PDF version of this parish newsletter available here:
“Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed.” (Mark 1:35)
Shutterstock Licensed Image - stock photo ID: 1100500616. Biblical vector illustration of Jesus Praying. By rudall30
THE PASTOR’S POST:
The Best Days of Our Lives - Maybe.
The mixed blessings of the school year started again last week. The carpark full yet again, two times a day, with SUVs of all sizes and colours, driven by parents who look like they have only just graduated themselves, full of pride and emotion as their little treasures (or terrors) head off to life-training classes, with those bravest of people we call “teachers”. Being a chronic nostalgic, I’m remembering with very rose-coloured glasses, those first days of my own schooling, when we would carry school bags larger than a bar-fridge off to a dusty chalk-smelling room, to have the difference between a number and a letter explained to us by some well-intentioned, but stern looking nun, who was more frustrated by her hot and heavy habit than any of the 40 plus children in her class. As I recall we were absolute angels, who never spoke in class or gave an incorrect answer, who knew every prayer ever composed and had shoes shinier than a bowling ball. Well, that’s what I remember, so allow me to live in ignorant bliss. Perhaps a little closer to the truth may have been a sobbing five year old, you thought he was going off to prison, to be left there to rot for the rest of his/my life. It was not the fashion then for parents to accompany us to the classroom. Rather we were dropped off (or more than likely pushed out of a moving vehicle) at the school gate and told not to eat the tomato and cheese sandwiches before “little lunch”. To this day I wonder why the smell of overripe bananas, still makes me a little nauseous. Mind you, there was always one at the bottom of my bag every Friday, forgotten from Monday.
How many times did adults try to convince me during those 12 years of sometimes hard and necessary lessons on life and how to get the best out of it, that these were the best years of my life? Well, as happy as they are in my cloudy memory, there have been many better days since. Mainly because of the wonderful people during those years who believed in the importance of education and their responsibility to impart it to me and other ungrateful children, who did everything possible to make their task even harder.
What could they teach us who knew it all already? God bless them for not caving in to bored-looking faces and uncooperative adolescents. It was explained to me, years later by one of those knights of knowledge, that he felt he was simply loading information into a child’s computer brain, like a file that could be called up and down loaded when the information was needed at some future date. I thought how similar that is to our faith understanding. Not always needing it at the time we hear it, but it all makes much better sense when an event or crisis reminds us that we have somewhere deep down in our memory, we have something to help us through that difficulty, if not maybe to make it go away. I thought then, as I do now, that was too much on the student’s plate for us to pack it away in the right place. Too much rich food for the brain to process, along with all the other significant lessons that we were learning, not in the classroom, but in the encounters of each day.
As I am privileged these days to observe some of the school life of both primary and secondary students, I can see that the science of childhood education has finally understood something of that flood of information, and are now better able to share it out across the years of the developing mind and balancing it with a mixture of art, sport, music, culture and personal social, physical and spiritual growth. Life lessons start as soon as the child arrives at school, in the playground, at the tuckshop, eating lunch and finally waiting in line at the pick-up time. Absorbing the whole time what it means to be a social being and that never everyone looks, feels and thinks the same as everyone else. A hard, but important lesson.
I know that we say that academic learning never stops, and for some fortunate people that is very true, but those formal school years, while still crammed full of facts and experiences that cannot be fully absorbed, there is clearly now a greater joy in discovery and revelations that I can ever recall feeling. It seems to me that school days are no longer dreaded by most young people, as they have found at an early age, that the more they know, the more they can get out of life. A lesson learned much later by many of us, if at all.
Fr Peter Dillon PP.
ASH WEDNESDAY MASSES IN THE PARISH
Ash Wednesday will be the 17th February this year. We have scheduled two Masses, both at Sacred Heart Church, Clear Island Waters. There will be a 9am Mass and a 7pm Mass on the 17th February. It is still vital that people book in advance, as there are still restrictions and distancing requirements.
bookeo.com/catholicmassgoldcoast
ARCHBISHOP MARK - HOMILY FOR WORD OF GOD SUNDAY
You can watch Archbishop Mark’s video here: https://youtu.be/dnlMNpSu8K8
CATHOLIC LEADER NEWSPAPER PRINT EDITION
The Catholic Leader returns as a monthly print newspaper this weekend; ready for parishioners to read on Sunday, February 7.
