PDF version of this parish newsletter here:
Also, you can access an online copy of the newsletter *here*
"Woe to you when everyone speaks well of you, for that is how their ancestors treated the false prophets." (Luke 6:26)
(Image Credit: Shutterstock Licensed. Item ID: 20071093 - Stained glass depicting Jesus teaching Important information
Contributor CURAphotography)
PASTOR'S POST.
And so it begins . . . not the end of the world, but the school year. That bitter/sweet time when the parish carpark fills to overflowing twice a day, and anxious parents launch their children, some for the first time, off on a wonderful adventure of learning, laughing and hopefully forming them about how the world works and their place in it.
The first day of school is a wonder to behold, if only to see young parents, who seem to be getting younger every year (or is it me getting older), holding back on tears as they realise that those baby years have passed so quickly and the time has come to begrudgingly hand them on to someone else who will build on what they already know. The miniature kids in Prep Class are all toting huge backpacks with contents I cannot imagine, other than lunch boxes filled with exotic delights and chrome water bottles replacing the old drinking fountains of my youth. Some bags are so large I wonder if they are thinking of moving into school accommodation rather than the five hours they will be away from their actual homes.
I can't help but recall my own first school day when, along with a far-from-protective older sister, I was made to get used to the one kilometre walk (it felt like ten), I was to trudge for the next six years. Off I tramped with a slate and sponge, (yes that's how long ago it was), a 5 year old Tupperware lunch box with a round of tomato and cheese sandwiches on thick white bread. I don't think wholemeal had been invented then, or if it was, no child of my vintage would ever eat it. As well as this nourishment was one piece only my favourite chocolate slice, which was Mum's only concession to celebrate this momentous occasion. There were no great displays of distress at my departure, but the simple instructions, not to give Sister Mary Michaeline any trouble or talk in class or Mum would hear about it. What possible trouble could I cause, and what on earth was a "Michaeline?" In great fear, I did not speak a word all day, only to have made up for it every day since. I'm not even sure if my father knew I was going to school, since there were no farewell handshakes or after-school debriefing on how I managed the first day. Such were the tough old days of yesteryear – and we survived relatively unscathed.
I know it was another era, and I expect like all parents, mine were experiencing some 1960s version of separation anxiety, but it so pleasing to see this year, both mothers and fathers coming to his first day to ensure that their young children know that they are not being abandoned and that there would be a special dinner that night to celebrate this important event. I would really like to think this happens in many homes on this first day, because for the next 13 years these young students will become citizens of the world and we should take every opportunity to recognise this milestone. If a little bit of fuss is made for them, then hopefully they will become aware that all this attention given to them comes with the expectation that they will become responsible one day for keeping our city, country and world cared for and developed. They will be the keepers of the gift. There is so much more than letters and numbers to be ingested by them. They will need to learn about respect and cooperation, about freedom and dignity, about opportunities and obligations, about traditions and talents, about relationships and disappointments. So much to go into those little minds in what will seem such a small amount of time. They need to be carefully shown that hunger for knowledge is the nourishment of life and be helped to discover that the good stuff in life always comes with a bit of discomfort and a good deal of discipline.
Although I don't want to relive those school days, I do really appreciate the reminder that they give to us older kids, that those wonder years opened so many doors, and that so many generous teachers and school staff made the journey smoother, because of their dedication and desire to pass on to us the keys to a kingdom of outstanding experiences. And so it goes . . .
