgiveness to others. Having received forgiveness ourselves, we can offer it through our willingness to enter into attentive dialogue with others and to give comfort to those experiencing sorrow and pain. God’s forgiveness, offered also through our words and actions, enables us to experience an Easter of fraternity.
God’s forgiveness, offered also through our words and actions, enables us to experience an Easter of fraternity.
In Lent, may we be increasingly concerned with “speaking words of comfort, strength, consolation and encouragement, and not words that demean, sadden, anger or show scorn” (Fratelli Tutti, 223). In order to give hope to others, it is sometimes enough simply to be kind, to be “willing to set everything else aside in order to show interest, to give the gift of a smile, to speak a word of encouragement, to listen amid general indifference” (ibid., 224).
Through recollection and silent prayer, hope is given to us as inspiration and interior light, illuminating the challenges and choices we face in our mission. Hence the need to pray (cf. Mt 6:6) and, in secret, to encounter the Father of tender love.
To experience Lent in hope entails growing in the realization that, in Jesus Christ, we are witnesses of new times, in which God is “making all things new” (cf. Rev 21:1-6). It means receiving the hope of Christ, who gave his life on the cross and was raised by God on the third day, and always being “prepared to make a defense to anyone who calls [us] to account for the hope that is in [us]” (1 Pet 3:15).
In order to give hope to others, it is sometimes enough simply to be kind.
3. Love, following in the footsteps of Christ, in concern and compassion for all, is the highest expression of our faith and hope.
Love rejoices in seeing others grow. Hence it suffers when others are anguished, lonely, sick, homeless, despised or in need. Love is a leap of the heart; it brings us out of ourselves and creates bonds of sharing and communion.
“‘Social love’ makes it possible to advance towards a civilization of love, to which all of us can feel called. With its impulse to universality, love is capable of building a new world. No mere sentiment, it is the best means of discovering effective paths of development for everyone” (Fratelli Tutti, 183).
Love is a gift that gives meaning to our lives. It enables us to view those in need as members of our own family, as friends, brothers or sisters. A small amount, if given with love, never ends, but becomes a source of life and happiness. Such was the case with the jar of meal and jug of oil of the widow of Zarephath, who offered a cake of bread to the prophet Elijah (cf. 1 Kings 17:7-16); it was also the case with the loaves blessed, broken and given by Jesus to the disciples to distribute to the crowd (cf. Mk 6:30-44). Such is the case too with our almsgiving, whether small or large, when offered with joy and simplicity.
Love rejoices in seeing others grow. Hence it suffers when others are anguished, lonely, sick, homeless, despised or in need.
To experience Lent with love means caring for those who suffer or feel abandoned and fearful because of the Covid-19 pandemic. In these days of deep uncertainty about the future, let us keep in mind the Lord’s word to his Servant, “Fear not, for I have redeemed you” (Is 43:1). In our charity, may we speak words of reassurance and help others to realize that God loves them as sons and daughters.
“Only a gaze transformed by charity can enable the dignity of others to be recognized and, as a consequence, the poor to be acknowledged and valued in their dignity, respected in their identity and culture, and thus truly integrated into society” (Fratelli Tutti, 187).
Dear brothers and sisters, every moment of our lives is a time for believing, hoping and loving. The call to experience Lent as a journey of conversion, prayer and sharing of our goods, helps us – as communities and as individuals – to revive the faith that comes from the living Christ, the hope inspired by the breath of the Holy Spirit and the love flowing from the merciful heart of the Father.
May Mary, Mother of the Saviour, ever faithful at the foot of the cross and in the heart of the Church, sustain us with her loving presence. May the blessing of the risen Lord accompany all of us on our journey towards the light of Easter.
Rome, Saint John Lateran, 11 November 2020, the Memorial of Saint Martin of Tours
Source: https://www.americamagazine.org/faith/2021/02/12/pope-francis-lent-2021-message-240008
iMAGE Photo by Nacho Arteaga on Unsplash
FAITH AND WORSHIP SPOT - Don’t call it “First Eucharist” - Because it is not!
Image shutterstock licensed. ID: 1102835111. Holy communion received within the celebration of Eucharist. By Cavee.
I am not sure when it started creeping into everyday usage, but there is a phrase that drives me crazy when it comes to Catholic liturgy.
At one point it was seemingly being used everywhere. Fortunately it is steadily declining again.
It even occasionally crept into the official diocesan sacramental policy documents, but it has crept out again just as quietly, thank goodness!
What is this phrase that can turn an earnest priest into a raving lunatic?
It is this: “The children are soon going to prepare to celebrate their First Eucharist.”
No they are not!
They are soon going to begin preparing, (after Easter), for the celebration of their “First Holy Communion.”
We used to call it First Holy Communion, and that was correct and it is still correct today.
It is actually easy to see where the confusion crept in. As we know, there are seven sacraments in the Catholic Church - Baptism (which is the entry-point into the life of Christ and his Church- and the sacrament from which all other sacraments flow), then the sacraments of Confirmation, Penance, Eucharist, Matrimony, Holy Orders, Anointing of the Sick. They are indeed the names of the seven sacraments.
Some sacraments are once and only, such as Baptism and Confirmation. Others can be repeated often and are encouraged to be celebrated often - Eucharist and Penance.
Other sacraments happen usually once, and occasionally more in certain circumstances - Holy Orders (ordination - man can be ordained a Priest and later ordained a Bishop). Another sacrament which is often just once but could be celebrated again, for example if a person who has been widowed and then were to re-marry they could celebrate Matrimony again.
Anointing of the sick can be conducted any time a person’s health is seriously affected, and this can be repeated if the person’s health further declines. It ought not be left until the last moment but the time for anointing has arrived if a person’s health is seriously affected or due to advanced age or frailty, one’s health is declining notably.
So, whilst it is true that the Sacrament of Eucharist is correctly called Eucharist, children preparing to make their First Holy Communion are very likely not preparing to celebrate their first Eucharist. This might seem like quibbling about words, but within these words is a rich significance that must not be lost.
Most children have participated in many celebrations of the Eucharist at different times of their lives prior to their communion day. Whether it is attending mass on Sundays with their families, or participating in a school mass, or being a valued part of a celebration of a wedding mass or a funeral mass, or a Mass where there is a baptism etc, everyone present is participating in the celebration of Eucharist, even if they are not receiving holy communion. If they are part of any Mass and participating as best they can in that celebration they are celebrating in the sacrament of Eucharist. To suggest that someone is not participating or celebrating in Eucharist because they have simply not received communion is patently incorrect.
Also, as we have known all-too-well over the last year, when Masses were limited or even restricted from having public participation, people still joined in and participated in the celebration of eucharist in any way that they could, whether it be from home or by praying at the same time as a mass was being offered, or following a live-stream of the Eucharist or listening to Mass on the podcast.
