PDF version of this parish newsletter here:
Also, you can access an online copy of the newsletter *here*
"My soul glorifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour" (Luke 1: 46-47)
(Shutterstock licensed Image ID: 83960584- - By kocetoiliev )
Friendship Day Cancelled this Month
Due to current Covid restrictions, Friendship Day will not be on next week. Hopefully next month it will be able to be held.
THE PASTOR'S POST: The Right Thing
In my childhood home, we had this custom of preparing a list of household chores, besides which was a cash amount, for which my siblings and I would be paid at the end of the week. For example clean your room – sixpence, rake the leaves – threepence, help with washing the dishes – threepence, fill the wood box – threepence, and so on. (Please note the currency denomination and the amounts. Entrance to the showgrounds was about one shilling or 10 cents – the wonder years). This practice only came into play in July, in the lead up to the Exhibition, when our canny parents decided that instead of giving us "free money", they could get us to work for our wages. That way they got the jobs done and we got the spending money for the Ekka. It wasn't called win/win back then, but that was a general principle. The practice finished as soon as the Ekka was over when we returned to do the same jobs for free, being correctly reminded that these jobs were our responsibility that went with belonging to our household. No major complaints with that. We saw what was happening here, although we didn't know how beneficial it would be for us in later life.
While I absolutely believe in the right and justice of being paid for work that enriches and develops the social fabric, and that abuse of workers by underpayment and harsh working conditions is a moral transgression, I do believe that we all have another responsibility to give to the 'household of humanity' time and talent for which we may not be remunerated. Again it's the win/win. We receive from our world many things for which we have not paid, therefore we should give back a certain amount as a balance. I have never once had to pay to walk on our magnificent beaches, or walk through the magical rain forests of North Queensland, nor will I ever expect to do so. These are the "freebies' of life, but I should never presume upon them as my right, but rather my privilege. This is no great spiritual insight or philosophical awakening, it's simply: why do we expect to keep receiving when we are not prepared to make a contribution?
Why do we expect that everything we should be doing as a responsibility needs to be compensated for? I feel rather strongly about this in relation to people who might feel they need an inducement to be vaccinated in the Covid battle. I cannot accept that anyone should receive a 'sweetener' to "do the right thing", the responsible thing. The sweetener is being able to participate freely in my community in security and without fear of pandemic illness. Every year I get my flu shot, mainly because I want to stay healthy, but also because those of us who visit hospitals and nursing homes are required, by the said facilities, to show that we are protected from the potential flu. In this way, a number of people are made to feel safer. I have never asked or expected to receive any other inducement to get this shot other than doing what I consider to be the right thing. Similarly, I do not expect the government to give me $5 every time I stop at a red light or zebra crossing, because to do so is not fulfilling a road regulation, but doing the safe and responsible thing. I'm not being good – I'm being sensible and responsible. No cash transaction is required.
I will not regard it as a threat to my human rights to be required to carry a passport to indicate that I have been fully vaccinated, nor will I object if I am asked to show this passport twenty times a day because to do so is to do the right thing. While I am very grateful that my parents helped us earn our Ekka money, I am also grateful that they taught me that not everything I do should be a commercial transaction, and that remuneration does not always come with a dollar value. Sometimes the payoff is knowing that we are able to offer a gift, a contribution to the world, however small, and our Father who sees all that is done in secret will reward us. Stay safe and do the right thing.
Fr Peter Dillon PP.
CATHOLIC CHURCH OPPOSITION TO VOLUNTARY ASSISTED DYING LAW
(The proposed law to allow voluntary assisted dying is expected to be debated by Queensland's Parliament in September 2021).
"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
CHECK IN TO MASS….
Please check-in by mandatory Check-In Qld app. We are so pleased with how this is going with your continued cooperation.
Please show our volunteers at the door your before entering the church.
Ask for assistance from our volunteers if you are experiencing difficulty in getting the Qld App onto your phone. If by chance you are not able to get the App because your phone is too old or is not compatible or you don't have a mobile phone, only then are you required to write down your name and contact number, please. 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.
Masks must be worn by all over the age of 12 years.
