PDF version of this parish newsletter here:
Also, you can access an online copy of the newsletter *here*
A Blessed, Happy and Healthy Christmas to you all.
And May God bless you and guide you through the coming year.
"The people who walked in darkness, have seen a great light!" (Isaiah 9:2)
"His mother treasured all these things in her heart" - (Luke 2: 51b)
(Image: Shutterstock licensed image ID: 487877368-
Christmas religious nativity scene, Holy family abstract watercolour illustration Mary Joseph and Jesus in the starry night with copy space for text, with names of Jesus. Contributor- Thoom)
PASTOR'S POST:
There is no way I could add any further description of an Aussie Christmas to the following contribution by C.J. Dennis. I hope it brings you some joy. Fr Peter Dillon. PP
A BUSH CHRISTMAS - by C.J. Dennis
The sun burns hotly thro' the gums
As down the road old Rogan comes --
The hatter from the lonely hut
Beside the track to Woollybutt.
He likes to spend his Christmas with us here.
He says a man gets sort of strange
Living alone without a change,
Gets sort of settled in his way;
And so he comes each Christmas day
To share a bite of tucker and a beer.
Dad and the boys have nought to do,
Except a stray odd job or two.
Along the fence or in the yard,
"It ain't a day for workin' hard."
Says Dad. "One day a year don't matter much."
And then dishevelled, hot and red,
Mum, thro' the doorway puts her head
And says, "This Christmas cooking, My!
The sun's near fit for cooking by."
Upon her word she never did see such.
"Your fault," says Dad, "you know it is.
Plum puddin'! on a day like this,
And roasted turkeys! Spare me days,
I can't get over women's ways.
In climates such as this the thing's all wrong.
A bit of cold corned beef an' bread
Would do us very well instead."
Then Rogan said, "You're right; it's hot.
It makes a feller drink a lot."
And Dad gets up and says, "Well, come along."
The dinner's served -- full bite and sup.
"Come on," says Mum, "Now all sit up."
The meal takes on a festive air;
And even father eats his share
And passes up his plate to have some more.
He laughs and says it's Christmas time,
"That's cookin', Mum. The stuffin's prime."
But Rogan pauses once to praise,
Then eats as tho' he'd starved for days.
And pitches turkey bones outside the door.
The sun burns hotly thro' the gums,
The chirping of the locusts comes
Across the paddocks, parched and grey.
"Whew!" wheezes Father. "What a day!"
And sheds his vest. For coats no man had need.
Then Rogan shoves his plate aside
And sighs, as sated men have sighed,
At many boards in many climes
On many other Christmas times.
"By gum!" he says, "That was a slap-up feed!"
Then, with his black pipe well alight,
Old Rogan brings the kids delight
By telling o'er again his yarns
Of Christmas tide 'mid English barns
When he was, long ago, a farmer's boy.
His old eyes glisten as he sees
Half glimpses of old memories,
Of whitened fields and winter snows,
And yuletide logs and mistletoes,
And all that half-forgotten, hallowed joy.
The children listen, mouths agape,
And see a land with no escape
For biting cold and snow and frost --
A land to all earth's brightness lost,
A strange and freakish Christmas land to them.
But Rogan, with his dim old eyes
Grown far away and strangely wise
Talks on; and pauses but to ask
"Ain't there a drop more in that cask?"
And father nods; but Mother says "Ahem!"
The sun slants redly thro' the gums
As quietly the evening comes,
And Rogan gets his old grey mare,
That matches well his own grey hair,
And rides away into the setting sun.
"Ah, well," says Dad. "I got to say
I never spent a lazier day.
We ought to get that top fence wired."
"My!" sighs poor Mum. "But I am tired!
An' all that washing up still to be done."
"C.J. Dennis" Herald, 24 December 1931,
FR PAUL CHRISTMAS MESSAGE ON SHALOM WORLD MEDIA SITE
https://shalomworld.org/episode/fr-paul-kelly-shareyourstory
A Christmas Greeting Card from Archbishop Mark Coleridge
COVID SAFETY
Please note that you do not have to pre-book for Christmas Masses or other Masses at this time. There are maximum capacity limits due to covid, though, so we cannot guarantee a seat or space inside the churches once capacity is reached. You need to bring your Queensland check in-app to log in as you enter. We require people to wear masks whilst inside the church and even when seated and when moving around in the church or entering and leaving. (Medically exempt people naturally do not need to wear masks). Due to limited numbers plus the increased risks of covid during this time, people with medical concerns or advanced age are asked to consider their best health interests in deciding whether to come to church during this time or stay home and participate as best as one can with the online Mass service (audio-podcast)
Thanks for your understanding and patience.
