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"When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth."
(John 16:13)
(Shutterstock licensed -stock photo ID: 1913630296-Gifts of the Holy spirit Pentecost Sunday vector illustration -By SJ Shutter).
THE PASTOR'S POST: The Discipline of Discernment.
Like most of the wisdom that eventually comes to us in life, it usually arrives after the time when we needed it most, and it can take us a very long time to fully appreciate and incorporate the truths that you heard from others many years ago, but we resisted until we tested it against our own experience. We might have avoided a lot of mistakes and heartache if only we had listened to what we heard from caring parents and teachers, but of course, we knew better, we had to find out for ourselves. Sometimes painful, but necessary in order for it to become our own wisdom.
One of the hardest lessons I have had to learn over the years is the discipline of discernment. Stopping and looking and listening, rather than diving in without assessing what is required and what might be the cost. With so many voices and ideas bombarding us from all quarters, how are we able to discern what will work, which ones contain the most truth, which ones want the best for all concerned or which voice is so convincing that it drowns out all others? Some of those voices speak with such strength and conviction, that we are lured into accepting them, often because we have no argument to contradict them at the time. Later, with some time and thought, we realise that we may have gone against our own convictions or values, having been captivated by words and ideas that momentarily dazzled us.
I am often greeted by parishioners who want to win me over to various inspirations they have received. My first reaction is about how pleased I am that someone has taken upon themselves to think about how they might best serve the parish. They have stepped up and taken a share in the ministerial life of the parish. Then, with wild excitement, they report what needs to be done here in the parish, often immediately and only by me, the pastor. As much as I might winch at having to possibly implement another program or ministry in the parish, it is clearly part of my role at pastor to listen and then discern the value of what is being suggested. Will this really help? What will be the reaction? Will this unite or divide the community?
What I do understand is that any church leader, be it deacon, priest, bishop or pastoral minister, is no more likely to have bright ideas than anyone else. In fact many of the very successful activities in our parish and others, have come from lay people who brought their secular experiences to an ecclesial setting and certain initiatives have gone from strength to strength. God clearly gives inspiration without preference. But as the appointed and canonical leader of the parish, I have the job of discerning what is the best or most applicable for the whole community, and it is not as easy as it sometimes looks.
We should not be surprised to read in the Acts of the Apostles that when they had to discern what was going to benefit that whole community, and who it was that would implement these actions, they decided it was easier to draw lots. Saint Paul knew first hand that the church was a very complicated entity, which is why he had to keep sending letters back to the communities he founded, usually giving them strong advice and clear direction. I wonder how he would have coped if he also had to deal with car parks, schools, property insurance and workplace, health and safety as well as keeping the various communities focused on the Good News?
So how does a leader decide and discern? The first task of course is to listen, then look at the situations from various perspectives. To seek out what might solve our immediate problems or keep us out of trouble or whatever needs attending to at the moment. My hope is that when we can rid ourselves of any immediate distractions then we are better placed to do what is the real concern of the parish; to evangelise our people. Most of all I am listening for the ideas that will keep us journeying together and enthusiastic about how we get to where we are heading.
I am certain that over the years I have dismissed some suggestions that might have been very effective, similarly there are others that I have supported that had a very short span of life. Nothing ventured, nothing gained. My great hope is that no great damage was done to any individual or the parish generally in the process. Meanwhile I will continue to listen and assess when people come forward with projects for the enrichments of our Church, hoping that I will discern when the Spirit is speaking loudest.
Fr Peter Dillon PP.
TONY McLEOD MEMORIAL MASS.
A memorial thanksgiving Mass, for Tony McLeod, will be held at St Vincent's Church, Surfers Paradise, on Saturday Fifth of June at 10.30am. When Tony passed away last year we were unable to gather to remember him. We look forward to offering this Mass in his memory. Please Contact Claudia Maddocks, to RSVP. Pre-booking is essential for covid-safety. Claudia's phone number is 0404 035 575.
STEWARDSHIP REFLECTION -
"There are different kinds of spiritual gifts but the same Spirit; there are different forms of service but the same Lord; there are different workings but the same God who produces all of them in everyone."
- 1 Corinthians 12:4-6
All of us are blessed, regardless of our own individual circumstances. God has given each of us many gifts. How we use those gifts is our gift back to God. For God's plan to work, each must do what we are called to do. Guess what? We are not all called to do the same thing! For God's plan to work you have to do what God is calling you to do and I have to do what God is calling me to do.
