PDF version of this parish newsletter here:
Also, you can access an online copy of the newsletter *here*
"One who is more powerful than I will come, the straps of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie. He will baptise you with the Holy Spirit and fire." - (Luke 3: 16-17)
(Image: Shutterstock licensed image ID: l1450149053- ZAGREB, CROATIA - MARCH 11: Scenes from the life of the Saint John the Baptist, fresco in the Saint John the Baptist church in Zagreb, Croatia, on March 11, 2017- By Zvonimir Atletic)
PASTOR'S POST:
Reward for Effort
As we put to bed the various football, netball and basketball Grand Finals for at least a few months, and prepare for the long hot summer of cricket like many other Australians, I find myself falling victim to our past sporting successes by asking "where is all the gold?" We are such an achieving country for a small nation that we just expect in all our battles on the sporting field; we will be the giant slayers. We all know that although small in number, we are the ones who can pull out the final effort for the extra seconds or metres or points. We have been bred on a consistent diet of "Don't worry. We will come good in the end", as though we relish the drama of waiting till the last minute for our girls and boys in green and gold not to let us down. And when the inevitable does happen that sometimes we are not the ones lifting high the glittering prize, why does it feel like they have let their country down and are undeserving of our loyalty?
Where did we get this understanding that every victory is "ours" and every loss is "theirs", and that we who inhabit this lucky country deserve to always be the best? Certainly we have had some magnificent victories in the world of sport, but winning is a reward for effort not a cultural right of being an Aussie. As an enthusiastic armchair athlete, I have had to learn the lessons of all my fellow lounging competitors: wishing to win is a long way from achieving victory. When did I forget that not all winning involves a glittering medal, and that some of our greatest successes have come from overcoming the lack of confidence to give it a go? As often happens, just when I needed a little wake up to reality, I happened upon this poem by the late Australian poet Bruce Dawe, who must have read my mind and the minds of many other opinionated citizens.
The Ultimate Tally
Behind those fractions of a second lay hours, days, months, years of unrelenting strain
-You gave it all you had; Luck turned away,
As did those bitter media reckoners who say you failed (who dares assess the pain it cost you to stand, poolside, grieving for that loss which some account the nations loss?)
Suffice to say that in any war, you gave it your best shot, and only those too dim
To know what soldering means would dare deplore
The outcome; the ultimate test you passed with flying colours (green and gold)!
Let all who now run, leap, or elsewhere swim know that the daily tallies which unfold
Take no account of the more rigorous one
Which celebrates all the battlers under the sun
Who, having given all they had, register that bold declaration:
We did our best.
Fr Peter Dillon. PP
NEW PARISH SECRETARY
A warm welcome to our new Parish Secretary Merla Nario who has begun working in the parish office, Mondays to Thursdays 9 am until 1 pm. Pat Kelly will be continuing her wonderful support on Fridays. Merla and her husband Rodney are parishioners and would be known to many at Sacred Heart Church and Saint Vincent's particularly. Merla was appointed after diocesan wide advertising, and local parish selection and interview process. Merla comes to the office after the retirement this year of our secretary of many years, Marylou Ayres. We are grateful to Carmel Wilkinson who ably held the fort during the interim.
We know you will make Merla very welcome. Thanks too for your support as Merla settles into the position with its many different aspects to familiarise. God bless her in this wonderful work.
SAINT VINCENT de PAUL CHRISTMAS GIFTS AND ANNUAL CHRISTMAS APPEAL
Thanks to everyone who donated to the The Annual Christmas Appeal for our local St Vincent de Paul society.Your generous donations over the years have assisted us in giving our Companions a great Christmas with food, gifts and toys for the children. This year due to the current rental crisis on the Gold Coast, there will be more Families and Single Companions requesting a Christmas Hamper. Please give generously. God Bless. Craig McMahon, Conference President - Surfers Paradise.
