PDF version of this parish newsletter here:
Also, you can access an online copy of the newsletter *here*
"One thing you lack," he said. "Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me."(Mark 10: 21)
(Shutterstock licensed Image ID: 1117861499 -Graphic brushstroke textured illustration of the crosses of Calvary. Scene of the Bible's redemptive gospel where Jesus Christ was crucified as our sacrifice for our sin. By GD Arts)
PASTOR'S POST: Buy Less, Appreciate More
'The human animal is a beast that dies and if he's got money, he buys and buys and buys and I think the reason he buys everything he can buy, is that in the back of his mind he has the crazy hope that one of his purchases will be everlasting life - which it can never be' – Tennessee Williams from Cat on A Hot Tin Roof.
Recently a friend expressed amazement when I revealed that my mobile phone was almost 8 years old. When I asked why he thought I needed a new one he replied, "These things are not built to last". He then went on to inform me that most electrical devices, and in fact most furniture and household items all have a limited life span, which apparently is why they are less expensive and therefore less robust than their ancestors. I suspect this has a lot to do with the way the economy and manufacturing is geared these days. If things are meant not to last then people buy these items more frequently and hence more products need to be produced, thus keeping the manufacturing industry rolling along. That's my simple economic theory, anyway.
I recalled then a time when my grandparents purchased an HMV 'Puresound' Stereogram, as it was called in the day. It was a magnificent piece of furniture. It seemed to be encased in more wood than the house in which it had pride of place. Neighbours would visit just to see it, and if they were lucky would get to hear one or two tracks of "My Fair Lady," which was the latest Musical of the day. 'Puresound' may have been a bit of an exaggeration, but it certainly was a whole new experience for the listener of the day. It was eventually bequeathed to my parents, who tried in vain to pass it on to one of their children, who by this time had lost any appreciation for this large beast of a machine, which of course only played records, and which fortunately by that time had been superseded by the cassette and the compact disc. How history can laugh at us, now that the cassette and the CD have been passed over by downloadable music streaming services (look it up) and, you guessed it, the return of the vinyl record.
All that story is by way of explanation of why I am mystified that we think we need to replace items regularly, as though there is some societal rule that says anything consumable has a use-by date or can be considered "unfashionable" if we have had it for more than five years. Open any daily newspaper and ask yourself why we have so many catalogues of TVs, refrigerators, sound systems and mobile phones attempting to convince us that whatever device we now have, no matter how recently we bought it, is no longer sufficient for our present needs.
Exactly how many pixels do I need on my phone camera, and why do I need to record every waking moment, only to be deleted months later when I run out of space for the next lot of useless pictures?
I realise that we live in a society bound to consumption. Until the restrictions of the last 18months, I was one of the worst offenders, until I realised that if something is not broken don't replace it, or better still, why not see if it can be fixed, which might keep a few more people employed in these uncertain times. Perhaps because of expense, or simply because we had a different value system in my youth, we only replaced an item after every repair option had been tried. We had a rattan-sided lounge suite that had been reupholstered four times before it was eventually tossed, not because it was broken, but "it no longer suited the décor" apparently While I would hate to be known as a "flat-earther", I do think we frequently use purchasing to ease our boredom, instead of turning that discomfort into valuing a little more the things we already have. Do we have the inner fortitude to not buy anything new until we have worn every item of clothing we own, walked in every shoe in our cupboard, read every book we own and wait until the TV, the mobile phone and all other appliances are near death before we go out and buy a "spare"? If that is all too difficult, just value the stuff you already have, and not think of ourselves as being poor if we don't have the latest, the largest, and the loudest appliance money can buy.
Fr Peter Dillon. PP
MASK WEARING UPDATE
The mask rule in Queensland changes again from 4 pm Friday 8th October 2021.
From 4 pm today, Friday 8 October 2021, restrictions for the Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Brisbane, Gold Coast, Logan City, Moreton Bay, Palm Island and Townsville will ease to Stage 3 of the COVID Safe.
