PDF version of this parish newsletter here:
Also, you can access an online copy of the newsletter *here*
"Blessed are you among women,
and blessed is the child you will bear!" - (Luke 1: 42)
(Image: Shutterstock licensed image ID: 289470836 - ROME, ITALY - MARCH 25, 2015: The Visitation of Virgin Mary to Elizabeth painting by Giuseppe Valeriano (1526 - 1596) in church Chiesa del Jesu. - By Renata Sedmakova )
PASTOR'S POST: Tradition
I recently recalled with friends all the wonderful Christmas traditions of our childhood. The weeks of careful preparation and planning for the ideal present for parents and siblings, which always seemed to be bubble bath for mum and shoe polish for dad. Searching for odd jobs to get the finances in order for the major purchases and the huge build-up of excitement in preparation for the "big day".
The homemade pudding in a calico rag, glazed hams and large pillowcases, boozy trifles and lame jokes from cheap crackers, waiting expectantly for Santa's bounty, impromptu concerts with cousins and the children of neighbours and the placing of the crib in a position of honour in the lounge room. The stories told by much-loved grandparents around the carefully laid table often provided hospitality for a distant relative or a lonesome local, all followed by an afternoon snooze before one last pick at the roast chicken. Did we have more time then or did we make more time? Either way, we kids were almost sick with excitement when the day finally arrived.
Our family had an unquestioned ritual of Christmas mass sometimes involving an early-to-bed requirement, although we rarely slept, such was the anticipation. In our house, no presents could be opened until we had been to Mass, as though gift-giving was an extension of the liturgy. While I cannot recall any of the priest's homilies, I have vivid memories of the singing, the decorations and the sense of celebration. People greet each other and wish prosperity throughout the coming year. All these activities served to remind us that Christmas was not just a day but a season, not just a busy time, but a joy-filled family event.
My friends and I all agreed that Christmas and family traditions cannot be separated. They underpin the whole concept of belonging to family, to a faith community, that we are both givers and receivers and that joy does come alive to the world through the birth of a child. The ceremony at church was a clear indication that there was something more to this time than the commercial interests of large stores, or that people who gave you gifts were really more important than what they gave. At least that is what my memories now tell me.
Do such traditions still exist? Do families still decorate trees together? Do parents read the Christmas story to their children or do we just hope they pick up the idea via the television or playgroup? Is this such a busy time of buying and holidaying that establishing traditions are just another bothersome interruption? Is mass just for 'holy people' or late-night revellers and is the prospect of attending church as a family more trouble than we care to go to? Yes, it has been a tough year for all, but isn't that a perfect reason for those of us who are free enough to make an extra effort to be grateful that we survived and survived well in most cases?
Children deserve to have traditions around Christmas if only to have a fond memory to share with friends in adult life.
Fr Peter Dillon. PP
COVID SAFETY RULES AT PRESENT
Queensland requires people to wear a mask indoors and in crowded spaces or where physical distancing is not possible. (This would apply in Masses, and even more so at Christmas Masses) - there are many people who are in the vulnerable health and age groups that makes this very important for us.
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.
COVID SAFETY RULES AT PRESENT - Queensland requires people to wear a mask indoors and in crowded spaces or where physical distancing is not possible. (This would apply in Masses, and even more so at Christmas Masses) - there are many people who are in the vulnerable health and age groups that makes this very important for us.
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 practises. Practises 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 practises, 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.)
CHRISTMAS MASS TIMES (PLEASE WEAR A MASK AT THE CHRISTMAS MASSES)
**(Please note: No Midnight Mass, and No Sunday night Mass on Sunday the 26th December)**
CHRISTMAS MASSES TIME (PLEASE WEAR A MASK AT THE CHRISTMAS MASSES)
**(Please note: No Midnight Mass, and No Sunday night Mass on Sunday the 26th December)**
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/
Columbarium Blessing of
ANNE RYAN
(6th September 1932 ~ 24 October 2021)
Sacred Heart Catholic Church Columbarium, Clear Island Waters 4 pm Tuesday 21st December 2021. CELEBRANT: Fr Paul Kelly.
Parishioners are welcome to attend.
Memorial Mass - William "Bill" Arthur Goodrem OAM - (22nd May 1933 - 3rd December 2021)
Saint Vincents Church, Surfers Paradise.