To be part of the Children's Nativity Play at the Christmas Vigil Mass, Friday, December 24 at 5 pm
All children who would like to be part of the Nativity Play that will be included as the gospel for the Christmas Vigil Mass are invited to attend three practices. Practices will be held at Sacred Heart Church on Monday, Dec 20th, Wednesday, Dec 22nd and Thursday, Dec 23rd at 1 pm. Our Children's Sacramental Coordinator, Cathy Anderson and our parish Music Coordinator, Christeen Harth will organise the practices. Any parents or parishioners with an interest in or willingness to assist are asked to email Cathy at andersoncm@bne.catholic.net.au
If your child is unable to come to the practices, they are still invited to dress up as any character from the Nativity story so that they can be part of the celebration on December 24. (While we welcome lots of angels and shepherds, we would also love to have some sheep and cattle costumes too.)
The following reflection/study processes are in RECESS
for the Christmas and School Holiday period
NEXT SESSION - WEDNESDAY NIGHT
2nd February 2022 6pm
NEXT SESSION - SUNDAY MORNING
30th January 2022 10am
A Journey through the History of the Catholic Church
WE LIGHT THE THIRD ADVENT CANDLE - THE JOYFUL, PINK CANDLE
We continue on our Advent journey. This weekend we will light the third Advent candle. The Pink candle. This is also known as the "Shepherd's Candle" - reminding us of the Joy the world experienced at the birth of Christ.
O Lord and leader of Israel. Come and save us with your mighty power.
O Stock of Jesse, Come to deliver us, without delay.
O Key of David and sceptre of Israel, Come to free those who sit in the valley and shadow of death.
(Shutterstock licensed image ID: 1584784633 - Third Gaudete Sunday of the Advent. Christmas violet, purple and pink candles. Xmas concept on a bokeh - background. Shepherd Joy Candle. - By Maria Burmistrova)
ADVENT RESOURCES FOR FAMILIES AND CHILDREN
Advent resources are available - to help parishes, schools and families prepare throughout Advent and then explore the Christmas message. Evangelisation Brisbane has developed some resources, including a free advent calendar and Christmas story booklet with puppets to make. Just watch the video here: https://youtu.be/5Ea3L2DQc_A and download the free resources here: https://evangelisationbrisbane.org.au/shop/free-resources/
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).
AN EXCERPT OF NEWS FROM THIS EDITION:
AUSTRALIAN LECTIONARY:
The Australian bishops have received clear affirmation from the bishops conferences of New Zealand and Ireland that they are in favour of producing a new Lectionary based on the Revised New Jerusalem Bible and are willing to cooperate with Australia in its creation. Magnum Principium (2017) and Postquam Summus Pontifex (2021) both confirm that this decision and the work of producing the liturgical books is the responsibility of bishops conferences and not of the Holy See. This work should be able to proceed from the beginning of 2022 following November discussions by the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference and the National Liturgical Council. (The present Australian lectionary has been out of print for around decades now and there is an urgent need for an updated version).
For the whole free publication of Liturgy News please visit - https://www.liturgybrisbane.net.au/resources/liturgy-news/issues/vol-51-no-4-december-2021/
COVID SAFETY RULES AT PRESENT
We have received a number of questions this week from parishes regarding the vaccination protocols. I thought it may be helpful to share those questions and responses with all of you. I hope this information may be of assistance.
Everyone is encouraged to wear a mask in crowded spaces or where physical distancing is not possible.
Do people need to be vaccinated to attend Mass?
No. Everyone is welcome to attend a Mass or liturgy regardless of their vaccination status. Places of Worship are not subject to vaccination restrictions. This remains the same once the borders open.
Are we required to check the vaccination status of parishioners and visitors at Churches?
No. At this time, you are not required to check the vaccination status of those attending places of worship. Please share this information with your volunteers and marshals. The Queensland government continues to require people to use the Check-In Qld App when entering places of worship.
What are the occupancy requirements for Christmas Masses?