Whilst it was obviously true that those who were not physically present at the celebration were not physically receiving holy communion, they were participating in the way that they could and were even receiving what is known as “spiritual communion” where we pray quietly a prayer like this:
“My Jesus, I believe that You are present in the Most Holy Sacrament. I love You above all things, and I desire to receive You into my soul. Since I cannot at this moment receive You sacramentally, come at least spiritually into my heart. I embrace You as if You were already there, and unite myself wholly to You. Never permit me to be separated from You. Amen.”
This is powerful and beautiful, and many people have prayed this prayer of spiritual communion, and continue to pray this all around the country and the world. People pray this because they are unable to come to mass due to distance or other inability, and others cannot attend due to ill health or advanced age. Others , who are present at a Mass, may not all receive communion, such as those who have not yet made their Holy Communion. These people are spiritually participating in the Eucharist until they are ready to fully receive communion, and so many more reasons. For all who have made their First Holy communion, they are encouraged to participate in Eucharist often and receive Holy Communion regularly.
However, if for some reason a person does not receive communion at a particular mass or masses, they are still a welcome member of the community and are participating as fully as they can . This is why we invite those who have not made their First Communion yet, to still come forward in the communion line and with a sing of the hands in a cross over the chest, this signals that they wish a blessing prayer and shows they are participating spiritually in the celebration of Eucharist.
Anyway, this shows why it is really quite a mistake to talk about people making their “First Eucharist.” Eucharist is the whole act of gathering, listening to God’s word, offering prayers, praise and petition, participating prayerfully and in response to the eucharistic prayer presided by the priest, and being fully, consciously and actively involved in the celebration, and worshipping Christ present in his Word and in the Sacrament of the Eucharist, and of course for those who can , receiving holy Communion. Communion is one part, (a really sacred and special part), of the whole larger action which is all the Eucharist.
So, we participate in the celebration of the Eucharist, in which we may, either physically or spiritually, receive communion, and amongst us are children and adults who are preparing to celebrate their first communion.
One’s “first Eucharist” would be way back when one first attended and participated in any way, in a celebration of the Mass, or Eucharist.
Fr Paul
THE GOSPEL THIS WEEKEND - ABRAHAM AND HIS FAITH JOURNEY
The story of Abraham being asked to deliberately sacrifice someone he loved, (more than his own life), is really horrifying. It is really important to keep in mind that it is, after all, God who is the one stopping the hand of Abraham. In fact, this incident is a foretaste of what God alone proposes to do to save humanity - For out of astounding love and faithfulness to us who were not worthy, God the father did not even spare his only son (Jesus) –in order to save everyone… Because God’s love is so profound that he is willing to sacrifice himself in love, in order to save us all. (And it is the Father and the Son united who willingly sacrifice so much for us. God spares nothing and goes to the ultimate length to share complete solidarity with us.
In life and death, in joy and devastation, God gives us everything he has. God holds nothing back. It is impossible to truly understand the depths of this unmerited love and commitment that God has given to us.
This Sunday we hear of Abraham and of the Transfiguration story. Despite its vividness, the drama and even the horror of Isaac’s near-sacrifice - the main point of this passage… shown in such stark, unavoidable clarity…… - is that Abraham’s faith in God is utterly complete. Abraham, in his journey of faith, has learnt utter trust in God’s promises. Abraham and Isaac’s unswerving obedience to God, and trust in God’s faithfulness… (and particularly trust that God will provide), is a foreshadowing of the absolute generosity, faithfulness, sacrifice and love that God the Father, and the Son show for the world…
Abraham and his sacrifice is a proto-type for Christ’s death for us on the cross.. the comparisons are deep. Abrahams beloved son even carries the wood of his own sacrifice.. Jesus carries the wood of his own cross for his sacrifice. A Ram is found caught in thorns, and replaced Isaac as the sacrifice… Jesus is crowned with thorns.. ….Abraham goes to mount Moriah for the sacrifice…… this place would later be known as the city of Jerusalem… Our Lord offers his life in Jerusalem. and so on.. Only God would give up so much out of love, to save us.
Peter, James, and John also find deeper faith on the mountain: They see Jesus as he truly is, in his full glory. These scenes give us a taste of Easter glory to come and challenge us to believe that Jesus is truly and completely everything he says he is.
Even the disciples didn’t always or fully see Jesus clearly, and this is so, even though they had the singular benefit of being with him all the time. (Did they become so familiar with them, that they occasionally stopped seeing him… stopped learning from him…. and took him for granted, or projected onto him their expectations (or even lack of expectations at times), instead of being open to what he truly was offering.
Abraham, too, misunderstood the God he followed for such a long time.
In lent, let us take some time to try and see Jesus more clearly. Let us not allow familiarity obscure his glory and his challenging message.
We all need a transfiguration of our image of God once in a while to ensure we see God more clearly. May this season of Lent ensure that we are not fashioning God according to our convenience, or according to our own image and likeness…..but rather encountering God in Jesus in the fullness of his radical message.
We are invited to make Jesus the complete centre of all of our faith.
Jesus is the Son of God, the Son of the Father. Jesus gives meaning to every aspect of our life. Jesus invites us to share his relationship with His Father.
Can we, like Abraham, put our complete and utter trust in God. Trust God even when we don’t understand the meaning of what might be happening to us at any different moment of our lives. Will we trust utterly in Christ and be humble and completely obedient to his vision.
Lent is about removing obstacles to our faith but also about choosing to let Jesus be the meaning of our lives. Let us walk in the light of the Lord.
And, (Just as Jesus is transfigured), may we be changed.
Fr. Paul Kelly.
To listen to the whole Sunday Mass each week (including homily) from Surfers Paradise Catholic Parish, please visit this link: Liturgy for you at Home (by SPCP) - https://soundcloud.com/user-633212303/tracks
REFERENCES: Fr Paul W. Kelly, Pitre, Brant/ Bergsma, John. (2018). A Catholic Introduction to the Bible: The Old Testament: Vol 1. San Francisco, California. Ignatius Press; Life Application Study Bible Large Print. 2007. Carol Stream, Ill.: Tyndale House Publishers; also, Abbot’s Homily, Monastery of Christ in the Desert; Prepare the Word resourcesl}
Image Credit: Image Credit: Shutterstock Licensed. ID: 1344423617. Tiberias, Israel - 4/7/2015: Mount Tabor in the Lower Galilee region of Northern Israel, Jezreel Valley, Afula, Tiberias, Israel. The Church of the Transfiguration and the Franciscan Monaster. By Tomanovic Violeta
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 March) 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 Thank you for your cooperation at this time.
