Friday 31 December 2021

SPCP_E-newsletter - Sunday, January 2, 2022 -Epiphany of the Lord. Year C

PDF version of this parish newsletter here:

Also, you can access an online copy of the newsletter *here*

Surfers Paradise Catholic Parish E-Newsletter

This is Kombumerri Country - The Traditional Custodians of this region. 

Parish Office: (07) 5572 5433 (9am – 12pm Mon-Fri) | Mass Times: (07) 5595 8466

Email: surfers@bne.catholic.net.au | Website: www.surfersparadiseparish.com.au 

Emergencies: Priest contactable via office phone (after hours follow the menu prompts)

50 Fairway Drive, Clear Island Waters, Queensland, 4226

 

Sunday, January 2, 2022 

Epiphany of the Lord. Year C 

 

Readings for Sunday, January 2, 2022 - Epiphany of the Lord. Year C 

FIRST READING: Isa 60: 1-6

Ps: Ps 72: 1-2, 7-8, 10-11, 12-13 "Lord, every nation on earth will adore you."

SECOND READING: Eph 3: 2-3a, 5-6

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION (Matt 2: 2): Alleluia, alleluia! We have seen his star in the East; and have come to adore the Lord.

GOSPEL: Matt 2: 1-12

 

Happy New Year!    

The Year of Our lord, 2022

 

"On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshipped him" - (Matt 2: 11)

(Image: Shutterstock licensed image ID: 2075919649- Christmas Nativity scene. Hand drawn background illustration. Vector EPS10.Contributor = lukbar))

 

PASTOR'S POST: The Benefit of the Doubt

 

One of the signs of a healthy spirituality is tolerance, that is, the ability not to jump to conclusions. This not only means that we are slow to judge people and situations. Rather we are able to live contentedly with loose ends, ambiguity and diversity in our lives.

When faced with ambiguity most of us find it hard to be open-minded. Generally, we prefer a world that is divided into neat compartments labelled good and evil, right and wrong, black and white. We crave certainty.

Ambiguity is a reality of daily life, and a healthy spirituality, knowing this, fosters open-mindedness and patience. It reminds us that certainty is not necessarily a goal of life. Anthony DeMello, SJ, warns us "Certainty is the sin of bigots, terrorists, and Pharisees"

Jesus certainly appreciated the ambiguities of life. On more than one occasion, he urged his disciples to keep an open mind and not jump to conclusions. 

(Lk 13:8-9- The parable of the barren fig tree, and Mt 13:29-3. - Wheat and weeds growing together).

 

Jesus, too, appreciated and celebrated the diversity in people. In the gospels we see him choosing a diverse group of men to be his apostles. Several were fishermen, one a tax collector, one a religious zealot. A few were outspoken while others were reticent.

Nor did he limit discipleship to men only. He invited women to be his followers as well, even choosing them to be the first recipients of the good news of his resurrection. Jesus looked beyond the differences of personality, occupation, age, and gender and saw only the oneness of humanity.

 

Although we are full of good intentions, we, as a local, national and universal church, have not yet worked out how to fully engage the various cultures and traditions that exist in the people who regularly come to our parishes. At any given Mass about half the congregation have parents or themselves come from another country other than Australia. Imagine if we were able to tap into the richness of that multicultural background, what a vibrant and enlivening celebration we would have each time we gathered. Surely we cannot still see ourselves as being suspicious of others who don't look and sound exactly like us. What sort of community would be if we were hesitant to engage with those who profess to believe in the same God who gave us life and love?

 

But it is in his teaching on love that Jesus addressed the challenges of diversity most directly. We are not only to love our neighbours, which is often not all that difficult, since our neighbours are often people like ourselves. But then he gives us another commandment: we are to love our enemies, those individuals that we perceive as totally different, as "other", as "them". This commandment to love our enemies is nothing less than a call to tolerate maximum diversity. It's a command to give others- even those who oppose us- the benefit of the doubt. 