The Delta strain of COVID is highly contagious. Please get tested for any flu-like symptoms. In addition to this, please check the list of daily exposure sites on the Queensland Health Website to see if you have been in casual contact with the virus. Pay special attention to the "new" sites listed. We all travel, so it is likely we are in contact. https://www.qld.gov.au/health/conditions/health-alerts/coronavirus-covid-19/current-status/contact-tracing. Get tested if you have been exposed. Please do not return to Mass unless you have received a negative result. You can put all those attending mass with you at risk by not adhering to the Queensland Health directive.
Thank you for your cooperation and understanding.
CATHOLIC CAMPAIGN - ANNUAL ARCHDIOCESAN COLLECTION COMING SOON
TO DONATE ONLINE TO THE ANNUAL CATHOLIC CAMPAIGN - PLEASE CLICK HERE -
ADULT FAITH ENRICHMENT: REFLECTION & BIBLE STUDY
Coming to you on ZOOM
(as well as in person at the Parish Hospitality Centre) ring 0409 486 326
if you are wanting to hook up from your home to join and we will assist you to be able to do this
- otherwise, if you are already familiar with how to do this
access to the ZOOM Meeting is ID 743 836 7833
COMMENCING ON SUNDAY MORNING AT 10 AM
IN THE PARISH HOSPITALITY CENTRE
FIRST SESSION 22ND AUGUST 2021
A Journey through the history of Catholicism!
This exciting 20-part (20 hours) DVD series takes you through the major people, places, and events that make up the history of the Catholic Church. You will see the glory of the Church founded by Christ and understand where you fit into this Epic story.
Order your Study Set by ringing the Parish Office (55 725 433) between 9 am and 12 pm weekdays and giving your details – the Study Set will cost $44.99 (no mark up - just the internet advertised cost - freight is on us) and includes everything you need to participate and complete the 20-part study.
Please organise to pay the Parish Office for the Study Set by direct debit to the Parish account or by coming into the Parish Office to pay - either way arrange with the Parish Office, please.
The Study Set will be handed out on the first night (22nd August). If anyone is desperate to be a part of this but cannot afford the $44.99 or is able to just afford some of it - please DO NOT let this stop you from participating - we will find a way
This Study Set includes:
Epic Workbook
Epic Timeline Chart
Epic Timeline Bookmark
We, at the Parish, are excited to be able to bring this to you and look forward to both young and old (and in between) participating, as we want to hear you sharing your opinions, your stories, and your faith-filled personal relationship with God - Father, Son and Holy Spirit - we all learn and grow from each other's input, so looking forward to a diverse group of people from all walks of life.
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CONTINUING OUR JOURNEY WITH ST PAUL
FORTNIGHTLY ON A TUESDAY NIGHT
In the Footsteps of Paul - With Tony Moore
ALL WELCOME: Our next session will be this Tuesday 17th August at 6 pm in the Parish Hospitality Centre or if that is taken for the night then we are in the Parish Office Staff Room
The next video from the 20 Episode series is No 14: "Revivals & Riots at Ephesus" - Paul leaves Corinth and sails across to Ephesus and from there to Jerusalem but he kept thinking about Ephesus - he was anxious to see what had developed there following his preaching of the Good News that Jesus Christ was the Lord - Paul was on a mission - his path was leading him back to Ephesus
Prayer and Reflection on Letters - We have left Thessalonians behind and started on Corinthians -William Barclay, the author of The Letters to the Corinthians - The New Daily Study Bible, has one aim in his study series - 'to convey the results of scholarship to the ordinary reader (you and I) bringing God's word to readers in the language of their own time -the 21st century.
In those days, Corinth was a hotbed of vice, yet it was where some of Paul's greatest work was done, some of the mightiest triumphs of Christianity were won.' Other than Ephesus, Paul stayed longer in Corinth than in any other city, eighteen months. Corinth was the city of the Twin Harbours - on the western side the Gulf of Corinth and the eastern side, the Sardonic Gulf - merchants bringing their wares and goods from and to Asia Minor in the east and from and to Greece, Macedonia and Rome in the west. Paul was able to ply his trade there - making tents and sails for the ships that sailed in and out of these two ports. The isthmus that divided Corinth from Athens had a trackway made of rails of wood smeared with fat where goods and/or small ships were hauled from one harbour to the other (around 4 miles or 6.4 kilometres across but 320 kilometres to go around the dangerous horn).
The Corinth Canal today cuts right through this isthmus - bringing together the Adriatic and Aegean Seas.