20th December 2021 - 10.30 am Celebrant: Fr Peter Dillon
WE LIGHT THE FOURTH ADVENT CANDLE -
We continue on our Advent journey. This weekend we will light the FOURTH Advent candle. The "Angel's Candle" - reminding us of the message of the angels: "Peace on earth, to people of goodwill."
The Presider lights the fourth candle.
O Rising Sun, you are the splendour of eternal light and the sun of justice. O come and enlighten those who yearn for you.
O King of all, Come and save humanity, whom you formed from the clay.
O Immanuel, Lord our God, Come and save us.
(Shutterstock licensed image ID: 2085203293 - Three purple and one pink advent candles in Christmas eve, catholic symbol - By Natalia Sema)
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:
"LIFT UP YOUR HEARTS Completing the Initiation of Children." By Barry Craig
Preparatory rituals were performed in Lent, and the initiation proper was normally celebrated during the vigil of Easter night (Holy Saturday): the candidates were led from the church to the baptistery where each was baptised in the waters in the font and then was presented to the bishop who laid hands on them and anointed them with Chrism. Now as members of the Church, the Body of Christ, they were led back into the church to join in the Eucharist for the first time. Over the next few days or weeks, in a series of lectures (the Mystagogia) the bishop explained to the neophytes the rituals they had undergone, including the Eucharist. Since they had not been present for the Eucharist before that night, it was only now that they were taught what they were to say and do at Eucharist.
Children of Christians went through the same initiation ceremony and could be communicants from infancy. As whole populations became largely Christian, the need for adult initiation diminished and vanished, and so did the preparatory rites of the catechumenate and the Mystagogia. Infant baptism became the norm and eventually came to be celebrated on any day soon after birth. This made it impractical for bishops always to be present, so in the East and some places in the West, priests confirmed, thus preserving the traditional unity of Baptism and Confirmation.
However in the West, bishops ultimately reserved Confirmation to themselves, but this required its separation from Baptism, detaching also the first reception of Communion; even giving Communion to infants (up to seven years) was eventually forbidden. The history of children's initiation in the West up to modern times is very interesting, but it need not be covered here beyond noting that Confirmation was reinterpreted by many not as part of initiation but as an optional extra to strengthen Christian commitment and as a sign of maturity.
When we focus on the original unity of the sacraments and the character of their rites, a simple and comprehensive explanation for the two becomes clear:
♦ Baptism washes clean; it washes away sin.
♦ Confirmation consecrates to sacred duties.
To expound briefly on these, sin is washed away in the cleansing water of baptism, making candidates presentable to the Lord. Then the laying on of hands and anointing or christening instils the Holy Spirit to consecrate the baptised to sacred duties which, in this first instance, is to join the other members of the Church, the Body of Christ, in the exercise of his priesthood by the offering of the Eucharist and the reception of the sacramental signs, the symbol of our communion in him.
This brings us to the matter of the years falling between the two celebrations and why Penance is placed in between.
The West's established practice defers Communion until the child can distinguish between right and wrong and so is capable of acknowledging wrong-doing and being sorry for it. In the experience of personal sin, even if only in a very minor manner, the state of the newly baptised is lost.
In the Sacrament of Penance sin is absolved with a form of words and the penitent is restored to the state enjoyed when newly baptised. The best way of doing this in age-appropriate ways remains an open question. Instead of the daunting experience many of us were subjected to, it is fitting that it be an uplifting and freeing experience, just as Baptism is for adult candidates.
For adults, Baptism readies the candidate to be confirmed and Communion follows at once. For children, it is appropriate that Penance does likewise: it should promptly be followed by Confirmation and participation in the Eucharist.
In some places, this may be done in a single ceremony, as it is for adults. In other places, Confirmation is conferred outside Mass on a weekday so that the first Communion for the newly confirmed takes place at a normal Sunday Eucharist in the parish. This pattern works well in rural parishes with multiple churches, all the candidates celebrating Confirmation with the bishop, but then joining the regular Sunday congregations for the final step.
There is more to sacred duties than participation in the Eucharist, namely, the prophetic ministry of proclaiming the Good News to all, and working for and building up the kingdom of God, but there is no need to cover everything in children's preparation. Keeping the simple explanation for Confirmation foremost is the best way to guide preparation; there is no need for children to learn any particular number of gifts of the Holy Spirit, nor to overemphasise Pentecost as if it were the only relevant episode in Scripture. Rather, the focus should be on the first sacred duty to be performed after Confirmation, and that is, participation in the Eucharist.
