PDF version of this parish newsletter here:
Also, you can Access an online copy of the newsletter *here*
Masses This Weekend - ON!
Since the lockdown has been lifted for our region, it appears at this stage that the regular Masses at Sacred Heart, Clear Island Waters, St Vincent's, Surfers Paradise, and Stella Maris, Broadbeach, will be on this weekend. This includes the 7 am Stella Maris Mass, (since the Marathon has been cancelled).
The First Saturday morning Mass and Benediction at Sacred Heart 9 am Saturday the 3rd July is also on.
(The Maronite Mass Saturday night is cancelled due to Fr Fadi being in lockdown still in Brisbane)
We proceed with all of these resumptions, under the hope that there are no further lockdowns and restrictions this weekend, but we continue to monitor the situation. If there are any further government changes we will comply with them and announce them. Also, you can follow any developments on the news too, as we follow the instructions set down by the law.
(Special masses in languages other than English may be affected due to unavailability of Brisbane Priests - please check with your Polish mass, Hispanic mass, Italian mass coordinators, as these are administered separately).
Please Check in by mandatory Check In Qld app, and masks to be worn indoors and near others.
Please keep in mind that these lockdown times could change.
To stay informed please visit the latest updates from Qld Health.
Please remember that if you are experiencing any symptoms, get a COVID test and quarantine at home until you receive a negative result. Thank you for keeping our parish communities safe.
"'Isn't this the carpenter?
Isn't this Mary's son?' ... And they took offense at him." (Mark 6:3)
(Shutterstock ID: 1089145202 -Mount Precipice in Nazareth in the Galilee region in Northern Israel. Believed by many to be the site of the Rejection of Jesus.
By dnaveh)
THE PASTOR'S POST: Unforgettable Phrases
I've mentioned several times in these posts how much I enjoy words and the stories they ultimately tell. I was privileged to grow up in a house where the stories told about my ancestors were always coloured by details that may or may not have been totally correct, but they certainly added texture to the pictures they painted and therefore made them so much more memorable. My grandfather was particularly gifted at turning an ordinary incident into a grand saga. He was not well read, unless you count the Saturday paper form guide, and was taught to read by his wife, who was a school teacher. He was a World War I veteran who fought in France, and he had some true to life yarns to share, although like many veterans, he preferred to leave the tragic depictions in the past where they belonged. Why tell a sad story when a happy one is so much more enjoyable, he might say. He could have complete conversations with his snooker –players mates that had very few straightforward references, preferring to turn them into linguistic puzzles for those unfamiliar with the pool-hall patois.
All his stories were peppered with words and phrases that we seem to have forgotten these days. Words which I never completely understood, but made the stories so enticing and memorable. I realise now that some of the words were made up, while others came from other languages or cultures, words which sadly might be lost to the "now" generation, who are much more familiar with texting or emoji (apparently the word can be singular or plural, an emoji is a visual representation of an emotion, object or symbol.) My grandfather, known to all, including his grandchildren as 'Tommy', would not have used or tolerated emoji, since they avoid the use of nouns and adjectives, and therefore lacked the interest and intrigue that he loved to include in his ripping yarns. Why text a message when you can pick up the blower and have a good yak? (Something else he might say).
Some of my favourite words and phrases heard from Tommy in my childhood might have included some like the following:
"I was on the rantan last night, helped a little by my mate Johnny Walker, after which I trammed it home and copped the rounds of the kitchen. By cripes, it was a doozy. This resulted in a brouhaha with her ladyship. There might have been a bit of verbal argy bargy , but nothing too pricey, so it's back to smooth sailing today.
I went to the flicks last week, it was a bottler, with buggerlugs and wore my new daks, which set me back some serious mullah. Some dipstick upended a Hav-a-Heart on them so it was home James, lickety-split. I couldn't take a trick. She's all sweet now, no harm, no foul, it's all even Stevens"
You can imagine the joy of trying to work out what he was talking about, but eventually I got to learn the lingo, and find myself using some of those precious idioms whenever it seems appropriate (or not). I feel as though I have been left some secret code left by an agent from the Cold War, but mostly I know that I was privy to a time when people thought they were being snazzy, years before "cool' had been invented.