Stage 3 Restrictions include the following:
Mask Usage: In South-East Queensland you must carry a face mask with you at all times when you leave home unless you have a lawful reason not to.
* Outdoors: you must wear a mask when unable to stay 1.5m apart from people who are not part of your household.
* Indoors: you must wear a mask in indoor spaces (including workplaces, but not your own home) unless it is unsafe or you can stay 1.5m apart from other people.
Masses and Gatherings:
· Places of worship will be held to the following occupancy restrictions (this also applies to baptisms) with the use of the COVID Safe Checklist.
o 1 person per 2 square metres indoors
· Clergy and readers may remove masks only if they are 1.5m apart from other people.
· Parishioners must keep their masks while indoors unless unsafe to do so or they can stay 1.5m apart from other people who are not from their own home.
· Choirs and all cantors will be required to keep their masks on while singing as singing remains a high-risk activity. A cantor may remove the mask to sing only if they can remain 7 metres apart from other people.
· Weddings and Funerals, when held indoors, can have the greater of:
o 1 person per 2 square metres for areas open to or used by guests or patrons, or
o 200 people.
· Food Service: Eating or drinking while seated or standing is allowed. There are no restrictions on self-service food.
Visiting vulnerable person facilities or the homebound: Restrictions to visits to hospitals, aged care and disability accommodation services will ease to match the rest of Queensland from 4 pm, the 8th of October 2021. Please contact the facility to receive specific directives regarding visitation.
Glances are totally underrated. They seem trivial, hurried and fleeting, even stolen! They are the smallest of gestures, barely registering a flick of the eye. It is surprising then that a glance can also be a prayer. Saint Thérèse of Lisieux wrote, "For me, prayer is an aspiration of the heart, it is a simple glance directed to heaven, it is a cry of gratitude and love in the midst of trial as well as joy; finally, it is something." Our prayerful "glances" are significant. They register with God. A glance can communicate everything to God, especially when life leaves us wordless. Pause now for a moment and glance at God.
(Luke 10:13-16 (459). "Justice is with the Lord, our God").
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STEWARDSHIP REFLECTION -
"It is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for one who is rich to enter the kingdom of God." (Mark 10:25)
Jesus uses tough language that we may not want to hear. But, we are all called to be generous with all of our gifts. Not just the ones we pick and choose, but all our gifts, and especially the one that means the most to us! That includes our time in prayer to God, our talent in participating in parish ministries and our treasure supporting our local parish and other charities.
The vision of Stewardship speaks in every aspect of life, inviting everyone to be thankful, generous and accountable for what each has been given.
NEXT SESSION - SUNDAY MORNING 10th October 2021
In-person at the Parish Hospitality Centre and also coming to you on ZOOM!
10 AM TO 11:30 AM IN THE PARISH HOSPITALITY CENTRE OR ON ZOOM
If you want to connect from your home, we can assist you in joining (ring 0409 486 326).
If you are already familiar with Zoom, access to the ZOOM Meeting is ID 743 836 7833
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.
You will study:
The major people, places, and events of the past two thousand years in Church history.
Learn twelve time periods of Church history
Grasp the true story of the Crusades
Recognise the rationale for the medieval inquisitors and the Spanish inquisition
See the revolutionary character of the Protestant Reformation
Understand the real story of the confrontation between Galileo and the Church
Discover the massive persecution of Christians in the twentieth century
Discern the workings of the Holy Spirit throughout Church history
We have at least one study set available (but can order more if need be) so come along to the next session, you are most welcome. 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.
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 - we are very happy to have you participate.
FOR YOUNG AND NOT SO YOUNG AND IN-BETWEEN
E-BOOK BY BRIAN BONIWELL -
"Opening to God: Christian Meditation and Contemplative Prayer."
One of our parishioners, and well-known composer, Brian Boniwell has just had a new book published by Willow Communications.
Willow Publishing has just released an eBook for Brian entitled "Opening to God: Christian Meditation and Contemplative Prayer."
