PDF version of this parish newsletter here:
Also, you can access an online copy of the newsletter *here*
With uncertainty due to Covid numbers, we encourage everyone to continue to be safe and exercise social distancing, hand sanitising, and mask-wearing. Anyone experiencing even the mildest of symptoms, please stay home and use rapid testing . We aim to ensure that the mass schedule will continue as advertised. If anything changes in this, we will alert you via the parish website and the parish news emailing list. If any sudden changes occur, we will also leave a message on our parish phone system and also put a notice up at any churches affected. God bless.
Jesus was baptised too. And as he was praying, heaven was opened and the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven: "You are my Son, whom I love; with you, I am well pleased." - (Luke 3:21-22)
(Image: Shutterstock licensed image ID:2022165488 Biblical vector illustration series, Jesus baptised by John the Baptist - Contributor- rudall30 )
PASTOR'S POST:
What Good is Being Good?
It is sometimes helpful to remind ourselves why we follow particular lifestyles and why we adhere to certain values and behaviours. If we don't understand the benefits of these practices then we are not getting the full benefit of them. For instance, we could ask ourselves, should we be kind to one another or why to exercise or to eat healthy foods. We know we should, but why?
While re-reading a book by one of my favourite 'disruptors', Australian journalist and social researcher Hugh Mackay, Right and Wrong, among many interesting questions he asks the following two: "Why be good?" and "Does it make any difference if I am a good, honest, faithful, compassionate person?" Simple, but demanding questions, questions that cut right to the heart of what motivates us to strive to be better people or to simply say that this is as good as I think I will get.
Our first response might be that we should be good people because then God will reward us (or punish us accordingly). This approach begs the question as to whether we should be doing the right thing, simply because it is right and not because we will be rewarded. As Mackay suggests we shouldn't need carrots to encourage us to do the right thing or a stick to discourage us from doing the wrong thing.
Another response might be that we strive to be good people because we feel better about ourselves when we know we have attempted to release ourselves from those many imperfections that creep so casually, yet decisively into our lives. They are often things not noticed by others and often dismissed as negligible by us, and yet they niggle us to the point that they become like a stone in our shoe. We will not be comfortable with ourselves until we free ourselves from their grasp. While there may be a certain nobility about this approach, it nevertheless has some link to the reward principle in that the goal is simply to feel better about ourselves.
So what is it then that should motivate us to be better people? It's not like someone losing weight or getting fitter. Those aspirations usually only make a difference to one person, me. Since we are essentially relational creatures we find our greatest expression of self and most significant meaning in the quality of our relationships. Our connection with others. We exist because God wished to share love and that we then should share that love with others. There can be no other significant reason for our existence. Therefore, the better we try to be, the richer our relationships become, be they with God, with family, with the community at large. The better I become, the better we are since it's only in relationships that our true nature is fully realised, and it's in the quality of these relationships that virtue brings its own reward.
This explanation may not make us universally popular or make others aspire to be like us, but it just might motivate us to pause a little before we decide that someone is not worthy of our time or attention. It's certainly worth a try and costs very little, and that is appealing in itself.
Fr Peter Dillon PP
FIRST FRIDAY ADORATION
Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament will be held this First Friday 7th January 2022 from 7 pm to 8.30 pm at Sacred Heart Church. Enquiries: Helen 0421935678.
MASS TIMES: SURFERS PARADISE MASS TIMES
A VOCATION VIEW:
Come on, continue your Baptism by baptising others in the Holy Spirit and fire. "You are my beloved child," says the Lord!
To talk to someone about your vocation, contact Vocation Brisbane: 1300 133 544
vocation@bne.catholic.net.au and www.vocationbrisbane.com
STEWARDSHIP REFLECTION
"John answered them all, 'I baptize you with water; but he who is mightier than I is coming…he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit... '" (Luke 3:16)
The Catholic Catechism states that "Jesus' immersion in the water is a sign for all human beings of the need to die to themselves to do God's will." In other words, as baptized Catholics, there is only one gift that we need to give to Jesus – the gift of ourselves. Surrender yourself to God, place your trust in Him and allow the Holy Spirit to work through you for the greater glory of God.
