Also, you can access an online copy of the newsletter *here*
Sunday, January 1, 2023 | The Solemnity of Mary Mother of God. Year A |
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Readings for Sunday, January 1, 2023 - The Solemnity of Mary Mother of God. Year A FIRST READING- Num 6:22-27 Ps 67:2-3, 5, 6+8. “May God bless us in his mercy.” SECOND READING- Gal 4:4-7 GOSPEL ACCLAMATION (Heb 1:1-2). Alleluia, alleluia! In the past, God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets; now, he speaks to us through his Son. Alleluia. GOSPEL- Luke 2:16-21 |
“Mary treasured all these words and pondered them in her heart.” (Luke 2:19)
Image: courtesy of artist John Maitland & St Mary’s College, Ipswich, for the use of this beautiful image. All rights reserved to the artist.
PASTOR’S POST - A Humble Offering
Following the celebration of Mass on Christmas Day, a number (more than two, less than ten) of kind people asked for a copy of my homily, possibly to replace the lack of newspapers on Christmas Day. Normally, I don’t write out my homilies in full, but this year I had too many thoughts to share and didn’t want to risk missing the points I felt strongly about. So with just a suggestion of humility, I’m offering my homily from Christmas morning as my pastor’s post this weekend.
“What a wonderfully joyful and enthusiastic way to begin our Christmas liturgy for 2022.
A bright day, music filling our church, families and friends swelling our numbers along with some special people who seem to have been so busy that we haven’t seen you since last Christmas. But this year is a different kind of Christmas. Who would have thought that this time last year we would have been living in a world where a massive invasion of Ukraine would have been seared into our consciousness? That our relatively peaceful world would have been rocked by fear and uncertainty. Where nothing has been achieved by this atrocity but death and destruction. That devastating floods would have ruined the lives of so many people throughout this lucky country of ours and famines in Africa. That crops, homes and livelihoods would have been destroyed? That over 1000 people would die on our roads and many more from preventable health issues, and over 130 funerals would be conducted in our parish this year? Who would have thought that this Christmas, there would be so many gaping holes, deep emptiness, and vacant places around the festive table? We who long for stability have had an overpowering reminder that we live in a fragile world. We thought a few years of Covid was all this world would have to endure.
The way we deal with all these tragedies, whether we realise it or not, is the way humanity has always dealt with tragedies’. From time immemorial, we turn to our childhood memories and recall the wonder of storytelling. We instinctively turn to those wondrous tales that were our way of coping, reassuring ourselves and others that we are still alive and that the world moves on as it has for thousands of years. Stories of victory and redemption tell us that really there is nothing new under the sun, and what we now experience has been lived before, and the world has survived – albeit shaken and stirred, and hopefully resolved not to repeat the same mistakes and yet we do.
We still use stories to mesh emotion and intellect, heart and mind, in the face of a world turned upside down. I’m not talking about stories of Harry and Meagan or Elon Musk, not shallow yarns about who marries who at first sight, which only seem to add to the malaise that can surround us, if we don’t temper our lives with the stories that give life and inspire us.
The best stories are the true ones, because they show us that commitment and perseverance are not reserved for saints or superheroes, but are within the grasp of those with vision and passion.
I mean stories of people who step up and stand out and go above and beyond. Stories of people who put aside what they cannot change and manage the bits they can. I draw great encouragement when I hear of the quiet, ordinary people who volunteer for emergency relief assistance or distribute assistance through St. Vincent de Paul and Rosies. Stories of people who save and support, who provide emergency housing for victims of domestic violence. I felt uplifted when I heard about householders in Poland who put welcome signs outside their houses and offers of accommodation for Ukrainian refugees searching for freedom.
Stories of high school students who bring meals to the homeless in parks early each day. Stories that won’t make the news headlines, but will remind us not to let bad news sap us of motivation, or wallow in pity.
Stories like the one we have heard today and so many other times before, that brings some light to what otherwise might be darkness. A simple and desperate family that trusted they would survive and be led somehow to safety. Why do we need these stories? Because they remind us that we live in a world where there are people made in God’s image and likeness, who are trying to repair this broken world. People who don’t complicate their generosity by seeking fame, but simply desire fulfilment. People who don’t wait for a guarantee of a successful outcome before they begin, or measure the cost and don’t find a reason not to get involved.
After the year we have had, Santa cannot offer us the hope we really need, perhaps only a momentary distraction. This is why it is important not to put the Jesus story away with the tinsel and wrapping. This is the forever and everyday story that keeps telling us of Emmanuel – God constantly with us. For some it might sound innocent and naïve, but for many others it makes sense, because they have let the divine presence take hold in their lives. They have allowed themselves to believe and accept.
Is this what Jesus meant when he said “Unless you become like little children you cannot enter the kingdom of heaven”? Isn’t this the way God sees us? Children waiting to hear a story that all will be good and all will be well. Not a fable, myth or fantasy, but one that is real for the faithful. Is that why you’ve come here today to remind yourself that God is still taking care of his world? That we are not and will never really be alone.”
