PDF version of this parish newsletter available here:
“At once the Spirit sent him out into the wilderness, and he was in the wilderness forty days, being tempted by Satan.” (Mark 1:12-13)
THE PASTOR’S POST: A Health Kick for the Soul
Once again we are in the season of Lent - 40 days of intensified prayer, self-denial and assistance to the poor. Even though some people find Lent an intrusion into their normal lives, for this exact reason do I appreciate the opportunity to do some self-reflection on how I might be travelling spiritually, especially when the busyness and repetitive nature of my work life sees me going on auto-pilot with certain aspects of my life. It is something of an enigma to seek variety as well as like predictability in the way we do things.
There is no doubt it can be a challenging time, but it is really no different from going on a health kick, which also requires discipline and a change of habit, helped by the knowledge that the benefits are clearly identifiable at the end of the time. Nothing worthwhile is ever achieved without some hard work.
Of course, goodness, sacrifice and charity should not be just confined to Lent, but rather Lent should be a time of a profound change of heart. ‘Turn away from sin and be faithful to the Gospel’, we hear on Ash Wednesday while ashes were sprinkled on our heads. Fidelity to the Gospel demands solidarity with the poor and suffering. We commit ourselves to share what we have with others - not just money but time, energy, talents, skills and above all our love with those we come into contact daily, especially the poor.
And who are the poor? To a certain extent everyone around us is “poor” in some way or other as they are silently suffering from some form of ailment either physical or mental; serious illness, loneliness, loss of loved ones, financial problems, failures in career, failures in love, persecution, denial of basic human rights and freedom. Everyone has a story if we have the time to listen. All it takes is for us to open our eyes and ears to realize their cries and offer our hands of friendship that could help to alleviate their suffering. We may not be in a position to totally eradicate their “poverty”, only God can do that, but I am sure we can do the little within our means to reduce their pain and agony. Remember the words of Jesus “I say to you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me” (Mathew 25:40).
Can we sacrifice some precious possessions of ours - our time, energy and wealth for the betterment of others? At the same time, can we give up something which we all possess in abundance - pride, selfishness, ego, anger and greed which impede our endeavours to serve others?
As we begin this season of Lent, let us reflect on our own lives as Christians. Do we see Jesus in the people whom we meet daily – our spouse, our children, our parents, our employer and work colleagues, the poor and hungry, the sick and the dying, those with disabilities, the sinner, the homeless, refugees, our parish ministers and even our enemies?
Are we willing to forgive and offer our hand of friendship to our enemies and those who sin against us? Are we sensitive to the needs of others around us, or do we close our eyes and ears to their cries? Are we willing to go down to the level of the poor and downtrodden to empathize with their misfortunes? Do we have the patience to listen to those in distress? Are we willing and brave enough to speak out against injustice wherever it occurs?
The real meaning of Lent is sacrifice, not for our well-being but that of others. Fasting, abstinence and prayer are just a means to achieve that goal, not the goals themselves. We are asked to become holy but our holiness in God must benefit others more than ourselves.
We may be having a tough time ourselves coping with all the stresses in life to make ends meet. We may have terrible problems of our own to handle, with our spouse, our children, our work, our financial difficulties, and our illness and so on, but amidst all these we must find some time for those whose need is greater than ours. There is always someone whose needs are greater than ours.
Fr Peter Dillon PP.
Did you see Father Peter’s appearance on the archdiocesan “Two Minute Homily” video last weekend? If you missed it, here is the link: https://youtu.be/UxjxB352cAw
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Rest In Peace Jabour Haddad.
Our parishioner and friend Jabour Haddad passed away on Friday, 19th February. We pray for the repose of his soul and for consolation for his beloved wife Veronica and their family. May he rest in the Peace of Christ. His Funeral Mass is being planned for Wednesday afternoon, at 1pm at Sacred Heart Church. (Please check with the office for confirmation of this). To book in for parishioner Jabour Haddad's funeral mass this coming Wednesday 24th Feb 2021. At 1pm,
please book via this link...
covid restrictions and limited numbers apply...
https://bookeo.com/catholicmassgoldcoast...
A 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.
