PDF version of this parish newsletter here:
Also, you can access an online copy of the newsletter *here*
Local St Vinnies Winter Appeal this weekend
UPDATE IN COVID-REQUIREMENTS FOR ATTENDING CHURCH
Important Note - The Government Covid Requirements for Gatherings has been updated. Please note that people entering the church will now be required to scan the Check In Qld app - Queensland Government which will register you as attending that Church at that.
Everyone is encouraged to download the app and use it whenever entering the church for a Mass or Service. If you do not have a smartphone you will need to write your details down each time you enter. We will have a small number of names of regulars who have requested their names to be kept, but anyone who can use the APP is asked to do that. The majority of people are advised to check in with the Government QR code.
You no longer need to book because we are not reaching maximum numbers at our masses, and the maximum allowable attendance has increased slightly as well.
COORDINATORS will still need to keep a count of those entering the church, to ensure the maximum limit is not exceeded, and also need to see the "success" window on your presented smartphone.
"Little girl, I say to you, get up!" (Mark 5: 41)
(Shutterstock ID:1825862450 - Religion, bible, christianity concept. .... Divine miracle help and blessing illustration. By Drawlab19)
THE PASTOR'S POST: Precious and Rare
Some time ago a precious friend gave me a book by A. C. Grayling with the simple and consoling title of Friendship. Grayling is an English philosopher who actually writes for a number of noted newspapers and journals and has managed to introduce his many readers to philosophical thought as something for the everyday life traveller, not just the high flying intellectual.
While most of us feel that the forming of friendships is some happy accident, we sadly take most close friendships for granted and often neglect to nourish and grow them, preferring mostly to let them take their course and just hope that they will survive the ravages of time and circumstances.
Grayling believes that the highest and finest of all human relationships is friendship, meeting its apex when we actually are able to form friendships with our parents when we grow up, our children when they grow up and people from our childhood who stay as close companions throughout our lives. We might suppose that a spouse should our dearest friend, but sadly this is not always the case.
It's been said that true friends are like diamonds – precious and rare, but unlike diamonds they should never be hard or expensive. We might be lucky to find half a dozen such people in our life, some found during our school days, while others may blossom in the retirement village. We get no warning that a significant relationship is about to form, but the surprise is part of the joy. They drop into our lives at the most unexpected times, bringing with them gifts and insights to illuminate your life. For those of us who have chosen the single life, years without these friends is truly a barren existence. I'm not talking here about colleagues or associates, but people who bring your life into a clearer perspective, and care about you enough to tell you the truth, not out of any personal gain, but because they value the investment they have made in you.
How do such friendships come into being and can we plan them or contrive them merely to ease our loneliness? Usually they are purely elective; we meet someone and initially take a liking to them, which is reciprocated and thereafter we enjoy each other's company, laugh together, share interests and opinions, and over time we develop a mutual sense of trust and obligation. I really don't think there is any particular formula or specific ingredients that would allow you to target someone and decide that they are going to be my friend, whether they like it or not.
I am also surprised at the vast range of types of people I can call my friends. There may be subtle common denominators, but I cannot claim that all my friends are friends of each other, which means the only common element is me, and the qualities I see in these people makes me believe I can trust them, be amused by them, tell them the truth when needed and know when a quiet word of support or advice is needed.
One of the most valued qualities of good friends is that they place no expectations on you. No guilt if you don't call every week, no grief if you don't accept every invitation, no pressure to call in for a visit every time you pass their house and no demands that they have to be at every event you have at your place. They understand that sometimes your life gets busy with a range of other commitments and they are content to wait until you have some time. They trust you and don't get threatened or precious about necessary absences. Funnily enough, the less pressure they place on you the more you want to spend time with them. Basically, friends should come with no cost, but you'd pay anything to have them in your life. You know they only want the best for you, so give them your best and let them know how blessed you feel having found a rare treasure in them.
" Those bonds of friendship are a large part of what gives meaning to our lives, just as our lives give meaning to them: without them we are less, and in danger of being too close to nothing" - A.C. Grayling.
Fr Peter Dillon PP.
STELLA MARIS 7AM SUNDAY MORNING MASS FOR 4TH JULY -CANCELLED - (For that Sunday only)
Please note that due to the Gold Coast Marathon on Sunday 4th July, the usual 7am Mass at Stella Maris will be cancelled for that Sunday only. There will be no Sunday masses as Stella Maris, but the usual Saturday night 5pm Vigil at Stella will continue even on that weekend.
This is the only church to be affected by the Marathon.
THANK-YOU MARYLOU AYRES
and HAPPY RETIREMENT
In 2021 Marylou has decided her 70th birthday marks her retirement date. She is looking forward to spending time with her family and friends and doing a little volunteering on occasion.