Fr Peter Dillon PP
NEW FEATURE OF THE NEWSLETTER -
SHARE IN REFLECTION FOR AN UPCOMING WEEKEND'S SCRIPTURES:
In order to deepen our appreciation of God's Holy Word, each week you are invited to read the Scriptures for Sunday Masses a few weeks ahead. After you have prayerfully read these texts from the Bible, spend some time in silent contemplation and prayer over these texts. Then read the Scriptures over again slowly and meditatively. Write down anything in the readings that delights you, intrigues you, confuses you, challenges you and so on. Also, write down any thoughts that come up to you about these texts and what they are saying to you. You are welcome to share these thoughts in the feedback process in this link. Please come to this site every week and engage in this advanced preparation and immersion into God's living word which cuts finer than any knife and is lifegiving and nourishing for our lives here and now. Please visit the following link and join in the process. An insight, question or observation may end up in the weekly homily too. https://scripturereflectioninprogress.blogspot.com/
BRISBANE HAS A NEW AND ADDITIONAL ASSISTANT BISHOP
The Episcopal Ordination of Timothy John Norton SVD as Auxiliary Bishop of Brisbane will be celebrated at the Cathedral of St Stephen on Tuesday 22 February at 10.30am.
Attendance is via ticketed seating only. A limited number of places will be available for online bookings from Tuesday 15th February to Friday 18th February, unless booked out sooner. The link to Eventbrite will be made available on Tuesday 15th on the Cathedral website https://www.cathedralofststephen.org.au/
Please do not call the Cathedral office to register – tickets will only be available through Eventbrite and will not be available before Tuesday 15 February.
If you are unable to attend you will be able to livestream the Ordination via this link https://brisbanecatholic.org.au/multimedia/web-cast/
Please keep Bishop-elect Tim in your prayers as he prepares for his future ministry amongst us.
HOSPITAL CALLS - AROUND THE DEANERY
Robina Hospital - Burleigh Heads Parish on 5576 6466
Pindara Hospital - Surfers Paradise Parish 5572 5433
John Flynn Hospital -Coolangatta-Tugun Parish on 5598 2165
University & Gold Coast Private Hosp-Southport Parish 5510 2222
(Please note that with covid restrictions and isolation, many hospitals and nursing homes are only
allowing priests to visit for end-of-life care. Also, a few of our local priests are recovering from covid and so sick calls may be disrupted for a few weeks.
RELIGIOUS INSTRUCTION
Calling any Parishioners who would be interested in helping with Religious instruction (RI) lessons at state schools, either by teaching or being an assistant in schools on the Gold Coast.
Males and females are welcome and training is given.
A retired teacher would be amazing.
With peoples busy lives and now the requirement to be "vaxed," we are looking for more RI teachers.
Volunteering for even one (30 minute) lesson would be helpful.
Fortunately for Queenslanders, Religious Education lessons are part of the state school curriculum.
That allows for a half hour (30 minutes) lesson to students per week.
Generous responses to this request would be deeply appreciated. Kind regards, Margaret Macnamar. contact at mwhitaker035@gmail.com
MASS TIMES: SURFERS PARADISE MASS TIMES
A VOCATION VIEW:
Sixth Sunday of Ordinary Time - C
A VOCATION VIEW: Try not to pray for an easy life; instead, pray to be a strong person. Strong in trust, hope, care, love. Follow the Master.
To talk to someone about your vocation, contact Vocation Brisbane: 1300 133 544
vocation@bne.catholic.net.au and www.vocationbrisbane.com
STEWARDSHIP REFLECTION - "WHOM SHALL I SEND?"
"Blessed are you when people hate you,…exclude and insult you, and denounce your name…on account of the Son of Man." (LUKE 6:22)
All of us have been in situations when someone has made a negative comment or joke about God or our Catholic faith. How did you respond? Did you stay silent or pretend to go along with the crowd because you didn't want to cause waves and then, later, you felt bad? Know that God is with you all the time; the Holy Spirit will put the right words in your mouth. Pray for the strength and courage to proclaim our faith to others, especially during uncomfortable situations.
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: Zeb Deane, Miriam Hill, Jayani Antony, Amando A. Mirasol Jr., Mark Behan, Gus Reeves, Kathy Kiely, John & Molly Robinson, 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, Bobby Courtney, Lisa Mangan, 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, Baby Maeve Lombard, Rosslyn Wallis, Arthur Haddad, Michael & Denise Tracey, Joanne Mooney, Joanne Parkes, Michelle MacDonald, Mary Kerr. And all suffering from Covid-19 and its effects.