STEWARDSHIP REFLECTION
“After John had been arrested, Jesus came to Galilee proclaiming the gospel of God….” - Mark 1:14
Do you ever think about how difficult it must have been for Jesus to come into Galilee, knowing that John had just been arrested for teaching the same message that Jesus was proclaiming. It must have taken great love and trust for Jesus to do what the Father had sent Him here on earth to do. In the same way, following a life of stewardship takes great love and trust from us. We must be willing to surrender completely to God, trusting that God will always give us all that we need to fulfill His plan for us.
The vision of Stewardship speaks in every aspect of life, inviting everyone to be thankful, generous and accountable for what each has been given.
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.
LENTEN ACTIVITIES AND LEARNING FOR KIDS
Watch this clip produced by the Archdiocese for ideas on how to teach your kids about Lent.
Check out this PDF for a daily Family Lenten calendar.
SACRED HEART AND ST VINCENT’S RELIGIOUS GOODS SHOPS
New stock suitable as Confirmation gifts arrived this week include wrist bracelets, plaques, chains with dove pendants, medals and prayer books available. Browse before and after Mass each weekend or by appointment with the Parish Office morning only. For enquiries, contact Pat 0404 805 819
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 AND LOVE.
PLACE: SACRED HEART CHURCH, 50 Fairway Drive, Clear Island Waters
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)
BOOKINGS
Weekday Sessions, (15-17th March) available now via Parish Bookeo System
Book here: https://bookeo.com/catholicmassgoldcoast?type=232MJJNKU17751567E7A
WHEN:
Monday 15th March: “Going out to the world: we need all the help we can get”
One of the richest things Catholics take the world is our tradition. Some people think Catholic Tradition is a static bloc of doctrines that must be imparted to our young. By looking at Mary, the Mother of Jesus we will see how our tradition is rich and responsive to the needs of today.
Tuesday 16th March: “Nine steps to making better choices for my life”
On the strongest elements within the Catholic tradition is the process of discerning the promptings of God in my daily life. How can we practically apply the best of our Christian spirituality to the choices we make at home, work and the wider community?
Wednesday 17th March: “Where the Hell is God? Holding to Faith through the Tough Times.”
Our faith in God is easier when everything is going well. But what about the times in our lives when it is challenged, undermined and threatened by the things that happen to us, or those we love? This critical session will help out words around how we can hold to a God who walks with us in the “valley of tears”?
WEEKEND MASSES:
Fr Richard will preside and preach at all Masses at Sacred Heart Church on the 13th and 14th of March.
BOOKINGS
Weekday Sessions, (15-17th March) available now via Parish Bookeo System
Book here: https://bookeo.com/catholicmassgoldcoast?type=232MJJNKU17751567E7A
A Time Of Grace - All Welcome
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
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.
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
POPE FRANCIS: "Crisis of Democratic Values"
(By Loup Besmond de Senneville | Vatican City).
Pope Francis decries the "crisis of democratic values."
In his annual speech to ambassadors accredited to the Holy See, the pope expresses alarm at worldwide "political crisis" evidenced by the coronavirus pandemic
Francis has voiced alarm over a worldwide "political crisis" that has become more and more evident because of the coronavirus pandemic.And he's warned that it could lead to more global conflicts if countries do not commit to finding common solutions to the world's problems.
"One of the hallmarks of this crisis is the increase in political conflicts," the pope said on Monday in his annual speech to ambassadors accredited to the Holy See.
The annual address to the diplomats -- now representing some 183 countries and inter-governmental organizations -- had been scheduled for January 25, but was rescheduled because the pope had a sciatic nerve flare-up.It was held in the Hall of Benedictions above the portico of St. Peter's Basilica, rather than its normal venue (the Sala Regia), in order to ensure physical distancing in accordance with anti-Covid protocols.
Speaking at the end of a year marred by the global pandemic, Francis offered an usually strong and frank assessment of the current state of the world, sharing a deep concern that the health crisis could spawn more "political conflicts".
Over the course of nearly an hour, he analyzed the current crisis from a health, economic and environmental point of view.He offered a vision that was somber at times, calling on world leaders to take seriously "the difficulty, if not actually the inability, to seek common and shared solutions to the problems afflicting our world".
The 84-year-old pope's blunt assessment was that the world is now experiencing a true "crisis of... democratic values"."This has been a growing trend," he said, arguing that this political crisis is "much deeper" than others. Underlining the gravity of the current situation, Francis repeated words that Pius XII used during his famous Christmas message of 1944."