The vision of Stewardship speaks in every aspect of life, inviting everyone to be thankful, generous and accountable for what each has been given.
St Paul 's Missionary Journey through His Letters
Fortnightly on a Tuesday
ALL WELCOME.
Our next session will be on Tuesday 25th May at 6pm
in the Parish Hospitality Room.
If you would like to participate in this please ring 0409 486 326. This is a great opportunity for us to reflect, discuss, share and enrich our faith and relationship with Christ.
The story of Saint Damien de Veuster, a Belgian priest whose mission was with quarantined lepers in Hawaii and who, himself, died of the disease, is extraordinary. His ministry echoes the present day, as legions of medical professionals all over the world put themselves in harm's way to treat the sick and dying of COVID.
Father Damian is a "martyr of charity," and we've been blessed with multitudes of fearless, generous heroes like him who've expended themselves physically and emotionally to get us through this pandemic. Give thanks to God for our modern martyrs of charity and ask for Father Damian's intercession to keep them safe and send them spiritual strength.
(relevant scripture reference - John 15:26-16:4a "And you also testify, because you have been with me from the beginning").
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SURFERS PARADISE PARISH SACRAMENTAL PROGRAM FOR CHILDREN
BAPTISM
If you are seeking Baptism for your child or infant, please go to the parish website www.surfersparadiseparish.com.au and 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. Baptism requests will be responded to fairly quickly as baptisms occur weekly and bookings are quite heavy and consistent throughout the year.
FIRST HOLY COMMUNION
The First Communion Program began in April. 103 children are currently preparing to celebrate this sacrament which is the source and summit of our Catholic faith. Their parents have attended an introductory meeting and are now sharing time with their children working through our parish program. The program involves learning through video instruction; sharing of faith stories; discussion with parents and family members as well as, prayer and reflection. The children will celebrate this final Sacrament of Initiation at Sacred Heart Church either on Sunday, May 30 at 11:00am mass or on Sunday, June 6 at 11:00am. Please keep these children and their families in your prayers at this special time in their lives.
CONFIRMATION
Confirmation will be celebrated on the evening of October 15. Please go to the parish website www.surfersparadiseparish.com.au and complete an online enrolment application to ensure that your child is included in the October group.
Use the drop down menu under Sacraments. 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. In early August, you will receive another email explaining further dates and requirements relating to this Confirmation Group.
Important dates for Confirmation Group (all venues are Sacred Heart Church):
Parent Information Meeting either Monday, August 30 at 5:30pm or Tuesday, August 31 at 7:00pm
Confirmation Practice either Monday, October 11 at 5:30pm or Tuesday, October 12 at 5:30pm
Confirmation Celebration on the evening of Friday, October 15
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
Thanks to everyone who attended the Saint Michael's College Open Day last Sunday. Preliminary numbers show 436 attendees plus 120+ students!
The feedback from families was overwhelmingly positive, with so many affirming comments about the interactive displays, the student tours and student involvement. As a school community we were delighted by the outcome of the day.
Our gratitude is also extended to everyone who assisted in the pack-up at the end of the event – many hands made light (and quick) work!!
CATHOLIC MISSION OFFICE - BRISBANE - SR IRENE McCORMACK ANNIVERSARY.
Friday, May 21 is the 30th anniversary of Josephite Sr Irene McCormack's death whilst serving as a missionary in Peru after 25 years of service to Catholic education.
The link below is to a prayer video compiled by student leaders from 4 Catholic schools who reflect on the gift of Sr Irene's life as a life offered for love of God and love for the poor of our world. As our young leaders powerfully suggest, hers is a life and legacy for all of us to honour and feel affirmed in our own calling to be followers of Christ in our everyday lives.
We invite parishioners to reflect on this prayer video during this weekend or on any other appropriate day that follows in remembrance of Sr Irene and all those who offer their lives for love in overseas missionary service, especially during these COVID-19 times.
Please click on this link:
https://www.catholicmission.org.au/a-life-given-in-love-sr-irene-irene-mc-cormack
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.