It is available for download from the Willow website.
https://willowpublishing.com.au/product/opening-to-god/
Opening to God | Willow Publishing
Christian meditation and contemplative prayer. How to become more present to God, to ourselves and others. Explores transformation and spiritual union, ego-consciousness in our relationships with God, others and the environment.
Prayers and blessings
https://willowpublishing.com.au/product/opening-to-god/
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
50TH WEDDING ANNIVERSARY WISHES
Congratulations to Grace and Tony Sulfaro, also Susan and Alan Ryding who have celebrated their Golden Wedding Anniversaries this week. May God continue to bless the love in your hearts and your life together with an ever-deepening faith. Congratulations on this wonderful milestone in your married lives
HAPPY NINETIETH BIRTHDAY - CONNIE ROBINSON
HEARTWARMING STORY RELATING TO ONE OF OUR PARISHIONERS
Kurt is a wonderful parishioner and he is nearing his last days.
Kurt had a bucket list and the last one before he dies was to ring the police and thank them for all their extra hard work during Covid-19.
Last week Kurt rang and the phone was answered by a lady officer who after hearing the story said hold on and I want to transfer you to the meeting room so all our officers can hear this. After thanking them they all cheered and yelled out "GO KURT"!!
Later that afternoon four officers called out to the Hospice he was at in the Gold Coast to thank Kurt in person. This morning another officer rang to check how Kurt was going.
This is so beautiful.
God bless you all.
Kurt holds his comfort cross in his hands all day. The comfort cross is hand carved from the olive trees around Bethlehem. It brings comfort to the sick and suffering.
FAITH AND WORSHIP:
Years ago, many would recall that the Church was often seen as mostly a place of quiet, silent prayer. Previously people would not tend to speak much in church or do so in hushed tones. Even during Mass, there were many people present at the celebration who were using the time to pray their own private prayers whilst the Liturgy went on around them. At some points, it almost seemed that it was less a gathering of the people of God for the celebration of the Eucharist, and more like a collection of people individually praying, who just happened to be in the same building at the same time as Mass was being celebrated. Over the last several decades, the understanding of the nature of the church has deepened even further.
We now understand new levels to the celebration of the Sacraments. Each one of us, are expressly implored to engage in the celebration of the Eucharist, with the full, active and conscious participation of the People of God. No one is a spectator in the Mass. Whilst the Eucharist is being celebrated, ideally, all other personal prayers and pieties are put aside, and those who are present engage themselves fully in praying the Mass as a member of the assembly. It is not that we don't bring along our own special needs and intentions, but we join them to the offering of the whole people of God, along with everyone else's.
There has been a clarification of the distinction and role of private and public prayer. Both private prayer and public worship are vitally important. The church also steers us away from confusing what are two distinct aspects. Outside of the times for public Liturgy, churches are still normally "Oases" of private prayer, but as we have learnt well in these last long months, so are our quiet prayer spaces at home. In fact, private prayer is best done in private and away from the noise and bustle that occurs in public gathering spaces.
Naturally, Churches clearly have the Blessed Sacrament reserved in them. Jesus is really present in a very special way at Mass and at church. The constant teaching of the Catholic church has also held that celebration of the Eucharist (the active worship), always takes precedence over private adoration (static worship). So much so, that the Roman Missal instructs that when mass is celebrated, the priest and ministers approach the sanctuary, and, if the tabernacle is located on the sanctuary, they genuflect to the tabernacle when starting and ending mass, but that during the actual celebration of the mass, no further reference or acknowledgement is made to the tabernacle because the focus is now on the action of the Eucharist occurring here and now, and to what is happening at this moment on the table of the Word of God and on the Table of the Eucharist.