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: Laila Mikael, Dominique Corbello, Jean Di Benedetto, Anthea McMullan, James Goodwin, Scott Mitchell, Malcolm Ward, John O'Brien, Ludwig Mueller, Bobby Caspersz, Kent Vince, Terry Collins, Colleen Grehan, Carmelita Dulu, Judy Alexander, Sr Mary Teresa, John Davis, Peter Cotton, Bobby Courtney, Lisa Mangan, Doreen Slater, Christina Hendriksen, Robyn Skein, Kye Oh, Michael James, Bill Gilmore, Olga Hamshari, Roy Ferraro, Margaret Haerse, Rosalind Lee, Milka Barac, Mary Ashton, Rodney & Norma McLennan, Lois & Doug Wood, Duncan Dawson, William Franklin, Maria Mihalic, Annie Scicluna, Anne Logan, Margaret & Louise Thompson, Patricia Moor, Helen Bohringer, Peter O'Brien, Angela Duvnjak, Rachel Raines, Savannah Ayoub, Gus Reeves, Baby Maeve Lombard, Kathy Kiely, Rosslyn Wallis, Arthur Haddad, Michael & Denise Tracey, Joanne Mooney, Joanne Parkes, Michelle MacDonald, John & Molly Robinson, Mary Kerr. And all suffering from Covid-19 and its effects.
RECENTLY DECEASED: Tony Tongue, John William Maddocks (Claudia's husband), Keiran Davey (Ireland), Keiran Scanlan (Ireland), Kenneth Walker, Santo Auteri, Dragica Bosiljevac, Adrienne Barry, Mary Bickle, Jimmy Fennell, Aeanus Leana, John Francis Moore, Joan Brown, Jimmy Fennell (Ireland), Agnes Ita (Toni) Molloy nee Hickman (NZ), Marian Ware, Joseph Ceh, Marian Howell, Andy French, Maria Vos, Margaret Josephine Borg, Mariette Anna Stradiotto-Alda, Herta Haselhorst, Yvonne Khalema, Ramona Judith Ellis, Dymphna Hogg, Bill Goodrem, Fr Stanislaus Barry cm, Iris Scerri, Joe Canavo, Shane Burgess, Debra-Ann Cameron, Herbert Dawson, Shirley Ryan, Wayne Allan Pearce, Regina Flemming, Thomas James Burns, The children who died in the Tasmanian tornado.
ANNIVERSARY OF DEATH: Donald Thomas, Rex Joseph McShane, Colin Meneely, Russell Albury, John Gordon, Violet Mary Nickson, Elvira Fantinelli, Christine Carberry, Jeanette Louise Vial, Joseph Johannes Emile van Deurse, Shirley Mary Selby, Anna Snelleksz, Trevor David Simes, Edmund O'Brien (*), Lionel Ernest Cunynghame, Geraldine Coyne, {Brendan David Fitzhardinge Berkeley}, Garth Stanley Rippin, Thomas Stephen Carney. And also: Victor Paul Aguggia, Maurie Cass and Monica Cass, Janet Anne Winks, Alan James Russo, Merv Cross, Michael Joseph George, Zora Spiranovic, Dalibor Novak, Kevin Wills, Margaret Wotherspoon, Fr Pat (Doc) Kenny, Ms Lesley Court, Kevin Patrick Carmody, Kevin Gleeson, Dale Strode, Donald Ralph Thomas, Trevor Ralfe, Pauline Bocking, Remo Bos, Charmaine Jannette Leafe, Walter Leslie Davis, Doris Angela Pace-Balzan, Veronica Frances (Frances) Dawson, Sergio Di Pietro, James Woodhouse.
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 it 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
The Christmas season is coming to an end. But it's always Christmas, every day of the year. Christ comes in our humanity, born into our human flesh. We are always united with Christ in a communion of divinity and humanity, realized in Jesus, shared with us. We celebrate that communion in the central act of our worship: We eat and drink the Real Presence of Christ in us. But like John, the Baptist proclaims in today's gospel, that the presence of Christ must increase in us as our own egos decrease. This is the way to fulfilment. Let Christ lead you today. SIGN UP FOR "TAKE FIVE" DAILY - www.takefiveforfaith.com/subscribe
THIS WEEKEND'S GOSPEL - This is my Son!
