PDF version of this parish newsletter here:
Also, you can access an online copy of the newsletter *here*
You are no longer required to scan the Check-In Qld app when entering the church for Masses, funerals or baptisms. You do, however, need the Check-In App for weddings and for use in some locations like hospitals, nursing homes, restaurants, bars, etc.
"For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of" (Luke 6:45)
(Image Credit: Shutterstock Licensed. Item ID: 1532068016 - Unity and diversity -people connected together shaped as a support symbol expressing the feeling of teamwork and togetherness.Contributor: Lightspring./ also Item ID: 151557458 - The scene of the biblical event of the transfiguration of Jesus Christ - fresco in the Church of the Transfiguration, Mount Tabor, Galilee, Israel. / Transfiguration mosaic on Mount Tabor, Israel.Contributor – Anastazzo)
PASTOR'S POST.
So What's New?
A contender for the best title of a book I once read was the autobiography of the French actress Simone Signoret, called "Nostalgia Isn't What It Used To Be". While I can't recall too much of the content of the book, the title stayed with me, possibly because with age comes the recalling of memories of days gone by, and while most of these memories have filtered out the less joyful parts, I am honest enough to recognise that not everything new is inferior to "the good old days". For example, the access we now have to information is so much more immediate, if not a little tainted by political agenda or artistic licence. While the internet might require a good deal of initial concentration to prove its worth, once mastered it can bring the world to your desk in seconds. Frightening, yet fantastic. Of course, the temptation when recalling days of yore is to think that all was smooth sailing and that all the days of our youth were halcyon, whereas, if we are honest we were as pressured then as we feel these days, it's just that the years have magically erased or blurred the difficult episodes.
Being a child of the early sixties, I am able to recall some fond memories of going to Church, when as children we were not permitted to say we didn't want to go. Besides what else would we do when everyone I knew was attending the social event of the day called Sunday Mass? Of course. Like most kids then, and now, I didn't really understand what was happening up 'on stage.' I have since looked back, nostalgically at what believers of that time were devoutly experiencing and in some cases clinging to, with no great desire to change or comprehend what was taking place. It was simply enough to be close to the transformative action. As an altar boy, I was called on several times to serve Mass for Father who was celebrating the Mass on his own, no congregation attending, leaving me in some mumbled Latin to rattle off the 'people's bits'. I got the distinct impression that the Mass was really just meant for God and Father with me as a stagehand in case the candles blew out.
When people did attend, in what seemed large numbers, the priest, with his back to the people, would hold the host and chalice up high so that they could be seen and adored. It was believed that extraordinary graces were given at that time, such that to ensure that people didn't miss the moment of elevation, bells were rung and incense was often used, (my favourite job at the time). Once, to my horror I actually recall a parishioner of longstanding, yelling out to Father, "Hold it up higher, I can't see it". I've heard that some people were so keen on this practice that they would go from Mass to Mass just so they could be there for the moment of consecration, then leave straight after.
Some of the other practices that we never questioned were receiving communion of the tongue with the communicant kneeling to show penitence and subservience. Only the priest gave communion and did all the readings. We had altar rails to define the sacred area, where only priests and altar servers could be present during Mass. A white heavily starched cloth ran the full length of the altar rails, which was to catch any crumbs that might have broken off the host. A further safeguard had the altar boy following after the priest with a plate held under the chin of the communicant, again for catching stray crumbs. This was another favourite job that allowed the altar boy (mainly me) to hit the throats of schoolmates or troublesome siblings.
The Eucharistic prayer was recited silently by the priest, except for the words of consecration, which sounded mostly like a gruff whisper, and because people couldn't hear the Eucharistic prayer nor understand Latin, they may have said the Rosary or other devotional prayers.
Even though many of these practices have changed over 55 years ago they are still clear in my mind, and I still recognise that some of these practices still linger. They were certainly not wrong rubrics, because they reflected a particular understanding of what was taking place, but as we came to seek a closer understanding of Eucharistic theology, so did we need to make some liturgical changes that would better reflect that theology. What I now understand about some of what we experienced then gave us a sense that we, the congregation, were spectators and the priest performed every function for the people not with the people. What I also recall is that we were not asked to understand what we were experiencing, it was simply enough that God was doing something wonderful in our presence and we didn't need to understand it all, but just to be present under pain of serious sin.