RECENTLY DECEASED: Bette Edwards, Mark Behan, Stan Nalapa, Naurelle Cahill, Peter Cotton, Maurice Attard, Wendy McLachlan, Leonard Forbes, Terrence McEvoy, Ken Walker, Barry Owens, Michael Samuel, Marie Ashby, James Perry Saunderson, Donna Maree Faulkner, Dell O'Neill, Martin James Kerlin, John Terrence McGillan, Malcolm Holmes, Francee Beckman, Margaret Paterson, Nicole Summons, Fred Hocking, James (Jim) Kirk Snr, Fr Norman Ronald Birch, Margaret Kelly, Stephen Baker, Tony Tongue, John William Maddocks, Veronica Smith, Keiran Davey (Ireland), Lourdes Abelardo, Keiran Scanlan (Ireland), Kenneth Walker, Santo Auteri, Dragica Bosiljevac, Adrienne Barry, Mary Bickle, 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.
ANNIVERSARY OF DEATH: Colman O'Byrne, Angelina Mandarino, James Ryan, Marija Ac, Charles Robinson (Husband of Connie), James Douglas Hendrie, Barry Thomas Haug, Antonija Saceric , Mary Agnes Joan Geard, George McLeod, Myra Edna Moffatt, Sue Chard, Leila Floyd, Patricia Anderson, Lara Michelle Kennedy, Norman James Thomson, Patricia Anderson, Fr Bryan Lee, Len Heffernan, Mollie O'Byrne, Peg Perkins, Alan Morgan, Joan Frances Hurley, Barclay Hodge, Jeanette (Jenny) Avery. And also: Hans Wagner, Mercedes Rosario, John Reid, Sarah Land, Peter Francis Kennedy, Jim Gardiner, Gloria Mcleod, Vern William Mannix, Paul Barry, Nora Winifred Mcgrath, Gary Patrick Walsh, Nora Winifred (Freda) Mcgrath, Patricia Powell, Mark Connell, Judith Boggan, Geoffrey Williams, Hipolito Trochon, Dalton, Michael, Colleen Eileen McCarthy, Peter James Ryan, Irene Cappellazzo, Terry Maher, Valma Brew.
A Columbarium Question -
Due to a large number of enquiries and consequent reservations of columbarium niches, we will soon be looking at adding several new walls to accommodate future needs. In preparation for these new walls, we are interested to know how many parishioners or others are considering reserving a niche for themselves or family members. If you wish to express an interest or simply want to inquire about what is involved, then we ask you to call the parish office in the next few weeks so that we can plan for a sufficient number of places. (A columbarium is an area used to store the ashes of the deceased who have been cremated. Those ashes are kept in urns and the urns are placed inside "niches", or compartments, within the columbarium. The columbarium itself can be either a wall or significant structure that will be open to loved ones to visit the deceased person at any time. Our parish columbarium is located at Sacred Heart Church, Clear Island Waters overlooking the lake., between the Church and the Hospitality Centre)
TAKE FIVE FOR FAITH: Courage under fire
They called him the "Scourge of Apartheid" and "Guardian of the Light." Was he a Marvel superhero? Would you believe an archbishop? An Oblate of Mary Immaculate, Denis Hurley of Durban (1915-2004) opposed the racist regime of South Africa for 50 years, calling it "blasphemy" and "intrinsically evil" as first the world's youngest bishop and later as the youngest archbishop. Hurley joined Anglican Archbishop Desmond Tutu and three others on the South African government's "most wanted" list. Standing up for the truth may put us on a hit list. It also makes us blessed in God's eyes.
(Luke 6:17, 20-26 - "Blessed are you when people hate you, and when they exclude and insult you, . . . on account of the Son of Man"). SIGN UP FOR "TAKE FIVE" DAILY - www.takefiveforfaith.com/subscribe
REJOICE - MORNING PRAISE - FROM SHALOM MEDIA ONLINE TV.