At this time, the occupancy for Christmas Masses remains the same as current occupancy restrictions for places of worship. The following limits apply (this also includes baptisms) with the use of the COVID Safe Checklist.
• 1 person per 2 square metres indoors
What is the occupancy for weddings and funerals?
• From 17 December, weddings will have no capacity limit if only fully vaccinated people attend. If anyone attending a wedding is unvaccinated, it is restricted to a maximum of 20 people.
• Funerals will not be limited to only vaccinated people. Funerals are required to adhere to the current limits:
o 1 person per 2 square metres for areas open to or used by guests or patrons, or
o 200 people, or
Thank you all for your wonderful work and ministry and patience in these difficult times.
A VOCATION VIEW:
Third Sunday of Advent - C
A VOCATION VIEW: Have you ever asked: "What ought I do?" Simply, tell the good news to people. Nothing else matters.
To talk to someone about your vocation, contact Vocation Brisbane: 1300 133 544 vocation@bne.catholic.net.au www.vocationbrisbane.com
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.
MASS TIMES: SURFERS PARADISE MASS TIMES
STEWARDSHIP REFLECTION
"Have no anxiety at all, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, make your requests known to God." (Philippians 4:6)
St. Paul reminds us that God is an abundant God – He is the ultimate giver of gifts. He promises to give us all that we need. Remember, that we are created in God's image and likeness. We, too, are made to be generous with all of our gifts as well. Placing our trust in God frees us from being a slave to possessions. It allows us to gratefully and generously share ourselves and our goods with 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.
FOR THOSE WHO ARE SICK: Dominique Corbello, Amelia Hoffman, 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, Sharyn Lucas, 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, 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, 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: Fr Stanislaus Barry cm, Joe Canavo, Debra-Ann Cameron, Bill Goodrem, Herbert Dawson, Shirley Ryan, Wayne Allan Pearce, Shane Burgess, 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, Andrew Kennedy, Mona Cooke, Keiran John Ryan, Marta Goran, Betty Leighton (Sydney), Antonio Cruz, Clara Yepes, Alberta Antonio, Mark Patrick, Donna Farkas, Robyn Colhoun, Brian Cole, Francis Monera.
ANNIVERSARY OF DEATH: Joseph Nazari, Joanne Burge, John the Baptist Covan, Allan Bond, George Stidwill, Bill Wall, Colin Peter Randazzo, Caterina Randazzo, Relatives & Friends of Hooworth Family, James William Boland, Gail Patricia Little, William Raymond (Billy) Willbrandt, Desmond Robert Castle, Brian Leslie Boehme, Kenneth Raymond Martin, John McCabe (Husband of Maureen), Jack O'Brien (Husband of Shirley), Ken Martin, Mercedes Ventura Tamayo, Maureen Smith, Disa Fleurette Hunt (Daughter of Robyn And Terry Hunt), Mary Anderson, Con Ante Pizzol, Jarmila Julie Muller, Warwick Gerard Jones, Wadad Doumani, Judy Jones, Warwick Gerard (Rick) Jones, Charly Macky, Anthony Malouf, Elda Ferluga, Taufau Ah Lo, Josephine Elizabeth (Josie) Dowd, Grazyna Zyner, Barry Charles Day, And also:, Fr Keith Turner CSSR, Ana Marie Bonet, Jack Bonet, Owen Louis Ryan, Marko Jaksic, Fabian McCarthy (Fr Michael's Father), John McKinstry,Owen Louis Ryan, Kevin Francis Ryan, Norman John Desmond (Des) White, Dawn Turner, Mello Scharenguivel, Albina Kristina Vah.
URGENT -Visitation to Nursing Homes with Communion and Prayers URGENT
We are desperately short of Ministers to take communion to the following Nursing Homes.