St Paul Fortnightly on a Tuesday
ALL WELCOME. Our next session will be on Tuesday the 2nd March at 6pm in the Parish Hospitality Room.
If you would like to participate in this please let Robyn know on 0409 486 326. This is a great opportunity for us to reflect, discuss, share and enrich our faith and relationship with Christ.
Catechumens
Spencer Brocklebank and his two children - Levi and Victoria
Tristan Mann and his three children - Jack, Nathaniel & Sienna
James Cannon Christina Pera Vala Ralulu Carla Ten Cate
Candidates
Tom Blackhurst Damien Ives Brady McFadden Leon Mostert Christine Taylor
Chenelle Butler, Colin Butler and their two children - Harper and Austin
Prayers needed for our Catechumens and Candidates journeying to Easter for Baptism, Reception into the Catholic Church, Confirmation and First Holy Communion. This Sunday we will be travelling to St Stephen’s Cathedral in Brisbane for the Rite of Election. This ritual is formerly known as the Rite of Election of Catechumens and the Call to Continuing Conversion of Candidates who are preparing Reception into Full Communion of the Catholic Church. Blessings on your day and pray for us during this important step of the journey.
PARISH FINANCIAL SUPPORT
Your support is needed to help our Parish to continue valuable pastoral activities and to provide ongoing sustainability. To assist you to support the Parish, you can give via http://parishgiving.brisbanecatholic.org.au
If you are able to continue to support us, we would be most grateful. For all those who have been making payments via credit card and those who have donated directly into the parish account, we thank you. The spirit of generosity is alive in our Parish. If you would like confirmation of your donation or a receipt emailed to you please contact me at man.surfers@bne.catholic.net.au or, please ring the parish office between 9am and 12 noon Mon-Fri. Ph: 5572 5433.
BANKING DETAILS FOR THE PARISH HAVE CHANGED
As of February 1st 2021 the Archdiocesan Development Fund (ADF) have announced to all the Parishes in the Archdiocese that they have upgraded their electronic banking numbers.
As a result all current parish banking details have changed. We must start making these changes immediately as we only have until the end of February to get all those who donate to the parish electronically to make the change.
If you are making a donation to the parish via Net Banking, paying for a sacrament (baptism, wedding, sacramental program), making an instalment for the Columbarium, or paying an invoice via Net Banking please use the parish account.
Parish BSB: 064-786 Account: 100000421
If you wish to make a planned giving donation via Net Banking please use Planned Giving Direct Debit account.
Planned Giving Direct Debit BSB: 064-786 Account: 100013666
If you use the parish App or have a Direct Debit established as a periodic payment you don’t have to do anything as the ADF have made the necessary changes internally and the parish will continue to benefit from your kind generosity. If you would like clarification about your particular situation please call the parish Monday to Friday between 9am and 12noon.
LAY CARMELITE MEETING
The monthly formation meetings of the Gold Coast Lay Carmelites & Friends will be held at the Surfers Paradise Morris Prayer Room at 10.30 am on Sunday 28th February, 2021. Visitors and enquires are most welcome. Please contact Norm Harding 0402 155 576 (normharding80@gmail.com)
DOMESTIC & FAMILY VIOLENCE AWARENESS: Zoom Workshops
Joint Churches Domestic Violence Prevention Project (JCDVPP) are offering three free workshops via Zoom.
Session 2, 4th March: DFV A Personal Story. Responding to DFV.
Session 3, 11th March: Theology and DFV. Expert Q&A Panel.
Sessions will run from 7pm-8:30pm. Enquires: admin@qct.org.au or phone 07 33696792.
Registration Here
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
LENT 2021 WITH BRUCE DOWNES THE CATHOLIC GUY
Be inspired, Be refreshed, Be renewed!
Come on a 40 day journey with me and I know this will be a powerful and prayerful Lenten journey together. Receive a short inspiring video each day during Lent. This program is FREE and you can sign up here: https://BruceDownes.org/Lent
Call 1300 734 880 for more info.
ARCHDIOCESE OF BRISBANE- Positions Vacant
Position Vacant – Administration Assistant / EA Support
Applications are open for the above full-time 37.5 hour positions. The Archbishop’s Office is currently seeking three applicants to fill these positions.
For additional information, please visit the Archdiocese of Brisbane website https://brisbanecatholic.org.au/ and to careers.
CATHOLIC LEADER NEWSPAPER PRINT EDITION
The Catholic Leader is now a monthly paper. The same edition is available in the church for the month until sold out.
https://catholicleader.com.au/subscribe And: https://catholicleader.com.au/
Changes at a glance: The Catholic Leader will be printed monthly and due to the associated costs of producing the newspaper, the cover price has been increased to $4 per copy. Next edition March 7th
YOGA AT THE PARISH HOSPITALITY CENTRE
Come join us for our friendly class in the Parish Hospitality Centre next to the Parish Office. Classes run every Tuesday at 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.
NEW PRIMARY SCHOOL OPENING WITHIN THE PARISH - AT MERRIMAC (2022)
Please fill out this form if to ensure your contact details are up to date with the Parish: SPP - 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’ to receive the newsletter in your inbox.
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/
IN OUR HEARTS AND PRAYERS AT THIS TIME.
FOR THOSE WHO ARE SICK: Lois and Doug Wood, Judy Dempsey (Wagga), Sam Maxwell, William Franklin, Gerry Stoffels (Capetown, SA), Maria Mihalic, Margaret Dawes, Bill Gilmore, Annie Scicluna, Anne Logan, Dymphna Hogg, Elaine Cotter, Margaret Thompson, 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: Marco Robertson, Hans Wagner, Jabour Haddad, Antonija Saceric, Fr Patrick Dowd, Peter Baker, Joan Geard, Julieann Miller, Valma Elaine Brew, Etiene Barbeau SA., Peter Kennedy, Kenneth “Ken” John Maccheroni.
ANNIVERSARY OF DEATH: Patricia (Pat) Moore, Ivy Gladys Yow, Kenneth Mason, William John (Bill) Kelly, George Schreiber, Margaret Mary Miller, Michael Anthony Geoghegan, Monique Mary Felsman, Malcolm Leslie (Mal) Flannery, Francis Vernon Maunder.
Readings for Third Sunday of Lent. Year B
FIRST READING: Exod 20:1-17
Psalm: Ps 19:8, 9, 10, 11 “Lord, you have the words of everlasting life.”
SECOND READING: 1 Cor 1:22-25
Gospel Acclamation: (John 3:16) Glory and Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ. God loved the world so much, he gave his only Son. That all who believe in him might have eternal life.
GOSPEL: John 2:13-25
“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.