Fr Paul - https://www.shalomworld.org/episode/love-is-at-the-heart-of-law-fr-paul-kelly
SHALOM TV is an online catholic resource that has wonderful programs for praise, meditation and reflection. Also, some excellent programs on family and faith. There is a program called Rejoice, which comes on every morning and has prayer and song to God at the start of the day. Fr Paul was invited to share two editions of Rejoice, featuring two of the hymns he wrote. Here is the link: https://www.shalomworld.org/episode/love-is-at-the-heart-of-law-fr-paul-kelly
Library Volunteer Needed for Sunday Morning Mass
A library volunteer is needed to attend the library before (15 minutes) and after Sunday Morning Mass (10 minutes) at Sacred Heart Parish Church. The person will be fully trained in the issuing of library books and the processing of new lenders. Please phone the Parish office at (07) 5572 5433 or email: surfers@bne.catholic.net.au. Alternatively, text Esta Mostert on WhatsApp at 0410542427 with your name and contact number and when you will be able to start.
Proverbs 11:2 "Let the wise hear and increase in learning, and the one who understands obtain guidance."
The Library and the Omicron Virus
As our library is small, it will be wise to limit access to two persons at a time wearing a mask. If you touch a book, it needs to go into the blue box on the library table. All books that are returned need to go into the blue box for the books to be sanitised and the virus to die. If you have any books due by the end of January, please put them in the blue box on the table inside the library.
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.
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 email 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, Confirmation, and the receiving of your child's First Communion. The Surfers Paradise Sacramental Team has prepared a program similar in style to our 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. In response to the current and significant local Covid numbers, the previously advertised Meeting: Meeting for the Sacrament of Penance Preparation that was to be held on either February 21, 2022, at 6 pm or February 22, 2022, at 6 pm has been cancelled. Instead of the meeting, families have been invited via email to have their child included in our Reconciliation Preparation Program. Those indicating their interest via reply email have now received the At Home Preparation for Reconciliation Program. If you have not received the invitation email (or you have further questions), please email our Sacramental Coordinator, Cathy Anderson, at andersoncm@bne.catholic.net.au
Currently, we are still hoping and planning to celebrate the First Rite of Reconciliation on Thursday, March 31, 2022, at 6:30 pm.
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 Monday, June 6 at 6 pm or Monday, June 13 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 the 2022 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.
Parents who have completed and submitted the online form 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 available on our parish website at www.surfersparadiseparish.com.au (under News)
MARIAN VALLEY
Please come and join us at the Marian Valley for the feast of Our Lady of Fatima on 13.02.2022. The bus will be pick up passengers at 8.15 am, at the Sacred Heart Church. Clear Island Waters. The Cost for the bus is $22.00 return for each trip. You can secure your seat with a contact name and contact phone number with Xavier Solomon 0404 843 260, Madeleine on 0405 252 367 or 5529 1573. All are welcome.
Pope Francis wants to hear from us!
Until 27 February 2022, all Catholics are invited to have their say about their experiences of 'synodality' – of walking together as a Church.
All submissions received nationally will help the Australian Bishops develop a report to support the global process leading to an international gathering in 2023. This is not to be confused with the Australian Plenary Council which is running concurrently with the Synod. The Plenary Council focus is on the Church in Australia. The Synod is focussed on the Church globally.
Your voice matters, and it could be as simple as getting together with family, friends or fellow parishioners and having a "Coffee Conversation". This short video offers encouragement on how easy it can be to have your say: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YrgZ-N79Kf0
You can make your submission here: https://www.catholic.org.au/synodalchurch
The submission process for feedback for the Roman Synod of Bishops: (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.
THIS WEEKEND'S GOSPEL - The poor tree planted beside the running stream is rich indeed!