I remember an old priest once saying that he was always astounded when he saw a person receive communion at mass and then go around to the tabernacle and pray before it. He would say in exasperation: "Do they not know that they have just received Jesus in Communion? Why do they not kneel or sit down in their place, and pray silently to Christ who is now truly within them, and within the people surrounding them through Holy Communion?" - I understand his vexation! Hopefully, the person wasn't forced to go to the tabernacle because they were unable to have a quiet time of prayer, without conversations around them, after communion as the ritual expects.
The primary purpose of the reservation of the Blessed Eucharist is so that the Body of Christ can be taken to those who are sick or dying. Private prayer and adoration before the tabernacle are clearly important and beautiful! At the same time, we also understand that prayer before the tabernacle is always necessarily connected to the primary action of the celebration of the Eucharist from which the Body and Blood of Christ are received. Jesus is also really present in His Word, found within the sacred texts of the Bible. Christ also abides, really present, in the hearts and minds of his beloved children and in our homes and wherever two or more gather in the Lord's name, He is really there with them.
It is a mistake for people to say that they cannot pray at home and that praying at home is not good enough. Anything, including personal prayer and the many beautiful pieties of the church, other than the public liturgies of the church can (and ought) indeed be done at home. Adoration of the sacrament, because of its necessary connection to the celebration of the Eucharist and its availability for communion to the dying, can be suspended in times where the community cannot gather for safety reasons.
In short, it is absolutely essential that we give equal weight to Public Worship and Liturgy and private prayer and undertake these two equally important aspects in their own appropriate time and space.
In the General Instruction to the Roman Missal, the importance of times of silence within the Mass is also emphasised. It is, however, not tacked on at the beginning or end of mass, as if it were some kind of an afterthought. The Liturgy of the Word "must be celebrated in such a way as to promote meditation," (56) As such "any kind of haste which impedes recollection" is to be avoided. Integral to the Mass, (and built into its very structure), are brief moments of silence throughout the liturgy, especially after the readings and the homily so that the word of God may be "taken into the heart by the fostering of the Holy Spirit." (56)
You will notice that there are generous opportunities for silence within Mass. Plenty of space for silence and reflection is essential to the balance for good liturgy. At the different times in the Mass where the Priest says "Let us pray," we are meant to pause to pray silently for a period of time. Also, before and after the Readings and the Homily there are significant times for silence and reflection. In the Prayer of the Faithful, the leader suggests different intentions and then, necessarily, pauses to allow the community to silently pray for these suggestions. This should never be rushed. This gives time for the Word of God to seep, deeper into our hearts and to give us time to 'digest' the life-giving Word of God, and pray quietly.
Because we live in a world of noise and busyness, this silence can seem unsettling at first, but eventually creates a wonderful oasis of quiet reflection within the action of even communal celebration.
Fr Paul Kelly.
INSPIRING QUOTES:
The wisdom of Pope Saint John XXIII:
"... just as food is necessary to the life of the body, so good reading is necessary to the life of the soul."
"Consult not your fears but your hopes and your dreams. Think not about your frustrations, but about your unfulfilled potential. Concern yourself not with what you tried and failed in, but with what it is still possible for you to do."
"See everything, overlook a great deal, correct a little."
"Prayer is the raising of the mind to God. We must always remember this. The actual words matter less."
"I have looked into your eyes with my eyes. I have put my heart near your heart."
― "Mankind is a great, an immense family... This is proved by what we feel in our hearts at Christmas."
"We deem it opportune to remind our children of their duty to take an active part in public life and to contribute toward the attainment of the common good of the entire human family as well as to that of their own political community. They should endeavour, therefore, in the light of their Christian faith and led by love, to ensure that the various institutions—whether economic, social, cultural or political in purpose—should be such as not to create obstacles, but rather to facilitate or render less arduous man's perfecting of himself in both the natural order and the supernatural... Every believer in this world of ours must be a spark of light, a centre of love, a vivifying leaven amidst his fellow men. And he will be this all the more perfectly, the more closely he lives in communion with God in the intimacy of his own soul" ― Pope John XXIII, Pacem in Terris: On Establishing Universal Peace
"If offences abound, then, let mercy also abound; for with the Lord there is mercy, and with Him is plenteous redemption. In the Lord's hand, there is an abundance of all things, because He is the Lord of powers and the King of glory. For the apostle says: "All have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; being justified freely by His grace, through the redemption that is in Jesus Christ: whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in His blood, to declare His righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God." Saint Callistus, speaking on God's mercy.