Our beautiful timber stands in the church are a handy new way of donating to the parish - just tap a credit card or bank card on the sensor and it takes $5. And once it has processed this first tap, (which may take 30 seconds), you can tap it again, to give another $5, and so on. A safe and handy way to give money. God bless you for your support. To join planned giving, please contact the Parish Office (07) 5572 5433 (9am–12pm Mon-Fri)
POPE FRANCIS: Fraternity and social friendship. A Summary of his 2020 encyclical, "Fratelli tutti" - [" We are all brothers and sisters"]
A short summary of Pope Francis's Social Encyclical.
By Isabella Piro, From Vatican News.
Fraternity and social friendship are the ways the Pontiff indicates to build a better, more just and peaceful world, with the contribution of all: people and institutions. With an emphatic confirmation of a 'no' to war and to globalized indifference.
What are the great ideals but also the tangible ways to advance for those who wish to build a more just and fraternal world in their ordinary relationships, in social life, politics and institutions?
This is mainly the question that Fratelli tutti is intended to answer: the Pope describes it as a "Social Encyclical" (6) which borrows the title of the "Admonitions" of Saint Francis of Assisi, who used these words to "address his brothers and sisters and proposed to them a way of life marked by the flavour of the Gospel" (Par 1). The Encyclical aims to promote a universal aspiration toward fraternity and social friendship. In the background of the Encyclical is the Covid-19 pandemic which, Francis reveals, "unexpectedly erupted" as he "was writing this letter". But the global health emergency has helped demonstrate that "no one can face life in isolation" and that the time has truly come to "dream, then, as a single human family" in which we are "brothers and sisters all" (Par 8).
Chapter One: dark clouds cover the world
In the first of eight chapters, which is entitled "Dark Clouds over a Closed World", the document reflects on the many distortions of the contemporary era: the manipulation and deformation of concepts such as democracy, freedom, justice; the loss of the meaning of the social community and history; selfishness and indifference toward the common good; the prevalence of a market logic based on profit and the culture of waste; unemployment, racism, poverty; the disparity of rights and its aberrations such as slavery, trafficking, women subjugated and then forced to abort, organ trafficking (see Par 10-24). It deals with global problems that call for global actions, emphasizes the Pope, also sounding the alarm against a "culture of walls" that favours the proliferation of organized crime, fuelled by fear and loneliness (see Par 27-28).
Chapter Two: strangers on the road.
To the many shadows, however, the Encyclical responds with a luminous example, a herald of hope: the Good Samaritan. The second chapter, "A stranger on the road", is dedicated to this figure. In it, the Pope emphasizes that, in an unhealthy society that turns its back on suffering and that is "illiterate" in caring for the frail and vulnerable (see Par 64-65), we are all called – just like the Good Samaritan – to become neighbours to others (see Par 81), overcoming prejudices, personal interests, historic and cultural barriers. We all, in fact, are co-responsible in creating a society that is able to include, integrate and lift up those who have fallen or are suffering (see Par 77). Love builds bridges and "we were made for love" (Par 88), the Pope adds, particularly exhorting Christians to recognize Christ in the face of every excluded person (see Par 85).
Chapter Three: vision of an open world.
The principle of the capacity to love according to "a universal dimension" (see Par 83) is also resumed in the third chapter, "Envisaging and engendering an open world". In this chapter Francis exhorts us to go "'outside' the self" in order to find "a fuller existence in another" (Par 88), opening ourselves up to the other according to the dynamism of charity which makes us tend toward "universal fulfilment" (Par 95). In the background – the Encyclical recalls – the spiritual stature of a person's life is measured by love, which always "takes first place" and leads us to seek better for the life of the other, far from all selfishness (Par 92-93). The sense of solidarity and of fraternity begin within the family, which are to be safeguarded and respected in their "primary and vital mission of education" (Par 114).
The right to live with dignity cannot be denied to anyone, the Pope again affirms, and since rights have no borders, no one can remain excluded, regardless of where they are born (see Par 121) In this perspective the Pontiff also calls us to consider "an ethics of international relations" (see Par 126), because every country also belongs to foreigners and the goods of the territory cannot be denied to those who are in need and come from another place. Thus, the natural right to private property will be secondary to the principal of the universal destination of created goods (see Par 120). The Encyclical also places specific emphasis on the issue of foreign debt: subject to the principal that it must be paid, it is hoped nonetheless that this does not compromise the growth and subsistence of the poorest countries (see Par 126).
Chapter Four: heart open to the world.