Fr Peter Dillon PP
We congratulate the Youngberry, Hunt, Scigliano, Bushnell, Vuksic, Opera, Pelo and Azel families whose children Alina, Koa, Olivia Violet, Elliot, Emilio, Benjamin, Carter and Xavier Jacob will be baptised in our Parish next week. Please keep the Baptism families in your prayers as they begin their faith journey. |
ST VINCENT de PAUL CHRISTMAS APPEAL
Thanks to the local St Vincent de Paul conference and all the wonderful helpers. Thanks, also, to the community for the wonderful work and help in donating, preparing, and delivering the Christmas hampers to many needy families. Thanks, too, for the donations to the work of the local conference for all-year support. This is Christianity in action at its clearest. Should you wish to understand more about our conference's good works or have any questions, you can email our conference at sv4217@svdpqld.org.au, the President Craig.McMahon@svdpqld.org.au, or the Treasurer Adrian.Biermann@svdpqld.org.au.
ADORATION OF THE BLESSED SACRAMENT FOR JANUARY 2023
Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament for First Friday, 6th January 2023, at Sacred Heart Church from 7 pm to 8.30 pm. All welcome. Enquiries: Helen 0421935678.
"Could you not watch one hour with Me?" MT 26:40
SHALOM - ADORATION OF THE SACRAMENT - with Fr Paul- please see video link below
https://youtu.be/iRc0x1W1CYo
Becoming Catholic! A Journey of Faith
Are you interested in becoming Catholic or learning about the Catholic faith? Welcome! The Catholic Church’s mission is to offer people of all ages and backgrounds the opportunity to deepen their understanding and relationship with Jesus Christ. Becoming Catholic involves a journey of faith accompanied by the support of a parish community. This process is called the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA). During the RCIA process, you meet with others to share, reflect, pray and learn more about the Catholic faith. Ceremonies or ‘rites’ at each stage signify the steps along the way. If you or someone you know would like to know more about becoming Catholic or starting to become Catholic as an adult, please contact 
Surfers Paradise Catholic Parish, Clear Island Waters Q 4226.
Phone: 5671 7388 surfers@bne.catholic.net.au
DURING CHURCH SERVICES - FANS IN THE CHURCH DURING the HOT WEATHER ARE TO BE LEFT ON AND DOORS TO BE LEFT OPEN FOR AIR CIRCULATION AND BREEZES!
Please Don't Ask The Coordinator To Turn Them Off. Also, please do not close the doors of the church as we need a flow of fresh air. Coordinators are following Church Health and Safety directions. It may be necessary to relocate to another seat that suits your needs or bring something warm to put on.
Thank you for your consideration in this matter.
HOSPITAL CALLS - AROUND THE DEANERY -
HELP THE PRIESTS OF THE DEANERY RESPOND TO URGENT CALLS EFFECTIVELY BY CALLING THE FOLLOWING PARISHES FIRST RESPONDERS TO NEEDS WITHIN THE HOSPITALS LISTED.
To efficiently deal with the pastoral needs around the Catholic Parishes of the Gold Coast, the parishes within this Deanery have the practice of having the first call for emergencies going to the priests of the parish where the hospital is located. Here is a helpful guide to the hospitals and their attendant priests. A nursing home call also follows this procedure, where the first priest to call is a priest from the parish within which the Nursing Home is located.
Robina Hospital - Burleigh Heads Parish on 5576 6466
Pindara Hospital - Surfers Paradise Parish 56717388
John Flynn Hospital -Coolangatta-Tugun Parish on 5598 2165
University & Gold Coast Private Hosp-Southport Parish 5510 2222
Image Credit- Shutterstock Licensed. Stock Vector ID: 340202321 - Christmas star and the birth of Jesus, illustration. Vector Contributor: losw
MASS TIMES: SURFERS PARADISE MASS TIMES
Sacred Heart 50 Fairway Drive Clear Island Waters, 4226 | Saturday Night - 5 pm *Note First Saturday of the month, morning Mass 9 am (Next: 7th January 2023) Sunday - 9 am and 6 pm Weekday Masses - Monday - Friday weekday Mass - 9 am |
St Vincent’s 40 Hamilton Avenue. Surfers Paradise 4217 | Sunday - 8 am & 10 am Extra parking available only metres from St Vincent’s Church, King’s Car Park, entry via Beach Road, Also in Remembrance Drive opposite the church, next to the new Essence Building under construction |
Stella Maris 254 Hedges Avenue, Broadbeach, 4218 | Saturday Night - 5 pm Sunday - 7 am |
Please note: The Archbishop has continued to exempt everyone from the obligation to attend Sunday mass during restrictions. We are still expected to maintain a social distance where possible and to receive Holy Communion in hand only, refrain from physical contact when offering the Sign of Peace, and sanitise when entering and exiting the premises. |
Hispanic (Latino American) Mass: Fr. Syrilus Madin 5:30 pm Mass 1st & 3rd Sunday of the month - St Vincent’s Catholic Church, Surfers Paradise. Gold Coast Contact: Juan Arrieta 0406 705 349 Polish Mass: Fr Grzegorz Gaweł SChr (Bowen Hills 3252 2200) 12.30 pm Mass Sunday Sacred Heart Church, Clear Island Waters. Gold Coast Contact: George Syrek 0411 302 802 Italian Mass: Sunday - Sacred Heart Church at 4 p.m. Please contact Giovanna on 07 55395528 or email gianna52@hotmail.com for further information about the Italian Mass on the Gold Coast. Maronite Mass: Fr Fadi Salame 0421 790 996 6.30 pm Saturday Vigil, Sacred Heart Church, Clear Island Waters. |
A HAPPY AND SAFE NEW YEAR
Shutterstock Licensed Image: Stock Vector ID: 1552511834 - People celebrating Christmas in summer partying on the beach and exchanging gifts - Vector Contributor: elenabsl
A VOCATION VIEW: Families.