 

Fr Peter Dillon  PP

         

We congratulate the Curtis, Reid and Kirkham families, whose children Nixon, Will, Chester and Luke will be baptised in our Parish this weekend.  

Please keep the Baptism families in your prayers as they begin their faith journey.

 

FIRST SATURDAY MASS - 1st January 2022-

9 am Saturday 1st January. Sacred Heart Church. Clear Island Waters.  The Solemnity of Mary the Mother of God.

 

FIRST FRIDAY ADORATION         

Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament will be held this First Friday 7th January 2022 from 7 pm to 8.30 pm at Sacred Heart Church.  Enquiries: Helen 0421935678.

MASS TIMES: SURFERS PARADISE MASS TIMES

Sacred Heart 

350 max capacity

Saturday Night - 5 pm 

  • (Maronite Mass 6:30 pm, Saturday Night). 

*Note First Saturday of the month morning Mass 9 am (Next: 5th February 2022)

Sunday - 9 am and 6 pm 

  • (Polish Mass 12:30 pm Sunday)

  • (Italian Mass 4 pm Sunday)

Weekday Masses - Monday - Friday weekday Mass - 9 am 

St Vincent's

150 max capacity

Sunday - 8 am & 10 am 

  • (Hispanic Mass – 5.30 pm on 1st and 3rd Sundays)

Extra parking is available only metres from St Vincent's Church, King's Car Park, entry via Beach Road

Stella Maris 

150 max capacity 

Saturday Night - 5 pm 

Sunday - 7 am 

Please note: Numbers allowed in each Church are based on social distancing restrictions, and the Archbishop has continued to exempt everyone from the obligation to attend Sunday mass during restrictions. Please remember that as per restrictions we are still expected to check in for mass, maintain a social distance of 1 person per 2 square metres, and to receive Holy Communion in the hand only, refrain from physical contact when offering the Sign of Peace, and to sanitise when entering and exiting the premises.

People entering the church are required to scan the Check-In Qld app, which will register you as attending that mass time. Please show our volunteers at the door the tick before entering the church. If you are unable to get the App, only then are you required to write down your name and contact number.

 

Hispanic (Latino American) Mass: Fr. Syrilus Madin 

5 pm Mass 1st & 3rd Sunday of the month - St Vincent's Catholic Church, Surfers Paradise.

Gold Coast Contact: Juan Arrieta 0406 705 349

Polish Mass: Fr Grzegorz Gaweł SChr (Bowen Hills 3252 2200)

12.30 pm Mass Sunday Sacred Heart Church, Clear Island Waters.

Gold Coast Contact: George Syrek 0411 302 802 

Italian Mass: Fr Angelo Cagna 0423648736

4 pm Mass Sunday Sacred Heart Church, Clear Island Waters.

Gold Coast Contact: Connie Canale 5575 8882

Maronite Mass: Fr Fadi Salame 0421 790 996

6.30 pm Saturday Vigil, Sacred Heart Church, Clear Island Waters.

 

Fr Paul shares prayer song and reflection in this episode of Shalom Media's Rejoice (Morning Praise)

https://www.shalomworld.org/episode/joy-of-salvation-fr-paul-kelly

Rejoice - morning worship –(various presenters)-    online - *6.30 AM QUEENSLAND TIME  -  www.shalomworld.org   

 

A VOCATION VIEW:    

A new year... the Lord bless you and keep you. A new vocation… tell others that the Lord blesses and keeps them!   Many adults never grow up. They continue to roam across the earth, looking for a shining star. Tell them who lights up your life, O Christian.

 To talk to someone about your vocation,  contact  Vocation Brisbane:    1300 133 544   

vocation@bne.catholic.net.au  and  www.vocationbrisbane.com     

 

STEWARDSHIP REFLECTION 

"…They prostrated themselves and did him homage.  Then they opened their treasures and offered him gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh." (MATTHEW 2:11)

What gifts do you give to the Lord?  Pope St. Gregory said that these three gifts represent what we should give God every day.  Gold – we should reflect Christ's wisdom in all our relationships.  Frankincense – represents our daily prayer and adoration to God.  Myrrh – is a symbol of our daily sacrifices that we unite with Jesus for the sake of others.