Queensland strongly proposes people to wear a mask indoors and in crowded spaces or where physical distancing is not possible; (medically exempt people do not have to wear masks). - 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
If your child was 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)**
MASS TIMES: SURFERS PARADISE MASS TIMES
Christmas Message from Archbishop Mark Coleridge:
Brisbane Archbishop Mark Coleridge: Nothing – not even the virus – can stop the Child being born; and nothing can stop us from making our journey to offer him our homage.
THIS will be a Christmas like no other.
Restrictions may be eased, but we will still have to cope with registration, distancing, sanitising and all the other things that have become part of our lives through this extraordinary year.
We won't have the crowds at Mass; the parties will be quieter; the sights and sounds of Christmas will be more subdued.
Yet the star will still rise and lead us, like the Wise Men, through the desert of COVID-19 into new territory.
The star will still shine in the darkness, coming to rest over the strange place where the royal Child lies, leading us to him with our gifts.
Nothing – not evening the virus – can stop the star from shining and doing its work.
Nothing – not even the virus – can stop the Child being born; and nothing can stop us from making our journey to offer him our homage.
We will come with all the searchers.
We will come with the shepherds, who were not led by a star but sent by angels who shone around them as light in the darkness, telling them who the Child was and where he could be found.
We will come with poor shepherds who bring no rich gifts, only the gift of themselves, our faith, our hope, our love.
We will come with the outsiders.
The virus has been no respecter of personages; rich and poor alike have been struck, though the poor have suffered more, as they always do.
But so too the love of God which takes flesh in the Child is no respecter of personages.
It touches rich and poor alike, though the poor are given preference, as they always are with God. We will come with the poor.
We will also come with the animals, with the camels of the Wise Men, the sheep of the shepherds, the ox and the donkey sheltering in the stable.
We will come with them because this birth is for the whole of creation.
Our common home becomes God's home too once the Child is born.
We will come with all of God's creatures.
When heaven and earth become one, as they do in the Child, all things are woven together in the vast ecology of love. God, angels, stars, humans, animals, plants, earth – all hold together gloriously in the Word-made-flesh in whom they came to be.
With him at the heart of it, this Christmas like no other will be just like all the others.
Source: Message via The Catholic Leader Newspaper, on sale at the churches this weekend.
WE LIGHT THE CHRISTMAS CANDLE - THE WHITE CANDLE -
For the solemn celebration of the Lord's Birth, we light the final candle. The "Christ Candle" - reminding us that Jesus is the light of the world who has come to scatter the darkness and bring us eternal life.
Lord Jesus, you are mighty God and Prince of Peace
You are Son of God and the Son of Mary
You are Word made Flesh, the splendour of the Father
(Shutterstock licensed image ID: 2001379088 Advent Wreath( aka Advent Crown) - 4 Candles representing 4 weeks of Advent plus 1 centred white candle traditionally lit on Christmas Eve or Christmas day)
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).
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 - Friday, December 10th - 2021. www.shalomworld.org
+++++++
A VOCATION VIEW:
Christmas - and also Feast of the Holy Family - C.
Christmas comes but once a year. But you can be Christ to others the remaining 364 days. In fact, He is counting on you.
Also, unless your family loves you, it is hard for anything else to make sense around us. In your family, your vocation can grow in wisdom, age and grace.
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
"See what love the Father has given us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are." (1 John 3:1)
During this season of giving, let us remember a beautiful gift that we have received – being children of God! As God's children, it's "in our DNA" that we share and express our love for others as well. Tell your spouse, children, other family members and friends that you love them, every day! Also, pray for those people that are different than you, those that you may not like or those that go out of their way to annoy you. Your prayers may be the start of a new friendship.
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.
Our prayers go out to the Lord for the repose of the soul of Marian Howell, mother of Faith Howell, one of our vocalists at Stella Maris Church. Marian passed away on Friday 24th December. Marian's funeral Mass is planned for Friday the 31st December 2021 at Stella Maris church at 11 am. May Marian rest in the peace of her Lord and Saviour.
RECENTLY DECEASED: The children who died in the Tasmanian tornado.
Also, Marian Howell, Yvonne Khalema, Ramana Judas 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.