Copies have been delivered to parishes. We are encouraging all readers to take up a subscription, which will ease the burden on your parish staff. The February edition will be available at your churches and Mass centres. In the meantime, The Catholic Leader website catholicleader.com.au will continue to publish daily news stories.
https://catholicleader.com.au/subscribe And: https://catholicleader.com.au/
Changes at a glance:
* The Catholic Leader will be printing monthly.
* Due to the associated costs of producing the newspaper, we have increased the cover price to $4.
Good News
PARISH MISSION IN MARCH
WHAT DOES IT ALL MEAN?
LIVING A CONTEMPORARY CATHOLIC LIFE OF FAITH, HOPE AND LOVE.
Facilitated By Rev Dr Richard Leonard Sj
This is a time for us to reflect… where we have been, where we are now, where we are going.
This mission will focus on the issues that confront us as Christian in the contemporary world and offer practical direction about how we can live more deeply our lives of faith. If you have not heard Fr Richard speak/preach before then now is that golden opportunity - he is inspirational. This will be for everyone, young and old, Catholics and those who are enquiring into our Catholic Faith from other Christian traditions - everyone is welcome. Our thanks go to the Parish Team, led by Fr Peter, for giving us this wonderful opportunity to spend time examining where we personally are at.
PLACE: SACRED HEART CHURCH, 50 Fairway Drive, Clear Island Waters
MASSES:
13th & 14th March - Fr Richard will preside and preach at all Masses at Sacred Heart Church that weekend.
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)
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”?
We are extremely privileged to have obtained the services of Fr Richard Leonard who is a Jesuit priest. He has degrees in arts and education, as well as a Master’s degree in theology. Fr Richard did graduate studies at the London Film School and has a PhD from the University of Melbourne. He directed the Australian Catholic Office for Film & Broadcasting for 22 years, is an Honorary Fellow of the Australian Catholic University, has been a visiting scholar within the School of Theatre, Film & Television at UCLA and a Visiting Professor at the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome. Fr Richard has served on juries at the Cannes, Venice, Berlin, Warsaw, Hong Kong, Montreal, Brisbane and Melbourne International Film Festivals and he has lectured on faith and culture all over the world. He has been published in America Magazine, Eureka Street, US Catholics, is regular columnist with The London Tablet and is a regular guest on ABC Radio.
Bookings For Weekday Sessions, (15-17th March), Available Now Parish Website
A Time Of Grace - All Welcome
SURFERS PARADISE PARISH SACRAMENTAL PREPARATION – CONFIRMATION
MEETING for PARENTS
The Parish Sacramental Team is inviting parents who completed an online Sacramental Confirmation Enrolment form in 2020 to a meeting on either Monday, February 8th at 5:30pm OR Tuesday, February 9th at 7pm. The venue is Sacred Heart Church, Fairway Drive, Clear Island Waters. Parents are asked to attend one of the meetings, not both.
The date for Confirmation is still March 12th. There will be two Confirmation liturgies that evening – either 5pm or 7pm. It is certainly tight time-wise but together we will make it! You will receive the online program/learning material after the meetings next week. The meeting is expected to last approximately 45minutes and its purpose is to discuss the requirements of the Confirmation Preparation Program and other expectations leading to the celebration of Confirmation on March 12. Children are not required to attend the meeting but may attend if this is helpful with regard to childminding needs. Covid rules will apply, namely: individual attendance information (gathered at the meeting), sanitising and social distancing (1.5m between people who do not live at the same address). Please bring a pen as some paperwork will need to be completed and submitted at the meeting.
If you know a family who have completed an online form but have not received an email invitation from our team, please encourage them to come along to the meeting and we can work together to sort out any confusion.
These parent meetings relate to children who were to be confirmed in 2020, that is, children in Year 4 in 2021 (or older).
Your generous patience has been very much appreciated and the Sacramental Team look forward to meeting you next week.
POPE FRANCIS/ FAITH AND WORSHIP SPOT:
Pope establishes Sunday of the Word of God
Pope Francis’ Apostolic Letter, Motu proprio, (at this own initiative), entitled "Aperuit illis," (“He Opened to them”), published on 30 September, establishes that "the Third Sunday in Ordinary Time is to be devoted to the celebration, study and dissemination of the Word of God". (In Australia it has been moved to the First Sunday in February).