The vision of Stewardship speaks in every aspect of life, inviting everyone to be thankful, generous and accountable for what each has been given.

 

 

IN OUR PRAYERS

 

CONGRATULATIONS TO:  Ayline and Clency Augustin: 

who celebrated their Fiftieth Wedding Anniversary this week.  Many Happy Returns.  God bless you and your family always. 

 

FOR THOSE WHO ARE SICK:  Laila Mikael, Dominique Corbello, Jean Di Benedetto, Anthea McMullan, James Goodwin, Scott Mitchell, Malcolm Ward, John O'Brien, Ludwig Mueller, Bobby Caspersz, Kent Vince, Terry Collins, Colleen Grehan, Carmelita Dulu, Judy Alexander, Sr Mary Teresa, John Davis, Peter Cotton, Bobby Courtney, Lisa Mangan, Doreen Slater, Christina Hendriksen, Robyn Skein, Kye Oh, Michael James, Bill Gilmore, Olga Hamshari, Roy Ferraro, Margaret Haerse, Rosalind Lee, Milka Barac, Mary Ashton, Rodney & Norma McLennan, Lois & Doug Wood, Duncan Dawson, William Franklin, Maria Mihalic, Annie Scicluna, Anne Logan, 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, 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: John Francis Moore, Joan Brown, Jimmy Fennell (Ireland), Agnes Ita (Toni) Molloy nee Hickman (NZ), Marian Ware, Joseph Ceh, Marian Howell, Andy French, Maria Vos, Margaret Josephine Borg, Herta Haselhorst, Yvonne Khalema, Ramona Judith Ellis, Dymphna Hogg, Bill Goodrem, Fr Stanislaus Barry cm, Iris Scerri, Joe Canavo, Shane Burgess, Debra-Ann Cameron, Herbert Dawson, Shirley Ryan, Wayne Allan Pearce, Regina Flemming, Thomas James Burns, Margaret MacLennon, Margaret Ross, Patricia Heenan, Janora Senders, Carl Tamer, Kurt Hillesheim,  Sam Maxwell, Anne Ryan, Glennis Ann Lamb, Philomena Molloy, John Newell, Bridget Colman, Cathay Egan, John Bullied, Odette Hull, Lorraine Grace. The children who died in the Tasmanian tornado. 

 

ANNIVERSARY OF DEATH: 

Victor Paul Aguggia, Maurie Cass and Monica Cass, Janet Anne Winks, Alan James Russo, Merv Cross, Michael Joseph George, Zora Spiranovic, Dalibor Novak, Kevin Wills, Margaret Wotherspoon, Fr Pat (Doc) Kenny, Ms Lesley Court, Kevin Patrick Carmody, Kevin Gleeson, Dale Strode, Donald Ralph Thomas, Trevor Ralfe, Pauline Bocking, Remo Bos, Charmaine Jannette Leafe, Walter Leslie Davis, Doris Angela Pace-Balzan, Veronica Frances (Frances) Dawson, Sergio Di Pietro, James Woodhouse.  And also: Paul Muggleton, Barry Arderne, John Brian McCabe, Jack O'Brien, Caridad Duazo, Henry Restall, Joe Bugeja, Melita Bugeja, Pat Foster, Tessie Craig, Most Rev Joseph Angelo Grech, Maria Consiglio, Charlie Restall White, James Rice, Bessie Rice, Alec Edwards, Emidia Micallef, Carmen de Celis, Ernest Vincent (Vin) Smith, Dorothy "Dolly" Dyer, Robert Henry Rathborne, Mr Vivian David (Viv) Cogar, Penny Natalie Woodman, Ferdinand Paul (Paul) Kiely, Betty Lloyd, Trevor Jones, Sue Hewitt, Norma Heather, Bill Heather, Dolly Tan, Caterina Di Losa (Cathy) Randazzo, Rodolfo Solatan, Patricia Anne Burton, Nora and Harold Stanley Ragan: "Young Harold", Ellice Mayhew, Gregory Robert Mahoney, Brian J Maher, Patricia Gado. 