Marylou has been a large presence in her faith and in the parish community. Marylou started work in 1988 at St Kevin's School when her daughter started school. At that time Beth Newlands was the school principal. She started as the Tuckshop Convenor and later had to stop due to her daughter's ill health. She returned to employment at St Kevin's School teaching typing to children with cerebral palsy. While working at St Kevin's she was also the convenor of the Art Show. When Marylou finished working at St Kevin's the school principal was Brian Dunlea.
In 1993 Fr Bill Morris asked her to fill in as the Parish Secretary as Lyn Borin wanted to have long weekends. Marylou worked on Fridays and Mondays. She also started working at Centacare at night time. In 1996 Fr Michael McCarthy asked if she would like to become the Parish Wedding Coordinator as there were 80 - 90 weddings a year at the time and needed someone to coordinate the heavy workload.
In 1998 Marylou took on a full time position at Centacare and worked there until 2009 when she was asked by Fr Dan Ryan to come and help out once again with Parish administration.
Marylou has been a reader, a mass assistant at St Vincent's church, Sacred Heart 9am, helped out with Baptisms, Sacramental programs, many weddings and funerals. On one occasion Marylou led the singing at mass when the organist and singer were absent. She will continue to assist at the 5pm Vigil Mass.
May God bless you, Marylou. Thank you for the countless acts of kindness, work and organisation over many years. All the very best for this next exciting chapter, and we are grateful that we will continue to be blessed by your participation in the parish community. Sincerely, The Parish Team and all the Parish community.
LOCAL SAINT VINCENT de PAUL WINTER APPEAL
The Annual Winter Appeal will be conducted this Weekend: the 26th and 27th of June at all churches with a leaving collection. Every day at the St Vincent de Paul Society, we see that ordinary people are able to make an extraordinary difference in their local communities. We are inspired by the joy of the Gospels and our Catholic social teachings to do things that matter. The spirit to feed, heal, shelter, nurture, and inspire – the power to change lives – is in everyone.
As we enter this winter in the shadow of coronavirus, your commitment to helping those experiencing disadvantage, poverty, loneliness and homelessness is still very much needed and appreciated.
If you are able to make a contribution to the Vinnies Winter Appeal envelopes will be placed at your seat at next week's mass. Please help us to help others.
All donations to our Winter Appeal are gratefully appreciated. Donation envelopes can be found on the pews, which can be left with a Vincentian located at the rear of the church when leaving mass. All donations over $2 are 100% tax deductible. Thank you for your support.
Craig McMahon . Conference President - Surfers Paradise
MASS TIMES: SURFERS PARADISE MASS TIMES
Please note that people entering the church will now be required to scan the Check In Qld app - Queensland Government which will register you as attending that mass time.
Please load on your phone the QLD CheckIn App - this will allow entry into a church much faster.
However, the 9am Sunday Mass at Sacred Heart, which is very popular and has limited numbers and still requires pre-booking to ensure your spot.
STEWARDSHIP REFLECTION - 13th Sunday in Ordinary Time
"…as a matter of equality your abundance at the present time should supply their want, so that their abundance may supply your want, that there may be equality." - 2 Corinthians 8:14
One of the tenets of living a grateful and generous lifestyle is giving without expecting anything in return. It is important that we not only grow, nurture and share our gifts; but that we also teach our children and encourage others to do the same. This is the communal aspect of our Catholic faith. We are the "Body of Christ". We are called to be dependent on each other and not live in isolation.
The vision of Stewardship speaks in every aspect of life, inviting everyone to be thankful, generous and accountable for what each has been given.
Rules are restrictive, right? Or can they be liberating? The word "rule" comes from the Greek word for "trellis," and a trellis supports living things so they can grow up and out and bloom. The best rules create space for your priorities, turn your values into practices, and give you the freedom to live intentionally with God at the center. Why not create your own "rule of life" that helps you do that? Many Christians do. Monastic orders, starting with the Benedictines, began this tradition and all follow a rule of life to govern every aspect of life, including prayer, work, and community interaction. Rules of life can also address diet, exercise, recreation, relationships, and mental stimulation. The point is healthy balance. Thankfully, there are no rules to creating a rule of life—it's up to you and God to decide.
(Matthew 5:1-12 "Rejoice and be glad; for your reward will be great in heaven").
SIGN UP FOR "TAKE FIVE" DAILY - https://www.takefiveforfaith.com/subscribe
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 pay-wave or tap-and-go machines on the timber stands in our Churches are also a safe and handy way to donate to the Parish. God bless you for your support.