Families are where kindness, humility, patience, and thanksgiving are lived and celebrated. People cannot truly teach these qualities unless they have experienced them. To talk to someone about your vocation, contact Vocation Brisbane: 1300 133 544. vocation@bne.catholic.net.au and www.vocationbrisbane.com
STEWARDSHIP REFLECTION - TRUST!
“And Mary kept all these things, reflecting on them in her heart.” LUKE 2:19. After Jesus, we look to Mary as an ideal steward. Her entire life was lived in obedience to God’s call. She heard God’s message and immediately said, “yes.” Mary teaches us to live with joy and gratitude for the many blessings God has given us. Just as the moon reflects the light of the sun, Mary reflects the light of Christ. Like Mary, we are called to reflect Christ’s light to the world. We do this through lives of gratitude and generosity. The vision of Stewardship speaks in every aspect of life, inviting everyone to be thankful, generous and accountable for what each has been given.
IN OUR PRAYERS (Please keep in contact with us so we can keep these names up-to-date and let us know when to remove the name from the list). |
FOR THOSE WHO ARE SICK: Diane & Steve Land, John & Molly Robinson, Peter Barry, Phil Bawden, Kath Kiely, Natalie O’Reilly, John Nathaniel Maher, Peter O’Brien, Betty Taylor, Rosie May Fisher, Denise Tracey, Millicent Monteiro, Sally Gage, Jean Di Benedetto, Sebastian Condon, Maria Manuela, Rogelio Rodriguez, Gus Reeves, Patrick Joven de Leon, Baby Samuel Timothy, Maria Yuna, Peter Lofts, Maria Teresa Gutierrez, Geoffrey Dixon, Margaret Haerse, Annie Scicluna, Jo Clark, Kay Pitman, Michael Murtagh, Leslie Clarke, Lena Hiscock, Shirley Montford, Beryl Dorfield, Joanne Mooney, Patricia Roberts, John Thomas, Tom Ross, Joanne Parkes, Jack Barretto, Doug Chester, Kathy Stevens, Nellie Bellinger, Leslie Clarke, Kristy Peat, Anna Janiek, Andrew McPherson, Louise Holmes, Betty & Patrick O’Connell, Margaret & George Cook, Fred Grioli, Lynn Nunan, Elaine Casonati, Kim Parkes, Cecily Cellinan, Kevin Brennan, Margaret Cusack, Fabiola Menzs. And all suffering from Covid-19 and its effects.
RECENTLY DECEASED: Baby Luciana Alvarez Rivera, Constable Matthew Arnold, Constable Rachel McCrow, Alan Dare, Brian Quinlan, Maureen Jobling, Dao Jensen, Del Lange, Eleanor Wilson, Felix Grech, Maria Magdalena Bizzotto, C. L. Kennedy, Helen Margaret White, Dorothy Whiteman, Donald Greenwood, Paul Broughton, Jan Falk, Bernece Brown, David Joshua Maher, Michael Thomas Fitzgerald, Fr Dennis Riley, Julio Enrique Astorga, Dr Michael Tracey, Joseph Horvatt, Ian Richard Kentley, Angela Hawes, Michelle Thomas, Aniela Halina Hedditch, Precious Bautista, Marco Mazic, John Bastable, Jameal Tooma, Dean Leigh Smith, Clare Hammond, Anthony Hendry, Pauline Dolan, Rita Donaldson (mother of Fr Paul Taubman), Lawrence Byrne, Acushla (Margaret) Patton, Vivian Williams, Florence (Flora) Smith, Leo Lampago, Ray Burton
ANNIVERSARY OF DEATH: Gregory Robert Mahoney, Brian J Maher, Patricia Gado, Victor Paul Aguggia, Santo Auteri, Maurie Cass, and Monica Cass, Janet Anne Winks, Jim Lepanto Avuri, Alan James Russo, Merv Cross, Michael Joseph George, Mark Addison, Zora Spiranovic, Dalibor Novak, Kevin Wills, Margaret Wotherspoon, John William Maddocks, Stephen James Baker, Fr Pat (Doc) Kenny, Ms Lesley Court, Kevin Patrick Carmody, Kevin Gleeson, Dale Strode, Donald Ralph Thomas, Trevor Ralfe, Pauline Bocking. And also: Magdalena & Josep Johanes, Klaus Diga, Stacey Pickering, Augustus Snr & Terry Tanquintic, Caterina Di Losa (Cathy) Randazzo, Colin Peter Randazzo, Joseph (Joe) Che, Maria Sidic, Marian Howell, Herta Haselhorst, Neil Davey Lawrence, Percy Felsman, Johan (John) Egner, Joan Sadie Brown, 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, Marian Ware, John Francis Moore, Mariette Anna Stradiotto-Alda, Norma Heather, Bill Heather, Dolly Tan, Rodolfo Solatan, Maurice Cass, Patricia Anne Burton, Nora and Harold Stanley Ragan, “Young Harold”, Alec Edwards, Ellice Mayhew.