PDF version of this parish newsletter here:
“And he was transfigured before them, and his clothes became dazzling white…. And there appeared to them Elijah with Moses, who were talking with Jesus.” (Mark 9:2-4)
(Shutterstock licensed image ID: 1901199517- the transfiguration of Jesus on the mountain and the apostles . By mossolainen nikolai).
THE PASTOR’S POST: Some Dad Lessons
I’m wise enough to know that I’m not the wisest person I know. So I am always on the lookout for people who can share their experience of situations that I am unqualified to comment on. One of the most complex, and yet most important relationships is between a father and a son, particularly in recent times when social commentators have shaken up what we might call the “traditional roles” of men and suggested a range of new, sometimes conflicting ways, that they might express their masculinity in less constricted ways.
A truly wise and experienced man whose insights I have admired for a long time is Brother Damien Price. A Christian Brother who, for many years was the Dean of Mission at St. Joseph’s College, Gregory Terrace. Each week Damien wrote an observation piece for the college newsletter which seemed to have more effect on the parents than it did on their sons. These newsletters were eventually compiled in a book called ‘The Worth of the Ordinary – Stories for Your Journey’. This week I thought it would be worthwhile to share with you the insights of this very experienced sage as he shared his thoughts on the father/son relationship. He suggested the following, and was not prescriptive about what age the son should be:
Have fun together –find out what your son likes to do and do it with him. This should be done early before he finds out it is too uncool to have dad right there beside him.
Develop the ancient art of being there but not being there – somehow you are to be at every game, every debate, every performance, but still not be there.
In subtle ways tell the story of how and where you met Mum, of the girls you dated, the adventures and the disasters of your youth, and know that as you do, you will cop your fair share of “Oh no, not that story again’, but he will inwardly love it.
Be the king of ‘nudge, nudge, wink, wink – that knowing looking between father and son as the phone runs hot in adolescence and the warfare of negotiations about parties begins – be firm, fair and friendly.
Trust him, knowing that everyone has made big mistakes at some time, but he must learn that the best trust is that which is earned.
Don’t try to be superman. It’s not just okay to be fallible- it’s essential not to be perfect, because a perfect father is too hard to live up to.
Don’t confuse the issue with the person. Often the rebellion and the ‘why’ have little to do with the topic you are discussing.
In all of the above the key is to be there. It may seem like a waste of time, but it never, never is. Be the king of unconditional love. Ensure that he knows the door is always open.
Fr Peter Dillon PP.
HAVE YOU VISITED OUR NEW LOOK WEBSITE
We are excited to reveal that Surfers Paradise Parish has been working to rejuvenate the look of our website. It is now live! You can visit the site at www.surfersparadiseparish.com.au to explore the fresh look.
Thank You, from the Kennedy Family
Thank You to Father Paul, Christeen Harth & parishioners that attend 7am Mass at Stella Maris, and all who helped celebrate Peter Kennedy’s life in rosary & mass. Your support has been much appreciated.
Kind regards Marianne Kennedy & Family.
ADORATION OF THE BLESSED SACRAMENT
Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament will be held this First Friday 5th March at Sacred Heart Church from 7pm to 8.30pm. All welcome. Enquiries: Jim 0424381069 or Helen 0421935678.
FIRST SATURDAY OF THE MONTH MASS
Our First Saturday of the month Mass will be on again on Saturday the 6th March at 9 am Sacred Heart Church. Bookings essential.
(Due to Holy Week and Easter, there will not be a First Saturday Mass in April).
STEWARDSHIP REFLECTION
“’Here I am!’ he answered.”- Genesis 22:11
It is easy to say, “Here I am, Lord,” when we are kneeling in church. But how easy is it to say “Here I am, Lord,” when a neighbor needs our help, when we are invited to join a parish ministry, or when we are asked to provide financial support? Oftentimes we are called when it’s not convenient for us. Discipleship is not always easy, most of the time it will make us uncomfortable and vulnerable.
The vision of Stewardship speaks in every aspect of life, inviting everyone to be thankful, generous and accountable for what each has been given.
ST KEVIN'S PRIMARY SCHOOL - Day of Discovery
Don’t miss this opportunity!
PARISH MISSION
15th- 17th MARCH
Facilitated By Rev Dr Richard Leonard SJ
WHAT DOES IT ALL MEAN?
LIVING A CONTEMPORARY CATHOLIC LIFE OF FAITH, HOPE & LOVE.
Monday 15th March
“Going out to the world: we need all the help we can get”
Tuesday 16th March
“Nine steps to making better choices for my life”
Wednesday 17th March
“Where the Hell is God? Holding to Faith through the Tough Times.”
SESSION TIMES
Morning Sessions 9.30am – 10.45am (immediately after the daily 9am Mass)
Evening Sessions 7.00pm - 8.15pm (this is a repeat of the morning session)
PLACE SACRED HEART CHURCH, 50 Fairway Drive, Clear Island Waters
WEEKEND MASSES: Fr Richard will preside and preach at all Masses at Sacred Heart Church on the 13th and 14th of March.
BOOKINGS for the Parish mission
Weekday Sessions, (15-17th March) book now via the Parish Bookeo system
Book here: https://bookeo.com/catholicmassgoldcoast?type=232MJJNKU17751567E7A
A Time Of Grace - All Welcome
For Lent
Project Compassion
Second Sunday of Lent - 28th of February 2021
Margret, 39, is a teacher at a vocational school for deaf students in the Solomon Islands. She was born deaf, so she knows the challenges it poses to education and employment.
The school faced water shortages that often left staff and students without safe water for drinking, cooking, washing and growing vegetables.
Then Tropical Cyclone Harold damaged the school and its vegetable garden as the threat of COVID-19 loomed. With Caritas Australia’s support, the school installed water tanks, provided cyclone-proof building materials, and helped to implement COVID-19 prevention measures.
Margaret's school now has enough water for its students and the capacity to cater for more, and is now planning to boost food security through increased agricultural production.
Please donate to Project Compassion 2021 and help people living with disabilities in the Solomon Islands gain access to education and clean water, empowering them with skills to protect our common home.
You can donate through Parish boxes and envelopes, by visiting www.caritas.org.au/projectcompassion or phoning 1800 024 413.
LENTEN AND EASTER ONLINE PROGRAM FOR 2021
The suppliers of this excellent resource have sold out, due to unprecedented demand.
However, you can sign up for a daily reflection from Evangelisation Brisbane which is drawn from this same book.
If you wish to receive the weekday reflections by email please subscribe to the above link.
SURFERS PARADISE PARISH SACRAMENTAL PROGRAM FOR CHILDREN
Where to begin …
Please complete an online Sacramental Enrolment Application by going to www.surfersparadiseparish.com.au
and then use the drop down menu under Sacraments.