The wisdom of Saint Teresa of the Jesus:
There are more tears shed over answered prayers than over unanswered prayers.
To have the courage for whatever comes in life - everything lies in that.
I know the power obedience has of making things easy which seem impossible.
We can only learn to know ourselves and do what we can - namely, surrender our will and fulfil God's will in us.
I do not fear Satan half so much as I fear those who fear him.
Be gentle to all and stern with yourself.
Accustom yourself continually to make many acts of love, for they enkindle and melt the soul.
Our body has this defect that, the more it is provided care and comforts, the more needs and desires it finds.
For prayer is nothing else than being on terms of friendship with God.
"Let nothing perturb you, nothing frighten you. All things pass. God does not change. Patience achieves everything."
"May today there be peace within. May you trust God that you are exactly where you are meant to be. May you not forget the infinite possibilities that are born of faith. May you use those gifts that you have received, and pass on the love that has been given to you. May you be content knowing you are a child of God. Let this presence settle into your bones, and allow your soul the freedom to sing, dance, praise and love. It is there for each and every one of us."
Whoever has God lacks nothing; God alone suffices."
"It is love alone that gives worth to all things."
"Christ has no Body now but yours. No hands, no feet on earth but yours. Yours are the eyes through which he looks compassion on this world. Yours are the feet with which he walks to do good. Yours are the hands through which he blesses all the world. Yours are the hands, yours are the feet, yours are the eyes, you are his body. Christ has no Body now on earth but yours."
"It is foolish to think that we will enter heaven without entering into ourselves."
"Thank God for the things that I do not own."
"The closer one approaches to God, the simpler one becomes."
"You pay God a compliment by asking great things of Him."
"If this is how you treat your friends, no wonder you have so many enemies."
THE GOSPEL THIS WEEKEND -
According to the psalm this weekend, wisdom comes from knowing how relatively short life really is. That is, we gain wisdom when we deeply appreciate the utter preciousness and fragility of this life. Because life is short and vulnerable, the things that really matter, (the things that are of abiding value), become so important to discern….
The things that last are love, (self-sacrificing, unselfish love); and our connection to Jesus and his gospel values….
Attachment to worldly things, to possessions and money, is an enormous obstacle. Of infinitely more value and importance would be spending all our time and energy in searching the depths of God's wisdom and deepening our appreciation of God's ways. This is our lasting treasure.
The second reading tells us that the Word of God is not just a series of letters and words on a page…. Rather; it is ALIVE and ACTIVE!
God's word gets right into our souls and penetrates our lives. God's word challenges us to weigh up our values, our attitudes and actions.
If the word is NOT doing that, and if it is always just comfortable and easy and never unsettling, then we need to be wary.
A comfortable Word of God may actually be a "neutralized Word of God" or a "watered-down" word of God. The extent to which we humans can make up excuses and self-justifications for our self-serving ways, cannot be underestimated. It needs to be carefully guarded against. The fullness of God's word searches out and reveals our self-deceptions.
In John's Gospel, it goes even further…. The WORD of God is Jesus. Jesus is the "eternal word of the Father"…. And we know that "the WORD became flesh and lived among us…."
So, as disciples, we must allow the Word of God to become alive in our hearts and minds and to radically transform us.
I think of Mary, the Mother of God…. I have mentioned before that Michelangelo did a painting once of Mary, at the Annunciation, being told that she will conceive and bear a son…. Mary says "Yes" to this….