ANNIVERSARY OF DEATH: 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, Maurice Cass, Patricia Anne Burton, Nora and Harold Stanley Ragan, "Young Harold", Alec Edwards, Ellice Mayhew, Gregory Robert Mahoney, Brian J Maher, Patricia Gado, And also: 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, Imelda Mary Rundell, Patricia Nolan, Neil Davey Lawrence, Percy Felsman, Johan (John) Egner.
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
By the fourth century of the Christian era, there were 20 or so gospels floating around the early church communities along with the familiar four. Dozens of epistles existed in addition to the 21 we now recognize. It was saint, Pope Damasus I (c. 305–384), who presided over the Council of Rome in 382 that determined the canon, or official list, of the Bible. He also encouraged Saint Jerome to produce a translation of the existing Greek and Hebrew texts into Latin, the common language of the day. Inexpensive versions of the Catholic editions of the Bible make great Christmas gifts for friends and family looking to deepen their faith.
{"Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight his paths," Matthew 17:9a, 10-13}
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.
A MESSAGE FROM SILVANA IN ITALY -
Just a few lines to say that we are well and that the trip back went well even though it was nearly 25 hrs long!!!
We forgot the discomfort as soon as we saw the smiling faces of our relatives waiting for us at the airport!!
The arrival back at Ornaro was even better… as we have been spoiled since we got back!! The weather is: winter!! Which means temperatures under zero overnight!!🥶 but we are well organized with heavy clothing.
At the moment everyone is working in decorating Ornaro with nativities in every little space available in the thick walls or windows. I have helped in preparing our lovely church. I am enclosing photos.
(photos: see below)
Remaining on the parish emailing list for the weekly newsletter makes me still feel part of the family.
Wishing you a Holy Christmas and New Year blessed with Peace and Joy.
With esteem and affection
Silvana🙏🤗🎄🎅
THIS WEEKEND'S GOSPEL -The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary And Joseph.
(For the Christmas Mass and homily please see this link here: https://news-parish.blogspot.com/2021/12/christmas-feast-of-nativity-of-lord.html )
Holy Family Feast :
I came across a wonderful poem on the Birth of Christ and the Holy Family, by British poet Godfrey Rust. It is called: Midnight in Bethlehem, Zero AD.
"...... No room at the inn. No room anywhere.
They gave him the only place they could spare and the promised Messiah was born that night
on the floor of a stable without any light ….
and while Mary slept there, exhausted and cold, Joseph sat by feeling helpless and old.
This wasn't the way he had thought it would be
when the angel had told him that destiny chose them to look after the Holy One.
No, this was a farce. What God had done was to trust the care of the Saviour instead
to a man who could not even find him a bed.
If only he'd planned it more carefully then.
If he only could go back and do it again.
....... when the shepherds burst in all breathless and wild
and stopped in their tracks when they saw the child.
They shifted their gaze from the baby's bed and their eyes met his, and he nodded his head,
standing awkwardly, not knowing quite what to do now they all knew for certain the story was true.
They stayed there for minutes. It might have been years.
Not one of them spoke. Their hopes and their fears;... were gathered around this helpless God
as their minds tried to grasp what it meant.
Where he stood Joseph was silent as finally he saw this was how it was planned to be,
that the smell and the dark and the dirt and the pain were not Joseph's mistake but God's choice once again: past midnight in Bethlehem, Joseph knew that men would be saved despite all they might do.
He could not control it. He did not understand.
He felt like a baby himself in God's hand.
He remembered the angel had said that his name would be Jesus, God saves."
It is a beautiful picture of the confusion, chaos and uncertainty that occurs in times of crisis, what would be familiar in any family. And it's a reminder that God is at work even in the messiness of thwarted plans and unexpected situations. The helplessness felt by Joseph is reassuring to all of us when things aren't going so well. We all pray for peace: peace in the world, peace in our own families, peace in our own hearts. As with every worthy desire, the holding of an idea is often easier than putting it into practice.
The readings today remind us that peace indicates an absence of conflict, but peace does NOT promise an absence of differences. True peace does not necessarily indicate an absence of misunderstanding, nor does it deny opposing opinions. True peace implies holding contradictory or opposing forces in harmony. Perhaps such a definition might be more helpful when we seek the meaning of an "ideal community" or an "ideal marriage" and so on. We do not really mean uniformity, but rather, "two solitude's embracing," or a unity, a communion of difference enrich others.