TAKE FIVE FOR FAITH - And let it begin with me.
"The world must be educated to love Peace, to build it up and defend it." With these words, Pope Paul VI in 1968 called us each to personal responsibility for keeping the peace. Since then, successive popes have related the quest for peace to fighting poverty, protecting creation, defeating racism, caring for migrants, supporting education, ensuring opportunities to work, and overcoming indifference. As the pandemic bloomed, Pope Francis described peace as cultivating a "culture of care." Building peace includes encountering people outside our typical social cocoons. It necessarily involves creating good politics and living with hope. Make peace your personal priority.
"The LORD look upon you kindly and give you peace!" (Numbers 6:22-27)
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PARISH FINANCIAL SUPPORTYour support is needed to help our Parish continue valuable pastoral activities and to provide ongoing sustainability. To assist you in supporting the Parish, you can give here. If you can continue to support us, we would be most grateful. For all those who have been making payments via credit card and those who have donated directly into the parish account, we thank you. The pay-wave or tap-and-go machines on the timber stands in our Churches are also a safe and handy way to donate to the Parish. God bless you for your support. If you want confirmation of your donation or a receipt emailed, please contact me at man.surfers@bne.catholic.net.au. To join planned giving, please contact the Parish Office: (07) 56717388 (9 am–12 pm Mon-Fri). |
MASK WEARING:
The risk of Flu and Covid virus is still present, and there are quite a few vulnerable people in our community, so please consider using masks and hand sanitiser and reasonable social distancing where possible still highly prudent. If you feel unwell, please stay home until you feel better. The requirement to attend masses, even Holy Days of obligation, remains suspended at this time. No formal times for reconciliation are scheduled to ensure minimum crowd density. Venial sin is remitted by Eucharist, as also are acts of personal penance and contrition. Reconciliation is available by prior appointment - avoiding peak holiday times and Solemnities.
APPEAL FOR UKRAINE
In Ukraine. Find out more at: https://www.caritas.org.au/donate/ukraine-appeal/
SOME CHRISTMAS READING - LITURGY NEWS NOW READY FOR DOWNLOAD - VOL 52, NO 4. Summer 2022.
Archdiocese of Brisbane - Free Liturgy Magazine
To download your free copy of Liturgy News - please click here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1JOiU_eo43MjRYqIVBvq6ILjtvUz8E_YX/view?usp=sharing
CHILDREN’S SACRAMENTAL PROGRAM Families wishing to be involved in our Surfers Paradise Parish Children’s Sacramental Program should regularly check the weekly newsletter for information updates, or they can email our Sacramental Coordinator, Cathy Anderson: andersoncm@bne.catholic.net.au
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Sacrament of 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 their 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 Surfers Paradise Parish website www.surfersparadiseparish.com.au.
Once the online baptism form has been received, the Parish Office will email details for preparation for the Sacrament of Baptism and confirm the online booking.
Sacrament of CONFIRMATION - 20 October 2023
The celebration of the Sacrament of Confirmation for the Surfers Paradise Parish will be on the evening of 20 October 2023.
Within the Archdiocese of Brisbane, Confirmation is the second sacrament that children are invited to receive. Confirmation completes Baptism.
For the celebration of Confirmation in 2023, parents of children in Year 3 or older are invited to enrol their children in the continuing Sacramental Journey (Confirmation, then Eucharist and lastly, Reconciliation). In our parish, the Sacramental Journey involves preparation and celebration for children and their parents. It requires a small number of meetings and the completion of an At Home Preparation Program led by the parents and supported by the Parish Sacramental Team.
The enrolment form (one for each child) is available at our website www.surfersparadiseparish.com.au.
Once on the website, use the drop-down menu under Sacraments then click on Confirmation; scroll down the page to the Children’s Sacramental Program Application Form. Next, please complete the orange and red form and click Submit. You will receive an automated email indicating that your form has been received. In Term 3, 2023, you will receive an email from the Sacramental Coordinator, Cathy Anderson, providing further details regarding meetings and documentation required.
Please continue regularly checking the parish newsletter for Confirmation updates and further information.
Sacrament of EUCHARIST - First HOLY COMMUNION - Either May 28 at 11:00 am or June 4 at 11:00 am, 2023
Eucharist is the sacrament that completes the process of Sacramental Initiation. The Sacrament of Eucharist is the source and summit of our faith. Through this sacrament, the child can fully participate in the Eucharist (also known as the mass) by receiving Holy Communion.
In 2023, children in Year 4 or greater who have previously been enrolled in our Surfers Paradise Parish Sacramental Journey are invited to participate in preparation for their First Holy Communion. During Term 1, 2023, these families will receive an email inviting their child to participate in the At Home Preparation
First Holy Communion for those who are new to our parish...