To express their own views of the duties and sacrifices that are imposed on them, and not be compelled to obey without being heard – these are two rights of citizens which find in democracy, as its name implies, their expression," Pius said at the time."Inclusive, peaceful, constructive and respectful dialogue"
"The democratic process calls for pursuing the path of inclusive, peaceful, constructive and respectful dialogue among all the components of civil society in every city and nation," Francis insisted in his message to the ambassadors.
This is not the first time he has warned of the dangers of rising populism and the suppression of certain rights, but his words took on a special resonance given the precarious political situation in many parts of the globe. The Jesuit pope explicitly mentioned Myanmar, where he had visited in 2017, and where the government was overthrown by a military coup on February 1.
As he had done the day before during the Angelus, he renewed his concern for the fate of the country and called for the release of the imprisoned political leaders. But Francis' cry of alarm concerned not just those countries usually considered politically fragile. He also voiced deep concern for nations famous for having a "long democratic tradition".
"The development of a democratic consciousness demands that emphasis on individual personalities be overcome and that respect for the rule of law prevail," the pope said, insisting on the need to, first and foremost, always seek the common good."
Our world has too many weapons!
"Given this situation, Francis said political leaders should not hesitate to undertake reforms."We must not be afraid of reforms, even if they require sacrifices and often a change in our way of thinking," he said, adding that neither the Holy See nor the Roman Curia is absolved from doing the same. But the pope pointed out that threats to democracy concern more than individual nations. They also affect international organizations. He doubled down on an appeal he made last September in a video message to the UN General Assembly to save multilateralism.
Francis repeated his concern that the effectiveness of these international bodies was now "compromised", while their mission remained to "foster peace and development – on the basis of law and not on the 'law of the strongest.'"Nevertheless, he encouraged the global organizations to continue their efforts towards disarmament, including "conventional weapons".
"Our world has too many weapons," the pope repeated to the ambassadors."Efforts in the area of disarmament and the non-proliferation of nuclear weapons that, despite difficulties and reluctance, must be intensified," he insisted.
Faced with this situation, the pope urged the countries of the entire world to react promptly, not only politically, but also more broadly."Dear Ambassadors, 2021 is a time that must not be wasted," Francis said."Along with vaccines, fraternity and hope are, as it were, the medicine we need in today's world," he concluded.
Image: Photo by Dmitry Tomashek on Unsplash
FAITH AND WORSHIP SPOT
“Thou shalt avoid saying aloud, God’s Holy Name.”
Back in 2009 the Vatican clarified a situation in liturgy about the saying aloud in liturgies or public prayer of God’s proper name “YHWH,” which is also often written as 'Yahweh.'
Here is a talk I gave on the same topic that adds extra. The talk was trickier than this written version, because I could not speak the name of whom I was referring.
“I would like to share with you part of our faith deposit… the reverence we (his disciples) hold for God's Holy Name. We know we must not use God's name in vain. We must show reverence and respect to God and God's name. There is an ancient tradition, which goes back to the Jewish tradition, and which was a very important part of the early church tradition as well, that whenever the Scriptures were recited out loud in a Synagogue or in public prayer, the scroll of the Scriptures would be unrolled, and the lector would use an ornate pointer to trace the words as they recited them, (the psalms being usually sung in plain-chant - that is, the words take priority over the tune).
And here is the beautiful bit, whenever a reader would come across the Proper name for God… the Word that starts with Y…. and is printed (here)…. "**[Yahweh]"** - Whenever they came across this Holy word written in Holy Scriptures, they would never say it audibly, (out of great reverence and respect for the Lord's name). They would see the word written, but would automatically replace the word with the similar, descriptive, word "LORD," whenever they came across the name of God and pronounced only the word “Lord,” not “Yahweh.” This was because God’s name was not to be treated lightly, or to be taken for granted, but rather to be respected and treated with awe, a sense of reverence and mystery and of course absolute humility.