Another condition to establish readiness to be confirmed and receive the first Communion is that the child understands there is a difference between ordinary bread and wine and the eucharistic Body and Blood that demands respect. Exploring this can be part of the preparation that highlights all the people's vocal parts of the Eucharistic Prayer. It is saddening at 'first Communion' events to see the children silent throughout, knowing how to receive Communion but not knowing how to be part of the Eucharist. It has long been known that singing helps us all memorise texts; so teach them to sing their parts. It is a joy to hear children's voices replying confidently, We lift them up to the Lord. It is a delight to hear them cue the priest for the first line of the Eucharistic Prayer, It is right and just.
(Rev Dr Barry Craig studied liturgy in Rome and is parish priest of Malanda in the Diocese of Cairns).
(image- Shutterstock licensed image - 124577695 - View of the Baptistery, Campanile and Duomo - Florence - By wjarek)
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/
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 -- online - *6.30 AM QUEENSLAND TIME - Friday, December 10th - 2021. www.shalomworld.org
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A VOCATION VIEW:
Fourth Sunday of Advent - C
A VOCATION VIEW: Can you honestly pray: "I have come to do your will, O God"? Blessed are you who trusted that the Lord's words to you will be fulfilled.
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
"For behold, when the voice of your greeting came to my ears, the babe in my womb leaped for joy." (Luke 1:44)
When you hear the scripture readings and Gospel reading at Mass, do you "leap for joy?" If not, don't blame the lecturer or priest, rather look inside yourself. What are you doing to grow in friendship with Jesus? How do you prepare for Mass each week? Or, do you just show up and expect to be entertained? As the Body of Christ, we are called to be active participants, not just passive observers.
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, 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: 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.
ANNIVERSARY OF DEATH: Joanne Burge, Denis Graham, Henry Martin Prince, Max Christmas, Gary John Moore, Walter de Launey, Abina Jean (Jean) Saalmann, Stanley (Stan) Kassulke, Murray James Hill, baby Frankie Anne Mackedie, Mary Jean Lenthall, Alfred Ernest (Alf) Symonds, Ada Teresa Bradshaw, Patricia Lazaro, Robert John (Bob) Thorburn, Maureen Fitzgerald, Paul Thomas Grennan, Bill Magno, Maureen Fitzgerald, John McCabe, Imelda Mary Rundell, Patricia Nolan, Neil Davey Lawrence, Percy Felsman, Johan (John) Egner, and also Joseph Nazari, John the Baptist Covan, Allan Bond, George Stidwill, Edward (Ted) Clancy, 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.
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
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
Emmanuel, "God is with us," is our guiding truth. Christians find many ways to remind themselves of God's Real Presence. Of course, the primary way is through the Eucharist. But shrines and relics are also a very Catholic way of pointing to the reality of Christ in our lives. Take for example the shrine of Our Lady of Loreto, which resides in Loreto, Italy, a small town on the Adriatic coast. It is there that the original home of Mary is said to have been moved, either by angels or more probably by a wealthy Italian merchant, after the late 13th-century siege of Jerusalem. At this shrine, we can presumably touch the same stones that Jesus touched as a boy. What a remarkable reminder that the Word was made flesh and lived among us. Pray to Our Lady of Loreto for continued reminders of God's abiding presence.
(Matthew 11:16-19 - "The virgin shall be with child, and bear a son, and shall name him Emmanuel, which means 'God is with us!' ")
SIGN UP FOR "TAKE FIVE" DAILY - www.takefiveforfaith.com/subscribe
An Original Shalom-World Catholic 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/
The previous episodes will soon become available on-demand through the same network.
THIS WEEKEND'S GOSPEL - ADVENT 4 - YEAR C -
"Yes, truly blessed is she who believed that the promise made to her by the Lord would be fulfilled" – And
Blessed, also, are we when we hope and trust and believe that the Lord will be faithful to us and fulfil the promises made to us.
Mary and Elizabeth meet and an unspoken bond is formed, Born of their shared condition – they each are expecting a baby.
They know that they cannot face this alone,
and they also know that God has no intention of letting them face this alone. God is with them.
This "yes" from these ladies, will need an ongoing commitment, care, time, and the grace of God!
They KNOW that they are God's partners in bringing to birth, hope and life !! (A)
This truly beautiful gospel passage today illustrates the importance of giving thanks and of explicitly naming our blessings.