Lady Small Haven, Benowa. Tuesdays 9.30 am to 11.00 am
Merrimac Park Private Care, Merrimac. Wednesdays 1.30 pm to 3.00 pm
Bupa Nursing Home, Merrimac. Thursdays 9.30 am to 11.00 am
Hillview Nursing Home, Merrimac. Fridays 9.45 to 12.00 noon
Tricare Cyprus Nursing Home, Clear Island Waters. Sundays 9.00 am
The Visitation to the Home could take a Maximum of 3 hours and Ministers will be rostered to work for one day in a month. You will be assisted in training and getting a Blue Card along with a Police Check
CAN YOU SPARE 3 HOURS A MONTH TO TAKE OUR LORD TO THE ELDERLY IN THESE HOMES ????
For further information ring the Parish Office, or Maxine Sela on 0421051193.
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
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
THIS WEEKEND'S GOSPEL - ADVENT 3 - YEAR C -
"Rejoice in the Lord Always."
There is something really reassuring and pleasant about today's gospel. In the readings, this weekend, the tone of Advent lightens particularly. There is a theme of gladness in the air.
The readings speak of rejoicing. The approaching Birth of the Lord brings joy. Even the name for this Sunday is traditionally known as "Rejoice Sunday '' – In this time of Advent reflection, there is building excitement for the imminent celebration of the birth of our Lord. When we look at the readings, it is interesting to note that the REASON why we should rejoice and be glad is not that everything is going well, (although good fortune and success are even further cause of joy and thanksgiving), but in the Scriptures, we rejoice and are glad BECAUSE "God is near."
No Matter what is happening: success or failure, sickness or health, freedom or oppression, God is always with us, and very near to us. Our God comes to us to sustain us and to save us, and to grant us forgiveness and hope. Also, God gives us, in answer to all our prayers PEACE.
St Paul refers to this, when he writes, 'don't worry, but if anything is needed, ask for it and God will grant you his peace!`` The first response God offers us no matter what our prayers and requests is Peace.
The mark of a civilized nation is sure to be found in how it cares for and protects its most vulnerable members. Let us continue to build a safer, and non-violent society that absolutely values life and protects all its members, especially the young and vulnerable.
Let us pray for people suffering the effects of hatred, violence, destruction, and war. May those who die from senseless acts of violence be taken to the place of peace and rest in the compassionate arms of Our Lord. Let us pray and work together, inspired by those prayers, that the world will find new and better ways to put an end to this violence and devastation and bring peace and safety to all peoples' lives.
The world has been blessed by God's gift of inspiration and genius to so many people of goodwill and love who work constantly to create a better world and reach out to those in need. People who desire to fill in the valleys of prejudice and hatred, and level the mountains of ignorance, selfishness, and pride. Let us pray that these minds and hearts will prevail.
Saint John the Baptist is getting everyone prepared for the coming of the Messiah. He tells everyone, repent of their sins, change their ways, the Lord is near. And the people, of all different jobs and stations in life, ask the natural question: Okay if we are to change, what must we do?
This is a question we all ask, "Lord, show us what to do to make the changes you desire in our lives." John shows us the changes: Share food and material goods with those who have nothing. Act fairly, justly and honestly with others. Never act with intimidation or threat. Avoid disgruntlement, envy, dissatisfaction, jealousy and criticism, and negativity. (And so many wonderfully practical actions and attitudes that show the reverence we have to our God of justice and mercy, which flows through to how we treat each other.....)
God our Father knows that we are not perfect and that only with His grace can we respond daily to His love. Every day our Father invites us again to trust in Him and to seek His help so that we can grow deeper in practical ways in faithfulness and love. I think of Mary, the Mother of God, (who does not feature in today's Gospel but who does feature in the readings over the coming week)….
The Gospels say in several places that Mary "treasured all these things in her heart." Mary treasured or pondered the things that were happening, even when some of the events that were occurring were not exactly happy things…
Mary treasured things in her heart that were confusing, and alarming, and disorienting, but she treasured everything because she utterly trusted in God's love and care. Mary constantly pondered the fact that God was near her and was faithful to her. Let us rejoice and take heart that the nearness of the Lord always, (particularly at this coming Christmas time), will sustain and strengthen us in good times and bad.