I have come to understand over time that, while my early experience of gathering as a faith community around the sacrifice of the Mass brought comfort and a strong sense of belonging, it did not bring an understanding of what it meant to share in the priesthood of Christ when I was anointed at my Baptism. That understanding came much later, helped by the revelations of the Eucharist being celebrated in my own language and the Presider facing the people. The inclusiveness of the people who are now able to read and respond as well as bring forth from the body of the community the gifts of bread and wine that will be changed into the Body and Blood of Christ, now present in the complete gathering of the faithful, each with a function and role, each with a responsibility to respond in action to the spiritual food they are receiving.
There are many things I would wish to return to when I recall those trouble-free peaceful days, I am indeed grateful to be living in this time in the history of our Church when we can ask questions and seek more effective ways of being the Body of Christ, not simply watching hoping that God notices us, but participating in a real and active way in the real presence of God in our midst.
Fr Peter Dillon PP.
LENT MASS TIMES - Photo by Ahna Ziegler on Unsplash
Ash Wednesday Mass - 9 am and 6 pm - both at Sacred Heart Church - 50 Fairway Drive Clear Island Waters Queensland 4226, 2nd March 2022. two Masses only on that day.
HAPPY NINETIETH BIRTHDAY TO OUR STELLA MARIS ORGANIST JEANNIE KASSULKE
Thanks for your continuing ministry in music. We look forward to your wonderful music on Saturday nights at the 5 pm Mass at Stella Maris. God bless you always, and many happy returns.
ARCHBISHOP MARK COLERIDGE - LENTEN MESSAGE
(Check out Archbishop Mark's video message here:
lenten video- Archbishop Mark -)
LED BY THE SPIRIT
A Lenten Letter to the People of God in the Archdiocese of Brisbane
Dear sisters and brothers,
"Grace be with you who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an incorruptible love" (Eph 6:24)
The Gospels tell us that Jesus is led by the Spirit into the desert where he fasts for forty days (Matt 4:1-2; Luke 4:1-2). The same Spirit now leads the Church into the forty days of Lent as we prepare for Easter when the desert becomes a garden as "death is swallowed up in victory" (1 Cor 15:54). The Spirit can take us to some strange places, even to places we would rather not go (cf John 21:18), but always for the sake of love's transformation.
In 2016 the same Spirit led the Church in Australia to begin a journey to a new place. This was when the Bishops Conference, after years of uncertainty, decided for a Plenary Council in order to chart a course into the future. The Council was to have not one but two assemblies, taking its cue from the two Synods on marriage and the family convened by Pope Francis in 2014-2015.
It was the Spirit who prompted the Conference's decision, and the Spirit has accompanied us at every point since then. It has been a time of testing and a time of deep listening to the word of God rather than to other voices, not unlike Jesus in the desert.
The journey of the Plenary Council was to have three phases – preparation, celebration and implementation. The preparation phase came to an end with the first assembly in October 2021. Our plan was to have the first assembly face-to-face in Adelaide in October 2020. But because of COVID-19 we took what we thought was a very cautious decision and postponed the assembly for twelve months. However, what seemed a cautious decision turned out to be anything but. Twelve months later – again because of COVID – we had to have the week-long assembly online. It worked well enough, but it was a very different experience from a face-to-face gathering.
Now we are in the middle of the celebration phase, between the two assemblies. This is not a vacant time when we take a breather after the first assembly and before the second. On the contrary: through this time of fermentation, a huge amount of work is being done to process all the raw material from the first assembly and to prepare an agenda for the second.
At the first assembly, the mornings were a time when many voices were heard in the full gathering, and the afternoons were for the work of discernment in smaller groups. This is what produced the raw material. Immediately after the first assembly, we began the very complex work of collating and sifting all this.
The work is being overseen by the Bishops Commission for the Plenary Council, chaired by Archbishop Tim Costelloe of Perth, and guided by the more hands-on Steering Committee chaired by Bishop Shane Mackinlay of Sandhurst. Both of these are supported by the Facilitation Team. Another key body is the Drafting Committee who draw upon the expert advisors assisting the Council and feed material to various writing groups who have to shape the material so that it's manageable at the second assembly. Through all this, the nearly 300 members of the Council are being kept informed because they are very much part of the fermentation between the assemblies. What is being done continues the process of discernment which has marked the entire journey of the Plenary Council. We are seeking to listen to the voice of the Holy Spirit who has not only inspired the journey but who speaks to us on the way.