If you would like confirmation of your donation or a receipt emailed to you please contact me at man.surfers@bne.catholic.net.au. To join planned giving, please contact the Parish Office: (07) 5572 5433 (9am–12pm Mon-Fri).
St Paul 's Missionary Journey through His Letters Fortnightly on a Tuesday
- we continue in 1 Thessalonians and are finding Paul's style of writing and his great concern for those he has needed to leave behind to struggle with persecution although relying on the help of the Holy Spirit….
ALL WELCOME.
Our next session will be on Tuesday 6th July at 6pm
in the Parish Hospitality Room. Our next video from the 20 Episode series "In the Footsteps of St Paul" is 'Revealing The Unknown God' - we read about it in Acts 13 -'when the Jews in Thessalonica learned that Paul was preaching the word of God in Berea, they went there too, agitating the crowds and stirring them up….the men who escorted Paul brought him to Athens and then left with instructions for Silas and Timothy to join him as soon as possible'
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. STILL NOT TOO LATE TO JOIN US
We now have another wonderful study series along the lines of The Bible Timeline by Jeff Cavin, from Ascension Press that we did a couple of years ago - this one is called
EPIC: A Journey Through Church History
The Story of the Catholic Church
Popes, Periods, Timelines, Historical Figures, Events and Influences
Steve Weidenkoph comes with a long list of titles, degrees and experience as a lecturer on Church History at the Notre Dame Graduate School of Christendom College in Denver.
Another 20 Week Series, we are hoping to be able to bring to all parishioners within the next couple of months perhaps, so keep an eye on this spot. You will need to once again purchase the study materials, which will include the Church Timeline and Chart, so perhaps if you would let me know if you will be interested I will be able to order the study materials for you.
INSPIRING QUOTES: (Some taken from - ...https://www.inspiringquotes.us /)
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"The glory of God is a human being fully alive; and to be alive consists in beholding God." ― Irenaeus of Lyons
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"Jesus Christ, in His infinite love, has become what we are, in order that He may make us entirely what He is." -Irenaeus of Lyons
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"Error never shows itself in its naked reality, in order not to be discovered. On the contrary, it dresses elegantly, so that the unwary may be led to believe that it is more truthful than truth itself." - Irenaeus of Lyons
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"You are Christ, the Son of the living God." - Saint Peter
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"Lord, You know everything. You know I love you!" - Saint Peter
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"God loves us beyond comprehension, and we cannot diminish God's love for us." - Saint Peter
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"Humanity's salvation and perfection consists of doing the will of God which we must have in view in all things, and at every moment of our life." - Saint Peter
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"What matters is not your outward appearance. . . but your inner disposition. Cultivate inner beauty, the gentle gracious kind that God delights in."- Saint Peter
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"Owe nothing to anyone, except to love one another." - Paul the Apostle
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"There is nothing love cannot face; there is no limit to its faith, its hope and endurance." - Paul the Apostle.
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"Let us also go, that we might die with him"- Thomas the Apostle
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"My Lord and my God!" - Thomas the Apostle
THE GOSPEL THIS WEEKEND:
Jesus Raises Jairus' Daughter and Cures the Woman of Faith
Again this weekend, the Scriptures are truly beautiful and give us a deep insight into the love of God and God's utter commitment to us, his cherished sons and daughters. Sadly, death is an all too clear reality in the world and in the lives of all of us. But The Lord is at pains to point out that death was not on God's original plan. God's continuing plan is to make us forever his beloved children and to be faithful to them in this life and into eternal life. God wants us to be always in his care.
Added to this, God's reaction to death is virtually the same as ours: - Sadness…. Deep feeling of empathy for deep loss, and overwhelming compassion for those who are affected, a depth of love and feeling for us, so deep and so great that one will never, ever witness anything greater.
Loss leads to our beloved God always reaching out to help …. And being in-there with us in the midst of it.
God has the last word in all things - this is very reassuring. Especially when not everything makes sense in our narrow vision of the world. We individual humans have a limited life span and we don't get to see the whole picture. So it is deeply reassuring to know that God who sees all of it, promises that what cannot be set right in this life - will most certainly be set right in the next. But this God of justice is also quick to point out that there is no excuse for not doing everything possible to make things better and right in this life, and not to overlook injustices and wrongs with the excuse that "it will be alright in heaven." Our Lord was constantly at work alleviating injustice, suffering, and desolation in this life, (right in there with people) and he also set about including the excluded, calling our double standards, forgiving those stuck in past wrongs, and all the time showing true compassion, love and generosity to everyone he met. He calls us to follow in his loving footsteps.
Jesus wants to bring life into every situation, and the promise of hope and life into even the direst of situations. He is the resurrection and the life.