The timing of the document is significant: 30 September is the Feast of Saint Jerome, the man who translated most of the Bible into Latin, and who famously said: "Ignorance of Scripture is ignorance of Christ". This year also marks 1600 years since his death.
The title of the document, “Aperuit illis”, is equally important. They are its opening words, taken from St Luke’s Gospel, where the Evangelist describes how the Risen Jesus appeared to His disciples, and how “He opened their minds to understand the Scriptures”.
A response to requests
Recalling the importance given by the Second Vatican Council to rediscovering Sacred Scripture for the life of the Church, Pope Francis says he wrote this Apostolic Letter in response to requests from the faithful around the world to celebrate the Sunday of the Word of God.
An ecumenical value
In the Motu proprio (literally, “of his own initiative”), Pope Francis declares that “the Third Sunday in Ordinary Time is to be devoted to the celebration, study and dissemination of the Word of God”. This is more than a temporal coincidence, he explains: the celebration has “ecumenical value, since the Scriptures point out, for those who listen, the path to authentic and firm unity”.
A certain solemnity
Pope Francis invites local communities to find ways to “mark this Sunday with a certain solemnity”. He suggests that the sacred text be enthroned “in order to focus the attention of the assembly on the normative value of God’s Word”. In highlighting the proclamation of the Word of the Lord, it would be appropriate “to emphasize in the homily the honour that it is due”, writes the Pope.
“Pastors can also find ways of giving a Bible, or one of its books, to the entire assembly as a way of showing the importance of learning how to read, appreciate and pray daily with Sacred Scripture”.
The Bible is for all
The Bible is not meant for a privileged few, continues Pope Francis. It belongs “to those called to hear its message and to recognize themselves in its words”. The Bible cannot be monopolized or restricted to select groups either, he writes, because it is “the book of the Lord’s people, who, in listening to it, move from dispersion and division towards unity”.
The importance of the homily
“Pastors are primarily responsible for explaining Sacred Scripture and helping everyone to understand it”, writes Pope Francis. Which is why the homily possesses “a quasi-sacramental character”. The Pope warns against improvising or giving “long, pedantic homilies or wandering off into unrelated topics”.
Rather, he suggests using simple and suitable language. For many of the faithful, he writes, “this is the only opportunity they have to grasp the beauty of God’s Word and to see it applied to their daily lives”.
Sacred Scripture and the Sacraments
The Pope uses the scene of the Risen Lord appearing to the disciples at Emmaus to demonstrate what he calls “the unbreakable bond between Sacred Scripture and the Eucharist”. Since the Scriptures everywhere speak of Christ, he writes, “they enable us to believe that His death and resurrection are not myth but history, and are central to the faith of His disciples”.
When the sacraments are introduced and illuminated by God’s Word, explains the Pope, “they become ever more clearly the goal of a process whereby Christ opens our minds and hearts to acknowledge His saving work”.
The role of the Holy Spirit
“The role of the Holy Spirit in the Scriptures is primordial”, writes Pope Francis. “Without the work of the Spirit, there would always be a risk of remaining limited to the written text alone”. The Pope continues: “This would open the way to a fundamentalist reading, which needs to be avoided, lest we betray the inspired, dynamic and spiritual character of the sacred text”. It is the Holy Spirit who “makes Sacred Scripture the living word of God, experienced and handed down in the faith of His holy people”.
Pope Francis invites us never to take God’s Word for granted, “but instead to let ourselves be nourished by it, in order to acknowledge and live fully our relationship with Him and with our brothers and sisters”.
Practising mercy
The Pope concludes his Apostolic Letter by defining what he describes as “the great challenge before us in life: to listen to Sacred Scripture and then to practice mercy”. God’s Word, writes Pope Francis, “has the power to open our eyes and to enable us to renounce a stifling and barren individualism and instead to embark on a new path of sharing and solidarity”.
The Letter closes with a reference to Our Lady, who accompanies us "on the journey of welcoming the Word of God", teaching us the joy of those who listen to that Word – and keep it.
Source: https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2019-09/pope-motu-proprio-sunday-word-of-god.html
THE GOSPEL THIS WEEKEND
On the 1600th anniversary of the death of the great Scripture scholar and biblical translator, St Jerome, (on 30th September last year), Pope Francis announced a new Sunday celebration (around the world it is to be celebrated on the Third Sunday of Ordinary time – but the local conference of bishops moved it here in Australia to the first Sunday in February – due to our national Holiday celebration overlapping it earlier), This celebration will be known and commemorated as “THE SUNDAY OF THE WORD OF GOD”.