Impressive man-made feat!
Paul's letters to the Corinthians were not collected together until around AD 90. In many churches they were on bits of papyrus and putting them together would have been a problem, so it seems that not all were discovered and some were not arranged in the right order - we're about to delve into a reconstruction of what happened and what letters are out or order - a summary of the letters from both 1 and 2 Corinthians. Don't know about you but this is exciting stuff which the majority of us had not heard of and eagerly await this revelation.
If you are wanting to start with us just give the Parish Office
(55 725 433) your email address and turn up on the night. Blessings to all.
SACRAMENTAL PROGRAM
CONFIRMATION
Confirmation Preparation begins at the end of August.
Each family that has completed an online application for their child/ren to enrol in Preparation for Confirmation on October 15, 2021, should have received an email from our Parish Sacramental Coordinator, Cathy Anderson. These emails were sent in the first week of August. If you didn't receive an email or you know of someone who wishes their child to be included, please encourage them to complete an enrolment application.
Confirmation enrolments will close on Friday, August 27. Please ask interested parents and caregivers to go to the parish website www.surfersparadiseparish.com.au They should use the drop-down menu under Sacraments and 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.
Parents are required to attend an introductory meeting at Sacred Heart Church on either Monday, August 30 at 5:30 pm or Tuesday, August 31 at 7:00 pm.
FIRST COMMUNION
105 Surfers Paradise Parish children celebrated their First Holy Communion on May 30 and June 6, 2021. For your child to be included in next year's preparation group, please go to the parish website www.surfersparadiseparish.com.au and complete an online enrolment application. Please use the drop-down menu under Sacraments and click on First Holy Communion (under Sacraments). Then scroll down to and click on CHILDREN'S SACRAMENTAL PROGRAM APPLICATION FORM (in the blue box).
RECONCILIATION
In the Archdiocese of Brisbane, Reconciliation follows the Sacraments of Initiation. That is, Reconciliation, also known as Penance, follows Baptism, Confirmation and First Communion. The Surfers Paradise 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 starting date but we urge all parents and caregivers to continue to check our newsletter for updates.
STEWARDSHIP REFLECTION - The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary
"And Mary said, 'My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord; my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour.'"
Luke 1: 46.
After Jesus, we look to Mary as our model of stewardship. Her entire life was lived in obedience to God's will. Just as the moon reflects the light of the sun, Mary reflects the light of Christ. Like Mary, we too are called to reflect Christ to the world. We do this by living grateful and generous lives. We do this by putting others' needs before our wants.
The vision of Stewardship speaks in every aspect of life, inviting everyone to be thankful, generous and accountable for what each has been given.
We are in need of volunteers to man the library before and after mass during the weekends. If you are called to help in the library, we shall appreciate it if you can contact Esta Mostert by texting / WhatsApp her on
+61 410542427 or email her: esta@mostertfamily.com
Please text your name, WhatsApp or phone number and/or your email address to her as well as the times that you will be available. Alternatively, write your name on the Library Volunteer list at the back of the church. Ezekiel 2:9 Then I looked, and behold, a hand was extended to me; and lo, a scroll was in it. Source: https://bible.knowing-jesus.com/topics/Books
Your support is needed to help our Parish 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 (9 am–12 pm Mon-Fri).
INSPIRING QUOTES: (Some taken from - .. Complete Quotes and Anecdotes - Tony Castle, and various sources)
First, the Virgin Mary has always been proposed to the faithful by the Church as an example to be imitated, …. She is held up as an example to the faithful rather for the way in which, in her own particular life, she fully and responsibly accepted the will of God (cf. Lk. 1:38), because she heard the word of God and acted on it, and because charity and a spirit of service were the driving force of her actions. She is worthy of imitation because she was the first and the most perfect of Christ's disciples. All of this has a permanent and universal exemplary value. (Pope Saint Paul VI, Apostolic Exhortation, Marialis Cultus, February 2, 1974).
The Blessed Virgin Mary, (says St. Ambrose), is "the type of the Church, [today we might say "the icon of the Church"]. In other words, if you want to see a sort of miniature figurine of everything the Church is, look at Mary.