We are promised peace and God's nearness to us as we stay attentive to God's ways and active in justice and compassion. God's inner peace does not necessarily promise that all will go well in our environment and our world, but God's inner peace will sustain us and guide us in times of both tranquility and outer turmoil. God's peace will be given to us in our constant combination of prayer and thanksgiving.
God's grace will lift us up in times of joy and celebration, and also God's grace will sustain, help us through, and carry us in times of trouble
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 ).
(Image Credit: Shutterstock Licensed. ID: 35242588 - St Johann Baptist, medieval fresco, Kosovo, Serbia - By BrankaVV)
It is human nature to see the good in our own habits, ways, and traditions, but at the same time, Pope Francis has encouraged Christians to acknowledge the validity of other spiritual paths to God. The Holy Father's focus on what unites humanity spiritually is an important lesson for a world community that depends more than ever on cooperation. As you begin Advent, look for ways that you are united spiritually with people who are part of your life, no matter what their faith tradition is.
(Matthew 7:21, 24-27 - "Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the Kingdom of heaven").
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VINCENTIAN FATHERS MOURN FR STAN, LOVINGLY KNOWN TO MANY FROM SOUTHPORT PARISH DAYS
Fr Stanislaus Barry cm, our oldest Vincentian priest, died last Saturday 27th November at RPA Hospital, Sydney. Stan was ordained at St Mary's Cathedral on 21st July 1951. We had organized a party to celebrate his 70 years of Ordination but of course Covid restrictions did not allow that to happen. Father Stan was a sterling member of the Congregation of the Mission (Vincentian Fathers and Brothers) Australian Province (now the Oceania Province).
Stan was totally committed to the ministries to which he was appointed. After a degree in History in WA he
taught at St Stanislaus Bathurst for nearly thirty years setting a wonderful example of a deeply committed, determined priest. After short stays in other ministries he became Chaplain to the developing Gold Coast Hospital in Southport Queensland. Here, once again, he was totally dedicated, devoted to the sick and dying at all hours of the day and night. He was much loved by all the patients but also by the nurses and doctors with whom he served for almost twenty years.
Stan moved to semi retirement in Melbourne and then to Ashfield in 2012 where he joined our
community at No 1 Bland St and then at the Nursing Home at Cardinal Freeman Village. He was such a
blessing to our Vincentian community. No doubt he was warmly welcomed by St Vincent de
Paul at the gates ! May he rest in Peace.
Fr Michael Walsh cm
St Lucy:
Those whose hearts are pure are temples of the Holy Spirit.
No one's body is polluted so as to endanger the soul if it has not pleased the mind. If you were to lift my hand to your idol and so make me offer against my will, I would still be guiltless in the sight of the true God, who judges according to the will and knows all things. If now, against my will, you cause me to be polluted, a twofold purity will be gloriously imputed to me. You cannot bend my will to your purpose; whatever you do to my body, that cannot happen to me.
St John of the Cross:
"Lord, I shall see you no more with the eyes of the flesh..."
"To saints, their very slumber is a prayer."
"The endurance of darkness is the preparation for great light."
"The soul that is quick to turn to speaking and conversing is slow to turn to God."
"Who teaches the soul if not God?"
"He who interrupts the course of his spiritual exercises and prayer is like a man who allows a bird to escape from his hand; he can hardly catch it again."
"If a man wishes to be sure of the road he treads on, he must close his eyes and walk in the dark."
"In tribulation immediately draw near to God with confidence, and you will receive strength, enlightenment, and instruction."
"In order to come to union with the wisdom of God, the soul has to proceed rather by unknowing than by knowing…"
"Among all created things, and things that can be apprehended by the understanding, there is no ladder whereby the understanding can attain to this high Lord."