The Risen Jesus, instructing two disciples on the Road to Emmaus, “opened their minds to understand the Scriptures” (Lk 24:45). Christ continues to do this in our day too.
Also, in this week focusing on the word of God, has everyone discovered that wonderful gift to the whole church that is the Prayer of the Church, or the Liturgy of the Hours, also known as the Divine Office? This is an official series of prayers, psalms and readings for the different parts of each day. This is of course not just for priests or religious, but for all people…
Liturgy of the Hours (online service called Universalis)
The prayer of the universal Church, seven times a day.
Office of Readings - Morning Prayer (Lauds) - Mid-Morning Prayer (Terce) - - Midday Prayer (Sext) - Afternoon Prayer (None) - Evening Prayer (Vespers) - Night Prayer (Compline)}
There are also official books available with the whole set of four weekly cycle prayers. To truly savour God’s living word, day and night!
The book of Job haunts me. It is a powerful reflection upon the reality of suffering and loss in our lives. Job calls out to God in prayer and God is faithful to him, but it does not preserve him from the suffering, tragedy and disasters of life, which befall him in a massive way. God does not give him clear answers to his question about why there is suffering, but God does something even better.. He tells Job, trust in my goodness, justice and care. Never doubt my faithfulness to you, even in terrible seasons. Never stop trusting in my compassion and love for you even when you don’t understand.
In Job, his friends come to support and comfort him. We are told that they sit with him for seven days and say nothing. One Jewish tradition is that people who come to offer comfort to a bereaved person should not speak until the mourner speaks. This is really good wisdom. As shown in this book too,.. for when the friends eventually start speaking they try to explain and justify why these terrible tragedies have occurred. And they make Job’s suffering worse. In fact, Job is tempted to listen to their well-meaning platitudes, and start to doubt God’s goodness. His friends tell him, you must have done something to deserve this. Not helpful at all. Job is a just man. He has not done anything to deserve this. Their speculation is wrong and hurtful and amplifies his pain. They mean well, but they do damage.
They are right that God is good but they are wrong that bad things only happen to bad people. Very wrong. They should have helped more by staying silent and supporting Job in his grief and depression. God cares very much about Job’s condition and wants to heal his broken heart and smashed dreams. Eventually God’s healing and faithfulness does indeed bring him renewed hope and strength.
Jesus travels the countryside preaching his message of the Kingdom of God, and enormous crowds of people gather. He teaches them, he heals them, he frees them from their sins, and he releases their burdens.
One gets a sense of a sea of need…. - a vast, continuous, endless line of people seeking help, searching for hope, reaching out for a helping hand.
Jesus responds to this…. what is to be done??…….So much!! – It is truly overwhelming how much need and pain and suffering there is in the world.
Then, we hear that he rises very, very early, and goes off to a lonely place to pray to his Heavenly Father…..to connect…. To re-focus… to re-energise. (He didn’t have any time in his busy day, so he made time in the quiet hours, because it was the absolutely vital source and meaning of everything he did. This gospel also shows us the importance of prayer…… Connectedness in our relationship with God…… it is absolutely vital that we too, take time out…. take a step back…. and see the big picture…… to connect to (God the father), the source and the power and the reason behind all our efforts and actions
Meanwhile, the crowds continue to search for him, and his disciples search for him and inform him that everyone is looking for him…..
The needs of these crowds are most certainly real… and they are urgent…. and immediate….. Yet, Jesus informs them that the message of his gospel is absolutely vital and so he needs to continue his journey to other people and places.
Jesus, aware of the many urgent demands of the crowds… chooses to move on… to keep moving on;…. because “vital” overrides “urgent”…./ just as “important” overrides “pressing”. (also, a worldly person might think to themselves, I will stay in this place, help these people, I can live comfortably having impressed this group of people and there is more than enough work here in this one place… but Jesus is a perfect leader.. he is here to serve all, not just some, and he is not here to cement his own situation but for the good of others. He must continue on his way… moving once more out of the familiar into the new…
It must have been heartbreaking that he couldn’t alone have individually touched and transformed each and every person he met. But there was no time.. and his mission was urgent, vital, and time was short// and his mission was on-going……
He leaves behind crowds of people still looking for healing, peace and hope….but he does not abandon them….His message… his presence for a short time has already brought the seeds of that hope taking root there…. In each of those many people in the many crowds, in all the places Jesus visited - ……. so many people will take away with them, deep in their hearts and minds, Christ’s life giving message… and they will run with it…….