 

 

 

 

The Parish Library 2021 - Are you called to help in the library?

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

At St Vincent's Church the "READ AND RETURN" trolley located in the foyer, is available again for your perusal. Feel free to borrow a book and return at your leisure.

 

CHILDREN'S SACRAMENTAL PROGRAM                                                                 

BAPTISM for Children in Surfers Paradise 

Baptism is the first of three Sacraments of Initiation: Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist. Surfers Paradise Parish follows the policies of the Archdiocese of Brisbane as it welcomes each person into the family of the Church through the waters of Baptism.

Infants and children are baptised at the request of parents. Within the Baptism ritual, parents promise to accept the responsibility of training their children in the practice of the faith and to raise their children to understand and live God's commandments. Parents can request baptism for their child by filling out an enrolment form, available on our parish website www.surfersparadiseparish.com.au Once the online baptism form has been received, the Parish Office will provide details for preparation for the Sacrament of Baptism and confirm the online booking.

 

Sacrament of PENANCE - Reconciliation 2022

In the Archdiocese of Brisbane, Reconciliation follows the Sacraments of Initiation. That is, Reconciliation, also known as Penance, follows the sacraments of Baptism and Confirmation, and the receiving of a child's First Communion. The Surfers Paradise Sacramental Team is preparing a program similar in style to the Confirmation and First Communion At Home Preparation Programs. If your child was previously enrolled in the Surfers Paradise Parish Sacramental Program and then was either confirmed or made their First Communion in Surfers Paradise, there is no requirement for you to complete a new online enrolment form. Families of enrolled children will receive an emailed invitation to the Meeting for the Sacrament of Penance Preparation early in 2022. It will be held on either February 21, 2022, at 6 pm or February 22, 2022, at 6 pm (Parents can choose to attend one of these meetings but do not need to attend both.) 

The First Rite of Reconciliation will be celebrated on Thursday, March 31, 2022, at 6:30 pm

If you have further questions, please email our Sacramental Coordinator, Cathy Anderson, at andersoncm@bne.catholic.net.au  

 

Sacrament of EUCHARIST - First Communion 2022                                                                 

Children who have been baptised and confirmed and are in Year 4 or greater in 2022 are invited to prepare to receive their First Communion. If parents have previously completed an online application for enrolment in the Surfers Paradise Sacramental Program, they do not need to complete a new online form to continue. The Parent Meeting for First Communion Preparation will be held on April 26 at 6 pm or April 27 at 6 pm. (Parents can choose to attend one of these meetings but do not need to attend both. Only children who are represented by a parent at one of these meetings will be included in the First Communion Preparation Program.) The Preparation for First Communion Program will be similar in format to the At Home Preparation for Confirmation Program. There will also be a Final Meeting (including rehearsal) in the week prior to the Celebration of First Communion either Tuesday, April 6 at 6 pm or Wednesday, April 27 at 6 pm

First Communion will be celebrated on Sunday, June 12 at 11:00 am and Sunday, June 19 at 11:00 am at Sacred Heart Church (Children will be included in one of these celebrations, not both.) The Sacramental Team will email a reminder to parents late in Term 1.    

 

Sacrament of CONFIRMATION 2022                                                                                                              

Baptised children who are in Year 3 or greater are invited to be included in next year's Preparation for Confirmation group. Parents are asked to go to the parish website at www.surfersparadiseparish.com.au and complete an online enrolment application. Please use the drop-down menu under Sacraments and click on Confirmation (under Sacraments). Then scroll down to and click on CHILDREN'S SACRAMENTAL PROGRAM APPLICATION FORM (in the blue box). Once you click on SUBMIT, you will receive an automated response so that you know that your completed application has been received. 