In the painting, there is an unusual image: there is an old-fashioned "hearing-horn," at Mary's ear, like the ones people used to use to help them hear, (in times long before electronic hearing aids). This image is Michelangelo's way of symbolizing that Our Lady conceived the word of God by listening to God's message and accepting it…Taking it into herself. "Mary conceived the word of God, by hearing and listening!" Mary brought the word of God to flesh literally in her life… We must hear God's word, spiritually conceive of it and allow God's word to become incarnate in our lives through our acceptance and action in our lives….
In the Gospel, the rich young man is basically very good…. He has faithfully kept all the laws and commandments of God…..
(In Jesus' time there were a group of people who believed it is possible for a person to be entirely perfect in this life by actually keeping every little rule, commandment and instruction). Jesus loved what he saw as he looked into the sincerity in this man's heart. He saw the desire for his faithful observance of God's commandments. But Our Lord saw one big obstacle: the man's attachment to his worldly goods was getting in the way of him trusting entirely on God's providence and grace. Jesus looked steadily at the man and saw right into his heart and his challenge came straight from his loving heart when he said to the rich man: You need to let go, so as to be fully in synchronization with God's ways. You must allow yourself to be utterly dependent on God alone…. Then you will be perfect!
This was too hard for the man… and it says he went away very sad. He was unable to be perfect because he was letting other things get in the road of his relationship with God….
Then Jesus says the comment about the "camel and the needle." Notice how generations have tried to water this passage down because it is just a bit too challenging. However, we remember that God's word is a finely tuned sword and it will not be blunted! Jesus words were intended to shock and the disciples' reaction indicates that his words hit their mark! Some have tried to suggest that the eye of a needle is the name given to some kind of large door that people pass through; but no. Jesus meant what he said: This exaggeration is meant to mean what it says - It is harder for a camel to pass through the eye of a pin, than for a rich person to enter the Kingdom. The disciples are obviously astounded by this because they reply in shock: "well then, who can be saved?????"
Jesus answers that 'nothing is impossible for God.' And that trust in God's providence allows people to let go of attachments or anything else that gets in the way of their following God. Trust in God's care. Trust not simply on our own human will-power, which is limited.
Jesus, by asking the man to let go of possessions was really saying: It is not good enough to have the right personal attitudes. WE need to go to the very core of injustice and detach ourselves from it. Because possessiveness is found at the root of much that is wrong in society; including the desire to accumulate possessions, money and prestige, at the expense of others…
The rich man could have given all sorts of reasons why he needed to keep his attachments…. Security, or "it could be used to help him to do good"… etc…. but in front of JESUS, who is THE WORD, (who cuts more finely between the bone and the marrow), these excuses would surely have seemed weak and ineffective. The rich man turns and walks away from Jesus. Perhaps he will think about this and return later, after having thought better of what he was leaving behind. We certainly hope so.
The fact is, following Jesus' Way, takes everything we've got. The Way of God is not easy. There are significant challenges in following Christ, and if we have anything (any possession or attachment) that is possibly more important to us than Christ and his gospel, then it could very well come between us at some point of crisis when we have to make a choice or a decision. If we are detached from all things, then we will truly be free to let go of these earthly attachments, if it comes down to a choice between them and Christ's ways. We simply cannot allow our earthly attachments to be used against us in the all-out fight for the establishment of the Kingdom and its values. We cannot be baulked in times of trial if we have released our grip on possessions. Jesus gives us strength and the grace for the hard task of being 'unbound' from anything that keeps us from the fullness of God's life-giving WORD. He encourages us by saying, anyone who gives up these things will gain everything that truly lasts and will win EVERYTHING that really matters.
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
(Source: Fr Paul Kelly; 2009 – A BOOK OF GRACE-FILLED DAYS;
Liebert, R. (1983). Michelangelo, a psychoanalytic study of his life and images. New Haven: Yale University Press;
SHARING THE WORD THROUGH THE LITURGICAL YEAR. GUSTAVO GUTIERREZ)
(Image Credit: Shutterstock Licensed. ID: 1711102756 -BARCELONA, SPAIN - MARCH 5, 2020: The painting of Jesus and the rich young man in the church Esglesia De Santa Maria De Montalegre from 20. Cent. By Renata Sedmakov)
POPE FRANCIS: Warns Against Closed Communities
Pope Francis names a temptation and offers an exhortation to Christian communities.