As Jesus' message spreads to other communities, those people, too, receive his message and consolidate it, nurture it, allow it to become part of them, abiding deep within them. The Holy Spirit builds on it (in and through the people who hear and respond to this)…..
It’s reassuring to us…. There is still so much to be done… so much we can do…. so little time to do it….. never enough hours in the day, days in the year. We do what we can. And meanwhile, we keep our eyes firmly on Christ and his big picture. We draw strength, inspiration and vision from our prayerful “time-out with God,” to focus our energy, direct our choices and lead us mindfully through the “busy-ness” of our days with its many different possibilities and needs. We cannot do everything. We are all too aware of our limitations. So we ask the Lord to help us do what we can do, well! – With focus, clear priorities, and above all with love and compassion.
Lord, (in this), help us to know what is urgent… And help us to know what is vital - (and adapting the words of the serenity prayer), Lord, give us the strength to leave behind even the urgent, when the vital calls us…….. and help us to know the difference!
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; Life Application Study Bible Large Print. 2007. Carol Stream, Illinois.: Tyndale House Publishers. Pp 1054-1055}.
| {Image - Shutterstock licensed Image: 1820123120| Religion, bible, christianity concept. Jesus Christ son of God healing. Divine help. By Drawlab19}
BOOKING A BAPTISM FOR MY PRESCHOOL CHILD
Please visit our website surfersparadiseparish.com.au click on Sacraments, found at the top of the page, then the drop down box for Baptism, where the online registration form can be completed and submitted back to us. We will need a copy of the parent’s Baptism certificates and a copy of your child’s birth certificate. You will then be contacted by a member of the Parish Sacramental Team to complete arrangements and explain preparation requirements.
Catechumens
Spencer Brocklebank and his two children - Levi and Victoria
James Cannon
Tristan Mann and his three children - Jack, Nathaniel & Sienna
Christina Pera
Vala Ralulu
Carla Ten Cate
Natasha Slade and her three children - Macarthur, Rhodes and Harlow
Candidates
Tom Blackhurst
Chenelle Butler, Colin Butler and their two children - Harper and Austin
Damien Ives
Brady McFadden
Leon Mostert
Christine Taylor
We are asking for your prayers for those who are journeying to Easter for Baptism, Reception into the Catholic Church, Confirmation and First Holy Communion. As you can see we have a large number of people participating in this journey of faith and they, their sponsors, and support will be enriched by your prayers and most grateful for your participation. Thank you and blessings on your day.
ALL WELCOME - We will be recommencing our fortnightly Reflection and Bible Study on Tuesday the 2nd February 2021 at 6pm in the Parish Hospitality Room.
As promised we will be concentrating initially on St Paul - his story, the various letters he wrote to the Romans, Corinthians, Galatians and Ephesians. If you would like to participate in this please let us know by ringing 0409 486 326 Robyn. Make sure you bring along pencil and paper as may be required. Any notes for the first night will be supplied at that time. Looking forward to commencing this again as it is a great opportunity for us to reflect, discuss, share and enrich our faith and relationship with Christ.
STEWARDSHIP REFLECTION
“Rising very early before dawn, he left and went off to a deserted place, where he prayed…He told them, ‘Let us go on to the nearby villages that I may preach there also. For this purpose have I come.’”
- Mark 1:35, 38
In today’s Gospel reading we see a perfect example of stewardship. Jesus gives His time to do all that God wishes - healing the sick and preaching. But before He begins, Jesus makes time to be alone with God in prayer. It is through prayer, spending time with God, that we find the strength to do what He wishes us to do. Be sure to find time every day to be with God.
The vision of Stewardship speaks in every aspect of life, inviting everyone to be thankful, generous and accountable for what each has been given.
MASS TIMES (PRE-BOOKING ESSENTIAL): SURFERS PARADISE MASS TIMES
Additional to the above times, we will continue to celebrate weekday Mass at Sacred Heart at 9am. The 9am Saturday Mass will be on the First Saturday of the month (6th Feb) at Sacred Heart.