 

In 2022, you will receive an invitation email several weeks prior to the Parent Meeting which is to be held either Monday, July 11 at 6 pm or Tuesday, July 12 at 6 pm in Sacred Heart Church. (Parents are asked to choose to attend one of these meetings but do not need to attend both. Only children who are represented by a parent at one of these meetings will be included in the Confirmation Preparation Program.) After the Parent Meeting, parents will be emailed copies of the At Home Preparation for Confirmation Program to be completed by the child and their parent/s, and then returned to the Sacramental Team. The Final Meeting which includes the rehearsal for Confirmation will be held on Monday, August 29 at 6 pm or Tuesday, August 30 at 6 pm (Children and parents are required to attend one of these meetings, not both.)

The Celebration of the Sacrament of Confirmation will take place in Surfers Paradise Parish on Friday, September 2, 2022.   

 

All families wishing to be involved in our parish sacramental programs should regularly check the weekly newsletter for information updates or they can email our Sacramental Coordinator, Cathy Anderson, at andersoncm@bne.catholic.net.au  The newsletters are archived on our parish website at www.surfersparadiseparish.com.au

 

PARISH FINANCIAL SUPPORT

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).

 

 

 

 

TAKE FIVE FOR FAITH - Let the light shine

The Protestant Reformation was an age of strife and contestation, especially in Germany, ground zero of the upheaval in 1517. Into the morass stepped a learned Jesuit scholar, amazing preacher, and gifted writer—Peter Canisius, whose rational arguments in support of Catholicism proved quite persuasive. Peter's three written catechisms were so effective, German-born Pope Benedict XVI told a papal audience in 2011, that later generations of Germans simply referred to them as "the Canisius." Reflect upon the ways that Jesus is our Radiant Dawn.

Luke 1:39-45 (197). "Blessed are you who believed that what was spoken to you by the Lord would be fulfilled."

SIGN UP FOR "TAKE FIVE" DAILY - www.takefiveforfaith.com/subscribe

THIS WEEKEND'S GOSPEL - Epiphany 

On this feast of the Epiphany, we celebrate that God's glory has been revealed to all the nations, and not just the chosen people of Israel. People from every corner of the earth, of every nation and race. Generations of people. God's revelation, God's invitation is for all people of all times and places.   

 

Saint Paul puts it so nicely: 

"God had a secret plan, formed before all ages. And that plan is now revealed, and it is this; in Christ Jesus, the Gentiles, (people from other religious and cultural backgrounds and nations), are now CO-HEIRS with the Chosen people of Israel, members of one and the same body and sharers in the promise of God, through the proclamation of the good news…" 

 

We are one big global human family!    

 

What a treasure these wise men found lying in a manger....   a rare and perfect gift to the world.... 

 

As the poet, Godfrey Rust says:....  

"grace, born out of deprivation, grace born of the endurance of the oppressed, grace born of the hardships of the poor, grace born of the forgiveness of the intolerable, grace borne in the dignity of silence, grace born  ...... In the strength of his weakness he just lay there, (vulnerable,  in need of food, clothing, shelter, protection… and loving care)  ... Our gifts were tokens. 

 

There was nothing more to do  but leave the child to his own (journey towards the cross), 

 and return by different pathways  to our own countrymen and women, 

who seem such strangers to us now, 

yet seeing them as if for the first time, 

how they just lie there, needing to be loved." 

 

(© Godfrey Rust, godfrey@wordsout.co.uk. See here for details of permissions for use.   © Godfrey Rust, www.wordsout)  

 

The journey of the wise men to find the Holy family and particularly the saviour lying in a manger is our journey too. It is our journey of life as well. It is our religious pilgrimage through life. Our journey to conversion, and beyond, is the same.    

 

For, our journey of faith is not an easy one. It is filled with challenges, inconveniences, doubts, obstacles and stumbles. And how many important faith journeys have we heard critical, negative voices, and the 'prophets of doom,' or people who make fun of the rare path a person needs to walk along. The voices of doubt and negativity need to be ignored, endured, moved beyond!    