I remember a story about a man who would always write down the significant things that happened to him; He had two different methods for writing these events down. He would "write in the sand a list of all hurts that he received," but he would also "carve in stone all the blessings he received." When he was asked why he did this, he said: "I inscribe the harms and wrongs in the sand, so that the winds of forgiveness and love can erase them after a time. But (just as importantly), I remember to carve all my blessings and graces in stone, so that time, busyness, and even misfortune or circumstance will be unable to erase those memories!" - Carving our blessings in stone, serves as a constant reminder to us of all the things for which we are eternally grateful.
"Why do I suspect that for many of us, (myself included), we do things the wrong way around. -- Writing the countless acts of kindness, love, generosity and grace on the shifting sands of our memories, whilst carving in stone the hurts and grudges, bad memories and misfortunes and the list of our own (and others) sins and weaknesses. And does that do any good????
The Blessed Virgin Mary and Saint Elizabeth are both wonderful examples of faithful discipleship. They notice the graciousness of God happening all around them and within them. They both delight in praising God, and in thanksgiving, and make a deliberate decision (and choice) to name the blessings of God and to give voice to the presence of God - It is a truly inspiring moment. A moment of true and abiding praise and thanksgiving.
The other thing that strikes me about this well-known passage of Scripture is the importance of family, including extended family (our family of faith, our parish, our friends, our colleagues, and our wider community).
The Virgin Mary must have been daunted and filled with awe, by what she knew was happening to her. Not everyone would understand what God was doing in her life // and not everyone would be happy. Certainly, not everyone would have goodwill towards her and assume that the Holy Spirit was at work in this extraordinary event.
Mary went to visit Elizabeth. Together, they meet in great joy and affection, and gain enormous support from each other. How very important is the support and encouragement we give to one another in times of joy and also times of trial.
This weekend, as Advent comes so quickly to a close, let us take some time to carve a few things in stone. Let us look back. Who are some of the people we need to give thanks for from this past year, (and all past years)? Let us recall in our hearts the acts of kindness and love that so many people have shown us daily. Who are the people through whom we have experienced Christ's graced presence, love, compassion, mercy and grace? Let us remember and give thanks for these people and these blessings in our hearts, minds, and show this gratitude in all our words and actions.
And let us "Take time to be aware that in the very midst of our busy preparations for the celebration of Christ's birth in ancient Bethlehem, Christ is reborn in the "Bethlehem's" of our homes and daily lives. Let us take time, slow down, be still, be awake to the Divine Mystery that looks so common and so ordinary yet is wondrously present". (Edward Hays)
Let us seek out people like Elizabeth, who have grateful, remembering hearts; and who focus on the positives and show us the world in its goodness for us to build our lives upon. people who do not dwell on negatives, and who do not get us more and more upset and downcast by focusing on all that is wrong. .
Let us be attentive to the ways in which God is present to us, especially God's abiding presence and action, in the people with whom we socialise, work and live.
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) Alice Camille, 2009: A Book of Grace-filled Days).
(Image Credit: Shutterstock Licensed. Item ID: 1158840967 PARIS, FRANCE - JANUARY 05: Visitation of the Virgin, stained glass window in the Basilica of Saint Clotilde in Paris, France on January 05, 2018. Artist: Zvonimir Atletic)
St Peter Canisius
"(St Peter Canisius had) an extraordinary devotion to the Holy Eucharist – his devotion to the Holy Sacrifice were such that people would come from great distances to watch him offer Mass, so devoutly did he celebrate. He was one of the people that urged frequent Communion at the Council of Trent and was one of those who got the Council of Trent to pass a little known decree, little known because it took almost three hundred years for that decree to really come to life. The Council of Trent, mind you, sixteenth century, encouraged daily Communion – you would never guess it, would you? Peter Canisius was one of those who, under instructions from Ignatius,
made sure that the Council passed that decree and he spent hours before the Blessed Sacrament." Ven Servant of God Fr John A Hardon S.J. (1914-2000)
If you have too much to do, with God's help you will find time to do it all.