Please remember that as per restrictions we are still expected to book and check in for mass, maintain a social-distance of 1.5m, receive Holy Communion in the hand only, refrain from physical contact when offering the Sign of Peace, and to sanitise when entering and exiting the premises. We ask that people consult the parish website www.surfers paradise parish.com.au, to keep up to date with any changes relating to masses.
Mass Booking: bookeo.com/catholicmassgoldcoast Thank you for your cooperation at this time.
SACRED HEART AND ST VINCENT’S RELIGIOUS GOODS SHOPS
Browse the shops before and after Mass each weekend or by appointment with the Parish Office morning only. For enquiries, contact Pat 0404 805 819
NEW LOOK LENTEN AND EASTER PROGRAM FOR 2021
(Available now at the Piety Shops until sold out)
Walk as a ‘missionary disciple’ on the path to Easter and beyond with the new-look Lent program from Evangelisation Brisbane. Look to Jesus: 52 Daily Reflections for Lent and Easter is accessible to both individuals and groups.
It’s just $5 and is now available in the piety stores or from the Parish Office (Mon-Fri 9am-12pm).
For a small price you can get a whole season of Lenten reflection and have a faith filled Easter!
You can also sign up for a daily reflection from Evangelisation Brisbane:
A series of theological reflections on the gospel of the day, intended to help us consider what our faith is calling us to as we travel through Lent, Eastertide and beyond during this challenging time. A one page written reflection each weekday.
If you wish to receive the weekday reflections by email please subscribe.
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.
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.
What are the beautiful new timber stands in the church?
They are called ‘payWave’ (or ‘tap-and-go’ machines).
These are a handy new way of donating to the parish.
To payWave, just tap a credit card or bank card on the sensor and it will donate $5 and once it has processed this first tap, (which may take 30 seconds), you can tap it again, to give another $5, and so on. A safe and handy way to give money. Please ask for assistance from the priests or Mass coordinators if you experience any difficulties or have questions or concerns. God bless you for your support. Yours faithfully, Sonya Slater, Parish Manager
ADORATION OF THE BLESSED SACRAMENT
Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament will be held this First Friday 5th February at Sacred Heart Church from 7pm to 8.30pm. All welcome. Enquiries: Jim 0424381069 or Helen 0421935678.
Benediction will also recommence following the first Saturday Mass of the month (Feb 6th)
POSITION VACANT - BRISBANE CATHOLIC EDUCATION
Position Vacant – BCE Youth Ministry – Youth Leader
Applications are open for a Youth Leader with Brisbane Catholic Education. The position is a part-time fixed-term position. For additional information, please visit the Brisbane Catholic Education website https://bcejobs.nga.net.au/cp/index.cfm and to vacancies.
This position involves working with children. The appointment of successful applicants will be subject to satisfactory employment screening for child related employment in accordance with the law.
Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people are encouraged to apply.
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
CENTACARE MENTAL HEALTH HUB
Centacare provides practical and pastoral activities each weekday at the Mental Health Hub in Fortitude Valley for people living with a mental health issue. Centacare mental health workers can support people with their application process to the NDIS to assess their eligibility, provide support funded under an existing package, or explore other sources of funding to join in activities if not NDIS eligible. Centacare also offers a pastoral and spiritual care program at the Fortitude Valley site which is free to join. For more information or to register interest please contact Centacare on 3853 7400 or email: ccsbrisbanesouthgeneral@bne.centacare.net.au
CHRISTIAN RELIGIOUS INSTRUCTION
Instructors And Assistants Needed at our local State Primary Schools for 1-2 hours per week.
Tell children about JESUS. Training is free, with support. New volunteers are placed with experienced Instructors.
An easy curriculum ensures Bible stories are covered to give an understanding of God’s love.
The door is open for us to ‘go’ (Matthew 28:19) Will you go? For more information, please call Helene McCowan on 0419 747631 or email helene.mccowan@gmail.com
YOGA AT THE PARISH HOSPITALITY CENTRE
Come join us for our friendly, COVID-19 safe, class in the comfortable Hospitality Centre at the Sacred Heart Church, available every Tuesday 10:45am. Learn to relax, yet gain greater flexibility, inner strength, body awareness and concentration, all while increasing your breath support and general wellbeing. Ruth is an IYTA accredited instructor with wide experience and runs a caring, carefully monitored one hour session costing $10 (new attendees need to arrive by 10.30am to prepare adequately for class). For more information call Ruth on 0421338110.