"Be humble in this life, that God may raise you up in the next. Be truly moderate and do not punish or condemn anyone immoderately. Be gentle so that you may never oppose justice. Be honourable so that you may never voluntarily bring disgrace upon anyone. Be chaste so that you may avoid all the foulness of lust like the pangs of death." (St Stephen I of Hungary).
Be merciful to all who are suffering violence, keeping always in your heart the example of the Lord who said, "I desire mercy and not sacrifice." (Saint Stephen of Hungary).
"A Christian has a union with Jesus Christ which is nobler, more intimate, and more perfect than the members of a human body have with their head." (St John Eudes).
"Our wish, our object, our chief preoccupation must be to form Jesus in ourselves, to make his spirit, his devotion, his affections, his desire, and his disposition live and reign there." ( St John Eudes)
We are missionaries of mercy, sent by the Father of mercy, to distribute the treasures of mercy to those in need. ( St John Eudes)
"As we give ourselves to Christ, our hands become His hands, our heart is transformed into His heart. Mary is the ultimate exemplar of this. She gave her heart to God so completely that she and Jesus have just one heart between them. Thus, whoever sees Mary, sees Jesus, and honouring the heart of Mary is never separate from honouring the heart of Jesus." (summary of one of St John Eudes' principal theological understandings).
A certain Madeleine Lamy, who had cared for several of the destitute women, one day said to St John Eudes, "Where are you off to now? To some church, I suppose, where you'll gaze at the images and think yourself pious. And all the time what is really wanted of you is a decent house for these poor creatures." The words, and the laughter of those present, struck deeply within him. The result was another new religious community, called the Sisters of Charity of the Refuge.
"There are those who seek knowledge for the sake of knowledge; that is Curiosity. There are those who seek knowledge to be known by others; that is Vanity. There are those who seek knowledge in order to serve; that is Love." (St Bernard of Clairvaux).
"The road to hell is paved with good intentions." ( St Bernard of Clairvaux).
"Many of those who are humiliated are not humble. Some react to humiliation with anger, others with patience, and others with freedom. The first are culpable, the next harmless, the last just." ( St Bernard of Clairvaux, On the Song of Songs 1).
"What we love we shall grow to resemble." ― (St Bernard of Clairvaux).
"A saint is not someone who never sins, but one who sins less and less frequently and gets up more and more quickly." ― (St. Bernard of Clairvaux).
"Blessed," he says, "are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God" (Mt 5:9). Consider carefully that it is not the people who call for peace but those who make peace who are commended. For there are those who talk but do nothing (Mt 23:3). For just as it is not the hearers of the law but the doers who are righteous (Rom 2:13), so it is not those who preach peace but the authors of peace who are blessed." (St Bernard of Clairvaux).
"Truly we are passing through disastrous times, when we may well make our own, the lamentation of the Prophet: "There is no truth, and there is no mercy, and there is no knowledge of God in the land" (Hosea 4:1). Yet in the midst of this tide of evil, the Virgin Most Merciful rises before our eyes like a rainbow, as the arbiter of peace between God and man." (Pope Saint Pope Pius X).
"Holy Communion is the shortest and safest way to Heaven. There are others: innocence, but that is for little children; penance, but we are afraid of it; generous endurance of trials of life, but when they come we weep and ask to be spared. The surest, easiest, shortest way is the Eucharist." (Pope Saint Pope Pius X).
(Image - Shutterstock licensed - ID: 451455262 -VATICAN, ROME, ITALY - MARCH 16, 2016: Beautiful sculpture of the St. John Eudes in the interior of the St. Peters Basilica ( Famous Roman Landmark ). Founder Statue by Silvio Silva. Europe. By Vasilii L )
PRAYER FOR HEALTHCARE WORKERS IN THE PANDEMIC
With so much stress on our Health Care Workers in Queensland today, and with over 400 of these remarkable people currently in quarantine, may we pray for them and let them know that we are truly appreciative of their dedication to the community.
Prayer for Health Care Workers
Loving God, we pray in gratitude, for all Health Care Workers and for their families and friends.
We give thanks for their service, and we pray for their safety. We ask for your blessing on each of them. Amen.
THE GOSPEL THIS WEEKEND: THE ASSUMPTION OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY - 15th August 2021.
This feast originated in Jerusalem before the fifth century as the "Falling-Asleep of the Mother of God."