"May God preserve us from the mentality of the 'nest', that which consists of guarding oneself jealously in the small group of those who consider themselves good," begged Pope Francis on the occasion of the Angelus pronounced from the window of the Apostolic Palace, September 26, 2021. The Argentinian pontiff has invited Catholics not to consider holding "the exclusivity of Jesus."
Before a large crowd gathered in St. Peter's Square, Pope Francis warned Christians against "the temptation to closedness." Commenting on an episode of the Gospel in which the disciples of Jesus want to prevent a good work on the pretext that the person who carries it out does not belong to their group, the successor of Peter castigated this partisan spirit which considers that only the initiated are "authorized to work for the Kingdom of God."
"Sometimes we too, instead of being humble and open communities, can give the impression of being 'the first of the class' and keeping others at a distance," the head of the Catholic Church developed. "We can display our 'believer's license' to judge and exclude," he said again, pretending to show a license with his hand. "It's a sin," he insisted, pulling out of his notes.
He then begged God to preserve Catholics from the "mentality of the 'nest', that of jealously guarding ourselves in the small group of those who consider themselves good: the priest with his faithful, the pastoral agents closed among themselves so that no one can infiltrate, movements and associations in their particular charism, etc."
Finally, he insisted on the radical demand of Jesus of his disciples, asking them to "remove" the temptations which push them to judge or to put up with evil. This radicalism of Christ is "for our good, like a good doctor."
Because the risk which weighs on the believer is to become "inflexible towards the others and indulgent towards oneself," it would be like missing out on the Gospel message. Pope Francis then concluded his catechesis with a piece of advice: "So let us ask ourselves: what is it in me that is contrary to the Gospel? "
Read more at: https://aleteia.org/2021/09/26/pope-francis-warns-against-closed-communities/amp
(Image - Shutterstock Licensed Image - ID 1524254318 -
Vatican City, October 6, 2019. Pope Francis celebrates a Mass for the opening of the Synod of Bishops for the Amazon region, in St. Peter's Basilica. By Riccardo De Luca - Update ).
STARTING NEXT YEAR - NEW PRIMARY SCHOOL WITHIN OUR PARISH
Star of the Sea - Merrimac
Starts 2022
Initially Prep to Year 3, and then extend
Website: Star Of The Sea Merrimac
Facebook Page: Star of the Sea
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 here.
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).
MASS TIMES: SURFERS PARADISE MASS TIMES
SACRED HEART AND ST VINCENT'S RELIGIOUS GOODS SHOPS
Are you still looking for a Confirmation gift for the special child in your life? The shops have a wide variety of suitable gifts and are open before and after Mass each weekend.
Functional Exercise Class - Low Impact for Heart Health
Spring has sprung! Join Rochelle for a fun functional exercise class at Casey Hall. Low impact cardiovascular exercises for heart health, improve strength and balance- an all-around fitness class for over 65's. Stretch and strengthen the whole body, make new friends and feel great. Tuesday mornings @9.30 Beginners welcome.
Contact Rochelle for further information on 0438 333 308.
Worldwide Marriage Encounter
A weekend experience for married couples, priests and religious, away from the distractions of everyday living. Take time out of your busy schedule, to invest in your most precious asset and revitalise your Sacrament. This is a unique opportunity to reconnect, rekindle and refresh your relationship. It gives you the opportunity to grow in your relationship with your spouse or your community. Our next COVID-SAFE live-out weekend will be held from Friday evening 15 October to Sunday afternoon 17 October (including Mass) at Trinity College, Beenleigh (south of Brisbane) – going home on the Friday and Saturday evenings. Contact Maria and David Murphy: (07) 3342 1456, dandmmurphy@optusnet.com.au Information website: www.wwme.org.au
Please watch a Youtube clip about Marriage Encounter by Archbishop Mark Coleridge, here. It is a powerful testimony.