In Luke's Gospel, the voice of the Father is heard not when Jesus was being Baptised, or even when he was arising from the waters, but afterwards, when Jesus is praying.
In fact, in Luke's Gospel, this happens at key moments when the true identity of Christ is revealed, that Jesus is shown to be praying!
We witness it here in today's Gospel, as he prays after his baptism and again at the Transfiguration, and later even the Apostles, too, receive the Holy Spirit when gathered in prayer at Pentecost.
In prayer, Christ's identity is revealed as the beloved son of the Father. For us his disciples, prayer renews and connects us to God, and is an affirmation (and renewal) of our baptismal identity (as children of God), and strengthens us to undertake our ministry in the power of the Holy Spirit.^
One Scripture commentator says in relation to this Gospel today… "We are told that God rends the heavens to lavish praise on his son— a son who, up to that point, had yet to accomplish much of anything." It must have been indescribably affirming and motivating for Jesus as he was about to begin his most challenging and self-emptying ministry.
Of course, Jesus is God, and he was also fully human. As a human, he was as much in need of encouragement, affirmation and strength from his beloved Father in heaven. This Father also is the father of all things…..
Jesus was now officially commissioned in his earthly ministry, (by none less than God the Heavenly Father)/ Commissioned for this incredibly difficult ministry, and Our Lord was absolutely assured of the love and confidence of his father….and could begin his ministry confident that the Father was completely pleased with him and 100% behind what he was doing." (Patrice J. Tuohy).
It is a timely reminder that sincere and constructive affirmation and encouragement is important human need. We live in a culture where it seems easier to voice criticisms. For far too many people, if they are not happy with something, criticism occurs swiftly, but if they are not unhappy with something, it is not so much praise that follows, but rather deafening silence. We live in a world where there is too often either criticism or silence. People who live without affirmation, or who live with constant criticism; can easily get the message that nothing they do is ever going to be good enough. However, there is a difference between true affirmation and mere compliments. A compliment can be a pleasant thing said, (sometimes a compliment is not even remotely accurate, but something nice that another person might say, just to be 'pleasant'). In contrast, a true affirmation actually confirms the truth as seen and experienced by another. Affirmation and constructive criticism are far better than untrue compliments (even if well-meaning), and also they are a world away from undermining negativity.
False praise is also very unhelpful. A person who relies on the praise that is not based in reality is misled and denied the chance to hone their skills. The person can be quite deceived about how they are really doing or how they may actually be affecting others; for the better or worse. And then there are those who get good, positive feedback and affirmation. This is priceless and truly affirming. Even when setbacks and the occasional mistake or failure come their way, the person who has healthy feedback and honest affirmation and information can develop resilience and is not defeated, because they have firm foundations for their belief in their abilities and their inner value and the strength of their own worth. A person who receives this constructive affirmation and even constructive and sensitive criticism will persevere through many struggles and challenges to increase in excellence.
Our Baptism is intended to be a formal and real adoption into God's family and a true affirmation of our dignity as beloved children of God. God thirsts to give this to each and every person in the world for they are all his cherished children. Baptism has a real, permanent and practical effect on our lives. Our baptism, echoing Jesus' action in the Jordan, is a huge "Yes" by us and even more importantly - it follows a profound YES by God towards us. We are saying "yes!" - we too want to share Christ's life. Yes, we wish to truly immerse ourselves in the values and 'movement towards God' that Christ's Good News embodies. We want to be united with Jesus who is utterly committed to the establishment of God's loving, just and merciful Kingdom in all its fullness. And we too, are aware of the necessity of the Cross, which is the unavoidable cost of that commitment. There is always going to be a worthwhile cost and the reality of suffering in any love that serves and gives completely. Love that suffers, and actions that give completely of self, are founded firmly in Christ. Baptism into Jesus is an infinitely more profound action than what was done by people such as John and his disciples. Although a powerful forerunner to Christ's action, John's baptism was a sign of conversion to, and commitment to God's Kingdom, and also, for almost everyone requesting it, a powerful sign of their repentance of sin. These baptisms were powerful but symbolic. They were repeatable. But Baptism into Jesus that we receive, is once and for all. It is a true and effective grafting into the life of Christ, the life of God.