There is a recurring line in the readings for this weekend. "like a tree planted near flowing waters…. that thrusts its roots into the stream". 'when the heat comes. It feels no alarm. Its foliage stays green.'
It is a beautiful and restful image.
It is what we all are called to become. People who are focused on God—. Brought into union with the Lord. Finding our centre, our balance, and focus in God. And drawing our life and meaning from The river of Life—. God is the source of all nourishment and refreshment. And staying focused. Knowing what is life-giving and what is a dead-end!!! And living in that knowledge.
This weekend, as we listen to God's word, ( as we plant ourselves too, beside the flowing and renewing water of God's word), The Gospel today says 'happy are those who are spiritually poor. And oppressed' and woe to those who are comfy and cozy. This version of the gospel spells out that God intends to turn earthly standards and values on their head. The poor, the oppressed, the needy; these are the first in God's values and concerns. So God is preparing us for a different way of thinking, in order to engage us in a different way of acting and living.
Sometimes modern listeners can miss some of the subtlety of Christ's message. For example, it does at first glance look like anyone who is well off or wealthy is coming in an enormous serve. But we have to remember that Luke's Gospel, (especially), was addressed to influential, wealthy and powerful people in the Gentile community. Luke is not collecting an orderly account of Christ's life and teaching, in order to bash powerful and influential people from here to kingdom come. The whole gospel is an invitation to people, rich or poor, influential or powerless, to become willing members in the Kingdom, where values are reshaped and a new way of relating is formed. Luke is inviting the influential and powerful to have a new mind and heart. Luke encourages his readers and listeners to use their influence, their position, and their good fortune to keep in mind their brothers and sisters, whom Christ loved so much, and spent his life and ministry helping.
There is another beautiful quote I stumbled across. "The one who loses wealth loses much. But the one who loses the spirit loses everything." It is good to adjust and re-calibrate our priorities, resources, and values; - Keeping them connected to the source of lasting meanin; God. And God's offer of eternal life.
The source of all life, all meaning and all lasting value, Is God.
All that is lasting: love, compassion, and connection with God and union with one-another, as one family in Christ, these elements of that life-giving stream that sustains us and directs us, in good times and in bad.
I was reading a quote from a person who wrote down thoughts about their life, as they faced their final illness. This writer, by the name of Lee Atwater. Died at a very early age from a brain tumour. He was a man who had amassed enormous wealth and power and prestige in his short life. But admitted himself that he felt a deep inner restlessness. And a "poverty of spirit." He writes: "In my illness, I discovered insight into what was missing in society. And it was indeed missing in me too: A little heart; and a lot of brotherhood. We must speak to this 'spiritual vacuum' that lies at the heart of our society."
What are some of the dead-end roads we are tempted to drive down in our lives? What 'things' do we put our energy and time into that are not life-giving or lasting, in comparison with the eternal waters offered by Jesus?
Let us be aware, and prayerful, about the things that give us lasting life and satisfaction. And the things that sap our energy and leave us empty.
Jesus can show us how to put ourselves near the flowing waters. To renew and reconnect us to the true source of life. Christ himself!
-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.
(References: Fr Paul W. Kelly; Vision – PRAYING SCRIPTURE IN A CONTEMPORARY WAY. YEAR C. BY MARK LINK S.J; A BOOK OF GRACE-FILLED DAYS. BY ALICE CAMILLE. 2010; DAILY STUDY BIBLE. GOSPEL OF LUKE. (REVISED EDITION). BY WILLIAM BARCLAY)
(Image Credit: Shutterstock Licensed. Item ID: 559112293 - GALILEE, ISRAEL - DECEMBER 3: The statues of Jesus and Twelve Apostles in Domus Galilaeae on the Mount of Beatitudes near the Sea of Galilee in Galilee, Israel on December 3, 2016- Contributor: alefbet)
St Cyril and Methodius, Seven holy founders of Servite order:
"Behold, my brother, we have shared the same destiny, ploughing the same furrow; I now fall in the field at the end of my day. I know that you greatly love your Mountain; but do not for the sake of the Mountain give up your work of teaching." (St. Cyril, Monk – on his deathbed – to St. Methodius, Bishop; Memorial of Sts. Cyril and Methodius – February 14th)
Cyril and Methodius firmly believed that the Liturgy should be celebrated in the native language of the people, for greater inclusion in the Mass—a tradition which continues today. At that time, many were committed to only celebrating Mass in Greek or Latin, but these holy brothers dedicated themselves to proving otherwise. Prior to their departure for Moravia, they created a script for Slavonic (which had not previously existed). Known as Glagolithic, this written script is considered the precursor to Cyrillic (named after Saint Cyril). The creation of this script would allow the translation of Scripture and Liturgy into the language of the people.