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.
FAN THE FLAME PLENARY COUNCIL REFLECTION
www.plenarycouncil.catholic.org.au/fantheflame/
ALL HALLOWS' SCHOOL 50TH YEAR REUNION
The "Class of 1971" and anyone who shared the journey are invited to attend our 50th Year Reunion Gathering at Cloudland, 641 ANN STREET, ON SATURDAY THE 30TH OCTOBER 2021 AT 1 PM.
BOOKINGS CAN BE MADE AT www.eventbrite.com.au/e/ahs-class-of-71-reunion-tickets-166265242817
It would be appreciated if you could forward this information to friends and family who may not have received an invitation, or may have a change of email. Please direct any enquiries to Anne Marie Troutman on 0408495094 or amtrout@bigpond.net.au
JOBS AROUND THE ARCHDIOCESE
Position Vacant – Cannon Hill Catholic Parish
Applications are open for a position at the Cannon Hill Catholic Parish. A person with excellent administration and secretarial skills are required for a part-time position of Administration Support Officer for 10 hours per week, Thursday & Friday.
For additional information, please visit the Archdiocese of Brisbane website https://brisbanecatholic.org.au/ and to careers.
Applications close: 13 October 2021
IN THANKSGIVING FOR SPECIAL MILESTONES AND BLESSINGS: 50TH WEDDING ANNIVERSARY WISHES
Congratulations to Grace and Tony Sulfaro, also Susan and Alan Ryding.
FOR THOSE WHO ARE SICK: Kent Vince, Judy Alexander, Mathew Duran, Kurt Hillesheim, Sr Mary Teresa (NZ- sister of Caroline Moulden), 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, Bill Goodrem, Rodney & Norma McLennan, Ls & Doug Wood, Duncan Dawson, Sam Maxwell, William Franklin, 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 and its effects.
RECENTLY DECEASED: Yvonne McMahon, Bede Shortis, Thomas Ward, Robyn Quirk, Anthony (Tony) Weinand, Barbara Murray, Maureen Mary Long (mother of Fr Denis Long), Saleha Begun, Valentine Krausman, Peter Lawlor, Jack Healy, Doris Zarb, Vincent Attard, Daniel Simpson, Thomas Edward Holt, Maria Di Martino, Flor de la Cuesta, Rose Carroll, Eva Rose Hinde, Dawn Grigson, Bruno Chiera, Jeanette Edna James, Sr Margaret Finnan, Danny Connelly, Des George, Elizabeth Grippo, Bruno Chiera, Jeanette James, Adelina Ochoa, Monica Bokeyar, Marilyn Casey, Bernice Camilleri, Noel John Ancrum, Shirley Ann Appleby, John Francis Paul, Justin King, Mark John Nussbaum.
ANNIVERSARY OF DEATH: Barbara & Michael Farrell, Emy Vetsch, Harold Alexander, Gwen Hoare, Yvonne Martin, Therese Hooworth, Sylvia Moray, Beatrice Hughes, Edwin Emile Ware, Noel Francis (Frank) Evans, Marie Kjöller, Gerald Tuburan, Eileen Roulent, Anne Mary Donaldson, Steven John Smithers, Leo Brennan, Fr Andrew Horan, Gwendolyn Isobel Hodges, Grayton Barryman Rosemeyer, Ivan Patricio Susin, Lee Gordon, Patricia Morgan, Bali Attack Anniversary, William (Bill) Arthur Weise, Bob Biltoft, Kathleen Eileen Vosti, Norm Modral, Marie Elizabeth Giles, Eva "Midge" Gardner, Peter Lawrence Taffe, Rodney Matthews, Cecil John (Digger) Hogan.
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 - 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.
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. For more information and resources on Safeguarding our community, please see: https://brisbanecatholic.org.au/safeguarding/
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