If you are seeking Baptism for your child, click on the website heading Baptism (under Sacraments), read the explanation of the sacrament and then scroll down to and click on BAPTISM ENROLMENT FORM (in the blue box). Complete the form and click on submit.
If your child has been baptised and you wish them to continue their journey of initiation by the celebration and receiving of further sacraments, click on Confirmation (under Sacraments), read the explanation of the sacrament and then scroll down to and click on CHILDREN’S SACRAMENTAL PROGRAM APPLICATION FORM (in the blue box). Complete the form and click on submit.
Once you have submitted the form, you should receive an automated response to indicate that your application has been received by the parish team. The timing of a more personalised response to your application will vary depending on the sacrament for which you wish to prepare.
Baptism requests will be responded to fairly quickly as baptisms occur weekly and bookings are quite heavy and consistent throughout the year - What a blessing!
The timing of responses to Confirmation, First Communion and Reconciliation requests vary according to the time of year. As the children prepare for these sacraments in groups, our Sacramental Coordinator will use the information provided on the completed online forms to email parents approximately two months prior to the celebration of the sacrament. If you feel that you enrolled some time ago and you have not received sufficient information through our parish or school newsletters, please email Cathy Anderson andersoncm@bne.catholic.net.au
FIRST COMMUNION PREPARATION IS NOT FAR AWAY
Dates for First Communion 2021, Surfers Paradise Parish:
Parent Meeting - either April 20 or April 21
Practice Meeting - either May 25 or June 3
First Communion Celebration - either Sunday, May 30 at 11:00am or Sunday June 6 at 11:00am
All venues: Sacred Heart Church
Please note that First Communion preparation and celebration is offered to baptised and confirmed children who are in Year 4 or greater.
Children who have enrolled in our Parish Sacramental Program in previous years should not need to re-enrol. You should receive an email invitation in late March. If you are unsure, please email Cathy Anderson andersoncm@bne.catholic.net.au
CONFIRMATION
Last week the Parish Sacramental Team met with the parents, and some grandparents, of nearly 80 children who are preparing for Confirmation. These families are working through a program combining prayer, discussion and reflection around the core of our Catholic beliefs; the role and meaning of the sacraments and especially the power and action of the Holy Spirit.
These parents have accepted the important responsibility of teaching and sharing their faith as they guide the children through the videos and activities we have provided. We ask all parishioners to pray for these young people and their families at this time, that they may sense the care and support of their Catholic family here in Surfers Paradise Parish and, be emboldened by God’s Holy Spirit to live and share God’s good news with those they meet each day.
Bishop Ken Howell will confirm the children on the evening of Friday, March 12. There will be a second opportunity to celebrate Confirmation in October this year so if your family missed out on this first group, please go to the parish website and complete an online enrolment application to ensure that your child is included in the October group.
POPE FRANCIS - LENTEN MESSAGE 2021 -
“Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem” (Mt 20:18)
Lent: a Time for Renewing Faith, Hope and Love
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
Jesus revealed to his disciples the deepest meaning of his mission when he told them of his passion, death and resurrection, in fulfilment of the Father’s will. He then called the disciples to share in this mission for the salvation of the world.
In our Lenten journey towards Easter, let us remember the One who “humbled himself and became obedient unto death, even death on a cross” (Phil 2:8). During this season of conversion, let us renew our faith, draw from the “living water” of hope, and receive with open hearts the love of God, who makes us brothers and sisters in Christ. At the Easter vigil, we will renew our baptismal promises and experience rebirth as new men and women by the working of the Holy Spirit. This Lenten journey, like the entire pilgrimage of the Christian life, is even now illumined by the light of the resurrection, which inspires the thoughts, attitudes and decisions of the followers of Christ.
Fasting, prayer and almsgiving, as preached by Jesus (cf. Mt 6:1-18), enable and express our conversion. The path of poverty and self-denial (fasting), concern and loving care for the poor (almsgiving), and childlike dialogue with the Father (prayer) make it possible for us to live lives of sincere faith, living hope and effective charity.
Fasting, prayer and almsgiving, as preached by Jesus, enable and express our conversion.
1. Faith calls us to accept the truth and testify to it before God and all our brothers and sisters.
In this Lenten season, accepting and living the truth revealed in Christ means, first of all, opening our hearts to God’s word, which the Church passes on from generation to generation. This truth is not an abstract concept reserved for a chosen intelligent few. Instead, it is a message that all of us can receive and understand thanks to the wisdom of a heart open to the grandeur of God, who loves us even before we are aware of it. Christ himself is this truth. By taking on our humanity, even to its very limits, he has made himself the way – demanding, yet open to all – that leads to the fullness of life.
Fasting, experienced as a form of self-denial, helps those who undertake it in simplicity of heart to rediscover God’s gift and to recognize that, created in his image and likeness, we find our fulfilment in him. In embracing the experience of poverty, those who fast make themselves poor with the poor and accumulate the treasure of a love both received and shared. In this way, fasting helps us to love God and our neighbour, inasmuch as love, as Saint Thomas Aquinas teaches, is a movement outwards that focuses our attention on others and considers them as one with ourselves (cf. Fratelli Tutti, 93).
Fasting helps us to love God and our neighbour, inasmuch as love, as Saint Thomas Aquinas teaches, is a movement outwards that focuses our attention on others and considers them as one with ourselves.
Lent is a time for believing, for welcoming God into our lives and allowing him to “make his dwelling” among us (cf. Jn 14:23). Fasting involves being freed from all that weighs us down – like consumerism or an excess of information, whether true or false – in order to open the doors of our hearts to the One who comes to us, poor in all things, yet “full of grace and truth” (Jn 1:14): the Son of God our Saviour.
2. Hope as “living water” enables us to continue our journey.
The Samaritan woman at the well, whom Jesus asks for a drink, does not understand what he means when he says that he can offer her “living water” (Jn 4:10). Naturally, she thinks that he is referring to material water, but Jesus is speaking of the Holy Spirit whom he will give in abundance through the paschal mystery, bestowing a hope that does not disappoint. Jesus had already spoken of this hope when, in telling of his passion and death, he said that he would “be raised on the third day” (Mt 20:19). Jesus was speaking of the future opened up by the Father’s mercy. Hoping with him and because of him means believing that history does not end with our mistakes, our violence and injustice, or the sin that crucifies Love. It means receiving from his open heart the Father’s forgiveness.
In these times of trouble, when everything seems fragile and uncertain, it may appear challenging to speak of hope. Yet Lent is precisely the season of hope, when we turn back to God who patiently continues to care for his creation which we have often mistreated (cf. Laudato Si’, 32-33; 43-44). Saint Paul urges us to place our hope in reconciliation: “Be reconciled to God” (2 Cor 5:20). By receiving forgiveness in the sacrament that lies at the heart of our process of conversion, we in turn can spread forgiveness to others. Having received forgiveness ourselves, we can offer it through our willingness to enter into attentive dialogue with others and to give comfort to those experiencing sorrow and pain. God’s forgiveness, offered also through our words and actions, enables us to experience an Easter of fraternity.