Joseph and Mary have care and support for each other, their openness to God's will in their lives, and their dedication to supporting and assisting each other, as a family unit, and in their individual vocations in life is and inspiration for us all, and a wonderful model for every family and community. Is there really any family that can say of itself "we are perfectly average"? Each family is unique and has its own individual characteristics, because it is made up of unique individuals.
In the gospel - Jesus is already wise beyond his years.... he is a smart kid and he quickly realises that 'being about his father's affairs' at this stage of his life means that he must go back with his family and respect and learn from his mother Mary and his step-father Joseph and grow as he learns from their wisdom and guidance.
Mary realises that she must ponder and reflect and learn from Jesus and the events of his life, and prayerfully contemplate the meaning of his vocation, which is unique and special. We too must follow Mary in constantly reflecting on the meaning of Jesus' life and contemplating deeply and prayerfully on what Christ's life and actions means for the events of our lives too. We must be brave. We must be open. We must be ready to have regular shifts of thinking and an attitude of openness and discipleship.
The holy family's respect and openness to listen and learn from each other, to support each other in the calling each person has is important. We might all have plans and hopes for members of our family, but the best thing we can do, ultimately, is to listen and dialogue with them about the inner calling and vocation that each is uniquely called to search for and live out; and this might be a vocation or calling that is different from our hopes or expectations. In the end openness to God who is at work in the lives of each of us is the most important thing, and living and working with each other in respect and love.
It is astounding that 2021 is now coming to a rapid close! Can you believe that it will soon be 2022? I pray that this new year will be a time of grace for all of us as we, with Mary, ponder and treasure the things that God is doing in our lives. And May God grant us peace in our hearts and lives and give us open, prayerful and grateful hearts.
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, Some ideas adapted from 'Sharing the Word through the Liturgical Year, by Gustavo Gutierrez. Joseph and the shepherds. Written for the carol service at St John's, West Ealing in 1989. Of course it is fairly certain that Jesus wasn't born in 0 AD (more likely sometime between 5BC and 2BC), and 0 AD doesn't actually exist as the calendar goes from 1 BC to 1 AD, and these days it's correct to call them 1 BCE and 1 CE, but hey, it's a poem. © Godfrey Rust,godfrey@wordsout.co.uk . See here for details of permissions for use).
(Image Credit: Shutterstock Licensed. Item ID:505470880 -
Christmas religious nativity scene, Holy family abstract watercolour illustration Mary Joseph and Jesus in the starry night Contributor- Thoom )
St John the Apostle
"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God." (John 1:1)
"And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth." John 1:14
"God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in him."
"Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God"
"Love one another as I have loved you."
"Master, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. We have come to believe and are convinced that you are the Holy One of God."
"Amen. Come, Lord Jesus. The grace of the Lord Jesus be with God's people. Amen. (Revelation 22: 20-21)
Holy Innocents
"These then, whom Herod's cruelty tore as sucklings from their mothers' bosom, are justly hailed as "infant martyr flowers"; they were the Church's first blossoms, matured by the frost of persecution
during the cold winter of unbelief." St Augustine.
St Thomas Becket
I am ready to die for my Lord, that in my blood the Church may obtain liberty and peace.
Remember the sufferings of Christ, the storms that were weathered... the crown that came from those sufferings which gave new radiance to the faith... All saints give testimony to the truth that without real effort, no one ever wins the crown.
Better are the blows of a friend than the false kisses of an enemy.
Many are needed to plant and water what has been planted now that the faith has spread so far and there are so many people... No matter who plants or waters, God gives no harvest unless what is planted is the faith of Peter and unless he agrees to his teachings.
St Sylvester I - (Pope who approved the decisions of the Council of Nicea)
Nicean Creed
I believe in one God,
the Father almighty,
maker of heaven and earth,
of all things visible and invisible.
I believe in one Lord Jesus Christ,
the Only Begotten Son of God,
born of the Father before all ages.
God from God, Light from Light,
true God from true God,
begotten, not made, consubstantial with the Father;
through him all things were made.
For us men and for our salvation
he came down from heaven,
and by the Holy Spirit was incarnate of the Virgin Mary,
and became man.
For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate,
he suffered death and was buried,
and rose again on the third day
in accordance with the Scriptures.
He ascended into heaven
and is seated at the right hand of the Father.
He will come again in glory
to judge the living and the dead
and his kingdom will have no end.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life,
who proceeds from the Father and the Son,
who with the Father and the Son is adored and glorified,
who has spoken through the prophets.
I believe in one, holy, catholic and apostolic Church.