To the theme of migration, the latter, entitled "A heart open to the whole world". With their lives "at stake" (Par 37), fleeing from war, persecution, natural catastrophes, unscrupulous trafficking, ripped from their communities of origin, migrants are to be welcomed, protected, supported and integrated. Unnecessary migration needs to be avoided, the Pontiff affirms, by creating concrete opportunities to live with dignity in the countries of origin. But at the same time, we need to respect the right to seek a better life elsewhere. In receiving countries, the right balance will be between the protection of citizens' rights and the guarantee of welcome and assistance for migrants (see Par 38-40). Specifically, the Pope points to several "indispensable steps, especially in response to those who are fleeing grave humanitarian crises": to increase and simplify the granting of visas; to open humanitarian corridors; to assure lodging, security and essential services; to offer opportunities for employment and training; to favour family reunification; to protect minors; to guarantee religious freedom. What is needed above all – the document reads – is global governance, an international collaboration for migration which implements long-term planning, going beyond single emergencies, on behalf of the supportive development of all peoples (see Par 129-132).
Chapter Five: better politics.
The theme of the fifth chapter is "A better kind of politics", which represents one of the most valuable forms of charity because it is placed at the service of the common good (see Par 180) and recognizes the importance of people, understood as an open category, available for discussion and dialogue (see Par 160). This is the populism indicated by Francis, which counters that "populism" which ignores the legitimacy of the notion of "people", by attracting consensus in order to exploit them for its own service and fomenting selfishness in order to increase its own popularity (see Par 159). But better politics is also one that protects work, an "essential dimension of social life". The best strategy against poverty, the Pontiff explains, does not simply aim to contain or render indigents inoffensive, but to promote them in the perspective of solidarity and subsidiarity (see Par 187). The task of politics, moreover, is to find a solution to all that attacks fundamental human rights, such as social exclusion; the marketing of organs, tissues, weapons and drugs; sexual exploitation; slave labour; terrorism and organized crime. The Pope makes an emphatic appeal to definitively eliminate human trafficking, a "source of shame for humanity", and hunger, which is "criminal" because food is "an inalienable right" (Par 188-189).
The politics we need, Francis also underscores, is a politics centred on human dignity and not subjected to finance because "the marketplace, by itself, cannot resolve every problem": the "havoc" wreaked by financial speculation has demonstrated this (see Par 168). Hence, popular movements have taken on particular relevance: as true "torrents of moral energy", they must be engaged in society with greater coordination. In this way – the Pope states – it will be possible to go beyond a Policy "with" and "of" the poor (see Par 169).
Another hope present in the Encyclical regards the reform of the UN: in the face of the predominance of the economic dimension, a task of the United Nations will be to give substance to the concept of a "family of nations" working for the common good, the eradication of poverty and the protection of human rights. Tireless recourse "to negotiation, mediation and arbitration" – the Papal Document states – the UN must promote the force of law rather than the law of force (see Par 173-175).
Chapter Seven: renewed encounter.
The value and promotion of peace is reflected upon, in the seventh chapter, "Paths of renewed encounter", in which the Pope underlines that peace is connected to truth, justice and mercy. Far from the desire for vengeance, it is "proactive" and aims at forming a society based on service to others and on the pursuit of reconciliation and mutual development (see Par 227-229). Thus, peace is an "art" that involves and regards everyone and in which each one must do his or her part in "a never-ending task" (see Par 227-232). Forgiveness is linked to peace: we must love everyone, without exception – the Encyclical reads – but loving an oppressor means helping him to change and not allowing him to continue oppressing his neighbour (see Par 241-242). Forgiveness does not mean impunity, but rather, justice and remembrance, because to forgive does not mean to forget, but to renounce the destructive power of evil and the desire for revenge. Never forget "horrors" like the Shoah, the atomic bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, persecutions and ethnic massacres – exhorts the Pope. They must be remembered always, anew, so as not to become anaesthetized and to keep the flame of collective conscience alive. It is just as important to remember the good (see Par 246-252).
"Just War."
Part of the seventh chapter, then, focuses on war: "a constant threat", that represents "the negation of all rights", "a failure of politics and of humanity", and "a stinging defeat before the forces of evil". Moreover, due to nuclear chemical and biological weapons that strike many innocent civilians, today we can no longer think, as in the past, of the possibility of a "just war", but we must vehemently reaffirm: "Never again war!" The total elimination of nuclear arms is "a moral and humanitarian imperative". With the money invested in weapons, the Pope suggests instead the establishment of a global fund for the elimination of hunger (see Par 255-262).