In contrast, many of the treasures of this life are in limited supply… the amount of money and other earthly goods are limited, and unjustly they are not distributed evenly amongst all who are in need. But, God's storehouse of true and lasting treasures, love, self-giving, compassion, mercy, sharing…. And so on… there is no limit to this… God's supplies are excessive and more than sufficient. He invites us to join him in this different way of thinking, that leads to a different way of acting.
For example… Jesus could have said, now that I have healed the lady who touched me .. my powers have been drained and that's all for today… but no. He didn't even know she was going to be inspired by faith to take this chance to touch him and be healed. He congratulated her though for doing this in faith. Then he continued on his way .. he was heading to the house of the official to heal this man's daughter and he would do this even after this surprise healing. God's storehouses are overflowing… we do not need to compete with each-other for God's love, God's mercy or God's grace and faithfulness. It is there in abundance for all. There is enough for all; even in times of the unexpected occuring.
We sometimes find unexpected requests and interruptions to be a trial and a peripheral annoyance, but Jesus included and responded as if this is rightly all part of life's expectations .. The unexpected was to be expected. And of course it is. The unplanned and the unscheduled is actually a regular vast horizon of God's gracious possibilities and are to be eagerly responded to. This requires us to change our thinking as well as our expectations.
Our Lord says, after raising the girl from the dead. Give her something to eat. She is not just revived from the dead, she is fully alive and in need of nourishment like anyone else.
These actions all show us that God wants us to fully engage in life and reach out to others in their needs. The God of the resurrection is constantly at work turning disaster into life giving possibilities and will, at the last, call each of us to get up and walk.
God never acts by half-measures!
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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 Kelly .}
{Shutterstock licensed image IDImage Credit: Shutterstock Licensed. ID: 82393198 - Raising of Jairus' Daughter- By Zvonimir Atletic AND iMAGE id: 47617747-
Jesus healed a woman with a hemorrhage who touched the fringes of his garment - By Zvonimir Atletic }
SACRAMENTAL PROGRAM - CONFIRMATION
There will be a second opportunity to celebrate Confirmation in October this year, 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. The timing of a more personalised response to your application will vary depending on the sacrament for which you wish to prepare. 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
RECONCILIATION
In the Archdiocese of Brisbane, Reconciliation follows the Sacraments of Initiation, that is, it follows Baptism, Confirmation and First Communion. The Sacramental Team's plan for Reconciliation is to prepare a program similar in style to the Confirmation and First Communion Preparation Programs. This will be a lengthy task so we are unable to provide an exact date for you to expect an email inviting your child to participate.
I do hope that you will hear from our Sacramental Team before the end of the year. In the meantime, please check the parish newsletter regularly (www.surfersparadiseparish.com.au then go to newsletter archives) for any updates. Thank you to all families who have patiently and regularly checked in with our team to find out about the timing of Reconciliation in Surfers Paradise Parish.
Whenever the Sacramental Team completes the work for the Reconciliation Preparation material, our Children's Sacramental Coordinator will email an invitation to participate, to the families of all children who received their First Communion in 2020 or 2021. If you have any further questions, please email our Children's Sacramental Coordinator, Cathy Anderson andersoncm@bne.catholic.net.au
ORDINATION ANNIVERSARIES IN THE ARCHDIOCESE
ORDINATION ANNIVERSARIES
As is customary at this time of year in the lead-up to the Feast of Saints Peter and Paul, a number of ordination anniversaries occur. In this edition we observe the anniversaries of:
27 June Rev Bernard Nolan, Rev Peter Gablonski, Rev Jason Middleton, Fr Iheme Uzuegbu, Rev Marty Larsen
28 June Bp Emeritus William Morris, Rev Gerard Hefferan, Rev Joseph Duffy
29 June Rev Kevin Caldwell, Rev Vincent Hobbs, Rev Denis Long, Rev Bernard Costigan, Rev Daniel Carroll, Rev William O'Shea, Rev Edward Houlihan, Rev Clement Hodge, Rev Terence Hegarty, Rev Patrick Tynan, Bp Emeritus Brian Heenan, Rev Ladu Yanga, Rev Joseph McGeehan, Rev Leo Skelly, Rev Walter Dethlefs, Rev Leo Burke, Rev Terence Moynihan, Rev James Browne, Rev Richard Pascoe, Rev Daniel Grundy, Bp Joseph Oudeman (priestly), Rev Francis O'Dea, Rev Francis Lourigan, Rev Paul Rooney, Rev Ronald Mollison, Rev Peter Casey, Rev Denis Scanlan, Rev Peter Dillon, Rev Gerard Kalinowski, Rev Nigel Sequeira, Rev Stanley Orji, Rev Onyema Eloagu, Rev Odinaka Nwadike, Rev Thomas Zaranski
30 June Rev Patrick Stratford, Rev Bernard Wilson, Rev Leo Coote, Rev Patrick Molony 1 July Rev Patrick Cassidy, Rev Bernard Gallagher 2 July Rev John Kilinko 5 July Rev Daniel Redhead, Rev John Hong Nguyen
6 July Rev Barry Grayson, Rev Francis Nguyen
7 July Dcn Peter McDade
WORSHIP AND FAITH SECTION - MUSIC FOR THE PARISH PODCAST
We have been asked who provides the music for the Parish podcast of the Mass. Actually, it is mostly locally produced. Fr Paul has composed most of the music and it is often set to familiar inspiring scripture passages or adapted or inspired by the words of ancient saints such as Saint Patrick. The Gloria we use in the Masses on the podcast is by a very talented musician from America named Jeff Ostrowski. Here are some details of the music which is used at different times of the church year. I have a wonderful arranger, Stefan Kelk, who also adjusts the lyrics in consultation. The Mass features readings, and prayers from the mass of the weekend, and special major solemnities and also features a sharing of the gospel by Fr Peter Dillon and Fr Paul.