Servites: Can you imagine seven prominent men of any great city banding together, leaving their homes and professions and going into solitude for a life directly given to God? That is what happened in the cultured and prosperous city of Florence in the middle of the 13th century. The city was torn with political strife as well as the heresy of the Cathari, who believed that physical reality was inherently evil. Morals were low and religion seemed meaningless. In 1240, seven noblemen of Florence mutually decided to withdraw from the city to a solitary place for prayer and direct service of God. Community members combined monastic life and active ministry. In the monastery, they led a life of prayer, work and silence while in the active apostolate they engaged in parochial work, teaching, preaching and other ministerial activities.
Since criminals and people with evil purposes often band together for their common interests, good people often have to do the same. Faced with the immorality and blood feuds of thirteenth-century Florence, the Seven Holy Founders banded together for their own spiritual good and succeeded in founding a whole new religious order. Good companions are one of the most powerful helps toward a holy life, for all of us are faced in a new and urgent way with the challenge to make our lives decisively centred in Christ. In this new day, we often find those 'good companions' online, let us too band together and live a holy life amidst the dangers around us! (source: http://bitly.ws/o9Ne )
POPE FRANCIS: A Spirit of Fraternity
"Today I ask you to pray for peace in #Ukraine: Let us ask the Lord to grant that the country may grow in the spirit of brotherhood, and that divisions will be overcome. May the prayers that today rise up to heaven touch the minds and hearts of world leaders." Jan 27
"O Lord, grant us the courage to change course, to be converted, to follow your will and not our own; to go forward together, towards you, who by your Spirit wish to make us one." Jan 26
"Like Saul before his encounter with Christ, we need to change course, to invert the route of our habits and our ways, in order to find the path that the Lord points out to us: the path of humility, fraternity and adoration."
"Let us progress together in seeking God boldly and in concrete ways. Let us keep our gaze ever fixed on Christ (Heb 12.2) and remain close to one another in prayer. Jan 25
"We have set out on a journey led by God's kindly light that dissipates the darkness of division and directs our journey towards unity. The world needs God's light, and that light shines only in love, in communion and in fraternity. Jan 24
It is only by paying attention to whom we listen, to what we listen, and to how we listen that we can grow in the art of communicating, the heart of which is not a theory or a technique, but the openness of heart that makes closeness possible. (Source and image: Twitter profile- supplied )
SACRED HEART AND ST VINCENT'S RELIGIOUS GOODS SHOPS
The CATHOLIC LEADER is a monthly newspaper available on the first Sunday of every month. The first edition for 2022 is available at the churches now. Price $4.
Miraculous statues are available again in three sizes at both the Sacred Heart & St Vincent's Religious Goods shops.
Praying the Rosary - Our Lady's Statue in the Parish
The hosting of Our Lady's statue has been going on within our Parish after a brief stop at the start of Covid for the last one and a half years.
The Statue has been around the Parish with brief notices in the newsletter
Listed below is the roster of people having the statue for the next five weeks. I would like parishioners who have not had the statue previously,
to take our lady into their home, say the rosary and have her for at least a week
The statue can be picked up from the Parish office on a Monday and then returned to the Parish office the following Monday. You may have a special day in the next few
months that you would wish the statute to be at your home. You can book the week in advance. Please phone Maxine Sela on 0421 051 193 if you wish to have the statue. .