I know that the young of today have also invented their own expressions, most of which make little sense to me, but I cannot deny them the interest of inventing words to express new ways for new times.
Feel free to send me any of your favourite forgotten or rarely used words and expressions. I shall add them to my collection of unforgettable phrases.
Fr Peter Dillon PP.
A MESSAGE FROM MARYLOU AYRES:
My sincere thanks to everyone for their good wishes to me on my retirement from Parish Office life.
I have been blessed to have found so many great friends within the Archdiocese over the last 30 years.
Surfers Paradise Parish is my spiritual home and I hope to remain part of our congregation for many more years to come.
I have worked with several Parish Priests and many Associate Priests, as well as several Pastoral Associates, together with much loved Office Staff. You have all become dear friends and I thank you all for your guidance, support and ongoing friendship.
I look forward to continuing to support Cathy in coordinating Saturday Vigil at Sacred Heart Church. I hope to catch up with many of you then.
My Blessings and best wishes to everyone,
Marylou Ayres
ABORIGINAL AND TORRES STRAIT ISLANDER SUNDAY
Today is the 14th Sunday in Ordinary Time and also, as the First Sunday in July, it is the day that the Australian Catholic Bishops and our National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Catholic Council have invited us to celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Sunday.
Our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Catholics number over 130,000 and are growing Strongly.
Today we acknowledge that God has been walking with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples, making His Presence known through a continuous living culture over many thousands of years.
We pray in thanksgiving for these ancient peoples who have enriched and sustained our continent over all that time.
We praise God for the people who nurtured the
land here in our Parish that we call home.
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.
NATSICC BOOKLET RESOURCE 2021
https://www.natsicc.org.au/2021-atsi-sunday.html
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
LOCAL SAINT VINCENT de PAUL WINTER APPEAL
The Annual Winter Appeal was last weekend at all churches. If you missed out, you can still send in a donation to our local SVdP group. 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 were unable to make a contribution to the Vinnies Winter Appeal, envelopes will be placed at your seat at this 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, a mask must also be worn.
Please load on your phone the QLD Check In 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 - 14th Sunday in Ordinary Time
"As the Lord spoke to me, the spirit entered me and set me on my feet, and I heard the one who was speaking say to me, 'Son of man, I am sending you…'" Ezekiel 2:2-3
God has a plan for each of us. He calls us to do something for Him. But, He doesn't leave us on our own to figure it out. He gives us the resources we need to do His work. Are you listening for God's call? When you hear it, do you get on your feet and do the work He asks of you? Do not be afraid. God doesn't call the equipped, he equips the called. Let us answer His call.
The vision of Stewardship speaks in every aspect of life, inviting everyone to be thankful, generous and accountable for what each has been given.
Each of us is called to make the world a better place through service. As Pope Francis says in Fratelli Tutti: Service means caring "for the vulnerable members of our families, our society, our people . . . Service always looks at their faces, touches their flesh, senses their closeness . . . and tries to help them." Whether as emergency responders, sanitation workers, public advocates, teachers, community volunteers, or whatever your vocation or profession may be, take the opportunity to recognize the humanity of the vulnerable and offer your help.
(Matthew 7:15-20 (373). "So by their fruits you will know them").
SIGN UP FOR "TAKE FIVE" DAILY - https://www.takefiveforfaith.com/subscribe
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.
CATHOLIC LEADER - MONTHLY NEWSPAPER - Print edition available this weekend. $4.
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.
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).
INSPIRING QUOTES: (Some taken from - ...https://www.inspiringquotes.us /)
Then Mary said, 'Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word.' (Luke 1:38)
"We manifest our love for God in our observance of His commandments and in our readiness to obey, even His smallest decree." (St Anthony Zaccaria)
"Since every person is an image of God, His love cannot dwell in those, who do not love their neighbour." (St Anthony Zaccaria)
"One's love for God should be limitless. Honouring God with conditions, is dishonouring Him!" (St Anthony Zaccaria)
In relation to God's swiftness to grant us His mercy, "God loves, He hopes, He waits. Our Lord prefers to wait, Himself, for the sinner….rather than keep us waiting for an instant."