If you haven't had a chance to hear the podcast, it can be heard here: https://soundcloud.com/user-633212303/tracks
Also available on apple podcasts app: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/faith-hope-and-love/id1481738300
Music Information:
- Sung "Mass In Honour of St. Ralph Sherwin" - By Jeffrey M. Ostrowski. The Gloria, Copyright © 2011 www.ccwatershed.org
- "Faith, Hope and Love" theme hymn - in memory of William John (Bill) Kelly (1942-2017) - Inspired by 1 Corinthians 13:1-13. Music by Paul W. Kelly. Arranged and sung, with additional lyrics by Stefan Kelk. 2019.
"Quiet Time." Instrumental Reflection music. Written by Paul W Kelly. 1988, 2007. & This arrangement: Stefan Kelk, 2020.
- "Today I Arise" - For my mother, Trisha J Kelly. Original words and music by Paul W. Kelly. Inspired by St Patrick's Prayer. Arranged and sung, with additional lyrics by Stefan Kelk. 2019.
- Lenten Hymn: "Have Mercy" inspired by Psalm 50(51). Music by Paul W. Kelly. Arranged and sung, with additional lyrics by Stefan Kelk. 2020.
-"Come Holy Spirit" Hymn: inspired by the 9th Century Hymn by Rabanus Maurus. Music and lyrics by Paul Kelly. Arranged and sung, with additional lyrics by Stefan Kelk, 2020. windstorm Sound effects by Mark DiAngelo, (soundbible.com, 05.11).
- Advent Hymn - "O Come. Lord. (Advent)" - In Memory of Paolo Mario (Paul) Giacomantonio (1968-2020). By Paul W. Kelly. Based on the Ancient church "O Antiphons" of Advent. Arranged and sung, with additional lyrics, By Stefan Kelk, 2020.
Hymn – "Rainfall – Mary Mother of Mercy." Music by Paul W. Kelly. 1994, 2021. Words adapted by Paul W. Kelly, based on the Traditional Salve Regina Hymn. Arranged & with additional lyrics by Stefan Kelk. 2021. https://www.airgigs.com/user/stefankelk
Hymn - "Praise the Lord, All Creation." Original musical composition by William John Kelly (1942-2017). Lyrics based on the Song of Praise by the Three Young Men, from The Book of Daniel 3:24-9. Adapted By Paul W. Kelly. Arranged and sung, and with adapted lyrics by Stefan Kelk. Produced - 10th March 2021. Original tune composed by William John Kelly c. 1990. https://www.airgigs.com/user/stefankelk
Hymn - "Praise the Lord, All Creation." Original instrumental composition by William John Kelly (1942-2017). Arranged by Stefan Kelk. This arrangement Produced - 10th March 2021. Original tune composed by William John Kelly c. 1990. https://www.airgigs.com/user/stefankelk
Occasionally, we use ancient traditional hymns for feast Days and Solemnities such as Easter and Christmas. These come from CCwatershed rehearsal samples and also from licensed hymn versions paid by a usage licence.
POPE FRANCIS: The world needs a different approach to poverty.
Pope: The poor enable us to discover the true face of the Father
Pope Francis releases his message for the fifth World Day of the poor. He highlights the need for conversion and for an approach that counters new forms of poverty in the world and promotes the freedom needed to live a life of fulfilment according to the abilities of each person.