NEW PRIMARY SCHOOL OPENING WITHIN THE PARISH - AT MERRIMAC (2022)
ST VINCENT DE PAUL - BUDDIES DAY
Buddies Day is a Vinnies QLD free monthly activity day where children can build friendships, catch-up with positive volunteer role models, and experience a safe and enjoyable day. Previous activities have included bowling, swimming, scavenger hunts, sports, laser skirmish, arts and crafts, and trips to zoos and museums. Morning tea and lunch every day helps keep energy levels high, and any equipment required for the day is provided, ensuring all children can participate with no costs.
Once a year, children on Buddies Day are invited to participate in a free, memorable 3- day Kids Camp. Volunteer leaders support every child, developing meaningful and supportive relationships with children who attend camp. Spending quality time outside, children have fun participating in outdoor adventure activities and team building challenges. Buddies Day is for children aged 8-12 and is held once a month on the weekend.
For more information or to get involved, contact Soraya Vella on 0417 924 608 or soraya.vella@svdpqld.org.au.
MEDICAL STUDENT SEEKING GOLD COAST ACCOMMODATION
A medical student at Griffith University Gold Coast is seeking accommodation in the area or with easy access to public transport during semesters. Student is also a practising Catholic at Brisbane parish. Please contact Kim: 0405 967 192.
You can visit the Stay Connected page on our website to find an extensive list of information and resources.
Liturgy for you at Home (produced by SPP): https://soundcloud.com/user-633212303/tracks
Weekly Homily (produced by SPP): https://homilycatholic.blogspot.com
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IN OUR HEARTS AND PRAYERS AT THIS TIME.
FOR THOSE WHO ARE SICK: Gerry Stoffels (Capetown, SA), Maria Mihalic, Margaret Dawes, Bill Gilmore, Annie Scicluna, Anne Logan, Dymphna Hogg, Elaine Cotter, Margaret Thompson, Jabour Haddad, Patricia Moor, Helen Bohringer, George & Margaret Cook, Peter O’Brien, Angela Duvnjak, Rachel Raines, Savannah Ayoub, Gus Reeves, Baby Maeve Lombard, Kathy Kiely, Ron Perry, Rosslyn Wallis, Arthur Haddad, Jean Di Benedetto, Michael Tracey, Joanne Mooney, Joanne Parkes, Michelle MacDonald, John & Molly Robinson, Mary Kerr, Eileen McCarthy. And all those suffering from the effects of Covid-19.
RECENTLY DECEASED: 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, Henrica McDonald, Richard Evered, Joseph Ngati Kechl, Paul Connaughton, Joe McKeon.
ANNIVERSARY OF DEATH: Sarah Clancy, Denise Jeitz, Since Tulle, Antoun Christophi, Theres Salama, Anthony Osbourne, Elio De Berardinis, Raymond Ford, Peggy Starrs, Jacky Monteith, Barry Edward Carr, Gloria McLeod, Paul Barry, John Charles Reid, Jim Gardiner, Nora Winifred McGrath, Gary Patrick Walsh, Hipolito Trochon, Peter James Ryan, Terry Maher, Angelina Mandarino, Marija Ac, Charles Robinson (Husband Of Connie), James Douglas Hendrie
Readings for Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year B
FIRST READING: Lev 13: 1-2, 44-46
Ps: Ps 32: 1-2, 5, 11 “I turn to you, lord, in time of trouble, and you fill me with the joy of salvation”
SECOND READING: 1 Cor 10: 31—11: 1
Gospel Acclamation: (Luke 7: 16): Alleluia, alleluia! A great prophet has appeared among us. God has visited his people.
GOSPEL: Mark 1: 40-45
“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.
Homily - 7 February 2021 Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time
From Archbishop Mark Coleridge of Brisbane.
Word of God Sunday (See APERUIT ILLIS)
Today is Word of God Sunday, and I begin this homily on the streets of Brisbane. That’s because the Word of God was never meant to be shut up within the four walls of a Church building.
There are around 2.8 million people living in this diocese. About 700,000 of those identify as Catholics, but only around 60,000 will hear the word of God at Mass this Sunday. In his Apostolic Letter introducing Word of God Sunday, Pope Francis said that “devoting a specific Sunday…to the word of God can enable the Church to experience anew how the risen Lord opens up for us the treasury of his word and enables us to proclaim its unfathomable riches before the world”. So on this Sunday, I will preach as always from the scriptures, but with a special invitation for you all to join me in proclaiming the riches of the word of God before the world.