It was adopted in Rome in the mid-seventh century and was renamed the "Assumption" in the eighth century. This solemnity celebrates Mary's passing over, body and soul, from this world into the glory of her risen Son. Our Lady is the foretaste and forerunner of what will be the reward of all the faithful at the fullness of the resurrection on the last day.
Mary is an ideal example of someone who cooperated with God's plans, and as a result, allowed God to do great things through her life and actions. Look at the wonders the Holy Spirit of God can achieve when we are completely open to God's action in our lives.
Look at the incredible grace, love and fruitfulness that is produced from saying "YES" to what God wants to achieve through us in the world. Mary stands as a wonderful inspiration of human faithfulness, obedience, respect and humility. Our Blessed Lady's "yes" allowed her to become a willing part of God's plan in the world.
Let us never say: "What can I contribute? What good is what I have to give, compared with the enormity of the needs, the challenges and the demands of this world? " Rather, let us imitate Mary, and say… "Yes, Lord! You are great and good. I believe you can achieve all things! I recognise that you achieve many of your plans for creation through the people you have invited to cooperate in this divine work of the Kingdom of God."
The Blessed Virgin Mary is like a beautiful writing instrument in the hand of our most artistic God. And the message God is writing with Mary and all who follow Jesus is a love letter to all creation. Our Lady shows us how beautiful it is if we too allow ourselves to be the channel through which God's good news, love, justice, compassion and mercy is communicated to the world.
Mary is a clear mirror of Christ's graciousness, peace and love. Whenever we act or speak, with Our Lord's love in our hearts, it is an enormous source of blessing and good for the world.
Sadly sometimes, because of our weakness and fragility, we can block or muddy the graciousness of Christ desiring to be poured out to all others through us. Our actions and values can block the healing, the care and the compassion that God is trying to create in and through us. Mary shows us that we can also be a generous channel of God's love and action if we cooperate with God's grace which richly surrounds us.
Let us pray that Jesus will show us how to allow ourselves to be more and more bearers of the light of Christ to each other and to everyone, as the Blessed Virgin Mary is.
May Our Lady reveal to us complete openness and generosity towards God. Mary prefigures the destiny of all who hope in Jesus' promise that we will be one day in Heaven, body and soul, with the Risen Christ. The Blessed Virgin Mary inspires us to make a difference. We too are inspired to say "yes" to God's values in all we do, (at home, at work, in the classrooms, our social gatherings, and our workplaces).
We can be a living and breathing embodiment of "Yes" to the surprising and mysterious, and at times astonishing, work Jesus is creating around us. This is happening at all times and in all locations. Like a vigilant surfer, we stand ready always to take the tide when it comes and ride the wave of God's grace to where God leads us.
Blessed Virgin Mary, Assumed body and soul into heaven, pray for us, that we may be made worthy of the sure promises of Christ. Amen.
To listen to the whole Sunday Mass each week (including homily) from Surfers Paradise Catholic Parish, please visit this link: Liturgy for you at Home (by SPCP) - https:- soundcloud.com/user-633212303/tracks
{References: Fr Paul Kelly}
{Shutterstock Licensed Image Credit: stock vector ID: 270796268 -Blessed Virgin Mary Queen in triangle style - By mashabr }
POPE FRANCIS:
Pope Francis has eagerly embraced modern communication technology. Recently he tweeted the following messages:
"A year after the terrible port explosion in the capital Beirut, I appeal to the international community to offer Lebanon concrete assistance in undertaking a journey of "resurrection", so that Lebanon may once more be a message of peace and fraternity."
And on Aug 4:
"The Gospel is the Good News and the force that changes our lives and hearts for the better. For this, I ask you to read the Gospel every day and meditate on a short passage to be nourished from this inexhaustible source of salvation."
Let us pray for the Church, that she may receive from the Holy Spirit the grace and strength to reform herself in the light of the Gospel. https://twitter.com/i/status/1422557364666867713
And
It would be good to ask ourselves every day: "What do I bring to Jesus today?". He can do a lot with one of our prayers, with a gesture of charity for others. This is how God loves to act: He does great things, starting from those small things. (source: Twitter @Pontifex)
(Image - Pope's Twitter account - https://twitter.com/Pontifex/photo )
FAITH AND WORSHIP - SOCIAL JUSTICE STATEMENT 2021—2022
This year's Australian Bishops' Social Justice Statement was launched on August 5th of 2021 with the theme Cry of the Earth, Cry of the Poor.