"This perfection consists in voiding and stripping and purifying the soul of every desire."
"Let all find compassion in you."
"Obedience is a penance of reason, and, on that account, a sacrifice more acceptable than all corporal penances and mortifications."
"My spirit has become dry because it forgets to feed on You."
"The soul that journey's to God, but doesn't shake off its cares and quiet its appetites, is like someone who drags a cart of dirt uphill."
"If you lose an opportunity you will be like one who lets the bird fly away; you will never get it back."
"Strive always to confess your sins with a deep knowledge of your own wretchedness and with clarity and purity."
"Not to follow the advice of our confessor is pride and a want of faith."
"The fly that lands on honey makes its flight impossible."
"The soul, which does not want to give up the flavour of the spirit, prevents its freedom and its contemplation."
"Oh cherished Cross! Through thee my most bitter trials are replete with graces!"
"An action done entirely and purely for God, with a pure heart, creates a whole kingdom for those who make it."
"It is best to learn to silence the faculties and to cause them to be still so that God may speak."
"Do not ask for anything other than the cross, and precisely without consolation, because this is perfect."
"Lord, my God, do not turn away from those who do not turn away from you: how can they say that you are absent?"
"You will not find what you want or most desire, neither on this road of yours nor for that of high contemplation, but in a great humility and submission of heart."
"Make sure not to get involved in other people's things and not to let them even pass through your memory, because maybe you won't be able to complete your work."
"If a man wishes to be sure of the road he's travelling on, then he must close his eyes and travel in the dark."
"Speak little and do not meddle in matters about which you are not asked."
"Now that I no longer desire all, I have it all without desire… Having nothing and possessing all things."
"Whoever flees prayer flees all that is good."
"More is gained in one hour from God's good things than in a whole lifetime from our own."
"Be silent concerning what God may have given you and recall that saying of the bride: My secret for myself."
"Deny your desires and you will find what your heart longs for. "
"For how do you know if any desire of yours is according to God?"
"Whoever does not seek the cross of Christ doesn't seek the glory of Christ."
"God leads every soul by a separate path."
"If you do not learn to deny yourself, you can make no progress in perfection."
"Silence is God's first language."
"He who avoids prayer is avoiding everything that is good."
St John the Baptist
"In those days John the Baptist came preaching in the wilderness of Judea, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand." For this is he who was spoken of by the prophet Isaiah when he said, "The voice of one crying in the wilderness: 'Prepare the way of the Lord; make his paths straight.'" Now John wore a garment of camel's hair and a leather belt around his waist, and his food was locusts and wild honey. Then Jerusalem and all Judea and all the region about the Jordan were going out to him," - Matthew 3:1-17 ESV
"He will baptise you with the Holy Spirit and fire."?
"Repent, the Kingdom of God is near."?
"You brood of vipers, who warned you to flee before the coming wrath?"
"Behold, the Lamb of God!"?
"He must increase; I must decrease."
"When Jesus stepped into the waters of the Jordan and was baptised by John the Baptist, he did so not because he was in need of repentance, or conversion: he did it to be among people who need forgiveness, among us sinners, and to take upon himself the burden of our sins." Pope Francis, on Jesus and John the Baptist.
POPE FRANCIS: May God Prepare Us to Receive Gift of Full Unity
Pope Francis to Orthodox leader: "May God Prepare Us to Receive the Gift of Full Unity."
The Pope sent a message each year on Nov. 30 to the Ecumenical Patriarch, who is regarded as the successor of St. Andrew the Apostle and "first among equals" in the Eastern Orthodox Church.
On the feast of St. Andrew, Pope Francis expressed hope that Catholics and Orthodox Christians will collaborate together more often "to make visible our communion."
In a message to Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I of Constantinople, the Pope said that Christian unity would be realised through the grace of the Holy Spirit.