St Paul speaks of the Good News that’s more powerful than all the bad news, even the bad news of death. The Good News he speaks of isn’t a message: it’s not a ‘word’ in the usual sense. It’s the Word made flesh who is a person, and the person is Jesus crucified and risen, present among us right now, even here on the steps of the Cathedral. He’s wanting to be seen and heard. St Paul stresses his responsibility and duty to share the Good News, and with many others in the Church I feel the same sense of responsibility and duty. For all kinds of reasons, many have chosen not to join us in Church, but today we want to go out and offer the Word to everyone, the Good News which is all the Church really has – not to chide or condemn anyone, not to cajole or force, not just to get people to “sign up” to the organization because we need new members, but to share a gift with everyone, especially those who need it most.
We want to invite you to join in sharing the Good News of Jesus with everyone in the Archdiocese, especially perhaps those who have been baptized but no longer walk with us. We want to offer all Catholics the priceless gift that is their right as someone baptized into Jesus. We want to offer them the power to rise from their sick-bed like Peter’s mother-in-law, to be free of all the evil powers that can hold can hold us down. We want people to know the healing touch of Jesus in a Church which, as Pope Francis says, is a field-hospital.
We want everyone to know that they’re welcome here. These seats are for you. This is holy ground, and it’s holy because here in a special way we can see and hear the real, living Jesus. Here we can come to him together, come to him just as we are, with all our anxieties and ailments, all our wounds and weaknesses, all our quandaries and questions. We want you and everyone to know the joy of being a disciple – not perfect but, like all of us, a work in progress, on the road with others, following Jesus into the fullness of life. The journey of faith was never meant to be taken alone. It’s hard work at times and pretty well impossible if we go it alone. That’s not what Jesus wants for us; he doesn’t ask us to do the impossible. He wants us to find sisters and brothers who travel with us, love us, support us, listen to us, advise us, even correct us if need be. That’s what the Church is meant to be – not some huge, decrepit organization with ways that don’t speak to my soul and rules that don’t touch my life, but a pilgrim people journeying out of darkness into light – the light of Christ’s mercy, compassion, forgiveness and healing.
On this Word of God Sunday we’re making a call to all Catholics to encounter the Word of God in a new and deeper way. The call isn’t harsh or heavy; it’s more an invitation than any kind of command. We want to propose, not impose. If you’re baptized Catholic, but feel estranged from the Church, this call is for you. Perhaps you have friends in the same situation: well, you could also invite them. This call comes not from us but through us – through us from Jesus himself. If it were just from me or from us, then forget it. But the call comes to you from Jesus. It’s a call from him and to him. He calls you to himself – not for his own sake or for the Church’s sake, but for your sake and the sake of the people whose lives you touch.
So join me in inviting anyone and everyone you know to listen to the Lord’s voice which can be hard to hear with all the inner noise of our mind and heart and all the outer noise of a world full of loud voices, many of them promising life but delivering death.
Each parish and community has resources from Evangelisation Brisbane that will help anyone hearing these words to get involved. But there are three simple things you can do…
1. Sign up for the prayer outreach through the Evangelisation Brisbane website, something we can all do to support and encourage those responding to this call to go on this journey of faith.
2. Offer yourself as a volunteer to accompany those starting the journey by enrolling on the Evangelisation Brisbane website (we may need 10, 100 or a 1000 depending on the response we draw).
3. Be a welcoming presence in your community to ensure that new faces are greeted in a warm and friendly way, so that in finding you they will find Jesus.
My prayer is that, on this Word of God Sunday, the Holy Spirit will move in the life of every baptized Catholic, so that in the time ahead everyone will discover the deep meaning of their baptism and have their lives changed by the encounter with the Word of God himself, with Jesus crucified and risen.
Since the pandemic came upon us, I’ve been listening a fair bit to the music of Leonard Cohen who’s long been a favorite of mine. His seems just the right voice for a time like this – sombre but truthful and in the end hopeful. In one of his songs, Cohen says, “There’s a crack in everything; that’s how the light gets in”. There’s also a crack in everyone, a crack in you and me. But that’s how the light gets in – the light of Jesus which nothing and no-one can dispel. The call to you and to all whom you may know is a call from the light and to the light. Whatever the darkness may be, let the light in…then come, walk with us.
+ His Grace, Archbishop Mark Coleridge
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