Eventually, this work will produce an agenda for the second assembly, and the agenda will, we hope, contain a number of creative, practical and affordable proposals designed to produce the kind of change we need in the Church. The plan is for the second assembly to be face-to-face in Sydney in early July. But the persistence of COVID-19 makes even that uncertain, and the mood at the moment is that if we cannot meet face-to-face we will again postpone the assembly until we can.
From the beginning, the Plenary Council has looked beyond our shores to the universal Church. The Pope had to give his assent to the Council, and through the preparation phase, there was an ongoing dialogue between the Bishops Conference and the Holy See. That dialogue has become more intense since Pope Francis decided on a worldwide Synod process which will climax with the Synod of Bishops meeting in Rome in late 2023. The Plenary Council, therefore, has to interweave with the wider Synod process, each enriching the other. That will mean many voices in the Church being heard. In the preparation phase of the Council, there was broad consultation, and you are invited now to speak your mind as part of the global Synod process. So I ask: What would you say to Pope Francis about change in the Church not just in Australia but around the world? You might also consider the three steps proposed by Evangelisation Brisbane [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YrgZ-N79Kf0].
At the conclusion of the Council's second assembly, we will begin the implementation phase. The documents, decisions and decrees of the Council will be sent to the Holy See for confirmation, and once they are confirmed they will become binding for the Church in Australia. My hope is that here in Brisbane we will have an Archdiocesan Synod sometime after that to help embed the decisions and decrees in the life and mission of the Church here. That may well lead to the regular celebration of Synods in the Archdiocese in order to help us move to a more synodal mode of governance.
Structures like Councils and Synods are important, but they need to produce a cultural change in the Church, a kind of conversion. The need for change was made clear by the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse, and in a different way, it has been made clear by COVID-19. Nothing can be quite the same as it was after the Royal Commission; nor will it be after the pandemic which has left us all wondering what the new normal might look like in so many areas of life, including the Church.
This is no time for turning inwards and looking just to our own institutional interests. It is no time to be a judgmental Church that never notices the plank in our own eye but makes a fuss about the splinter in the eyes of others (cf Luke 6:42). We need instead to be a humble and compassionate Church that looks outwards, asking how we might be more like Jesus who "came not to be served but to serve" (Mark 10:45). That will require a practical, evangelical imagination which takes to heart the words of St Mary MacKillop: "Never see a need without doing something about it". This is the kind of Church to which both the Plenary Council and the global Synod are looking. This is what the Spirit is now saying to the Church (cf Rev 3:13), speaking to all of us in these desert days of Lent.
+ Mark Coleridge
Ash Wednesday 2022
(Watch the video of the Archbishop here)
https://www.caritas.org.au/project-compassion/
PROJECT COMPASSION FOR LENT
Many of us wear glasses, perhaps just for reading. Can you think back to the first pair of glasses you ever received? You might have been still at school or maybe older. If you don't have glasses, can you think back to the first time you used a magnifying glass? Or perhaps looked through a microscope and saw that even such an ordinary thing as a leaf has all sorts of veins and colours? Seeing clearly is a great gift. We often take our eyesight for granted.
Today's readings remind us of the importance of trying to see things clearly, which means not being taken in by false appearances. Jesus asks us if a blind person can lead another blind person. They will both fall into a pit. He might not mean blind in the literal sense. Anybody familiar with the work of Vision Australia will know that people with a sight deficit can surely help each other. But those who are blinded by their ego or self-importance or status or wealth are in a lot of bothers. Those who are harsh in the way they judge others are even worse off.
Nobody can forget the image Jesus uses of removing the plank from your own eye before commenting on the splinter in somebody else's. Jesus did not like hypocrites. He would have agreed with the words we heard from Ecclesiasticus that we are judged by the quality of our fruit. The things we say are a sign of our character. It is good to think about this in an age where it is easy to say thoughtless and nasty and destructive things. The right words at the right time make a big difference.