"Beloved brother in Christ, along the path towards full communion between our Churches, we are sustained by the intercession of the holy brothers, Peter and Andrew, our patron saints," Pope Francis said on Nov. 30.
"The full unity for which we yearn is, of course, a gift from God, through the grace of the Holy Spirit. May our Lord help us to be ready to embrace this gift through prayer, interior conversion, and openness to seeking and offering pardon."
The Pope sends a message each year on Nov. 30 to the Ecumenical Patriarch, who is regarded as the successor of St. Andrew the Apostle and "first among equals" in the Eastern Orthodox Church.
In this year's message, Pope Francis recalled his recent meetings with Bartholomew I in Rome. The patriarch joined the pope at an interreligious prayer gathering for peace in front of the Colosseum and in signing a joint appeal at the Vatican asking countries to "achieve net-zero carbon emissions as soon as possible."
"It was a source of joy for me that during your recent visit to Rome we were able not only to share our concerns regarding the present and future of our world but also to express our shared commitment to addressing issues of crucial significance for our whole human family, including the care of creation, the education of future generations, dialogue among the different religious traditions and the pursuit of peace," Francis said.
"In this way, we as Pastors, together with our Churches, strengthen the profound bond that already unites us, since our common responsibility in the face of current challenges flows from our shared faith in God the Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth; in the one Lord Jesus Christ, his Son, who became man for our salvation, died and rose from the dead; and in the Holy Spirit, Lord and giver of life, who harmonises differences without abolishing them."
Pope Francis' message to the Ecumenical Patriarch comes days before the pope departs for an apostolic visit to the predominantly Orthodox countries of Cyprus and Greece.
During his travels to the Mediterranean countries on Dec. 2-6, the Pope will meet with Chrysostomos II, the Orthodox archbishop of Cyprus, and Ieronymos II, archbishop of Athens and All Greece.
The Holy See press office reported that a Vatican delegation travelled to Istanbul on Nov. 30 for a customary visit to the Ecumenical Patriarchate for the feast of St. Andrew.
Cardinal Kurt Koch, president of the Pontifical Council for the Promotion of Christian Unity, led the delegation, which included the pontifical council's secretary, Bishop Brian Farrell, and undersecretary, Msgr. Andrea Palmieri. They were joined by Msgr. Walter Erbi, the Charge d'Affaires of the apostolic nunciature in Turkey.
Cardinal Koch read aloud the pope's message at the end of the Divine Liturgy in the Orthodox Church of St. George in the Turkish capital.
In a short address, the Swiss cardinal referred to Patriarch Bartholomew's hospitalisation during a recent visit to the United States.
Cardinal Koch said: "It has been a source of concern to us that Your All Holiness required hospitalisation twice during your trip to America and that the doctors had to operate to insert a stent into your heart. We hope that this surgical measure will help you to continue your ecclesial service in good health."
"When I read about it in the media, the thought crossed my mind that we perceive Your All Holiness as a living stent in the heart of your Church, in the heart of ecumenism and also in your commitment to the protection of God's creation entrusted to us, humans. In all of these aspects, you demonstrate deep care about the flow of oxygen, just as the stent inside a heart helps it to breathe easily."
In his message, Pope Francis wrote: "United in this faith, let us seek with determination to make visible our communion."
"While recognizing that there remain theological and ecclesiological questions at the heart of the work of our ongoing theological dialogue, it is my hope that Catholics and Orthodox may increasingly work together in those areas in which it is not only possible but indeed imperative that we do so."
(SOURCE –https://www.ncregister.com/cna/pope-francis-to-orthodox-leader-may-god-prepare-us-to-receive-gift-of-full-unity ) -
(Image: Vatican Media via NCR)
Rejoice - morning worship -- online - *6.30 AM QUEENSLAND TIME - Friday, December 10th - 2021. www.shalomworld.org
*6.30 AM QUEENSLAND TIME - Friday, December 10th 2021. www.shalomworld.org
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
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