Parents of children in Year 4 or greater who have been baptised and confirmed elsewhere are invited to enrol their children in the continuing Sacramental Journey (Baptism, Confirmation, First Holy Communion and then Reconciliation) with Surfers Paradise Parish. The enrolment form is available at our website www.surfersparadiseparish.com.au.
Once on the website, use the drop-down menu under Sacraments to click on First Holy Communion; scroll down the page to the Children’s Sacramental Program Application Form. Next, please complete the orange and red form and click Submit. You will receive an automated email indicating that your form has been received.
In Term 1, 2023, you will receive an email from the Sacramental Coordinator, Cathy Anderson, providing further details regarding meetings and documentation concerning the At Home Preparation Program.
Please continue regularly checking the parish newsletter for First Holy Communion updates and further information.
Sacrament of PENANCE - RECONCILIATION November 9 at 5:30 pm, 2023
Penance is a sacrament of forgiveness and celebrates God’s love and mercy towards us. It is about acknowledging and naming those times when we know we have done wrong and then making peace and restoring the relationships with those who have been affected by our poor choices. The Sacrament of Penance is celebrated through the Rites of Reconciliation.
In Term 3, parents of children who have completed their Sacraments of Initiation with Surfers Paradise Parish will receive an email invitation to participate in the At Home Preparation Program for Reconciliation.
For those whose children who received the Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist) in other parishes and who wish their child to prepare for the Sacrament of Penance in Surfers Paradise Parish,
the enrolment form is available at our website www.surfersparadiseparish.com.au
Please continue to regularly check the parish newsletter for Sacrament of Penance (Reconciliation) updates and further information.
THIS WEEKEND’S GOSPEL - Mother of God, Mother of the Church.
At the start of a new calendar year... (with 2022 now freshly behind us)... Our minds turn to our Lord's words to us from Scripture- ........ 
"I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End." (Rev 22:13).
Since Our Lord is the beginning and end of everything... and; The Lord is truly "The One who was, who is and Who always will be."
We are on the surest possible ground when we dedicate this new year, and all our words and actions, to the Lord, who brings all good things to perfection and completion.
We dedicate this new year to the intercession and protection of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Mother of God; the mother of the church; and our heavenly mother too.
At the start of a new year - we echo the perfect words that were first on the lips of Mary.... who said yes to Our Lord at the annunciation...
Here I am ... here I stand, the servant of the Lord... let it be done to me according to your word...
with Mary, let us stand ready with the new possibilities of this brand new year... to be of service to the Lord.
And our prayers are full of the inspiration we find from the scriptures and the words of the Saints...
Such as Psalm 20:v 4-5
“May God give you the desire of your heart
and make all your plans succeed.
May we shout for joy over your victory
and lift up our banners in the name of our God.
May the Lord grant all your requests."
Good heavenly advice at the start of a new year can also be readily found in St Paul:
"Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 3:13 -14)
In the octave of Christmas, we're still focused on the Prince of Peace, but also Mary, the Queen of Peace," ......... "We begin a new calendar year praying for peace in the world, in our homes and our nation."
..... Pope Francis said that "a new year is a chance for a new start, a time to remember that all people are brothers and sisters and to nurture amazement that God became human to save all people. The feast of Mary, Mother of God, is also a time to remember how strong maternal love and care are and how they are the secret to making life more livable.
"Through the intercession of the virgin Mary, may the Lord grant us to be artisans of peace — and this begins at home, in the family — every day of the new year."(1)
"Let us go forward in peace, our eyes upon heaven, the only goal of our labours."
St Thérèse of the Child Jesus (1873-1897)- Doctor of the Church
cf (similar): New Year's Day is a good time to fix one's eyes on the only One who knows what the year is to hold.
Many of us are willing to do great things for the Lord, but fewer are willing to do the little things. (Dwight L. Moody)
God is our strength.
Let Him be the strong foundation of our life
so that we will be truly uplifted when things go well
and so that we will not stumble when things go badly. (2) (paraphrase)
And with so many worries, tragedies and threats too, may the Christ-child guide and protect us, and May Mary, the Mother of God, inspire and pray for us, for a very blessed and peace-filled Year!
References: Fr Paul W. Kelly; (https://catholicreview.org/solemnity-of-mary-mother-of-god-ushers-in-new-year/ ); (https://www.newyearwiki.com/new-year-religious-quotes
Image Credit: Virgin Mary of Jerusalem. - Icon, in gold and silver. From Bethlehem.
To listen to the 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
Also found at - https://tinyurl.
INSPIRING QUOTES OF (or about) THE SAINTS: December 3rd -9th |
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.
“Mary the Mother of God.” Solemnity.
Venerated as Mother of God from ancient times, the Virgin Mary was acclaimed Theotokos (God-bearer) in 431 by the Council of Ephesus and commemorated on this day in Rome in the seventh century. Soon eclipsed by other feasts of Mary. Restored to the liturgical calendar in 1931 and to this day in 1969. Celebrates Mary’s role in the mystery of the incarnation, enriches the octave of Christmas with a Marian perspective, and provides a solemn beginning to the New Year.