Death penalty.
Francis expresses just as clearly a position with regard to the death penalty: it is inadmissible and must be abolished worldwide. Not even a murderer loses his personal dignity" – the Pope writes – "and God himself pledges to guarantee this" (Par 263-269). There is emphasis on the necessity to respect "the sacredness of life" (Par 283) where today "some parts of our human family, it appears, can be readily sacrificed", such as the unborn, the poor, the disabled and the elderly (Par 18).
Chapter Eight: religion and fraternity.
In the eighth and final chapter, the Pontiff focuses on "Religions at the service of fraternity in our world" and emphasizes that terrorism is not due to religion but to erroneous interpretations of religious texts, as well as "policies linked to hunger, poverty, injustice, oppression" (Par 282-283). a journey of peace among religions is possible and that it is therefore necessary to guarantee religious freedom, a fundamental human right for all believers (see Par 279).
The Encyclical reflects, in particular, on the role of the Church: she does not "restrict her mission to the private sphere", it states. While not engaging in politics she does not, however, renounce the political dimension of life itself, attention to the common good and concern for integral human development, according to evangelical principles. (see Par 276-278).
Lastly, Francis quotes the "Document on Human Fraternity for World Peace and Living Together", which he signed on 4 February 2019 in Abu Dhabi, along with the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, Ahmad Al-Tayyib: from that milestone of interreligious dialogue, the Pontiff returns to the appeal that, in the name of human fraternity, dialogue be adopted as the way, common cooperation as conduct, and mutual knowledge as method and standard (see Par 285).
It is well worth reading Pope Francis' Encyclical in full- here.
THE GOSPEL THIS WEEKEND
Today's feast day of Pentecost is, in many ways, a birthday celebration. With the coming of the Holy Spirit upon the disciples, on that first Pentecost Sunday, Christ's church was born. And, as the readings this weekend tell us, we become beloved sons and daughters of God, and heirs to God's kingdom. We have been given the freedom of the children of God. But the second reading supplies an essential 'qualifier' (lest we get too proud and indulgent), that this freedom is given to us in order that we too can live as Christ did. So we are reminded that Pentecost and our membership of God's family is never meant to be self-serving or indulgent, but all about service, sacrifice and self-forgetting love.
"If you are guided by the Spirit you will be in no danger of yielding to self-indulgence, since self-indulgence is the opposite of the Spirit, the Spirit is totally against such a thing, and it is precisely because the two are so opposed that you do not always carry out your good intentions. If you are led by the Spirit, no law can touch you. When self-indulgence is at work the results are obvious… What the Spirit brings is very different: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, trustfulness, gentleness and self-control. There can be no law against things like that, of course. You cannot belong to Christ Jesus unless you crucify all self-indulgent passions and desires. Since the Spirit is our life, let us be directed by the Spirit." (Galatians 5:16-26)
The Gospel this weekend also reminds us that the presence and action of the Holy Spirit in our lives and in the lives of the church, will always work to remind us of all that Christ did and said, and keep us close to Christ and his values. The Holy Spirit is the "Spirit of Truth." All who live by the Spirit, strive to live authentic, honest, integrated lives built on truth.
The Gospel today, from Saint John, tells us that Jesus gives his followers the peace they need, because that is the first greeting of the Lord to them: Peace be with you! May we (too) know the peace of Jesus in our own lives! With peace comes the capacity to forgive the sins of others. This forgiveness is clearly a gift of the Lord who loves us. This gift is given to each of us individually and also to the Church, through its ministry.
At the heart of our Christian life, fear is taken away, peace and forgiveness are given. May we dispel the fears of others and proclaim the peace and forgiveness given to us in Jesus.
In the first reading too, the disciples were not yet able to go out and speak publicly and to proclaim Jesus to others, even though they now knew he was Risen and Ascended to the Heavenly Father. They had to wait for the Holy Spirit to take hold of them and give them courage in the face of doubt, persecution, ridicule and rejection. Perhaps at times we too may be shy about proclaiming our faith in the Lord Jesus. Perhaps today we can pray for this Spirit to come on us and to give us courage so that our faith becomes so much a part of ourselves that it is so natural and easy to speak of our faith, in an unforced manner.