By Vatican News staff writer
The theme of the fifth World Day of the Poor is "The poor you will always have with you" taken from the gospel of Mark. Pope Francis released the message for the annual observance on Monday, ahead of the actual date of its commemoration which is slated for November 14, the thirty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time in the Church's liturgical calendar.
Two interpretations
Inspired by the theme from Mk 14: 7, Pope Francis notes that Jesus spoke the words at a meal in Bethany in the home of Simon the leper, a few days before Passover. A woman came in with an alabaster flask of precious ointment and poured it over Jesus' head, causing great amazement and giving rise to two interpretations.
The first was indignation. Considering the value of the ointment, some of those present, including the disciples, felt it should have been sold and the proceeds given to the poor. Judas, in particular, was very vocal, "not because he cared about the poor, but because he was a thief" and wanted to take what was in the money box.
The second interpretation was that of Jesus which makes us appreciate the meaning of the woman's act. He asked them to leave her alone because he saw in her act, "an anticipation of the anointing of his lifeless body prior to its placement in the tomb."
"Jesus was reminding them that he is the first of the poor, the poorest of the poor, because he represents all of them. It was also for the sake of the poor, the lonely, the marginalized and the victims of discrimination, that the Son of God accepted the woman's gesture," Pope Francis observed.
He added that the nameless woman was meant to represent all women down the centuries "who would be silenced and suffer violence." Jesus then went on to associate her with the great mission of evangelization: ""Amen, I say to you, wherever the Gospel is proclaimed to the whole world, what she has done will be told in memory of her" (Mk 14:9).
The empathy established between Jesus and the woman, his interpretation of her anointing in contrast to the indignation of Judas and the other disciples, "can lead to a fruitful reflection on the inseparable link between Jesus, the poor and the proclamation of the Gospel," the Pope said.
Concern for the poor
"The face of God revealed by Jesus is that of a Father concerned for and close to the poor," Pope Francis noted. "In everything, Jesus teaches that poverty is not the result of fate, but a concrete sign pointing to his presence among us."
Therefore, "the poor, always and everywhere, evangelize us, because they enable us to discover in new ways the true face of the Father." Thus, we are called to discover Christ in them, lend our voices to their causes, listen to and understand them, and welcome them because "Jesus not only sides with the poor but also shares their lot."
Returning to the theme of his message, Pope Francis warned that the constant presence of the poor should not make us indifferent, "but summon us instead to a mutual sharing of life that does not allow proxies." He insisted that our commitment "does not consist exclusively of activities or programmes of promotion and assistance; because what the Holy Spirit mobilizes is not an unruly activism, but above all an attentiveness that considers the other in a certain sense as one with ourselves."
Creating a distinction between acts of charity and mutual sharing, he said that acts of charity presuppose a giver and a receiver, whereas mutual sharing generates fraternity. In this regard, almsgiving is occasional while mutual sharing is enduring. The former risks gratifying those who perform it and can prove demeaning for those who receive it; the latter strengthens solidarity and lays the necessary foundations for achieving justice.
Conversion
The Holy Father went on to stress the need for us to follow the Lord's invitation to "repent and believe in the Gospel" (Mk 1:15). He added that this conversion consists in "opening our hearts to recognizing the many different forms of poverty and manifesting the Kingdom of God through a lifestyle consistent with the faith we profess."
Explaining further, he said that Christian discipleship entails deciding not to accumulate earthly treasures that give the illusion of security but rather adopting the willingness "to be set free from all that holds us back from achieving true happiness and bliss, in order to recognize what is lasting, what cannot be destroyed by anyone or anything."
In this regard, "Christ's Gospel summons us to display special concern for the poor and to recognize the varied and excessive forms of moral and social disorder that are generating ever new forms of poverty," the Pope pointed out, adding that we are now seeing the creation of new traps of poverty and exclusion "set by unscrupulous economic and financial actors lacking in a humanitarian sense and in social responsibility."
Covid-19 Pandemic
In the face of the difficulties caused by the Covid-19 pandemic - a "portent of poverty – which continues to affect millions of people, particularly the poor in a disproportionate way, Pope Francis highlights the "clear need to find the most suitable means of combating the virus at the global level without promoting partisan interests."
"It is especially urgent to offer concrete responses to those who are unemployed, whose numbers include many fathers, mothers, and young people," the Pope said, pointing out that some countries are suffering extremely severe consequences from the pandemic, so that the most vulnerable of their people lack basic necessities and "the long lines in front of soup kitchens are a tangible sign of this deterioration."
Concrete responses
"How can we give a tangible response to the millions of the poor who frequently encounter only indifference, if not resentment? The Pope asked. "What path of justice must be followed so that social inequalities can be overcome and human dignity, so often trampled upon, can be restored?"