The Bishops' Social Justice Statement 2021-22: Cry of the Earth, Cry of the Poor, affirms that "we human beings need a change of heart, mind, and behaviour". It draws from Scripture, from the theological tradition, from Catholic Social Teaching, and from the wisdom of the world, including the insights of the First Nations.
The Social Justice Statement 2021-22 provides theological foundations to the ground and inspire efforts to care for creation while responding to the needs of the disadvantaged and excluded. The Statement reflects on creation in and through the Trinity; the sacramentality of all created things; the wonder and beauty available to the contemplative eye; and the need for conversion and change of life.
In the Statement, the Bishops invite the whole Catholic community to join them in taking up Pope Francis' invitation to a seven-year journey towards total ecological sustainability, guided by seven Laudato Si' Goals. These Goals are a response to the cry of the earth; response to the cry of the poor; ecological economics; sustainable lifestyles; ecological spirituality; ecological education; and community engagement and participatory action.
The Statement especially encourages Catholic families, communities and organisations to listen to the First Nations; reflect on the theological foundations offered in Cry of the Earth, Cry of the Poor; and plan their next steps towards the Laudato Si' Goals.
Cry of the Earth, Cry of the Poor will be useful resources throughout our seven-year journey to total sustainability. Your help in promoting it through your networks would be greatly appreciated.
The statement is available for download from the ACBC Office for Social Justice website here: https://socialjustice.catholic.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/Social-Justice-Statement-2021-22.pdf
SOCIAL JUSTICE PRAYER:
God of all creation,
the heavens tell of your glory
and the earth is full of wonders
that sing of your goodness.
Sun, moon, stars and sky,
rain, snow, wind and water,
animals, birds, trees and flowers:
all are shaped by your loving hand.
Open in us an attentiveness
that recognises and welcomes
the holy that enfolds us and calls our name.
Form us to be people who delight
in life as your gift
to be revered, savoured, and nourished. AMEN. [IMAGE - The cover image of the 2021 Catholic Bishops Social Justice Statement ]
MASS TIMES: SURFERS PARADISE MASS TIMES
Please note that people entering the church are now 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 Check-In App - this will allow entry into a church.
MASKS MUST BE WORN
CATHOLIC LEADER - MONTHLY NEWSPAPER - AUGUST PRINT EDITION AVAILABLE NOW. $4.
NEVER MISS A COPY OF THE CATHOLIC LEADER BY SUBSCRIBING AND RECEIVING YOUR COPY BY POST. You can 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.
WORTH A LISTEN - This week on "The Journey"
"God puts on the kettle, sits down and says, tell me all about it again" - MOTHER HILDA
The Journey is a weekly program developed by the Catholic Diocese of Wollongong and is the only Catholic radio program in Australia aired on general Christian radio.
On the Journey this week - (Ep 418): Fr Tony Alex MGL says life is about today, it's not about tomorrow that hasn't arrived yet or the past that holds us back. Pray and be happy, using prayer to put our anxieties in context. Plus, Mother Hilda on a broken heart, Michelle Vass uses the psalms to pray, and Torrien Lau on being compassionate. Plus, more great music!
Visit www.jcr.org.au where you can listen anytime and subscribe to weekly shows by email. Got friends or family who you'd like to hear this show every week? All you've got to do is send them this email and they can subscribe by clicking here https://www.dow.org.au/media-resources/journey-radio/
SACRED HEART AND ST VINCENT'S RELIGIOUS GOODS SHOPS
The Parish Shops are open before and after Mass each weekend. For enquiries at other times, please contact Pat 0404 805 819. This week, beautiful standing crucifixes are available for sale now.
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 10:45 am. 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 10.30 am to prepare adequately for class). For more information, call Ruth on 0421338110.
WEEKLY Q
We thought we would bring a little joy into your lives in these difficult times, and perhaps bring out the inner sleuth in you.
- a weekly Trivia Q - the answer for which you will find in past Parish Newsletters which can be accessed via the website Newsletter Archive – Surfers Paradise Parish
- the first person to email the correct answer to pwkelly68@gmail.com will have their name documented and at the end of the year the one with the most correct (first in) answers will win a 'surprise' !!