Our gifts are different, each person having different gifts. We need all the gifts that each person has so that we can continue the work of Christ in our world. How different our world looks when we begin to recognize that each person brings his or her own gifts and that we need everyone's gifts to live in the fullness of Jesus Christ.
In the 'everyday' and unexceptional, that is also where we encounter and KNOW the Spirit is at work in our lives; especially when the love and sacrifice we show is clearly coming from a loving hand bigger than our own lives and our own limited motives and actions
When we do actions that are loving and unselfish, we are deeply aware that there is a power and a loving presence at work in us that is outside of just ourselves. ….Transcending our limitations … and not explainable by our own actions… but bigger, ……. And "of which we are just a cooperating part…."
It is God, …. It is God's Spirit at work in and through us. At work in the world. A power of unselfish, sacrificing love and service. Unconditional love. That is at the heart of creation.
Finally, after the Spirit descended, people of different languages and cultures could all hear and understand. But what is interesting is that the people were still not speaking the same language. They were still speaking in the language of those different nationalities and cultures. The miracle is that even though they were speaking different languages, they could miraculously understand each other. They were all proclaiming the same message- and the same truth. This is a reminder that the Spirit brings not uniformity, but diversity and variety, where we are all "one" in that diversity, because the common language we speak is the language of God… and that language is true and overflowing LOVE…..
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
Fr. Paul Kelly.
{References: Fr Paul W. Kelly, MISSION 2000 – PRAYING SCRIPTURE IN A CONTEMPORARY WAY. YEAR B. BY MARK LINK S.J, SHARING THE WORD THROUGH THE LITURGICAL YEAR. GUSTAVO GUTIERREZ., KARL RAHNER SJ, (1904-1984), IN BELIEF TODAY, 40-41, MONASTERY OF CHRIST IN THE DESERT. ABBOT'S HOMILY}
{Image: Shutterstock - stock photo ID783792871 -Bayeux, France - February 12, 2013: Stained Glass window depicting Pentecost, in Bayeux Cathedral, Calvados, France. - By jorisvo:}
In the Catholic Church, and in fact most of the mainstream Christian Churches, there is a set cycle of readings.
Our "lectionary" is actually the bible divided up into regular installments.The great thing about this, is that, over a three year cycle, we cover most of the old and new testament readings.
The weekday readings are also a separate cycle, which covers a two year period. The weekday cycle is completely independent of the Sunday cycle. In the weekday cycle, the gospel reading is always the same for the same weekday in that particular week of the church year, irrespective of whether it be year 1 or 2. It is only the first reading and related thematic psalm which changes for year 1 and 2 of the weekday cycle.
The weekend (Sunday) cycle covers three years, year A (Matthew's Gospel), Year B (Mark, which started in Advent 2020), and year C (Luke), with John's Gospel spread through all the 3 year cycle, and especially in the Lent, Easter and Christmas seasons.
The readings are fairly continuous, although parts of the bible are not included, largely due to repetition, or to fit the asymmetrical nature of the bible into a neat three year cycle. There may be some jumping about, so that the old testament readings are often placed in the same Sunday next to a gospel passage with similar, contrasting or expanded themes. The advantage of this way of choosing readings is twofold: we progressively hear from the breadth of the scriptures and not just the 'old favourites.' The other reason is that we let the Word of God "choose us" and not "us choose the word of God."
If we arbitrarily choose the readings for each weekend, it could open up the scriptures to all sorts of abuse and watering-down. For Example, some texts are more challenging, and less pleasant than others. How many times have you seen when a group is choosing the readings for a liturgy that they will skip over an option because the subject matter is "not pleasant" or deemed "irrelevant".
In fact, most scriptures are relevant, if we sit with them and ponder their often challenging meaning.
Admittedly, some passages seem more readily accessible than others, but this can be a great trap.
Also, for the preacher, it could be a temptation to pick readings that are easier, more entertaining, or more engaging to preach upon. But, in the end, surely the Word of God needs to be let free to set the agenda and not us.
Also, a challenging word from the bible can be neutralized if people think that the preacher or others have chosen a particular passage in a manipulative way to "get a point across." This isn't really as likely if the readings are set for each week in the regular cycle.
So, in our system, if a reading seems uncannily topical, we don't assume a hidden agenda by the preacher, as it is not chosen by them. It is likely a coincidence; - or even better, the action of the Spirit upon our heart, who enlivens the Word of God contained in the Scriptures.