"The Holy Eucharist is the perfect expression of the love of Jesus Christ for man." (St. Maria Goretti)
"This is a very bad time for us and we are all afraid. But God our Father is with us and looking after us. We must pray and ask him to stay with us always." (Blessed Peter To Rot)
"I have to fulfil my duty as a Church witness to Jesus Christ", (Blessed Peter To Rot)
"We came here to exercise charity and to shed our blood for the love of Jesus Christ, if that needs be."—(Saint Marie Hermine, a Franciscan Missionary of Mary who was martyred with six other sisters on July 9, 1900).
"We recognize a tree by its fruit, and we ought to be able to recognize a Christian by his action. The fruit of faith should be evident in our lives, for being a Christian is more than making sound professions of faith. It should reveal itself in practical and visible ways. Indeed it is better to keep quiet about our beliefs, and live them out, than to talk eloquently about what we believe, but fail to live by it." (Saint Ignatius of Antioch)
THE GOSPEL THIS WEEKEND: A Prophet is not accepted in his own town.
When Jesus came to visit his hometown, he got a very poor reaction. People could not cope with him.
Just as with all the good prophets before him, Our Lord spoke the Message of the Kingdom, irrespective of popularity and even in the face of rejection.
Also, the people did not believe he was the messiah, or anyone special, for that matter. In some ways, Our Lord was not only "too much" for them, but in another sense, he was "not enough" for them".
"Jesus the carpenter? How could he be a prophet?? How could he be the long-promised Messiah? It cannot be!...
We KNOW him too well! We have seen him growing up. We know his family! There isn't anything special about him! - (THEY WOULD HAVE OBJECTED).
They couldn't SEE anything in him. Jesus seemed "too ordinary" and "too normal" and not visibly "special enough"...
So, in one of the most bizarre incidents in the gospel, we are told that because of the stubbornness and lack of faith of his townsfolk, "Our Lord could work no miracles there." And, almost as a surprising afterthought, we are then told that he was ONLY able to "heal a few sick people!"
ONLY heal a few people????
You sure have a very tough crowd when even "healing a few sick people" was not considered impressive enough for those hard-headed witnessed.
And THAT is the beauty of this gospel message today......
Even in this day and age, we still can fall for the trap of thinking that the 'divine,' the 'special' and the exciting can ONLY be found in the 'different,'in the unusual, the dramatic and the new. SO we fail to see the wonders right under our nose… We don't see the blessings and graces that are 'hiding in plain sight' (as the saying goes)
And yet, here comes Jesus. - One who was ordinary like them, who grew up in the same hometown next to them, and performed the same daily chores as everyone else. He ate with people, worked, laughed and cried just like everyone else. What is so special about that?????
How can this 'ordinary' person be extraordinary...?
In essence, they were saying: "How can the Promised Messiah be quite THAT --- HUMAN ?????!!"
"But, here is the true miracle… (The miracle of the incarnation: - God made flesh - in Christ)…
'It is precisely in the exercise of all the virtues of ordinary human relationships; in trust, in acceptance, in patience, in faithfulness, that we too will experience the building of the kingdom, the power of Christ. ..... If we live our lives with faith, hope, and love then Christ, (who is God at work in our lives) remakes and refashions us in the image of God's kingdom through the ordinariness of our daily virtues and actions….
Our Lord spent a lot of his ministry trying to calm people down... They put far too much store in miracles, unusual signs and dramatic shows of power.
Our Lord even said in frustration: 'It is a wicked generation that asks for a sign...none will be given to it!" Jesus did not want people believing in him only because he provided them with miraculous supplies of bread and fish, or even because he had the power to calm storms, to heal sick people and to do exceptional actions that left them astounded. Rather, he wanted them to learn about his message and learn about the ways of God and the principles of the Kingdom of God. He wanted them to truly live the gospel message in all its beauty, and in its inclusiveness, mercy, justice, practical charity and compassion.