Question 3. Several parents of grown-up children are upset at the fact our children no longer go to Mass. "I'd rather my children went to Mass while I am alive, rather than making a big show of things after I've gone.". Who was the person who said this?
Question 2. As Pope Francis tries to redefine the place of the laity in a Church he sees as being too clerical, he formally strengthened and consolidated a new 'ministry' for Catholic laypeople recently, hoping to fundamentally change the Catholic Church from within. It is a ministry that is very familiar in developing countries, but it is something the Pope hopes will be of benefit to all nations, including the developed world. What is the name of that ministry?
Answer Question 2.
ANSWER found in Newsletter of 6 June 2021 - POPE FRANCIS: Institutes a new ministry for Catholic Lay People - "lay ministry of Catechist"
CONGRATULATIONS! And the first person with the right answer to last week's Q 2. using the email pwkelly68@gmail.com was……….
Michelle Coyle - Her answer came in on Tuesday around midday.
So, answers are getting harder to find, hopefully! Let's give Michelle a run for her money 😁 this week with Question 3 above. See if you can beat Michelle as she appears to be the one who is dominating the results so far. Good luck!
Thanks to Frs. Peter and Paul for the interesting articles submitted by them to our Newsletters - these have prompted this bit of fun!
FAN THE FLAME PLENARY COUNCIL REFLECTION
Towards Plenary Assembly One October 2021 - 'His mercy reaches from age to age' - Luke 1:39-56
God is asking us to refrain from putting barriers and obstacles in the way of God's mercy reaching the least, the lost and those who feel excluded, especially those who do not yet know the love of God. God is asking us to be a Church that walks together and does not leave anyone behind.
(Humble, Healing and Merciful – Discernment Paper p. 6)
www.plenarycouncil.catholic.org.au/fantheflame/
CARER GATEWAY - CONNECTING CARERS TO SUPPORT SERVICES
Emotional help and support available for carers Getting help early can make a big
difference to a carer's life by helping to reduce emotional and physical strain and improving their overall health and wellbeing. Supports and services are free for carers through Carer Gateway and are
designed to help if you are:
• feeling stressed
• experiencing anxiety
• have low moods
• find it difficult to manage feelings.
Services such as counselling, peer support, and skills courses are available to help you in your caring role. Find out more at carergateway.gov.au or call 1800 422 737, Mon-Fri between 8 am and 5 pm local time.
JOBS AROUND THE ARCHDIOCESE -
Position Vacant – Booval Parish
Applications are open for a position at the Booval Parish. A person with excellent administration and secretarial skills is required for a part-time 3-year contract position of Parish Secretary for 20 hours per week, 5 hours on a Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday.
For additional information, please visit the Archdiocese of Brisbane website- https://clientapps.jobadder.com/68451/aob-internal-career-opportunities/333164/parish-secretary-booval
Closing date – 19 August 2021
Position Vacant – Pastoral Associate (Sunnybank Parish)
Applications are open for a position at the Sunnybank Parish. The Pastoral Associate will be required to coordinate children and their families preparing for the Sacraments. The applicant will also be involved in Liturgy preparation, Adult Education and Pastoral Care of Parishioners. The applicant will require recent study and practice in the Sacraments of Initiation and Theological qualifications are essential.
The position is permanent part-time 28 hours per week (Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and Sunday)
For additional information, please visit the Archdiocese of Brisbane website https://clientapps.jobadder.com/68451/aob-internal-career-opportunities/339967/pastoral-associate-sunnybank-parish
Applications close: 20 August 2021
The Archdiocese of Brisbane has standards of conduct for workers to maintain a safe and healthy environment for children. Our commitment to these standards requires that we conduct working with children checks and background.
Position Vacant – Youth Ministry Coordinator (Maroochydore)
Applications are open for a position at the Maroochydore Catholic Community. A person who is able to establish and develop a youth ministry program within the parish is required for 8 hours per week over 1 day which is negotiable.
Application close: 30 August 2021
FOR THOSE WHO ARE SICK: Justin King, Bert Devich, Marija Mercep, John Davis, Peter Cotton, Bobby Courtney, Lisa Mangan, Doreen Slater, Christina Hendriksen, Diane Land, Robyn Skein, Sharyn Lucas, Kye Oh, Irene Carney, Michael James, Bill Gilmore, Olga Hamshari, Roy Ferraro, 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, 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 & Denise Tracey, Joanne Mooney, Joanne Parkes, Michelle MacDonald, John & Molly Robinson, Mary Kerr. And all suffering from Covid-19.