God’s forgiveness, offered also through our words and actions, enables us to experience an Easter of fraternity.
In Lent, may we be increasingly concerned with “speaking words of comfort, strength, consolation and encouragement, and not words that demean, sadden, anger or show scorn” (Fratelli Tutti, 223). In order to give hope to others, it is sometimes enough simply to be kind, to be “willing to set everything else aside in order to show interest, to give the gift of a smile, to speak a word of encouragement, to listen amid general indifference” (ibid., 224).
Through recollection and silent prayer, hope is given to us as inspiration and interior light, illuminating the challenges and choices we face in our mission. Hence the need to pray (cf. Mt 6:6) and, in secret, to encounter the Father of tender love.
To experience Lent in hope entails growing in the realization that, in Jesus Christ, we are witnesses of new times, in which God is “making all things new” (cf. Rev 21:1-6). It means receiving the hope of Christ, who gave his life on the cross and was raised by God on the third day, and always being “prepared to make a defense to anyone who calls [us] to account for the hope that is in [us]” (1 Pet 3:15).
In order to give hope to others, it is sometimes enough simply to be kind.
3. Love, following in the footsteps of Christ, in concern and compassion for all, is the highest expression of our faith and hope.
Love rejoices in seeing others grow. Hence it suffers when others are anguished, lonely, sick, homeless, despised or in need. Love is a leap of the heart; it brings us out of ourselves and creates bonds of sharing and communion.
“‘Social love’ makes it possible to advance towards a civilization of love, to which all of us can feel called. With its impulse to universality, love is capable of building a new world. No mere sentiment, it is the best means of discovering effective paths of development for everyone” (Fratelli Tutti, 183).
Love is a gift that gives meaning to our lives. It enables us to view those in need as members of our own family, as friends, brothers or sisters. A small amount, if given with love, never ends, but becomes a source of life and happiness. Such was the case with the jar of meal and jug of oil of the widow of Zarephath, who offered a cake of bread to the prophet Elijah (cf. 1 Kings 17:7-16); it was also the case with the loaves blessed, broken and given by Jesus to the disciples to distribute to the crowd (cf. Mk 6:30-44). Such is the case too with our almsgiving, whether small or large, when offered with joy and simplicity.
Love rejoices in seeing others grow. Hence it suffers when others are anguished, lonely, sick, homeless, despised or in need.
To experience Lent with love means caring for those who suffer or feel abandoned and fearful because of the Covid-19 pandemic. In these days of deep uncertainty about the future, let us keep in mind the Lord’s word to his Servant, “Fear not, for I have redeemed you” (Is 43:1). In our charity, may we speak words of reassurance and help others to realize that God loves them as sons and daughters.
“Only a gaze transformed by charity can enable the dignity of others to be recognized and, as a consequence, the poor to be acknowledged and valued in their dignity, respected in their identity and culture, and thus truly integrated into society” (Fratelli Tutti, 187).
Dear brothers and sisters, every moment of our lives is a time for believing, hoping and loving. The call to experience Lent as a journey of conversion, prayer and sharing of our goods, helps us – as communities and as individuals – to revive the faith that comes from the living Christ, the hope inspired by the breath of the Holy Spirit and the love flowing from the merciful heart of the Father.
May Mary, Mother of the Saviour, ever faithful at the foot of the cross and in the heart of the Church, sustain us with her loving presence. May the blessing of the risen Lord accompany all of us on our journey towards the light of Easter.
Rome, Saint John Lateran, 11 November 2020, the Memorial of Saint Martin of Tours
Source: https://www.americamagazine.org/faith/2021/02/12/pope-francis-lent-2021-message-240008
iMAGE Photo by Nacho Arteaga on Unsplash
FAITH AND WORSHIP SPOT - Don’t call it “First Eucharist” - Because it is not!
Image shutterstock licensed. ID: 1102835111. Holy communion received within the celebration of Eucharist. By Cavee.
I am not sure when it started creeping into everyday usage, but there is a phrase that drives me crazy when it comes to Catholic liturgy.
At one point it was seemingly being used everywhere. Fortunately it is steadily declining again.
It even occasionally crept into the official diocesan sacramental policy documents, but it has crept out again just as quietly, thank goodness!
What is this phrase that can turn an earnest priest into a raving lunatic?
It is this: “The children are soon going to prepare to celebrate their First Eucharist.”
No they are not!
They are soon going to begin preparing, (after Easter), for the celebration of their “First Holy Communion.”
We used to call it First Holy Communion, and that was correct and it is still correct today.
It is actually easy to see where the confusion crept in. As we know, there are seven sacraments in the Catholic Church - Baptism (which is the entry-point into the life of Christ and his Church- and the sacrament from which all other sacraments flow), then the sacraments of Confirmation, Penance, Eucharist, Matrimony, Holy Orders, Anointing of the Sick. They are indeed the names of the seven sacraments.
Some sacraments are once and only, such as Baptism and Confirmation. Others can be repeated often and are encouraged to be celebrated often - Eucharist and Penance.
Other sacraments happen usually once, and occasionally more in certain circumstances - Holy Orders (ordination - man can be ordained a Priest and later ordained a Bishop). Another sacrament which is often just once but could be celebrated again, for example if a person who has been widowed and then were to re-marry they could celebrate Matrimony again.
Anointing of the sick can be conducted any time a person’s health is seriously affected, and this can be repeated if the person’s health further declines. It ought not be left until the last moment but the time for anointing has arrived if a person’s health is seriously affected or due to advanced age or frailty, one’s health is declining notably.
So, whilst it is true that the Sacrament of Eucharist is correctly called Eucharist, children preparing to make their First Holy Communion are very likely not preparing to celebrate their first Eucharist. This might seem like quibbling about words, but within these words is a rich significance that must not be lost.
Most children have participated in many celebrations of the Eucharist at different times of their lives prior to their communion day. Whether it is attending mass on Sundays with their families, or participating in a school mass, or being a valued part of a celebration of a wedding mass or a funeral mass, or a Mass where there is a baptism etc, everyone present is participating in the celebration of Eucharist, even if they are not receiving holy communion. If they are part of any Mass and participating as best they can in that celebration they are celebrating in the sacrament of Eucharist. To suggest that someone is not participating or celebrating in Eucharist because they have simply not received communion is patently incorrect.