{PHOTO : stock photo -Photo by Aaron Burden on Unsplash- }
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 (5th June) 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.
PARISH ART AND CRAFT GROUP
Our Art and Craft Group is up and running, and is alive and well! We meet in the Parish Hospitality Centre, next to Sacred Heart Church in Fairway Drive, Clear Island Waters, each Wednesday from 9am to 12noon. Our activities include Art (water-colour, oils, acrylics, pen and ink drawings etc), as well as various kinds of Craft work (knitting, embroidery, crocheting, card making, sewing) and making of Rosary Beads that are later sent on to the Missions. We are open to all other activities that individuals have an interest in. We come together to enjoy each other's company in a relaxed environment. New members, both men and women, are most welcome to join. For further information please contact John on 0412 759 205 or the Parish Office on 5572 5433 Monday to Friday 9am to 12noon.
SACRED HEART AND ST VINCENT'S RELIGIOUS GOODS SHOPS
We have just received a delivery of glass holy water bottles with metal motif - St Anthony or Our Lady of Lourdes. They have been pre-filled with holy water and are available @ this reduced price $3. until 6th June. Assorted wrist bracelets now in stock @ $3.00
The May edition of the Catholic Leader is still available @ $4.00
Reasonably priced gifts available for First Holy Communion, visit the Religious Goods Shop at your church today.
Home Care Workers Needed - Spread the Word!
We're looking for compassionate and qualified Home Care Workers to join our team in: Sunshine Coast, Moreton Region, Gold Coast, Tweed Region. Help care for seniors in your community and build a meaningful career in a growing industry. If this is you or you know of anyone who would fit this role apply here: https://www.mccgc.com.au/careers-with-cura/cura-cares-for-your-career/
SHALOM WORLD TV : AUDIO-VISUAL RESOURCE
Please visit and see the treasury of shows and articles at https://www.shalomworld.org/
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
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.
A NEW PRIMARY SCHOOL WITHIN OUR PARISH
Starts 2022
Initially Prep to Year 3, and then extending
StarOfTheSeaMerrimac.qld.edu.au
https://www.facebook.com/staroftheseamerrimac/
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/
FOR THOSE WHO ARE SICK: Michael James, Ron Perry, John Lenehan, Roy Ferraro, David Spackman, Maryann Cassar, Margaret Haerse, Rosalind Lee, Milka Barac, Mary Ashton, Kurt Hillesheim, Neil Rogers, Jacqueline Costigan (Bethania), Bill Goodrem, Rodney and Norma McLennan, Lois and Doug Wood, Sam Maxwell, William Franklin, Gerry Stoffels (Capetown, SA), Maria Mihalic, Bill Gilmore, Annie Scicluna, Anne Logan, Dymphna Hogg, Elaine Cotter, Margaret Thompson, Patricia Moor, Helen Bohringer, Peter O'Brien, Angela Duvnjak, Rachel Raines, Savannah Ayoub, Gus Reeves, Baby Maeve Lombard, Kathy Kiely, Rosslyn Wallis, Arthur Haddad, Jean Di Benedetto, Michael Tracey, Joanne Mooney, Joanne Parkes, Michelle MacDonald, John & Molly Robinson, Mary Kerr. And all suffering from Covid-19.
RECENTLY DECEASED: Margaret Boyle, Helen Perrett, Margaret Dawes, June Hunter, Kevin Duncan, Rita Press, Gloria Verena McMaster, Julian Baldsing, Arthur (Atty) Drieberg, Phyllis Drieberg, Ralph Harris, Paul John Brennan, Agueda Alejandrino, Clarice Edith East, Salma El Jouni, Michael Foy, Brendan Howes, Dorelle Elizabeth Muller, Jim Truscott, Annette Burley, Terry McManus, David Freiberg.
ANNIVERSARY OF DEATH: Dean Swift, Andreas Gandjar Lunandi, Dystoni Lunandi, John Zervos, Donald Hope Atkinson, Helen Dunn, Mellie Modral, Sr Ursula Gabbett, Kevin Martin Murphy, Patricia Margaret Mary Levick, Fay Ardron, June Therese Lewis, Elaine Lillian Kluver, Catherine Anne Watson (Nee Gaffney), Jacques Philoppe Desbleds, Beryl Hodge, Mary Therese Dean.
"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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