Jesus made holy the waters of baptism, by investing this beautiful action with himself, and pouring into the water everything He stands is and everything for which he stands.
Let us ask Our Lord to keep us committed to his vision of the Kingdom in all ways and at all times; in thought, word and deed.
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, The New Community Bible. 2012. Strathfield, N.S.W.: St. Pauls. ^ Liturgia Commentary. Baptism of the Lord Year C. Liturgy Brisbane. © Copyright Liturgy Brisbane 2018; THE DAILY STUDY BIBLE. GOSPEL OF LUKE. (REVISED EDITION). BY WILLIAM BARCLAY; SHARING THE WORD THROUGH THE LITURGICAL YEAR. GUSTAVO GUTIERREZ; 2010 – A BOOK OF GRACE-FILLED DAYS. BY Alice Camille; PATRICE J. TUOHY, PrepareTheWord.com, 2008, TrueQuest Communications, LLC )
(Image Credit: Shutterstock licensed image. Id: 2087978830 - ST AUGUSTINE, FLORIDA, UNITED STATES - MARCH 16, 2021 John Baptizing Jesus Christ- St Photios Greek Orthodox National Shrine Saint Augustine Florida Dedicated to first Greek Settlers in 1768- Contributo: Bill Perry )
Saint Hilary of Poitiers (315- 368 AD), Poitiers, France. Feast Day 13th January.
"The perfection of learning is to know God in such a way that, though you realize he is knowable, yet you know him as indescribable."
"The chief service I owe you, O God, is that every thought and word of mine should speak of you."
"No matter how sinful one may have been, if he has a devotion to Mary, it is impossible that he be lost."
"The Church is the Ship outside which it is impossible to understand the Divine Word, for Jesus spoke from the boat to the people gathered on the shore."
"Wages cannot be considered as a gift, because they are due to work, but God has given free grace to all men by the justification of faith."
"The utter folly of our time is lamentable, that men should think to assist God with human help and to protect the Church of Christ by worldly ambition."
"When we are overcome by some evil will should we not tremble before the presence of the choirs of angels that surround us?"
"For there have risen many who have given to the plain words of Holy Writ some arbitrary interpretation of their own, instead of its true and only sense, and this in defiance of the clear meaning of words. Heresy lies in the sense assigned, not in the word written; the guilt is that of the expositor, not of the text."
"In this, we see the wondrous virtue of the Lord: that the power dwelling in His body should communicate to perishable things the efficacy to heal, and that the divine activity should issue forth even from the hem of His garment. For God is not perceptible by the senses, to be enclosed within a body. The assumption of a body did not limit the nature of His power; but for our redemption, His power took upon it the frailty of our body."
POPE FRANCIS: Pope Francis launches a synodal process to discern the Holy Spirit's call to the church.
Building on the guiding principles of his papacy, Pope Francis, in 2021, invited Catholics both in the mainstream of church life and on the margins to express their dreams, ideas and concerns in preparation for the Synod of Bishops in 2023.
The pope's invitation to discern a path forward for the church stems from his belief that the Holy Spirit inspires all members to be missionary disciples, sharing core Christian beliefs by going out to the world.
The pope formally opened the synodal process at the Vatican Oct. 9-10. It launched Oct. 16-17 in dioceses worldwide.
Under the theme "For a Synodal Church: Communion, Participation and Mission," the pope has called the church to practise synodality, that is listening to — and hearing — one another in all facets of church life, coordinators of the effort at the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops explained.
The October opening "is just the first step in a larger, longer-term process of really incorporating the fruits of Vatican II and becoming a synodal church," said Julia McStravog, a former USCCB employee who is a consultant to the bishops on the process.
"We're going to have a consultation. It's also going to be a learning process about how to actually engage in a synodal way," McStravog said.
The launch began a two-year journey that will culminate in the Synod of Bishops in October 2023. The synod is expected to adopt a final document that will guide the continuing development of a synodal church going into the future.