Lent starts this week with Ash Wednesday. Lent is a time for trying to see more clearly as we prepare for Easter. Through prayer, we try to focus on God. Through fasting, we focus on our own emptiness or deeper hunger. Through giving alms, we focus on those who need support to flourish. For fifty years or so, a great way to do this has been through Caritas Australia's Project Compassion. This year the theme "For All Future Generations," comes from the moment God established an everlasting covenant in the Book of Genesis. Let us honour the divine commitment to every living creature by working with Project Compassion for a more just world. St Paul reminds us today 'to keep on working at the Lord's work.' Perhaps that can be our resolution for Lent.
PRAYER OF INTERCESSION We pray for wisdom and humility, and the ability to see God's creation with the eyes of faith. May our support of Project Compassion enable us to produce fruit that will last.
LENTEN OBLIGATIONS - A Handy Summary
The Season of Lent is almost upon us. Lent is referred to in the various Prefaces of Lent as a "Sacred Time," a time when our hearts are "filled with joy" as we prepare. The true purpose of Lent is also described as follows: "Our self-denial should give you thanks, humble our sinful pride, contribute to the feeding of the poor, and so help us imitate you in your kindness."
Lenten prayer and penance is therefore not really about punishing ourselves for our sins, and nor is it a time to "try harder" or exert more human willpower over sin. Rather, it is a time when we clear the barriers so as to allow God's grace to work deeply within our hearts and minds. Giving up things helps us focus more on the lasting values of Christ. It also frees up energy and resources that we can put into helping those in need and focusing on God's priorities. The prayer, penance and acts of charity all open us up more to God's ways and not merely our own ways.
Here is a handy guide to the pattern of our Lenten observances:
Days of Penance
Abstinence for meat, and fasting, are to be observed on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday. Fasting is the equivalent of eating only one meal in that day, (although a few smaller meals that add up to the equivalent of one meal is also fine). All who have completed their 18th year and have not yet begun their 60th year are bound to fast. All who have completed their 14th year are bound to abstain. Abstaining can be foregoing anything to clear any barriers to us living and breathing Christ's Gospel.
On all other Fridays of the year the law of the common practice of penance is fulfilled by performing any one of the following:
(a) prayer – as for example, mass attendance; family prayer; a visit to a church or chapel; reading the Bible; making the stations of the cross; praying the rosary; or in other ways;
(b) self-denial – e.g. not eating meat; not eating sweets or dessert; giving up entertainment to spend time with the family; limiting food and drink so as to give to the poor of one's own country and elsewhere; or in other ways;
(c) helping others – e.g. special attention to someone who is poor, sick, elderly, lonely or overburdened, or in other ways.
Holy Days of Obligation:
The holy days of obligation in Australia are:
All Sundays of the year (this obligation is suspended for the moment with covid safety issues)
Solemnity of the Nativity of Our Lord Jesus Christ
Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
These last two holy days of obligation are to be observed annually, regardless of the day of the week on which they fall. (again, covid-safety issues can excuse people from attending during thes unprecedented times)
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/
CONGRATULATIONS TO SEMINARIAN BRADLEY DAVIES - WHO GAVE A GOSPEL REFLECTION AT A WEEKDAY MASS LAST FRIDAY, CELEBRATED BY FR PETER.
We heard from many who attended that it was an excellent reflection. God bless.
BRISBANE HAS A NEW, SECOND, ASSISTANT BISHOP
(image from Catholic Leader Newspaper (article link here)
Last Tuesday Timothy John Norton SVD was ordained as Auxiliary Bishop of Brisbane at the Cathedral of St Stephen. He becomes the second assistant bishop alongside Bishop ken Howell. Both support the ministry of our Archbishop, Mark Coleridge. You can still see the ordination ceremony by visiting the following link: Ordination ceremony of Tim Norton SVD
Please keep Bishop Tim Norton in your prayers as he now begins his ministry amongst us.
SPCL BINGO
Surfers Paradise Catholic Ladies will be having their Bingo on Tuesday the 1st of March 2022, from 10.00 am to 2.00 pm.
As we are having the function in a Public venue full Covid vaccination is Compulsory.
Masks should be worn upon entrance to the venue.
Please phone Maxine Sela 0421051193 or Wendy Webb, 0412237832 to book your seat for this day.
ADORATION NOTICE
Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament this First Friday 4th March at Sacred Heart Church from 7 pm to 8.30 pm. All are welcome. Enquiries: Helen 0421935678.