"Such should be the shepherd in the Church who, like Paul, becomes all things to all men, so that the sick may find healing in him; the sad, joy; the desperate, hope; the ignorant, instruction; those in doubt, advice; the penitent, forgiveness and comfort and finally, everyone, whatever is necessary, for salvation. And so Christ, when He wished to appoint the chief teachers of the world and of the Church, did not limit Himself to saying to his disciples: 'You are the light of the world'; but also added these words: 'A city seated on a mountain cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle and put it under a measure but upon a candlestick, that it may shine to all who are in the house.' Those churchmen err, who imagine, that it is by brilliant preaching, rather than by holiness of all-embracing love, they fulfil their office."
"Better that only a few Catholics should be left, staunch and sincere in their religion, than that they should, remaining many, desire as it were, to be in collusion with the Church's enemies and in conformity with the open foes of our faith.
These ceremonies which are used in the administration of the Sacraments, each of which we receive as delivered and entrusted to us through the hands of the fathers, must especially be retained and observed with great devotion.
It behoves us unanimously and inviolably to observe the ecclesiastical traditions, whether codified or simply retained by the customary practice of the Church.
Saint John of Kanty
"Fight all error but do it with good humour, patience, kindness and love. Harshness will damage your own soul and spoil the best cause."
"What kind of work can be nobler than to cultivate the minds of young people, guarding it carefully, so that the knowledge and love of God and His holy precepts go hand-in-hand with learning? To form young Christians and citizens-isn't this the most beautiful and noble-minded way to make use of life, of all one's talents and energy?"
"Going hand-in-hand with that true brand of humility one saw in him a great childlike humility. There was nothing deceitful or ambiguous in his actions and words. Whatever was in his heart he unhesitantly and honestly revealed. If he thought that his words, even when speaking the truth, could accidentally offend someone, he humbly asked for forgiveness before approaching the altar." Pope Clement X (In the Bull of Canonisation of St John of Kanty on 16 July 1767)
POPE FRANCIS:
In this period of recovery, it will not be anxious efforts to recover what was lost that will ensure and consolidate growth, but the commitment to promote the recovery of society, especially through a decisive fight against corruption.
In her humility, Mary knows she receives everything from God. Therefore, free from herself, she is completely turned toward God and others. #MaryImmaculate does not look at herself. This is true humility: not looking at oneself, but looking toward God and others.
In this Season of #Advent, let us ask the Lord, through the fatherly intercession of Saint Joseph, to remain always like sentinels in the night, attentive to see the light of Christ in our poorest brothers and sisters.
In Greek, there is an illuminating saying: "o fílos ine állos eaftós," - "a friend is another self". Yes, other people are the path to discovering ourselves. Good decisions are always about others, not just about ourselves. #ApostolicJourney
Let us ask for the grace to believe that with God things really do change, that he will banish our fears, heal our wounds, turn our arid places into springs of water. Let us ask for the grace of that hope, that revives our faith and rekindles our charity. #ApostolicJourney
In our lives, there will always be times when we get the impression that we are in a desert. Yet it is precisely there that the Lord makes his presence felt with words of closeness, compassion and tenderness: "Do not fear, for I am with you" (Is 41:10). #ApostolicJourney
I beg all of you, let's stop this shipwreck of civilization! https://vatican.va/content/francesco/en/speeches/2021/december/documents/20211205-grecia-rifugiati.html
(SOURCE – Pope Francis -@Pontifex - Twitter site) (Image:@Pontifex - Twitter site)
SACRED HEART AND ST VINCENT'S RELIGIOUS GOODS SHOPS
Last minute purchases of Columban Calendars and Nativities can be made at the shops this weekend.
The Christmas issue of the CATHOLIC LEADER is available now
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 February
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.
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.
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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
Facebook Page: Star of the Sea
Position Vacant – Parish Secretary - South Brisbane
Applications are open for a position at the St Mary's, South Brisbane, and Dutton Park Parishes. A person with excellent administration and time management skills is required for a full-time position of Parish Secretary working 38 hours a week. For additional information, please visit the Archdiocese of Brisbane website. https://clientapps.jobadder.com/68451/aob-internal-career-opportunities/404081/parish-secretary-st-marys-south-brisbane-and-dutton-park-parishes
Applications close: 19 December 2021
The Archdiocese of Brisbane has standards of conduct for workers to maintain a safe and healthy environment for children. Our commitment to these standards requires that we conduct working with children checks and background referencing for all persons who will engage in direct and regular involvement with children and young people (0 - 18 years) and/or vulnerable adults. The organisation is fully committed to child safety and has zero-tolerance for abuse of children or vulnerable adults.
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.
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
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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