I confess one Baptism for the forgiveness of sins
and I look forward to the resurrection of the dead
and the life of the world to come. Amen.
WORSHIP AND FAITH - What are the Holy Days of Obligation?
(Shutterstock licensed stock photo ID: 1793920924. Birth, death, resurrection of Jesus Christ. Wooden manger, nativity scene, three crosses background. Jesus is reason for season. Salvation, Messiah, Emmanuel. By j.chizhe)
This last year, and even now, the idea of Holy Days of Obligation has been a bit different. This is because, with Covid restrictions, a large percentage of people have been unable to attend Mass or have been advised to avoid gathering with large numbers of people for their own health. So, in an unusual step, but quite understandable in the circumstances, the ordinary obligation to attend Sunday mass or "Holy Days of Obligation" has been suspended for those who are not able to attend due to limited numbers, or due to particular health risks for older and vulnerable members of the community. The Archbishop continues this dispensation for everyone until the situation normalises some time in the future. People are strongly encouraged to keep these holy days special by watching live-stream Masses and also reading the scriptures of the day or joining in Mass with the assistance of podcasts such as our parish regularly publishes.
Just out of interest, a question was raised about how many Holy Days of obligation are usually to be found in the annual Church calendar. This is a bit complicated, as each regional Bishops Conference is given some freedom to choose whether some major Solemnities are celebrated on the traditional date or whether they should, for various pastoral reasons, be moved to the nearest Sunday. So, this is why some regions have variations. Nevertheless, the basic answer is this - Holy Days of Obligation:
(In ordinary non-Covid circumstances), there are usually fifty-four Holy Days of obligation for the Catholic Church in Australia. The Holy Days of Obligation are 15th August, (The Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary), and 25th December (Christmas). Each Sunday is also, (in ordinary non-Covid circumstances), a holy day of obligation for Christians.
The importance of a celebration in the liturgical calendar is determined by its Rank (whether it is a solemnity, feast or memorial). Establishing a holy day of obligation simply means that a particular solemnity is celebrated like a Sunday, (irrespective of what day of the week the feast day occurs). Its actual rank does not change.
You will note that, although celebrations like the First of January - the Solemnity of Mary the Mother of God, and Ash Wednesday, and Good Friday and All Saints Day and All Souls Day are wonderful and very sacred and special feasts and Solemnities, they are actually not Holy Days of Obligation, but are very highly recommended and extremely spiritually fruitful.
POPE FRANCIS: The Vatican produces liturgical rite for institution of catechists
"Receive this sign of our faith, seat of the truth and love of Christ, and proclaim it with your life, your conduct and your word."
(Image: Catechists in a parish)
The Prefect for the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments says "the publication of the Rite of Institution of Catechists offers a further opportunity for reflection on the theology of ministries in order to arrive at an organic vision of the distinct ministerial realities." By Salvatore Cernuzio
Accipe hoc fídei nostræ signum, cáthedram veritátis et caritátis Christi, eúmque vita, móribus et verbo annúntia– "Receive this sign of our faith, cathedra of the truth and love of Christ, and proclaim it with your life, your conduct and your word."
Beginning on 1 January 2022, this will be one of the Latin formulas with which laymen and laywomen "of profound faith and human maturity" will be instituted as catechists by their bishop during a liturgical celebration.
The new Rite
After formally instituting the ministry of the catechist with the motu proprio Antiquum ministerium, Pope Francis has approved and published an Editio typica[typical edition] that introduces a specific Rite of Institution of Catechists. This is the base text that will then be translated and adapted by the various Bishops' Conferences around the world.
The conferences will have the task of clarifying the profile and role of catechists, offering them suitable formation and helping the various communities grasp the meaning of the ministry so that it will not be confused with other roles in the Church.
The Rite of Institution can take place during a Mass or a celebration of the Word of God; the Editio also indicates the readings from the Old and New Testaments to be used in the celebration. The Rite will follow a precise format, beginning with an exhortation to the candidate, followed by an invitation to prayer, a blessing, and the handing over of the crucifix.
A further step
The introduction of a Rite of Institution of Catechists marks a further step in the general reflection on ecclesial ministries, following up on the motu proprio Spiritus Domini, issued on 10 January 2021, which modified Canon Law on women's access to the ministries of lector and acolyte; and the aforementioned Antiquum ministerium, issued on 10 May 2021.
In a letter accompanying the publication of the Editio typica, Archbishop Arthur Roche, the Prefect of the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments, emphasizes that the new Rite "offers a further opportunity for reflection on the theology of ministries in order to arrive at an organic vision of the distinct ministerial realities."