 

The journey to conversion, the complete commitment of heart and head towards Jesus' good news, is a real odyssey. Like the journey of the Magi, the journey to find Christ is like a "death, and a rising to new life." And we, like the Magi, return home to where we came, but by a new way. 'Seeing things as if for the first time.' In the bible, a change of path symbolises conversion. And after encountering Christ, everything looks different, because Jesus invites us to see it all through his eyes. We now start to see the world around us through the 'lens' of the Good News. We now see life through the eyes of Christ's compassionate care for those most in need. We begin to have a vision for the inclusion of all.   

 

As the Bible passage mentions: "Bethlehem, by no means the least of all the cities'' -  Like Bethlehem, which, at first sight, seems slight and insignificant, and "lesser" – yet, here is where Jesus is born; humble, vulnerable, poor. So too, the poor and the forgotten may appear insignificant to some, but it is through them that the Lord's presence is revealed." (C)  the first shall be last,  the humble and the powerless have the power and glory of God shining from their hearts…. True greatness is in unmeasured love and service…..   

 

The Wise Men realised the meaning of this great mystery..  this irony,    

 

That first Christmas; and it changed everything.  It changes everything for us too. 

Come, let us worship!   

 

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.   

(Reference: Fr Paul W. Kelly,  A. One commentary –"365 Days with the Lord," asks rather relevantly.  C. From Gustavo Gutierezz, Sharing the word through the Liturgical year.   Poem - © Godfrey Rust, godfrey@wordsout.co.uk. See here for details of permissions for use.   © Godfrey Rust, http://www.wordsout.co.uk  ). 

(Image Credit: Shutterstock Licensed. Item ID:1224160396 - illustration of Epiphany (Epiphany is a Christian festival)- Contributor Designsoul )

 

INSPIRING QUOTES OF (or about) THE SAINTS:

  • The Memorial of St Raymond of Peñafort (1175-1275) "Father of Canon Law"

    • "Look then on Jesus, the author and preserver of faith – in complete sinlessness, He suffered and at the hands of those who were His own and was numbered among the wicked. As you drink the cup of the Lord Jesus (how glorious it is!), give thanks to the Lord, the Giver of all blessings."

    • "The preacher of God's truth has told us that all who want to live righteously, in Christ, will suffer persecution. . . ."

    • "This is that enviable and blessed cross of Christ . . . the cross in which alone we must make our boast, as Paul, God's chosen instrument, has told us." 

 

WORSHIP AND FAITH    - IT HAS BEEN JUST OVER A YEAR SINCE THIS SMALL BUT SIGNIFICANT LITURGICAL CHANGE - "God forever and ever"

 

A Change to the Roman Missal - since Advent 2020 onwards - Changes to the "Collects" (opening prayers) in the Roman Missal. 

(From The Bishops Commission for Liturgy | 28 September 2020)

On 13 May 2020, Cardinal Robert Sarah, Prefect of the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments, wrote to Episcopal Conferences in relation to a change to the Trinitarian conclusion to the collects (opening prayers) in the Roman Missal (2010).

 

Until recently, a typical conclusion to the collect read as follows:

 

"Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever."

 

Cardinal Sarah's letter indicated that the inclusion of the word "one" before God is problematic in relation to the Latin text: "Deus, per omnia saecula saeculorum". (which actually translate as "God, forever and ever"). 

 

In relation to the inclusion of the word "one" before God, Cardinal Sarah wrote:

This "… can serve to undermine the statement of the Son's unique identity within the Trinity which the Latin formulas so strongly convey and, on the other hand, it can also be interpreted as saying that Jesus Christ is 'one God.' Either or both of these interpretations is injurious to the faith of the Church."

 

It is clear from the Latin texts that the doxology emphasises the divinity of Our Lord, Jesus Christ, the Incarnate Son, who intercedes on our behalf, as the Second Person of the Blessed Trinity, to the Father and which prayer is made in the unity of the Holy Spirit. Thus the Son's role of priestly mediation is made clear. To transfer the Trinitarian relational element in unitate as meaning unus Deus is incorrect.