The gospel was not about 'smoke and mirrors,' but about the divine that could be found in the 'every day' of life. His message was not about lightning and earthquakes, but about the gentle breeze of God's presence in and through the ordinary events and people and actions of our lives...
This gospel reminds us to look for the extraordinary in the ordinary. - to seek the wisdom of God wherever it is found.... Especially in the unlikely and unexceptional situations (and people) of life.
"These two readings challenge us today to perceive the presence of God in one another, to listen to the Holy Spirit speaking in one another, to have hearts that are open to one another. Although Our Lord was unique and his divinity derives from his very nature as the Son who is eternally one in being with the Father.... yet, Our Lord also tells us that God's Spirit dwells within us and that he allows us to share in the divine life of God...so, whilst we do not expect to find divinity in one another in exactly the same way in which divinity was fully present in our Lord, but we know that God is truly present in every human being. Too often we can ignore that presence or even deny by our actions and attitudes that God makes his home in us.
Saint Paul, in the second reading, has a very different problem. He is SO aware of the divine presence within himself that he must concentrate on his own weaknesses in order to keep being attentive to his utter reliance on God's grace and mercy and also the real needs and struggles of others. He realizes that his incredible spiritual gifts can possibly tempt him to go astray if he gets too proud or self-absorbed in the graces God has given to him. And so Paul focuses on his weakness and brokenness. St Paul has learned a very important lesson and wants to share it with us all… …. We tend to assume that the way to achieve important things in life is naturally under our own steam; By our own talent; and by our own personal strengths and virtues. However, God says to St Paul and to us: "my grace is sufficient. My power is revealed in weakness."
But what does it mean??…. "When I am weak, I am strong???" … How can this be??……
For one thing, when we rely solely on our own talent, strength, and competence… (as good as that may be), it is easy to reinforce that 'it is all about me.' …. It is not so clear how this relates to God's way of thinking and acting… Particularly if God's ways are about love, freedom, mercy, choice, inclusion, and persuasion… …… Force and overwhelming strength and control have no place in God's ways. The opposite of force is what looks like weakness to the world: --Vulnerability and grace.
When we experience weakness or when we realise that there are many things we lack, then the opposite situation presents itself. Our weakness creates a big space for God to work in us….
God can work wonders in the space that is not 'about us'… but about 'THE OTHER'….
Our "lack," creates a space for freedom, which is one of God's values. People are free to listen or not.
People in Our Lord's time (and even in our time) want God to reveal himself in dramatic and powerful and obvious ways, but that stops us looking for God's presence in the ordinary, in the people on the margins, and in those who are weak and calling out for justice and change and help.
We might be tempted to think that something as important as spreading God's word and proclaiming the gospel of Christ must require the best, the strongest, the most charismatic, and the most perfect of people. And yet…. This is clearly not the way God thinks…… A quick look through the Bible indicates that God has called to serve him. people who were often notably flawed, confused, and even downright self-interested and sinful at times. And, many, many people who are now official Saints of God's Church, served God despite some astounding barriers. Many holy women and men had to endure and work with astounding physical, spiritual or emotional obstacles that would have seemed impossible without relying on God's grace and cooperating with it. It cannot be a coincidence.
We can be so clearly aware of the teaching of our Lord in all of today's readings. At a practical level, these teachings invite us to look for the divine in others and to be aware of the weakness and brokenness in ourselves. (Isn't it true that we so often can fall into the trap of doing things the other way around? .....
We can see the brokenness and sinfulness of others, whilst failing to deal with our own weaknesses, brokenness and sinfulness. And there is a danger that we can spend too much time searching for the "Divine" within our own lives and not spend enough time searching and finding it alive and active in those around us.
When we learn to see the divine in others and the brokenness in ourselves into which God desires to pour his grace and mercy and love, we are ready to form with others the communion which is the Church, which is the body of Christ.