14/2/2022 Mary Winters Broadbeach
21/2/2022 Bernadette Hensley Arundel
28/2/2022 Bernadette Hensley Arundel
7/3/2022 Blanche Braganza Benowa
14/3/2022 Blanche Braganza Benowa
EXERCISE CLASS - LOW IMPACT - FOR HEART HEALTH -
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.
THE SACRED HEART BRIDGE CLUB- (In its Twentieth Year in 2022)-
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
YOGA AT THE PARISH HOSPITALITY CENTRE-
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.
ART AND CRAFT GROUP - Due to recent COVID outbreak ,
2022 recommencement date To Be Advised.
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 759 205, or the Parish Office.
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.
NEW PRIMARY SCHOOL (2022) - 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
Position Vacant – Finance Officer - Burpengary
Applications are open for a position at the Burpengary Parish. A person with excellent finance experience is required for a part-time position of Finance Officer working 8 hours a week, Monday & either a Thursday or a Friday with the flexibility of increasing these hours in the near future. For additional information, pleas visit the Archdiocese of Brisbane website https://brisbanecatholic.org.au/ and to careers.
Applications close: 21 February 2022
Position Vacant – Parish Secretary - Albany Creek Parish
Applications are open for the above position at the Albany Creek Parish. The position is part-time 18 hours a week over 3 days per week (Wed, Thurs & Fri) 8am to 2.30pm.
For additional information, please visit the Archdiocese of Brisbane website https://brisbanecatholic.org.au/ and to careers. Applications close: 14 February 2022
Position Vacant – Pastoral & Sacramental Coordinator - Darra Jindalee
Applications are open for a position at the Darra Jindalee Parish. This is an exciting opportunity for an enthusiastic committed person to join the Parish team and assist them with the coordination of a variety of pastoral ministry programs such as the Sacramental program, Sunday School program and Religious Instruction in the State Schools. This is a 22 hour a week position. https://clientapps.jobadder.com/68451/aob-internal-career-opportunities
Application close: 21 February 2022
ADULT FAITH - Music and silence in Mass - From the General Instruction on the Roman Missal (2003)
Para. 40. Great importance should therefore be attached to the use of singing in the celebration of the Mass, with due consideration for the culture of the people and abilities of each liturgical assembly. Although it is not always necessary (e.g. in weekday Masses) to sing all the texts that are of themselves meant to be sung, every care should be taken that singing by the ministers and the people is not absent in celebrations that occur on Sundays and on holy days of obligation. In the choosing of the parts actually to be sung, however, preference should be given to those that are of greater importance and especially to those to be sung by the priest or the deacon or the lector, with the people responding, or by the priest and people together.
Silence: Para. 45. Sacred silence also, as part of the celebration, is to be observed at the designated times.54 Its purpose, however, depends on the time it occurs in each part of the celebration. Thus within the Act of Penitence and again after the invitation to pray, all recollect themselves; but at the conclusion of a reading or the Homily, all meditate briefly on what they have heard; then after Communion, they praise and pray to God in their hearts. Even before the celebration itself, it is commendable that silence be observed in the church, in the sacristy, in the vesting room, and in adjacent areas, so that all may dispose themselves to carry out the sacred action in a devout and fitting manner.
Para. 56. The Liturgy of the Word is to be celebrated in such a way as to promote meditation, and so any sort of haste that hinders recollection must clearly be avoided. During the Liturgy of the Word, it is also appropriate to include brief periods of silence, adapted to the gathered assembly, in which, at the prompting of the Holy Spirit, the word of God may be grasped by the heart and a response through prayer may be prepared. It may be appropriate to observe such periods of silence, for example, before the Liturgy of the Word itself begins, after the First and Second Reading, and lastly at the conclusion of the Homily.
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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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