This ancient tradition came across into the Christian church from the earliest times. The translation we use for the Bible that is read out in Masses, is usually here in Australia known as the “Jerusalem Bible,” (also we use the NRSV translation of the bible on Sundays here in this parish), but in the lectionary for the readings of the mass, the official text, you will not see God's name printed anywhere there. You will see the word LORD with all letters capitalised. This is a sign that the name that occurs at this point in the original sacred text is the Proper name of God ("**[Yahweh]"**). God’s name is replaced because of this absolute respect for God's name, which we never use lightly. God is beyond full earthly knowledge or total "knowing" but we still must strive to know and love God with every step of our journey, (but it is still always good to acknowledge that God is ultimately beyond total human comprehension, just as God's name defies exact translation – the closest we can get is "I am the one who IS, who was, and who will be"… But even that is a near-approximation to the meaning and a description. Our reverent “non-speaking” of God's name acknowledges all this.
If you were to buy a copy of the Jerusalem Bible for personal use, it DOES put the proper name in, but the tradition is that if spoken, God's name is always replaced with LORD. If the text itself was merely using the word Lord itself instead of God's proper name, then instead of the word LORD in all capitals, it would be spelt "capital-L"- Lord, with all other words in lowercase.
We can all think of a few familiar hymns that use God's proper name in the hymn words. They have been sung for decades, but they are a relatively new usage in the two thousand years of the Church and the two thousand years before that of Jewish faith and practise. The Vatican recently reiterated the ancient practice of not using the name in spoken word or song. So, those hymns have needed to be changed or retired from use. For example the hymn " [Yahweh], I know you are near…." is now re-written as: "LORD, I know you are near." And another familiar hymn “Strong and Constant” has the opening line now sung as .. "You will be, The LORD who walks with me…." or “You will be, God who walks with me.”
This is not only out of respect for the Jewish tradition, but also our ancient Christian practice that has been restored.”
Fr Paul
Here is more information on this topic from Liturgy Brisbane:
THE UNUTTERABLE NAME OF GOD. By Elizabeth Harrington.
I have been asked about a statement from Rome about hymns that include the word 'Yahweh'.
This is a reference to a letter sent by the Vatican Congregation for Divine Worship and the Sacraments to all bishops' conferences about "the translation and the pronunciation, in a liturgical setting, of the divine name signified in the sacred Tetragrammaton."
The Tetragrammaton (Greek for "4 letters") is YHWH, the four consonants of the ancient Hebrew name for God. It is also written as JHVH and YHVH because Hebrew and English letters do not match exactly. The exact pronunciation of YHWH is not now known. Over more recent time, people have added vowels between the four consonants to make it more readable: It occurs in various written and spoken forms, including Yahweh, Jahweh and Jehovah.
About vocalising YHWH the letter says: "As an expression of the infinite greatness and majesty of God, it was held to be unpronounceable and hence was replaced during the reading of sacred Scripture by means of the use of the alternate name: 'Adoni'', which means 'Lord,'".
The letter speaks of an ancient tradition "that the sacred Tetragrammaton was never pronounced in the Christian context nor translated into any of the languages into which the Bible was translated".
YHVH is often referred to as the 'unutterable' name of our 'ineffable' God, the one who is too great to be expressed in words, who is indefinable. The Catechism of the Catholic Church describes God as "the inexpressible, the incomprehensible, the invisible, the ungraspable" and says that "our human words always fall short of the mystery of God". (CCC 42)
When Moses asks what name he should give to the one who speaks to him on Mount Horeb, Moses is not asking what to call God. He is asking "Who are you; what are you like; what have you done." This is clear from God's response: "i am who i am.", meaning that God is eternal, the God of our ancestors.
Because a name represents the reputation of the person addressed, it should be treated with the same respect as is given to the person. For this reason, God's name, in all its forms, is treated with enormous respect and reverence in Judaism.
The recent directive from Rome is not saying anything new. The Church has always been sensitive to concerns among observant Jews about pronouncing the name of God. While the Jerusalem Bible on which the current Lectionary is based uses the term 'Yahweh', it has been replaced by 'Lord' or 'God' in the Lectionary passages.
The practice has crept in however of using the God of Israel's proper name in hymns. Examples from the popular repertoire include "You Are Near", "Yahweh (is the God of my salvation)", "Strong and Constant", "Micah's Theme" and "Yahweh, the Faithful One". At the very least, songs such as these will need to be edited to remove the word "Yahweh". Composers have been asked to try to come up with alternate language for their hymns.