Let us ask our Lord today to send His Holy Spirit on us so that we may never fear to speak the truth (and speaking this truth always with love, compassion and always in order to build up the body of Christ), and let us ask the Lord to let us always delight in the goodness and divinity of others and may we continue to ask the Lord for the healing of our own sinfulness and brokenness."
++
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.
{ReferencesREFERENCES: FR. PAUL W. KELLY; O'Flynn, S. (2002). Sunday seeds. Dublin: Columba Press;
Gutiérrez, G. and Dees, C. (1997). Sharing the Word through the liturgical year. 1st ed. Maryknoll: Orbis Books; Sandell, J. (2004). Seasons in the Word. Collegeville, Minn.: Liturgical Press; Abbot's Homilies - Benedictine Abbey of Christ in the Desert. (2012). [online] Benedictine Abbey of Christ in the Desert. Available at: https://christdesert.org/updates/abbots-homilies/.}
{Shutterstock licensed image ID: Replica Synagogue in Nazareth 1437909230. An example of an ancient synagogue in Nazareth. By David McIntosh- }
WORSHIP AND FAITH SECTION - Relics of Saints In Altars - Tradition and present situation.
We were recently asked a great question about whether our local churches have a relic in our altars. The person asking accurately recalled that many older churches had such a relic embedded in the altar.
The tradition of having a relic of a saint under the main, fixed altar, springs from the ancient times, when churches were built over the tombs of the saints and martyrs. The picture featured here is the tomb of Saint Catherine of Sienna, in Rome, and you can see it is built underneath the main altar.
In other situations, an altar was often built directly over the underground crypt where the Saint's remains were located. Sometimes a metal grille would look down from the floor under the altar into the crypt below. This is still seen in many of the churches in Europe.
From that, churches in missionary countries would place a relic within the top stone of the altar so that they would be near the patron saint, especially in the offering of Holy Eucharist.
This tradition morphed into having any (often unnamed and unauthenticated relic - often as small as a thread or a chip of bone, placed within the top of the altar, and marked with an engraved cross and featuring latin words, sometimes stating the name of the saint, but not always.
Since Vatican II, this tradition has not continued in any organised way. Churches can and are still built over the graves of the faithful and of Saints and Holy men and women, often with windows or grilles looking down into the crypt below - (A modern and local example of this is the Mary the Mother of Mercy Church, Burleigh- where the lower-floor columbarium is located directly under the altar and sanctuary, and reinforced glass panels allow the faithful to look upon these niches from above).
Older churches which retain their original altar often have a relic in the altar topstone, but newer churches, (or a church where the Altar is new), do not always have a relic. The newer thinking is that it is quite sufficient to have the altar blessed by the very true presence of Christ in his body and blood, which is consecrated upon it. The relic is now an optional tradition. However, whenever this tradition is observed, it should not be a tiny, indistinguishable relic, it should be significant and recognisable and authenticated, and it should not be inlaid into the top of the altar but permanently embedded in the floor below the Altar.
If a suitable Relic is located, it is now desired for a church that it is not put within the altar but encased in the floor below the altar.
Present canonical rules for the Western Catholic Church:
The 1983 Code of Canon Law, With regard to relics of saints, it says:
Canon 1237 §2. The ancient tradition of placing relics of martyrs or other saints under a fixed altar is to be preserved, according to the norms given in the liturgical books.
The norms in The Order of Dedication of a Church and an Altar are:
The tradition of the Roman Liturgy of placing relics of Martyrs or of other Saints under the altar is fittingly to be retained. Nevertheless, the following should be noted:
a) Relics for deposition should be of such a size that they can be recognized as parts of human bodies. Hence, enclosing excessively small relics of one or several Saints is to be avoided.
b) The greatest care must be taken to determine whether relics intended for deposition are authentic. It is better for an altar to be dedicated without relics than to have relics of doubtful authenticity deposited under it.
c) A reliquary must not be placed on the altar or in the table of the altar but under the table of the altar, in a manner suitable to the design of the altar.
(reference: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Altar_stone; and quoting Code of Canon law of the Roman Catholic Church).