Also, as we have known all-too-well over the last year, when Masses were limited or even restricted from having public participation, people still joined in and participated in the celebration of eucharist in any way that they could, whether it be from home or by praying at the same time as a mass was being offered, or following a live-stream of the Eucharist or listening to Mass on the podcast.
Whilst it was obviously true that those who were not physically present at the celebration were not physically receiving holy communion, they were participating in the way that they could and were even receiving what is known as “spiritual communion” where we pray quietly a prayer like this:
“My Jesus, I believe that You are present in the Most Holy Sacrament. I love You above all things, and I desire to receive You into my soul. Since I cannot at this moment receive You sacramentally, come at least spiritually into my heart. I embrace You as if You were already there, and unite myself wholly to You. Never permit me to be separated from You. Amen.”
This is powerful and beautiful, and many people have prayed this prayer of spiritual communion, and continue to pray this all around the country and the world. People pray this because they are unable to come to mass due to distance or other inability, and others cannot attend due to ill health or advanced age. Others , who are present at a Mass, may not all receive communion, such as those who have not yet made their Holy Communion. These people are spiritually participating in the Eucharist until they are ready to fully receive communion, and so many more reasons. For all who have made their First Holy communion, they are encouraged to participate in Eucharist often and receive Holy Communion regularly.
However, if for some reason a person does not receive communion at a particular mass or masses, they are still a welcome member of the community and are participating as fully as they can . This is why we invite those who have not made their First Communion yet, to still come forward in the communion line and with a sing of the hands in a cross over the chest, this signals that they wish a blessing prayer and shows they are participating spiritually in the celebration of Eucharist.
Anyway, this shows why it is really quite a mistake to talk about people making their “First Eucharist.” Eucharist is the whole act of gathering, listening to God’s word, offering prayers, praise and petition, participating prayerfully and in response to the eucharistic prayer presided by the priest, and being fully, consciously and actively involved in the celebration, and worshipping Christ present in his Word and in the Sacrament of the Eucharist, and of course for those who can , receiving holy Communion. Communion is one part, (a really sacred and special part), of the whole larger action which is all the Eucharist.
So, we participate in the celebration of the Eucharist, in which we may, either physically or spiritually, receive communion, and amongst us are children and adults who are preparing to celebrate their first communion.
One’s “first Eucharist” would be way back when one first attended and participated in any way, in a celebration of the Mass, or Eucharist.
Fr Paul
THE GOSPEL THIS WEEKEND - ABRAHAM AND HIS FAITH JOURNEY
The story of Abraham being asked to deliberately sacrifice someone he loved, (more than his own life), is really horrifying. It is really important to keep in mind that it is, after all, God who is the one stopping the hand of Abraham. In fact, this incident is a foretaste of what God alone proposes to do to save humanity - For out of astounding love and faithfulness to us who were not worthy, God the father did not even spare his only son (Jesus) –in order to save everyone… Because God’s love is so profound that he is willing to sacrifice himself in love, in order to save us all. (And it is the Father and the Son united who willingly sacrifice so much for us. God spares nothing and goes to the ultimate length to share complete solidarity with us.
In life and death, in joy and devastation, God gives us everything he has. God holds nothing back. It is impossible to truly understand the depths of this unmerited love and commitment that God has given to us.
This Sunday we hear of Abraham and of the Transfiguration story. Despite its vividness, the drama and even the horror of Isaac’s near-sacrifice - the main point of this passage… shown in such stark, unavoidable clarity…… - is that Abraham’s faith in God is utterly complete. Abraham, in his journey of faith, has learnt utter trust in God’s promises. Abraham and Isaac’s unswerving obedience to God, and trust in God’s faithfulness… (and particularly trust that God will provide), is a foreshadowing of the absolute generosity, faithfulness, sacrifice and love that God the Father, and the Son show for the world…
Abraham and his sacrifice is a proto-type for Christ’s death for us on the cross.. the comparisons are deep. Abrahams beloved son even carries the wood of his own sacrifice.. Jesus carries the wood of his own cross for his sacrifice. A Ram is found caught in thorns, and replaced Isaac as the sacrifice… Jesus is crowned with thorns.. ….Abraham goes to mount Moriah for the sacrifice…… this place would later be known as the city of Jerusalem… Our Lord offers his life in Jerusalem. and so on.. Only God would give up so much out of love, to save us.
Peter, James, and John also find deeper faith on the mountain: They see Jesus as he truly is, in his full glory. These scenes give us a taste of Easter glory to come and challenge us to believe that Jesus is truly and completely everything he says he is.
Even the disciples didn’t always or fully see Jesus clearly, and this is so, even though they had the singular benefit of being with him all the time. (Did they become so familiar with them, that they occasionally stopped seeing him… stopped learning from him…. and took him for granted, or projected onto him their expectations (or even lack of expectations at times), instead of being open to what he truly was offering.
Abraham, too, misunderstood the God he followed for such a long time.
In lent, let us take some time to try and see Jesus more clearly. Let us not allow familiarity obscure his glory and his challenging message.
We all need a transfiguration of our image of God once in a while to ensure we see God more clearly. May this season of Lent ensure that we are not fashioning God according to our convenience, or according to our own image and likeness…..but rather encountering God in Jesus in the fullness of his radical message.
We are invited to make Jesus the complete centre of all of our faith.
Jesus is the Son of God, the Son of the Father. Jesus gives meaning to every aspect of our life. Jesus invites us to share his relationship with His Father.
Can we, like Abraham, put our complete and utter trust in God. Trust God even when we don’t understand the meaning of what might be happening to us at any different moment of our lives. Will we trust utterly in Christ and be humble and completely obedient to his vision.
Lent is about removing obstacles to our faith but also about choosing to let Jesus be the meaning of our lives. Let us walk in the light of the Lord.
And, (Just as Jesus is transfigured), may we be changed.
Fr. Paul Kelly.
To listen to the whole Sunday Mass each week (including homily) from Surfers Paradise Catholic Parish, please visit this link: Liturgy for you at Home (by SPCP) - https://soundcloud.com/user-633212303/tracks
REFERENCES: Fr Paul W. Kelly, Pitre, Brant/ Bergsma, John. (2018). A Catholic Introduction to the Bible: The Old Testament: Vol 1. San Francisco, California. Ignatius Press; Life Application Study Bible Large Print. 2007. Carol Stream, Ill.: Tyndale House Publishers; also, Abbot’s Homily, Monastery of Christ in the Desert; Prepare the Word resourcesl}
Image Credit: Image Credit: Shutterstock Licensed. ID: 1344423617. Tiberias, Israel - 4/7/2015: Mount Tabor in the Lower Galilee region of Northern Israel, Jezreel Valley, Afula, Tiberias, Israel. The Church of the Transfiguration and the Franciscan Monaster. By Tomanovic Violeta
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 March) 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 Thank you for your cooperation at this time.