The pope's call to synodality is rooted in his deep involvement as a cardinal in 2007 in drafting a document on church life for the Latin American bishops' council, known as CELAM, its acronym in Spanish, which met in Aparecida, Brazil. The document issued repeated calls for a "continental mission," a church that goes out in search of ways to proclaim the Gospel to all.
In the first phase that is underway, dioceses and parishes have begun convening discussions, or consultations, in which people from across the church have been invited to participate. The listening sessions will continue through June.
Each diocese is asked to submit a summary report to their appropriate episcopal conference office, which will then have until Aug. 15 to present a report to the Synod of Bishops at the Vatican.
The process presents opportunities to welcome the Holy Spirit to guide discussions
"The Synod of Bishops is saying don't focus on what the ultimate product is going to be. Focus on the process itself and how the Spirit will guide the church, represented in part through subsidiarity in the work that you are doing at the diocesan level," Coll said.
The diocesan consultations also are an opportunity for creativity, McStravog added.
"This is a moment to be co-creators with the Spirit. ... It is a chance for reinvigorating an engaged community through creativity and the call to be open. There's a chance to reaffirm the good and reimagine some things that could be better," she explained.
"No one is unimportant in this time of listening," he said, encouraging the bishops to remember that the first phase of the process must involve the participation of the whole church "listening together, praying together, discerning together" the voice of the Holy Spirit.
"Pope Francis has asked us to invite people, to listen to people, including those who do not show up in our pews," said Bishop Flores, who began a three-year term as chairman of the bishops' Committee on Doctrine at the close of the assembly.
He also described the synodal process as a "deliberate pathway and style of communion."
To facilitate the effort, the Synod of Bishops, under Cardinal Mario Grech, secretary-general, introduced documents to guide the work being done in dioceses. The primary Vatican document is a "vademecum," or handbook, offering support for diocesan teams "to prepare and gather the people of God so that they can give voice to their experience in their local church."
Meanwhile, Bishop Frank J. Caggiano of Bridgeport, Connecticut, said: "In the end, we're not trying to solve a problem. What we're trying to do is discern the solution that is already there. The Holy Spirit already knows what the solution is," he said.
When the Vatican receives the synthesized reports of diocesan meetings from bishops' conferences around the world, the Secretariat of the Synod of Bishops will draft by fall 2022 the "Instrumentum Laboris," or working document, to guide continental or regional ecclesial assemblies that will take place by March 2023.
Those assemblies will produce another set of documents that will help in the drafting of a second working document for the October 2023 Synod of Bishops.
Encouragement from Archbishop Mark Coleridge
Here in Brisbane and right across Australia we are very much in Synodal mode. This follows the Pope's launching of the worldwide Synod process and his call to all of us; the great community of the baptised everywhere on earth.
It is also timely that we have not long ago finished our own first assembly of the Plenary Council in Australia, so there is a great interweaving of the Plenary Council and the Synod process – the local and the universal, working together and enriching each other. That's how the Catholic Church works. But please bear in mind this distinction – the Plenary Council is about the church in Australia; the synod process is about the church worldwide.
We have two months of parish consultation (until February 27, 2022), which is not long but it's as much as we need. In this two-month period of consultation the question you might ask yourself is this, "if I had the chance to talk to Pope Francis, what would I say to him about the church worldwide?"
The parish consultation will eventually become an archdiocesan consultation that in turn will become regional and that in turn will become global when the bishops meet with the Pope and others in Rome in 2023.
So it's over to you – whatever you think the Pope needs to hear, we want to hear as well. This is really a call to enter into a new way of being the church, and on this journey of the worldwide Synod, the process itself is in many ways the product.
So I invite you, all of you, whoever you are, to enter into the process and let your voice be heard.
The submission process: (Australia)
Individuals and groups are asked to submit their summarised reflections directly to the National Centre for Pastoral Research. See link here: https://www.catholic.org.au/synodalchurch
The consultation period with local churches runs until February 27, 2022.