(image - Shutterstock licensed image - ID: 1038052075. ROME, ITALY, JUNE 16, 2015 : Saint Catherine of Siena Entombed Body beneath the main altar. Interiors and architectural details of Santa Maria Sopra Minerva church, June 16, 2015 in Rome, Italy. By Isogood_patrick
POPE FRANCIS: A Couple of Books on Pope Francis' Messages:
These recent publications could provide excellent reading on the message of Pope Francis.
"CHRIST IS ALIVE" - An Australian Reading Guide in response to Pope Francis' Christus Vivit. Written by CHRISTOPHER RYAN MGL.
In the "Christ is Alive" Reading Guide, Fr Chris Ryan captures Pope Francis' important message on young people, faith, and vocational discernment, and presents it in an accessible language that young people will comprehend.
Christ is Alive includes a summary of the original exhortation's major points and reflections, and questions for key discussion ideas – enabling everyone to understand Pope Francis' takeaways from the Synod, and their role in his vision.
The young people of today are the future leaders of what must be a vibrant, faith-filled community. Christ is Alive is the resource that will support them in this journey.
"REJOICE & BE GLAD." Pope Francis' Gaudete et Exsultate. By ANDREW HAMILTON SJ, BILL HUEBSCH
Why should we "rejoice and be glad" in such troubled times? Because God, as Pope Francis reminds us, calls us all to be saints. In Gaudete et Exsultate, Pope Francis uses Scripture and the witness of the saints to demonstrate that God's call to holiness is for each and every one of us.
But how can we respond to God's call? Fr Andrew Hamilton SJ and Bill Huebsch unpack Pope Francis' key messages from Gaudete et Exsultate with paraphrased summaries, along with prayerful discussion and reflection questions, enabling the reader to see how Francis' words apply to their own lives. The Rejoice and Be Glad Reading Guide will help those seeking to understand Pope Francis' call, and make it even more accessible.
Rejoice and Be Glad is perfect for small groups or individual study. It is an easy-to-use guide that will help everyone understand, celebrate, and live Pope Francis' message of Gospel joy, love, and peace.
REJOICE & BE GLAD - Pope Francis' Gaudete et Exsultate. RRP $9.95*
(source: original article here - these books are also available at various online bookstores)
(Image shutterstock licensed image ID:1358932874 - Pope Francis, By GYG Studio)
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
Visit our shops for all your sacramental gifts, including rosaries and prayer books.
ACCOMMODATION WANTED
An 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.
SHALOM WORLD TV : AUDIO-VISUAL RESOURCE
Please visit and see the treasury of shows and articles at https://www.shalomworld.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/
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!
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." Applications close 22nd July 2021.
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 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 only a short time now 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: Doreen Slater, Christina Hendriksen, Diane Land, Robyn Skein, 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: Adam Minisini, Anthony Bennett, Bernard David, Anna Marmina, Joe Gellatly, Felicitas Robbins, John Lenehan, Don Cope, Mary Johnston, Rodolfo Miguel Mengido, Lynette Lesley Larking, Patricia Tansey, Paul Conmy, Kathleen Hare, Marie Van Twest, Barry Moore.
ANNIVERSARY OF DEATH: Tom and Lucy Yule, Jack & Daphne Banks, Polly Cummins, Josephine Sanders; Gabriel Joe Sheehy, Julia McKay. Alfred Desira; Alan Krushka; Christopher Cassels; Maureen Glenn, Peter Briggs, Anna Felisiak, Mavis Eileen O'Brien, Vona Winifred Sellars, Jack and Daphne Banks, Elizabeth (Betty) Taylor, Kathleen Perkins, Francisca Hanoszek, John Schreiber, Matthew Hoare, Giuseppe Grasso, Emily Hasdell, Ante Kolak, Alan Herbert Driscoll, Fr Bernard O'Shea, Peter Butler, Rita Smith, Elizabeth Anne Fredricks, Irene Cappellazzo, Alan Clark Krushka, Sharon Patricia Pak.
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/
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.
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.
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