Several years ago, the Queensland Knights of the Southern Cross launched a campaign against improper use of the Lord's name. This Vatican directive provides an opportunity to encourage the faithful to show reverence for the name of God in daily life, emphasising the power of language as an act of devotion and worship. [Liturgy Lines © Liturgical Commission. Date - 18/01/2009]
THE GOSPEL THIS WEEKEND
“The Spirit impelled Jesus into the desert, and he remained in the desert for forty days, tempted by Satan. He was among wild beasts, and the angels ministered to him. After John had been arrested, Jesus came to Galilee proclaiming the gospel of God: ‘This is the time of fulfilment. The kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel’” (Mark 1:12-15).
“As Lent begins, the Church enters a period of spiritual renewal leading to Easter. Lent is a time of retreat. We journey inward to places of solitude and silence to rediscover God’s love for us. To refocus and re-connect to God’s priorities, and allow God to re-order our habits and choices according to God’s values.
In the passage prior to this Gospel for the first Sunday of Lent, Mark writes that Jesus was baptized in the River Jordan and heard the voice confirming that his future mission was blessed by his heavenly Father.
Then, we read that Jesus was driven into the wilderness by the Holy Spirit to prepare for his public mission.
The words are very powerful. They are strong words: Jesus was driven by the Holy Spirit into the wilderness. He was impelled, obliged, pushed with a sense of urgency and necessity!
“He lived among wild beasts,” - this makes me think of the fact that Jesus lived amongst the wild animals, and, at some time, we may all have heard the saying: “humans are just animals, so it’s only natural to respond to our base inclinations” But we might be surrounded by animals, it doesn’t mean we have to act like one.
We humans have been given the rare gift of discernment; the ability to tell right from wrong. We have freedom and choice, so we are unique in being able to adapt our lives, our choices and our priorities so that we are not merely stuck in reacting only on instinct or inclinations, to any of life’s events. We have been given the human grace (by God) to rise above might otherwise have us responding at the same level of response as animals. Having said that, I do acknowledge that some commentators on human behaviour have rather ruefully observed that many animals can act better than the way some humans treat one another.
Temptation is real for humans and it appears it was something Jesus faced in his 40 days in the wilderness –
Our lives are filled with temptation, and Jesus’ life was also filled with temptation: The temptation to take an easier but not best path; temptation to lose hope in difficult situations, temptation to put ourselves and our needs, (legitimate or not), before others, tempted to respond to our desires rather than our duties. And so on. In so many ways we are assailed by temptations to take a less loving, more selfish and less compassionate path. A path that denies that God is the centre of our lives and existence.
But “angels ministered to him” as he fasted and prayed during those forty days.
Do we accept the strength of the sacraments, the support of parishioners, family and friends, and the encouragement along the difficult path that is offered at different times? Hope is one of the best defences against the temptations that weigh us down. Hope need not be over-idealistic, but can exist even under the full weight of the reality of how bad things can be for many people. Hope is never losing sight of God’s faithfulness and love, and hope is continuing to love and show the values of the gospel of Jesus even when everything around us may be going wrong.
For most of us, there is no physical desert. Our deserts and ‘wildernesses” are often real, but symbolic. They are moments of dryness in our lives that come from tensions in family life, arguments with significant others, anxiety about economic distress, world conflict, and many other sources.
This Gospel passage invites us to recognize those times when we experience our own “temptations” and “temptations”to despair, desolation, and fear as times that reveal the face of God to us in a very close way. These are the times in which we discover our utter reliance on God. And this opens up the path to new and greater life.
Perhaps patience should be seen as one of the most powerful of the virtues… Forbearance, restraint, pause, and “waiting in silence for God to save” are surely remedies to what would otherwise be a huge list of possible mistakes and dead-end pathways.
What have been “desert” moments in our lives that have caused us tension, stress, or despair? How has God been a part of these moments? Can we let Jesus, who lived in the wilderness for forty days, (and who was assailed by the temptations that would later surface in other ways during his ministry and knowing that he faced suffering and eventually the cross; because he was taking the path of love and forgiveness. Can we let Jesus lead us in this journey as we face so many different aspects of spiritual wilderness in our lives and allow His Spirit to fill us up with all the virtues that crowd-out sin…
That is: Love, faith and hope, and also patience, goodness, and chastity, temperance, charity, diligence, kindness, and humility.