Saints Gregory Nazianzen & Basil the Great.
Very close friends Gregory Nazianzen & Basil the Great studied together in Athens (as did with them the future emperor Julian the apostate). They became monks together and wrote the rule governing monastic life in the Eastern churches.
Each became a bishop, and they are honoured today among the great teachers of the early church. Because of the Arian heresy, which denied the true humanity of Our Lord, each of these Saints had the vocation to explain and defend the mystery of the Word-made-flesh that we celebrate at this time of Christmas. Each of them suffered a good deal for their faithfulness.
The Most Holy Name of Jesus.
Commemorated by religious orders since the 16th century, the feast was extended to the universal Church in 1721 and celebrated in the context of the Christmas season. The monogram IHS was popular in the late medieval and baroque periods. By the Holy Name, Christians honour the person of Jesus, their Lord and Saviour. At the name of Jesus, every knee should bend… and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father (Phil 2:10).
©2022 TrueQuest Communications. TakeFiveForFaith.com; mail@takefiveforfaith.com. All rights reserved. Noncommercial reprints are permitted with the following credit: Reprinted with permission from TakeFiveForFaith.com. Scripture citations from the New American Bible Revised Edition. For more information about “TAKE FIVE” and our regular contributors, go to PrepareTheWord.com.Free daily email and app available online at TakeFiveForFaith.com/subscribe
POPE FRANCIS: (From Amoris Laetitia)
POST-SYNODAL APOSTOLIC EXHORTATION AMORIS LÆTITIA OF THE HOLY FATHER, FRANCIS
(19 March, the Solemnity of Saint Joseph, in the year 2016).
Yet another challenge is posed by the various forms of an ideology of gender that “denies the difference and reciprocity in nature of a man and a woman and envisages a society without sexual differences, thereby eliminating the anthropological basis of the family. (para 56)
Seeing things with the eyes of Christ inspires the Church’s pastoral care for the faithful who are living together, or are only married civilly, or are divorced and remarried. (para 78)
Therefore, while clearly stating the Church’s teaching, pastors are to avoid judgements that do not take into account the complexity of various situations, and they are to be attentive, by necessity, to how people experience and endure distress because of their condition”. (para 79)
The Church is a family of families, constantly enriched by the lives of all those domestic churches. “In virtue of the sacrament of matrimony, every family becomes, in effect, a good for the Church. From this standpoint, reflecting on the interplay between the family and the Church will prove a precious gift for the Church in our time. The Church is good for the family, and the family is good for the Church. (para 87)
Being patient does not mean letting ourselves be constantly mistreated, tolerating physical aggression or allowing other people to use us. (para 92)
Unless we cultivate patience, we will always find excuses for responding angrily. (para 92)
Throughout the text, it is clear that Paul wants to stress that love is more than a mere feeling. Rather, it should be understood along the lines of the Hebrew verb “to love”; it is “to do good”. As Saint Ignatius of Loyola said, “Love is shown more by deeds than by words”. (para 94)
It is important for Christians to show their love by the way they treat family members who are less knowledgeable about the faith, weak or less sure in their convictions. At times the opposite occurs: the supposedly mature believers within the family become unbearably arrogant. Love, on the other hand, is marked by humility; if we are to understand, forgive and serve others from the heart, our pride has to be healed, and our humility must increase. (para 98)
Image Credit- Shutterstock Licensed. Stock Photo ID: 1524254318 - Editorial Use Only. Photo Contributor - Riccardo De Luca
NOTICES AND MESSAGES (Our new parish number is 5671 7388) |
RELIGIOUS GOODS SHOPS - SACRED HEART AND ST VINCENT’S CHURCHES
There are still a few Church Art Calendars, 2023 Daily Mass Books and the popular God’s Word, which has the full seven days readings and daily reflection.
The Christmas edition of the Catholic Leader now available, includes the annual Oz Care calendar. The first edition of the Catholic Leader will arrive in February 2023.
ST VINCENT’S CHURCH - LOST AND FOUND
Left behind after the 10am Mass on Christmas Day, car keys and sunglasses.
Please collect from the St Vincent’s Vestry.
ADORATION OF THE BLESSED SACRAMENT FOR JANUARY 2023
Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament for First Friday, 6th January 2023, at Sacred Heart Church from 7 pm to 8.30 pm. All welcome. Enquiries: Helen 0421935678. "Could you not watch one hour with Me?" MT 26:40
Praying the Rosary - Our Lady’s Statue in the Parish -OUR LADY’S STATUE
Details of the Statue of Our Lady, which is going around the Parish. If you would like to have her in your home and say the Rosary:
Please contact Maxine or Pat on 0412 519 404.
The Roster for the next four weeks is:
5/1/23 Merla & Rodney Antony
THE SACRED HEART BRIDGE CLUB- (Resumes on 21 January 2023)
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”
Is Easy to learn the format. No previous card-playing experience is necessary. All are welcome.
For more information and to enrol, please phone: Cheryl at 5538 8821 or Mob at 0417 772 701.