Proposing concrete steps, he said that is it necessary to generate "development processes in which the abilities of all are valued so that complementarity of skills and diversity of roles can lead to a common resource of mutual participation" because "poverty is not the result of fate but it is the result of selfishness" and "individualistic lifestyles are complicit in generating poverty, and often saddle the poor with responsibility for their condition."
Pope Francis went on to underline the need for a different approach to poverty which should motivate us "to creative planning, aimed at increasing the freedom needed to live a life of fulfilment according to the abilities of each person," instead of talking about the poor in the abstract and in terms of statistics.
"We need to be open to reading the signs of the times that ask us to find new ways of being evangelizers in the contemporary world," Pope Francis urged, warning that immediate assistance in responding to the needs of the poor must not prevent us from showing foresight in implementing new signs of Christian love and charity as a response to the new forms of poverty experienced by humanity today.
Concluding his message, the Holy Father expressed hope that the World Day would grow in our local Churches and "inspire a movement of evangelization that meets the poor personally wherever they may be." He urged everyone not to wait for the poor to knock on our doors but to rather urgently reach them in their homes, hospitals, on the streets…
(source: https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2021-06/pope-francis-world-day-poor-message-poverty-coronavirus.htm l )
(Image shutterstock licensed image ID: 165469175. Vatican City, Rome, Italy - Pope Francis send kiss to faithful. By neneo-)
FIRST FRIDAY ADORATION
Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament this first Friday 2nd July at Sacred Heart Church from 7pm to 8.30pm. Enquiries: Helen 0421 935 678.
"Could you not watch one hour with Me?" MT 26.40
SACRED HEART AND ST VINCENT'S RELIGIOUS GOODS SHOPS
End Of Financial Year Sale
All stock reduced by 10%. Orange spots offer the greatest savings, no extra discount applies to goods marked with orange spots. Finishes this weekend only, visit the Parish Shops today.
ACCOMODATION WANTED
Elderly pensioner who has recently moved into the parish is seeking accommodation. One bedroom granny flat or single story unit/flat. Prefer postcode of 4226 so to be in close proximity to Sacred Heart Church.
Rent paid in advance and guarantee a quiet non-smoker without pets. Please phone Diane 0401989989.
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
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.
MARY'S MANTLE CONSECRATION
You are invited to participate in a 46-day Retreat for Spiritual Renewal – Commencing 1 July - 15 August 2021, finishing on the Feast of the Assumption.
It will be a 46-day Sacred journey with 5 minutes or so of daily spiritual reading contemplating the virtues of Mary & the gifts of the Holy Spirit, praying the Rosary and one day of fasting, in the privacy of your home.
Receive extraordinary graces by joining in communal prayer for one another, and for the intention of TRUTH, PEACE & UNITY. You are also invited to watch the free inspiring video talks that accompany the retreat— a link is emailed to you weekly. On the last day, the retreat will culminate with a personal and total Consecration to Our Blessed Mother. Registrations now open: www.ThroughOurLady.org/retreat For more information, contact: Josephine 0424 560 297 or by email Coby@ThroughOurLady.org or Michelle@ThroughOurLady.org
MAJELLAN MAGAZINE
The Majellan magazine has been a Catholic family favourite for more than 70 years.
"The Winter issue of The Majellan is out now. It includes articles on Saint Joseph, fun things for families to do in Winter and how best to deal with interfering family members. For details go to: www.majellan.media/the-majellan-magazine/
SHALOM WORLD TV : AUDIO-VISUAL RESOURCE
Please visit and see the treasury of shows and articles at https://www.shalomworld.org/
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.
SURFERS PARADISE CATHOLIC LADIES FRIENDSHIP DAY
10am to 1.30pm Thursday 15TH July in the Parish Hospitality Centre, Clear Island Waters. Usual Fun and Cards of your choice. $5 entrance, Raffle and Lucky Door Prizes. Contact Maxine Sela 55 399 539 for more information. All Welcome!
GOODNA PARISH JOB SHARE SECRETARY POSITION AVAILABLE
Applications are open for a position at the Goodna Parish. A person with excellent administration and time management skills required for a part time job share position of Parish Secretary working 12 hours a week, Wednesday, and Thursday 8.30am to 3pm. For additional information, please visit the Archdiocese of Brisbane website https://brisbanecatholic.org.au/ and to careers.
EVENING OF PRAYER AND WORSHIP - NERANG
As a follow up to our Pentecost Retreat, We welcome you to an evening of Praise and Worship, and of getting to know the Holy Spirit in a deeper way.
Saturday 26 June at St Brigid's Catholic Church, 39-49 McLaren Road, Nerang
Jesus says, "God is spirit and those who worship him must worship in spirit and in truth."