St Paul Fortnightly on a Tuesday
ALL WELCOME. Our next session will be on Tuesday the 2nd March at 6pm in the Parish Hospitality Room.
If you would like to participate in this please let Robyn know on 0409 486 326. This is a great opportunity for us to reflect, discuss, share and enrich our faith and relationship with Christ.
Catechumens
Spencer Brocklebank and his two children - Levi and Victoria
Tristan Mann and his three children - Jack, Nathaniel & Sienna
James Cannon Christina Pera Vala Ralulu Carla Ten Cate
Candidates
Tom Blackhurst Damien Ives Brady McFadden Leon Mostert Christine Taylor
Chenelle Butler, Colin Butler and their two children - Harper and Austin
Prayers needed for our Catechumens and Candidates journeying to Easter for Baptism, Reception into the Catholic Church, Confirmation and First Holy Communion. This Sunday we will be travelling to St Stephen’s Cathedral in Brisbane for the Rite of Election. This ritual is formerly known as the Rite of Election of Catechumens and the Call to Continuing Conversion of Candidates who are preparing Reception into Full Communion of the Catholic Church. Blessings on your day and pray for us during this important step of the journey.
PARISH FINANCIAL SUPPORT
Your support is needed to help our Parish to continue valuable pastoral activities and to provide ongoing sustainability. To assist you to support the Parish, you can give via http://parishgiving.brisbanecatholic.org.au
If you are able to continue to support us, we would be most grateful. For all those who have been making payments via credit card and those who have donated directly into the parish account, we thank you. The spirit of generosity is alive in our Parish. If you would like confirmation of your donation or a receipt emailed to you please contact me at man.surfers@bne.catholic.net.au or, please ring the parish office between 9am and 12 noon Mon-Fri. Ph: 5572 5433.
BANKING DETAILS FOR THE PARISH HAVE CHANGED
As of February 1st 2021 the Archdiocesan Development Fund (ADF) have announced to all the Parishes in the Archdiocese that they have upgraded their electronic banking numbers.
As a result all current parish banking details have changed. We must start making these changes immediately as we only have until the end of February to get all those who donate to the parish electronically to make the change.
If you are making a donation to the parish via Net Banking, paying for a sacrament (baptism, wedding, sacramental program), making an instalment for the Columbarium, or paying an invoice via Net Banking please use the parish account.
Parish BSB: 064-786 Account: 100000421
If you wish to make a planned giving donation via Net Banking please use Planned Giving Direct Debit account.
Planned Giving Direct Debit BSB: 064-786 Account: 100013666
If you use the parish App or have a Direct Debit established as a periodic payment you don’t have to do anything as the ADF have made the necessary changes internally and the parish will continue to benefit from your kind generosity. If you would like clarification about your particular situation please call the parish Monday to Friday between 9am and 12noon.
LAY CARMELITE MEETING
The monthly formation meetings of the Gold Coast Lay Carmelites & Friends will be held at the Surfers Paradise Morris Prayer Room at 10.30 am on Sunday 28th February, 2021. Visitors and enquires are most welcome. Please contact Norm Harding 0402 155 576 (normharding80@gmail.com)
DOMESTIC & FAMILY VIOLENCE AWARENESS: Zoom Workshops
Joint Churches Domestic Violence Prevention Project (JCDVPP) are offering three free workshops via Zoom.
Session 2, 4th March: DFV A Personal Story. Responding to DFV.
Session 3, 11th March: Theology and DFV. Expert Q&A Panel.
Sessions will run from 7pm-8:30pm. Enquires: admin@qct.org.au or phone 07 33696792.
Registration Here
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
LENT 2021 WITH BRUCE DOWNES THE CATHOLIC GUY
Be inspired, Be refreshed, Be renewed!
Come on a 40 day journey with me and I know this will be a powerful and prayerful Lenten journey together. Receive a short inspiring video each day during Lent. This program is FREE and you can sign up here: https://BruceDownes.org/Lent
Call 1300 734 880 for more info.
ARCHDIOCESE OF BRISBANE- Positions Vacant
Position Vacant – Administration Assistant / EA Support
Applications are open for the above full-time 37.5 hour positions. The Archbishop’s Office is currently seeking three applicants to fill these positions.
For additional information, please visit the Archdiocese of Brisbane website https://brisbanecatholic.org.au/ and to careers.
CATHOLIC LEADER NEWSPAPER PRINT EDITION
The Catholic Leader is now a monthly paper. The same edition is available in the church for the month until sold out.
https://catholicleader.com.au/subscribe And: https://catholicleader.com.au/
Changes at a glance: The Catholic Leader will be printed monthly and due to the associated costs of producing the newspaper, the cover price has been increased to $4 per copy. Next edition March 7th
YOGA AT THE PARISH HOSPITALITY CENTRE
Come join us for our friendly class in the Parish Hospitality Centre next to the Parish Office. Classes run every Tuesday at 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.
NEW PRIMARY SCHOOL OPENING WITHIN THE PARISH - AT MERRIMAC (2022)
Please fill out this form if to ensure your contact details are up to date with the Parish: SPP - 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’ to receive the newsletter in your inbox.
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/
IN OUR HEARTS AND PRAYERS AT THIS TIME.
FOR THOSE WHO ARE SICK: Lois and Doug Wood, Judy Dempsey (Wagga), Sam Maxwell, William Franklin, Gerry Stoffels (Capetown, SA), Maria Mihalic, Margaret Dawes, Bill Gilmore, Annie Scicluna, Anne Logan, Dymphna Hogg, Elaine Cotter, Margaret Thompson, 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: Marco Robertson, Hans Wagner, Jabour Haddad, Antonija Saceric, Fr Patrick Dowd, Peter Baker, Joan Geard, Julieann Miller, Valma Elaine Brew, Etiene Barbeau SA., Peter Kennedy, Kenneth “Ken” John Maccheroni.
ANNIVERSARY OF DEATH: Patricia (Pat) Moore, Ivy Gladys Yow, Kenneth Mason, William John (Bill) Kelly, George Schreiber, Margaret Mary Miller, Michael Anthony Geoghegan, Monique Mary Felsman, Malcolm Leslie (Mal) Flannery, Francis Vernon Maunder.
Readings for Third Sunday of Lent. Year B
FIRST READING: Exod 20:1-17
Psalm: Ps 19:8, 9, 10, 11 “Lord, you have the words of everlasting life.”
SECOND READING: 1 Cor 1:22-25
Gospel Acclamation: (John 3:16) Glory and Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ. God loved the world so much, he gave his only Son. That all who believe in him might have eternal life.
GOSPEL: John 2:13-25
“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.