EXERCISE CLASS - LOW IMPACT - FOR HEART HEALTH -
(Resumes on 24 January 2023)
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.
MEDITATION PRAYER GROUP (Resumes 7 February 2023)
In the Morris prayer room Tuesdays from 10 am to 12 noon. The Meditation Group would very much like to welcome new members. Please phone Pam Egtberts at 0428090703.
ART AND CRAFT GROUP - (Resumes on 18 January 2023)
from the Art and Craft Group: “Our organisation gives people a venue to come together to socialise and to produce plenty of art and craft pieces, and we have broadened the range of craft possibilities outside of painting and knitting. A special mention of our Beads group - 500 pairs of rosary beads were sent to Armenia, with several Hundred more off to other European countries, and a special batch to New Zealand! So, our warmest wishes to everyone for this Season.” Sincerely, John Barr. The Group meets in the Parish Hospitality Centre on Wednesdays from 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 759 205 or the Parish Office.
GOLD COAST PARISHES — 24 hours Adoration - Southport
Tuesday 1 pm to Wednesday 1 pm every week at Guardian Angels Church 99 Scarborough Street, Southport. Parking onsite, the church is secured from 6 pm to 8 am. We are joining the effort to have Perpetual Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament in the Archdiocese of Brisbane. To make this a success we need two people per hour. Please indicate your availability for a one-hour commitment. email brisbane.adoration@gmail.com - We will be in touch in mid-October to confirm your exact time and other details. We expect to start our Adoration cycle on the first Tuesday in November 2022.
YOGA AT THE PARISH HOSPITALITY CENTRE (Resumes on 10 January 2023)
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 well-being. 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.
The Fabric of Our Lives - A Quiet Weekend for Women of Faith
God is the Master Crafter, and each day lived in relationship with God is an opportunity to create something wonderful - a life which is gradually woven by the coming together of relationships, events and experiences, and ultimately, overseen by the One who is love. This weekend is an opportunity to explore the bits and pieces of every day and the extraordinary moments that come together to create a life – our life.
Hosted and Facilitated by: Grace Harwood of Dragonfly Ministries
Friday 20 January at 6 pm – Sunday 22 January at 3 pm.
Where: Santa Teresa Spirituality Centre, Wellington Street, Ormiston
Cost: $380 ($350 for concessions) includes all accommodation, meals (an additional fee for special diets), resources, spiritual direction and facilitation.
To register or enquire: grace@dragonflyministries.net.au or 0409 524 283.
SURVEY INTO ARCHDIOCESE WEBSITE…….
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JOBS AROUND THE ARCHDIOCESE |
https://brisbanecatholic.org.au/careers/
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 conducting 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 abusing children or vulnerable adults.
SEVENTH ANNIVERSARY OF POPE FRANCIS’ GROUNDBREAKING LETTER - LAUDATO SI’ - An excerpt from the Pope’s groundbreaking Encyclical.
Practical relativism
122. Misguided anthropocentrism leads to a misguided lifestyle. In the Apostolic Exhortation Evangelii Gaudium, I noted that the practical relativism typical of our age is “even more dangerous than doctrinal relativism”.[99] When human beings place themselves at the centre, they give absolute priority to immediate convenience, and all else becomes relative. Hence we should not be surprised to find, in conjunction with the omnipresent technocratic paradigm and the cult of unlimited human power, the rise of relativism which sees everything as irrelevant unless it serves one’s own immediate interests. There is a logic in all this whereby different attitudes can feed on one another, leading to environmental degradation and social decay.
123. The culture of relativism is the same disorder that drives one person to take advantage of another, to treat others as mere objects, imposing forced labour on them or enslaving them to pay their debts. The same kind of thinking leads to the sexual exploitation of children and abandonment of the elderly who no longer serve our interests. It is also the mindset of those who say: Let us allow the invisible forces of the market to regulate the economy and consider their impact on society and nature as collateral damage. In the absence of objective truths or sound principles other than the satisfaction of our own desires and immediate needs, what limits can be placed on human trafficking, organised crime, the drug trade, commerce in blood diamonds and the fur of endangered species? Is it not the same relativistic logic that justifies buying the organs of the poor for resale or use in experimentation or eliminating children because they are not what their parents wanted? This same “use and throw away” logic generates so much waste because of the disordered desire to consume more than what is really necessary. We should not think that political efforts or the force of law will be sufficient to prevent actions that affect the environment because the culture itself is corrupt and objective truth. Universally valid principles are no longer upheld, and then laws can only be seen as arbitrary impositions or obstacles to be avoided.
The need to protect employment
124. Any approach to an integral ecology, which by definition does not exclude human beings, needs to take into account the value of labour, as Saint John Paul II wisely noted in his Encyclical Laborem Exercens. According to the biblical account of creation, God placed man and woman in the garden he had created (cf. Gen 2:15) not only to preserve it (“keep”) but also to make it fruitful (“till”). Labourers and craftsmen thus “maintain the fabric of the world” (Sir 38:34). Developing the created world in a prudent way is the best way of caring for it, as this means that we ourselves become the instrument used by God to bring out the potential which he himself inscribed in things: “The Lord created medicines out of the earth, and a sensible man will not despise them” (Sir 38:4).