(Image: Shutterstock licensed Image - ID: 1524254318 - Pope Francis celebrates a Mass. Contributor: Riccardo De Luca - Update)
(Sources: Dec 30, 2021, by Dennis Sadowski, Catholic News Service; plus additional local content - https://brisbanecatholic.org.au/life/synod-2021-23/#encouragement-from-archbishop-mark-coleridge )
SACRED HEART AND ST VINCENT'S RELIGIOUS GOODS SHOPS
The Columban Art Calendar is an iconic Catholic Calendar, well-known for its traditional religious paintings and liturgical information. 2022 marks the 100th edition. Only a few calendars available $10
This edition features:
A new design that includes more space on the date pad.
Inclusion of Peace, Ecology and Justice dates.
QR codes for easy access to purchase the Columban Art Calendar, products and resources that support Columban Mission.
A new colour code to highlight Solemnities, Feasts and Memorials.
FREE online art guide resource - Visio Divina.
ST KEVINS PRIMARY SCHOOL INFORMATION:
St Kevin's Catholic Primary School at Benowa has a limited number of vacancies in certain year levels, so we encourage those families still considering their schooling options for 2022 to make contact with the school via phone -55394522 or to go to the website for further enrolment information www.sk.qld.edu.au
St Kevin's is one of three of our valued Catholic Primary Schools within our parish bounds for 2022.
FANS IN THE CHURCH DURING HOT WEATHER ARE TO BE LEFT ON
Please Don't Ask The Coordinator To Turn Them Off. Also, to assist with airflow in the hot and humid temperatures, please don't stop the assistants from opening the doors.
They Are Following Church Health and Safety instructions.
It may be necessary to relocate to another seat that may better suit your needs or bring something warm to put on. (Please note, after mass has begun. Side doors are opened, - so please expect that to happen when you are deciding where to sit. We cannot set the conditions for each individual.
Thank you for your consideration in this matter.
STARTING 2022 - NEW PRIMARY SCHOOL WITHIN OUR PARISH
Star of the Sea - Merrimac - Initially Prep to Year 3, and then extending after that -
Website: Star Of The Sea Merrimac and Facebook Page: Star of the Sea
THE SACRED HEART BRIDGE CLUB (resumes 24th January)
Meets at the Sacred Heart - Parish Hospitality Centre, Fairway Drive, Clear Island Waters.
Playing Bridge keeps your brain active and increases your social network! So why not give us a try?
Learn to play Bridge at "Our Friendly Club" - Free Lesson. "Introduction to Bridge"
Easy to learn format, no previous card playing experience necessary. All are welcome.
For more information and to enrol, Please phone: Cheryl 5538 8821 or Mob 0417 772 701
ART AND CRAFT GROUP (resumes 19th January
The Group meets in the Parish Hospitality Centre on Wednesdays, 9 to 12. Activities include art, (watercolour, oils, acrylics, pen and ink drawing etc), as well as various kinds of Craftwork (Knitting, Embroidery, Crocheting, Cardmaking, Sewing etc.), making Rosary Beads (later sent to the missions), and any other activities that individuals may have an interest in. We come together to enjoy each other's company in a relaxed environment. New members, both men and women, are most welcome to join. For further information, phone John 0412 759205, or the Parish Office.
YOGA AT THE PARISH HOSPITALITY CENTRE- (resumes 11th January)
Come join us for our friendly class in the Parish Hospitality Centre next to the Parish Office. Classes run every Tuesday at 10:45 am. Learn to relax, yet gain greater flexibility, inner strength, body awareness and concentration. All while increasing your breath support and general wellbeing. Ruth is an IYTA accredited instructor with wide experience and runs a caring, carefully monitored one-hour session costing $10 (new attendees need to arrive by 10.30 am to prepare adequately for class). For more information, call Ruth on 0421338110.
EXERCISE CLASS - LOW IMPACT FOR HEART HEALTH -
(Senior Exercise Class - (resumes 18th January 2022)
Spring has sprung! Join Rochelle for a fun functional exercise class at Casey Hall. Low impact cardiovascular exercises for heart health, improve strength and balance- an all-around fitness class for over 65's. Stretch and strengthen the whole body, make new friends and feel great. Tuesday mornings @9.30 Beginners welcome. Contact Rochelle for further information on 0438 333 308.
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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