Host Minister: Rev Fr Isidore Enyinnaya
6.00pm - Vigil Mass
7.00pm - 7.15pm Exposition, Praise and Worship
7.15pm - Talk on the Holy Spirit
8.50pm - Supper
Please email the Nerang Parish Office: nerang@bne.catholic.net.au
Or call 07 5596 2632 if you have any enquiries
"If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will give life to your mortal bodies also through his Spirit that dwells in you." Romans 8:11
Position Vacant – Sacramental Coordinator for Children - Bracken Ridge
Applications are open for a position at the Bracken Ridge/Bald Hills Catholic Parish. A person with sacramental & liturgical knowledge is required for a casual position of Sacramental Coordinator for children, working only during school terms.
For additional information, please visit the Archdiocese of Brisbane website https://brisbanecatholic.org.au/ and then go to "careers."
Position Vacant – Pastoral Carer to Prisoners
Every day, ordinary men and women in the Archdiocese of Brisbane volunteer for Centacare to go into South East Queensland prisons to provide an integral ministry to people in Correctional Centres. Prisoners are assured by a chaplain's presence that their lives have value, change is possible and Christian hope can be lived, even in the direst of human circumstances. If you would like to know more about the training to provide spiritual and pastoral care in prisons and becoming a lay prison chaplain please contact Centacare: Ph 3324 3193 or email: adminpasmin@bne.catholic.net.au
CATHOLIC LEADER - MONTHLY NEWSPAPER
You can also subscribe (or give a gift subscription) to the Catholic Leader Print Newspaper: $50 per annual subscription. Receive The Catholic Leader print newspaper at your preferred postal address for 12 months. Click here to subscribe now. PLUS until June 27, you will also receive the replica Digital Newspaper and gain full access to catholicleader.com.au (including web issues of every print newspaper).
CATHOLIC CHURCH OPPOSITION TO VOLUNTARY ASSISTED DYING LAW
"Legislation to allow access to voluntary assisted dying in Queensland was introduced in Parliament on the 25 May,- the Voluntary Assisted Dying Bill 2021 – this is to be scrutinised by the parliamentary Health and Environment Committee, and is to go through further public consultation. The parliamentary Health and Environment Committee has 12 weeks to undertake scrutiny of the Bill and members of the public and stakeholders will have an opportunity to provide submissions. Submissions can be sent through via the following government page. Click Here - Also please see the excellent resources and information on this important topic here - Catholic church resources on Euthanasia
Also, A Call to Action against Voluntary Assisted Dying - anti-VAD
FOR THOSE WHO ARE SICK: Adam Minisini, Sharyn Lucas, Kye Oh, Irene Carney, Michael James, Bill Gilmore, Olga Hamshari, Roy Ferraro, Maryann Cassar, Margaret Haerse, Rosalind Lee, Milka Barac, Mary Ashton, Kurt Hillesheim, Bill Goodrem, Rodney & Norma McLennan, Lois & Doug Wood, Duncan Dawson, Sam Maxwell, William Franklin, Gerry Stoffels (Capetown, SA), Maria Mihalic, Annie Scicluna, Anne Logan, Dymphna Hogg, Elaine Cotter, Margaret & Louise 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: Anna Marmina, Joe Gellatly, Felicitas Robbins, John Lenehan, Don Cope,
Mary Johnston, Rodolfo Miguel Mengido, Kathleen Hare, Marie Van Twest, Barry Moore.
ANNIVERSARY OF DEATH: Emilia Smarzewska; Ivy Mulcahy; Vilma Vaughan, Rosa Masa, Valda Martin, Ben & Maureen Moore, Ramsis Boctor, Ted Woodhead, Norma Ruth Hanley, Barry Thomas Haug, Albert Garske, Patricia Mary (Pat) Sullivan, Carole Stratigos, Maureen Glenn, Peter Briggs, Anna Felisiak, Mavis Eileen O'Brien, Vona Winifred Sellars, Jack and Daphne Banks, Elizabeth (Betty) Taylor.
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/
Acknowledgement of Country
We respectfully acknowledge Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as the First Peoples of this country, and especially acknowledge the traditional owners on whose lands we live and work throughout the Catholic Archdiocese of Brisbane. And here in this parish of Surfers Paradise, we particularly acknowledge and pay our respects to the Kombumerri clan of the Yugambeh people of the Gold Coast. We also acknowledge Elders, past and present and pay tribute to those who have contributed to the social, economic, cultural, political and spiritual life of our community. This acknowledgement affirms our commitment to social justice and the importance of healing and reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples.
Commitment To Child And Vulnerable Adult Safety
"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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