RECENTLY DECEASED: Gary Foster, John Joseph Sesta, (Brother of Sr. Elvira), Fr Dan Carroll, Helen Therese Moffat, Marcia Allman, Kathleen Vlasic, Ermis (Ernie) Moro, James Cunningham, Elaine Hannah Cotter, Nair Mercanti Richard, Joseph Shen (Jiasheng Shen), John Lenehan, Albert Lewis (Lew) Bush, Jill Cecelia O'Brien, Maureen Patricia O'Connor, George Higgs, Greg Sharah, Dave Binder (USA), Grace Cooper (UK), Leah Maher, Bill Wall, Jill Masters, Adam Minisini, Anthony Bennett, Bernard David, Lynette Lesley Larking, Patricia Tansey, Paul Conmy.
ANNIVERSARY OF DEATH: Bernard Delaney, Charles Cam, Marie Peters, Carlos Concel Sr., Algie Scharenguivel, Barry John Arderne, Bernie Crane, John Richard Gardner, Giuseppina Rovella, Carolyn Cameron, Frank Covino, Rose Mary Saldanha, Patricia Medway, Maurice (Maurie) Turner.
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 - This is Kombumerri Country - The Traditional Custodians of this region.
We respectfully acknowledge the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as the First People of this country. We pay our respects to the Kombumerri people, who are the traditional custodians of the land, waterways and seas upon which we live, work and socialise throughout this Catholic Parish of Surfers Paradise. We acknowledge Elders, past and present and emerging, as they hold the memories, traditions, culture and hopes of our Indigenous people. We pay tribute to those who have contributed in many ways to the life of the community. We affirm our commitment to justice, healing, and reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples.
ST VINCENT DE PAUL SOCIETY
ST VINCENT DE PAUL SOCIETY
This year in National Homelessness Week, the National Council of the St Vincent de Paul Society in Australia said the Federal Government must intervene as a matter of urgency as house prices soar, wages stagnate and the housing affordability crisis creeps towards middle Australia.
National President Claire Victory said the Great Australian Dream is fast moving beyond the reach of minimum income earners, placing pressure on a limited, overheated rental market.
'At least 650,000 social and affordable homes are needed right now, with over 116,000 people experiencing homelessness on any given night.
'The Society has repeatedly called for the Federal Government to establish a social housing fund of $10 billion to augment the efforts of the states and territories to address the chronic and growing shortage.
The St Vincent de Paul Society is asking Australians to lobby governments to invest more in housing and help the most vulnerable in society.
'Homelessness is no longer that stereotypical person sleeping rough.
'It's people like you and me, just one life event away from a devastating change in circumstances – illness including mental ill health, relationship breakdown, loss of a spouse, domestic violence, or the loss of a job. Older women are now the fastest growing group of people facing homelessness.
'Older people who do not own their own home, and women and children affected by domestic violence are particularly vulnerable.
'Of 74,000 rental listings in Anglicare's 2021 annual survey, only three were affordable for a person on Jobseeker and none for a person on Youth Allowance.
'And two thirds of 170,000 vulnerable private renters are currently in rental stress with less than $250 a week to live on after paying rent.
'Governments have left housing to the market and the market has failed.
'In the face of the economic facts, it's difficult to understand the lack of political will to invest urgently.
'High housing costs suppress demand for other goods and services. Supported housing saves $13,100 per person annually in reduced use of overall government services, even while factoring in the cost of supports.
'Without significant investment, supply will remain limited while negative gearing and low-interest rates attract investors, boosting house prices.
'The Commonwealth must drive the implementation of a 30-year national housing strategy.
'Everyday charities like St Vincent de Paul provide support to people who have nowhere to call home. It's easy to blame people who haven't got anywhere to live, but if we continue to neglect the deteriorating supply of affordable housing, a rising tide of homeless families will be forced to seek help from our charities just to survive,' Ms Victory said.
The St Vincent de Paul Society in Australia consists of 60,000 members who operate on the ground through over 1,000 groups located in local communities across the country.
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