The letter, addressed to the presidents of the various bishops' conferences, proposes some indications concerning the ministry of catechist.
(Picture: Archbishop Arthur Roche)
Nature of the ministry
First of all, the letter clarifies the nature of this ministry, quoting Pope Francis' description of it as "a stable form service rendered to the local Church." It is above all a "lay ministry based on the common baptismal state" and therefore "essentially distinct" from the ordained ministry.
Archbishop Roche explains that "catechists, by virtue of their Baptism, are called to be co-responsible in the local Church for the proclamation and transmission of the faith, carrying out this role in collaboration with the ordained ministers and under their guidance."
To avoid misunderstandings, the Prefect of Divine Worship clarifies that the term "catechist" indicates different realities in relation to the ecclesial context: "Catechists in mission territories," for instance, "differ from those working in churches of long-standing tradition."
In the great variety of forms, however, one can distinguish – "though not rigidly" – two main types: catechists with the specific task of catechesis, and others who participate in the different forms of the apostolate, such as leading community prayer; assisting the sick; celebrating funerals; training other catechists; coordinating pastoral initiatives; and helping the poor.
Ministry of catechist and other ecclesial roles
In his letter, Archbishop Roche says that since this ministry has "a definite vocational aspect" which requires "due discernment" by the bishops, not all those who are called "catechists" or who carry out a service of pastoral collaboration should be formally instituted in the ministry of catechists.
In particular, he says, "it is preferable" that certain classes of people notbe instituted as such. These include: candidates for the diaconate and the priesthood; men and women religious, regardless of whether they belong to Institutes whose charism is catechesis; teachers of religion in schools; and those who perform a service aimed exclusively at members of an ecclesial movement, to whom this "precious" function is entrusted by the leaders of the movements and not by the bishop.
As for those who accompany the initiation of children and adults, they too do not necessarily have to be instituted in the specific ministry, but should receive at the beginning of each catechetical year "a public ecclesial mandate entrusting them with this important function." However, this does not detract from the fact that some of them may be instituted as Lectors or Catechists, on the basis of their pastoral abilities and needs.
Defining the roles of catechists
The letter then specifies that it is the task of the individual Bishops' Conferences to clarify the profile, role, and the most coherent forms for the exercise of the ministry of catechists. The Conferences are also called to define suitable formation programmes for candidates, and to prepare their communities to understand the meaning of this ministry.
Archbishop Roche notes that canon law provides for the possibility of entrusting to a lay person "a share in the exercise of pastoral care in a parish," but says it is necessary "to form the community so that it does not see the Catechist as a substitute for the Priest or Deacon, but as a member of the lay faithful who lives their baptism in fruitful collaboration and shared responsibility with the ordained ministers, so that their pastoral care may reach everyone."
The Prefect also explains the requirements for catechists, referencing Antiquum ministerium.
The ministry of catechist is open to men and women "of profound faith and human maturity active participants in the life of the Christian community, capable of welcoming others, being generous and living a life of fraternal communion," with "suitable biblical, theological, pastoral and pedagogical formation," who have received the sacraments of Christian initiation. Each candidate must first present his or her bishop with a "freely written and signed" petition seeking institution as a catechist.
(Source and Images: https://www.vaticannews.va/en/vatican-city/news/2021-12/vatican-produces-liturgical-rite-for-institution-of-catechists.html )
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
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 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.
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
Acknowledgement of Country - This is Kombumerri Country - The Traditional Custodians of this region.
We respectfully acknowledge the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as the First People of this country. We pay our respects to the Kombumerri people, who are the traditional custodians of the land, waterways and seas upon which we live, work and socialise throughout this Catholic Parish of Surfers Paradise. We acknowledge Elders, past and present and emerging, as they hold the memories, traditions, culture and hopes of our Indigenous people. We pay tribute to those who have contributed in many ways to the life of the community. We affirm our commitment to justice, healing, and reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples
Commitment To Child And Vulnerable Adult Safety
"The Archdiocese of Brisbane holds that children and vulnerable adults are a gift from God with an intrinsic right to dignity of life, respect and security from physical and emotional harm. They are to be treasured, nurtured and protected from any harm." As a Parish Community, we pray for a change of heart, that we respond to our grief by reaching out to one another in truth and love. For more information and resources on Safeguarding our community, please see: https://brisbanecatholic.org.au/safeguarding/
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