Jesus is ably suited to leading and guiding us through this and all other experiences of wilderness.
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; Word on the Go, a downloadable resource from RENEW International}
Image Credit: Shutterstock Licensed. ID: 150965762. Our Lord in the Wilderness. By Motortion Films.
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 formally 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
064-786
100000421
If you wish to make a planned giving donation via Net Banking please use Planned Giving Direct Debit account.
Planned Giving Direct Debit
064-786
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)
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.
DOMESTIC & FAMILY VIOLENCE AWARENESS: Zoom Workshops
Joint Churches Domestic Violence Prevention Project (JCDVPP) are offering three free workshops via Zoom.
Session 1, 25th Feb: What is Domestic and Family Violence? Understanding Perpetrators.
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
ARCHDIOCESE OF BRISBANE- Positions Vacant
Project Officer, Children & Families
Applications are open for the above position with Evangelisation Brisbane. The position is a full-time 37.5 hour role from Monday to Friday. For additional information, please visit the Archdiocese of Brisbane website https://brisbanecatholic.org.au/ and to careers.
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, COVID-19 safe, class in the comfortable Hospitality Centre at the Sacred Heart Church, available every Tuesday 10:45am. Learn to relax, yet gain greater flexibility, inner strength, body awareness and concentration, all while increasing your breath support and general wellbeing. Ruth is an IYTA accredited instructor with wide experience and runs a caring, carefully monitored one hour session costing $10 (new attendees need to arrive by 10.30am to prepare adequately for class). For more information call Ruth on 0421338110.
SCHOOL OF MUSIC
School of Music Gold Coast
Receive a Free Introductory 30 Minute Singing Lesson
Visit www.schoolofmusicgoldcoast.com
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: Judy Dempsey (Wagga), Joan Geard, 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: Jabour Haddad, Fr Patrick Dowd, Joan Geard, Julieann Miller, Valma Elaine Brew, Julieanne Miller, Etiene Barbeau SA., Peter Kennedy, Kenneth “Ken” John Maccheroni, Collin Stoffels (Capetown, SA), Berice Flannery, Raymond Cezerẽ (Ray) Hoareau, Doug Reiser, David John Newlands, Ms Lesley Court, Bill Magno, Ignatius Nati, Ron Gigalias, Russell Albury, Agnes Collins, Bill Magno, Peter Briggs, Joe Reilly, Roberta Geraghty, Johnny McGowan (Ireland), Henrica McDonald, Richard Evered, Joseph Ngati Kechl, Paul Connaughton, Joe McKeon.
ANNIVERSARY OF DEATH: Greg London, Ignatius Ngati, Clarice Monteiro, Jerzy Wieczorek, Rosita Scuderi, Jordan Baker, Ronnie Burke, Giovanna Gambarotto, Bernie Tathem, Mary Schreiber, Andre Bellony, Allan Thomas Vaughan,, Simon Olaes, Milan Piglich, Thomas James Mich Farrell, Brian Peter Pinard, George Ferguson Shaw, Mary Siew Kuen Ng, Valerie Mary Elshaw, Stanisław Zbigniew Zielinski, Kaylene Ellen Swan, Patricia (Pat) Moore, Ivy Gladys Yow, Kenneth Mason, William John (Bill) Kelly, George Schreiber.
Readings for Second Sunday of Lent. Year B
FIRST READING: Gen 22:1-2, 9a, 10-13, 15-18|
Psalm: Ps 116:10+15, 16-17, 18-19 “I will walk in the presence of the Lord, in the land of the living.”
SECOND READING: Rom 8:31b-34
Gospel Acclamation: (cf. Matt 17:5) Glory and Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ! from the shining cloud the Father's voice was heard. This is my beloved Son, hear him.
GOSPEL: Mark 9:2-10 - Transfiguration
“The Archdiocese of Brisbane holds that children and vulnerable adults are a gift from God with an intrinsic right to dignity of life, respect and security from physical and emotional harm. They are to be treasured, nurtured and protected from any harm.” As a Parish Community, we pray for a change of heart, that we respond to our grief by reaching out to one another in truth and love.
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