{source: https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/encyclicals/documents/papa-francesco_20150524_enciclica-laudato-si.html}
NEXT SUNDAY’S READINGS Readings for next weekend- Sunday, January 8, 2023 (The Epiphany of the Lord. Year A) FIRST READING- Isa 60:1-6 Ps 72:1-2, 7-8, 10-11, 12-13 - “Lord, every nation on earth will adore you.” SECOND READING- Eph 3:2-3a, 5-6 GOSPEL ACCLAMATION (Matt 2:2) “Alleluia, alleluia! We have seen his star in the East; and have come to adore the Lord.” GOSPEL- Matt 2:1-12 |
LOOKING FORWARD: 2023-2025
The celebration of an ordinary Jubilee, (the next of which is 2025), entails years of preparation because of the demands involved in such an event. In these years of preparation, it is especially important to provide the particular Churches scattered throughout the world with tools that foster pastoral care that will most effectively convey the dynamic momentum necessary so that the Jubilee can be a truly ecclesial event that sustains faith and is a precursor for evangelisation.
Pope Francis has asked that these two years leading up to the Jubilee be focused on two particular themes.
The year 2023 will be devoted to revisiting the fundamental topics of the four Constitutions so that the Church can breathe anew the profound and timely teaching produced by Vatican II, whose 60th anniversary will be celebrated on October 11th, 2023. For this reason, a series of user-friendly resources, written in an appealing language, are being produced to arouse curiosity in those who have no memory of the event and to help them enter into the essence of the Council to discover the innovative longing that enabled the Church to enter the third millennium of its history consciously.
The Logo represents four stylised figures to indicate humanity from the four corners of the earth. They are embracing each other to indicate the solidarity and brotherhood that must unite peoples. You will notice that the opener is hanging onto the cross. It is the sign not only of the faith that it embraces but of the hope that can never be abandoned because we need it always and, above all, in moments of greatest need.
It is helpful to observe the waves below. They are choppy to indicate that the pilgrimage of life does not always move in still waters. Personal and world events often impose a call to hope with greater intensity. It is for this reason that the lower part of the Cross must be underlined, which extends and transforms itself into an anchor, which imposes itself on the wave motion. As we know, the anchor has often been used as a metaphor for hope.
The anchor of hope is the name that, in seafaring jargon, is given to the reserve anchor, used by boats to carry out emergency manoeuvres to stabilise the ship during storms. Do not overlook that the image shows how much the pilgrim's journey is not an individual fact but a community with the imprint of a growing dynamism that tends ever more towards the Cross. The Cross is by no means static, but dynamic too; it curves towards humanity as if to go towards it and not leave it alone, offering the certainty of its presence and the security of hope. Finally, the Motto of Jubilee 2025 is visible in green.
https://www.iubilaeum2025.va/it/logo.html
https://www.exaudi.org/jubilee-2025/
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 community's life. We affirm our commitment to justice, healing, and reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples.
(see further: The Kombumerri People and https://kombumerritogetherproject.com/digital-resources/yugambeh-language/)
Commitment To Child Safety and Vulnerable-Adult Safety …….
See overleaf…….
“The Church loves all her children like a loving mother, but cares for all and protects with special affection those who are smallest and defenceless. This is the duty that Christ himself entrusted to the entire Christian community.”  (Apostolic Letter issued ‘motu proprio’ by the Supreme Pontiff Francis, 4 June 2016) Purpose To promote a culture of safeguarding within the Archdiocese and reduce the risks of abuse and harm.
Scope This policy applies to all parishes, ministries, and agencies under the jurisdiction of the Archbishop of Brisbane and to Associations of Christ’s Faithful or Public Juridic Persons which freely opt into its application and which enter into an agreement with the Archdiocese accordingly. The policy applies to all Archdiocesan workers (including clergy, religious, employees and volunteers). Policy National Catholic Safeguarding Standards The Archdiocese adopts and adheres to the National Catholic Safeguarding Standards. The Standards apply to all parishes, ministries, and agencies under the jurisdiction of the Archbishop. Safeguarding Commitment The Archdiocese has zero tolerance for all forms of abuse and is committed to safeguarding everyone involved in its activities, ministries, and services. The safety and well-being of children and adults at risk is paramount.
Safeguarding Principles Safeguarding is a shared responsibility. Treat everyone with dignity and respect. Prioritise the protection and best interests of children and adults at risk. Provide safe physical and online environments. Actively identify and manage safeguarding and abuse risks. Monitor compliance with safeguarding standards, policies, and procedures. Respond promptly and effectively to abuse concerns, suspicions, disclosures, complaints, reports, and incidents. Comply with all legal obligations to report suspected abuse and harm.
Compliance Non-compliance with this policy which seriously jeopardises the safety and well-being of others may be grounds for disciplinary action up to dismissal or termination of employment and reporting to authorities. Document No.: AD16 ST01 Document Owner: Office for Safeguarding Services Version: November 2020 Review Date: November 2023 https://brisbanecatholic.org.au/safeguarding/ - Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility - See also this video on safeguarding - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kgkAZFkJkJg |