 

The omission of the word "one" before God will mean that the three possible conclusions to the collects [as outlined in the General Instruction of the Roman Missal (2012), n. 54] will read as follows:

 

Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever.

 

Or

Who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever.

 

Or

Who live and reign with God the Father, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever.

 

Following advice from the Bishop's Commission for Liturgy, the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference approved the change to the Trinitarian conclusions to the Collect Prayers in the Roman Missal. The change took effect just over a year ago here in Australia as of the First Sunday of Advent, 29 November 2020.

 [Source: Bishops Commission for Liturgy (Dated: 28 September 2020)]

 

LATEST EDITION OF LITURGY NEWS (FREE) ARCHDIOCESAN PUBLICATION

https://www.liturgybrisbane.net.au/resources/liturgy-news/issues/vol-51-no-4-december-2021/ 

(Vol 51 No 4 December 2021). 

 

POPE FRANCIS: Disability or illness does not make life less sacred

Pope Francis with a pilgrimage group from the Seraphic Institute of Assisi at the Vatican on Monday (CNS/Vatican Media)

Pope Francis with a pilgrimage group from the Seraphic Institute of Assisi at the Vatican on Monday (CNS/Vatican Media)

 

Every human being is precious and has a value that does not depend on his or her abilities, but on the fact that he or she is a person created in the image of God, Pope Francis said on Monday. Source: Crux.

 

"If disability or illness makes life more difficult, it is no less worthy of being lived, and lived to the full. After all, who among us does not have limitations and does not, sooner or later, come up against limitations, even serious ones?" he said during an audience in the Vatican's Paul VI hall.

 

The Pope was speaking to staff and students of the Seraphic Institute of Assisi, which specialises in education, rehabilitation and care for children and young people with disabilities; the institute was celebrating its 150th anniversary.

 

"The most important thing is the spirit with which you all dedicate yourselves to this mission," Pope Francis said.

 

"It is clear to you, as it should be to everyone, that every human person is precious, has a value that does not depend on what he or she has or on his or her abilities, but on the simple fact that he or she is a person, the image of God," he said.

 

People with disabilities must be seen "as one of us, who must be at the centre of our care and our concern, and also at the centre of everyone's attention and of policies. This is the goal of civilization," he said.

 

(Source and Images:  Disability or illness does not make life less sacred: Pope   - By Carol Glatz, CNS)

 

 

NOTICES AND MESSAGES


SACRED HEART AND ST VINCENT'S RELIGIOUS GOODS SHOPS


The Columban Art Calendar is an iconic Catholic Calendar, well-known for its traditional religious paintings and liturgical information. 2022 marks the 100th edition. Available now $10

This edition features:

  • A new design that includes more space on the date pad.

  • Inclusion of Peace, Ecology and Justice dates.

  • QR codes for easy access to purchase the Columban Art Calendar, products and resources that support Columban Mission.

  • A new colour code to highlight Solemnities, Feasts and Memorials.

  • FREE online art guide resource - Visio Divina.


The Christmas issue of the CATHOLIC LEADER is still  available

Inside this issue...The Queensland Bishop's Christmas messages, the Pope expresses concern for decline of democracy, grandmother right at home with friends on the streets and much more. 

The first issue for 2022 will be available on the weekend of 6th February.

 

ST KEVINS PRIMARY SCHOOL INFORMATION: 

St Kevin's Catholic Primary School at Benowa has a limited number of vacancies in certain year levels,  so we encourage those families still considering their schooling options for 2022 to make contact with the school via phone -55394522 or to go to the website for further enrolment information www.sk.qld.edu.au

St Kevin's is one of three of our valued Catholic Primary Schools within our parish bounds for 2022.

 

FANS IN THE CHURCH DURING HOT WEATHER ARE TO BE LEFT ON

Please Don't Ask The Coordinator To Turn Them Off.  Also, to assist with airflow in the hot and humid temperatures, please don't stop the assistants from opening the doors. 

They Are Following Church Health and Safety instructions. 

It may be necessary to relocate to another seat that may better suit your needs or bring something warm to put on. (Please note, after mass has begun. Side doors are opened, - so please expect that to happen when you are deciding where to sit. We cannot set the conditions for each individual. 

Thank you for your consideration in this matter.

 

 

STARTING 2022 - NEW PRIMARY SCHOOL WITHIN OUR PARISH

Star of the Sea - Merrimac - Initially Prep to Year 3, and then extending after that -

Website: Star Of The Sea Merrimac  and Facebook Page: Star of the Sea 


THE SACRED HEART BRIDGE CLUB  (resumes 24th January)

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


ART AND CRAFT GROUP (resumes 19th January

The Group meets in the Parish Hospitality Centre on Wednesdays, 9 to 12.  Activities include art, (watercolour, oils, acrylics, pen and ink drawing etc), as well as various kinds of Craftwork (Knitting, Embroidery, Crocheting, Cardmaking,  Sewing etc.), making Rosary Beads (later sent to the missions), and any other activities that individuals may 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, phone John 0412 759205, or the Parish Office.


YOGA AT THE PARISH HOSPITALITY CENTRE- (resumes 11th January)

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.


EXERCISE CLASS - LOW IMPACT FOR HEART HEALTH - 

(Senior Exercise Class - (resumes 18th January 2022)

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. 

 

 

JOBS AROUND THE ARCHDIOCESE


Centacare Pastoral Ministries - Prisoners Services

Expressions of interest are welcome for reception & admin duties with Prisoners Services - Centacare Pastoral Ministries (South Brisbane location).  Those with a strong resolve, confident phone manner, customer service background and excellent computer and database skills are encouraged to reach out.  Contribute to a happy & professional team helping vulnerable people to have a better life.  For those interested in applying or looking to know more, please get in touch with Seamus Baldwin (Human Resources Coordinator) - baldwins@bne.catholic.net.au  - Expressions of interest close late January 2022. 

 

ADULT FAITH ENRICHMENT: REFLECTION & BIBLE STUDY

The following reflection/study processes are  in RECESS 

for the Christmas and School Holiday period

 

RCIA: - NEXT SESSION - WEDNESDAY NIGHT -  Resumes 2nd February 2022 at 6 pm Atrium Building

 

EPIC: - A Journey through the History of the Catholic ChurchNEXT SESSION - SUNDAY MORNING - Resumes 30th January 2022 10 am  - Parish Hospitality Centre

 

"FAMILY - DISCOVERING COUPLENESS" - An Original Shalom-World Catholic Visual Production

This episode is now available to watch at any time via this link -  

https://www.shalomworld.org/episode/daily-mass-helps-married-couple-hamilton-family  

From brokenness, they worked to build bridges and walk together. In association with Worldwide Marriage Encounter, Shalom World brings a brand new season of 'Family' to your homes. 'Family: Discovering Coupleness' comes to you at 8.30 pm Queensland time - (9.30 PM ET/GMT/AEDT). Featuring a couple from our parish. 

https://www.shalomworld.org/episode/daily-mass-helps-married-couple-hamilton-family  

YOU CAN ALSO WATCH US ON  Shalom World's website: https://www.shalomworld.org/ 

 

 

 

 

LINKS & 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/

 

NEXT SUNDAY'S READINGS

Readings for Sunday, January 9, 2022 - Baptism of Our Lord. Year C 

FIRST READING: opt:  Isa 40: 1-5, 9-11 (new)

Ps: opt:  Ps 104: 1b-2, 3-4, 24-25, "Oh, bless the Lord, my soul!"

SECOND READING: opt:  Titus 2: 11-14; 3: 4-7 (new)

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION (cf. Luke 3: 16): Alleluia, alleluia! The heavens were opened and the Father's voice was heard: This is my beloved Son, hear him!

GOSPEL: Luke 3: 15-16, 21-22

 

 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/ 

 

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