Saint Vincent's Primary School Enrolments-
We are currently processing Prep 2023 enrolment applications. If you have a child that is turning 5 before the 30th June 2023 please go to our website and complete an online enrolment application.
(please click the above St Vincents School link for enrolment link)
ONLINE BENEDICTINE LENTEN RETREAT
It's almost time for Lent. We would like to invite your parishioners to our upcoming online retreat titled High Horses, Scapegoats and Donkeys: A Lenten Odyssey. Here's a little description of it.
"This retreat takes us into the realm of tears, the tears of compunction that St Benedict talks about in his chapter on Reverence in Prayer (RB 20). It is a calling forth of ourselves to a new and more authentic living; a dive into the deep; a naming of the truth of who we are before God. It is not a fear-based compunction that we will enter into, but rather a compunction based on a deep desire to be in oneness with God."
Below is a link to our brochure. We would be very grateful if you could share this with your parishioners, perhaps by putting a copy of the brochure on your notice board or mentioning it in your bulletin.
Thank you and God bless.
With our prayers for your parish, Benedictine Nuns of Jamberoo Abbey
Download Brochure (Benedictine Nuns online Lenten Retreat)
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
MASS TIMES: SURFERS PARADISE MASS TIMES
A VOCATION VIEW:
Eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time - C
A VOCATION VIEW: Since each person speaks from their heart's abundance, let Jesus form your heart and your life. Follow Him willingly.
To talk to someone about your vocation, contact Vocation Brisbane: 1300 133 544
vocation@bne.catholic.net.au and www.vocationbrisbane.com
STEWARDSHIP REFLECTION - "Not easy to love our enemies"
"A good tree does not bear rotten fruit, nor does a rotten tree bear good fruit." (Luke 6:43)
Are you using your gifts in the way God intended? Have you asked God how He would like you to use them? Do you compare yourself to others and complain about what you don't have instead of being thankful for what you do have? God gives each of us unique gifts and a unique plan. Listen to how God is calling you to use your gifts, to bear good fruit, for the glory of His name.
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: Judy Alexander, Hans Gringel, Kath Kiely, Joanne Mooney, Therese Mullins, Michael Connell, Zeb Deane, Miriam Hill, Jayani Antony, Amando A. Mirasol Jr., Gus Reeves, John & Molly Robinson, Laila Mikael, Jean Di Benedetto, Anthea McMullan, James Goodwin, Scott Mitchell, Malcolm Ward, John O'Brien, Ludwig Mueller, 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 Parkes, Michelle MacDonald, Mary Kerr. And all suffering from Covid-19 and its effects.
RECENTLY DECEASED: Mike Trad, Susie Chu (Hong Kong),Rose Refalo, Bobby Joseph Caspersz, Carmel Bright, Rita Stower, Sue Crossdale, Bette Edwards, Mark Behan, Stan Nalepa, Naurelle Cahill, Laurie Pope, 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.
ANNIVERSARY OF DEATH: Jordan Baker (Aged 23, from Wales, UK. Died in Surfers Paradise church after a fall in 2019), Norm Mullins, Mark Connell, John Norris Rohrs, Patricia (Pat) Moore, Ivy Gladys Yow, Mary Lim, Doreen Hewitt, Kenneth Mason, William John (Bill) Kelly, William Chard, George Schreiber, John Anthony Woodruff, Wilhelmina Elizabeth Carter, Paul Bleakley, Margaret Mary Miller, Michael Anthony Geoghegan, Michael Maloney, Elizabeth (Betty) O'Hagan, Raymond Fredricks, Joseph Caruana. And Also: Peg Perkins, Sarah Clancy, Patricia Anderson, Veronica Bond, Jabour Haddad, Milan Piglich, Bernie Tathem, Mary Schreiber, Andre Bellony, Allan Thomas Vaughan, Jerzy Wieczorek, Maria Eidejus, Raymond Gardiner, Thomas James Michael (Mike) Farrell, Brian Peter Pinard, George Ferguson Shaw, Hans Wagner, Theodore Cocks, Gregory London, Mary Ng Siew Kuen, Neil Bloxsidge, Valerie Mary Elshaw, Stanisław Zbigniew Zielinski, Michael Patrick Robertson, Dorothy de Launey, Giuseppe Nardi, Joy Whitbread, Bill Hignett, Peggy Doreen Norris, Kaylene Ellen Swan.
REJOICE - MORNING PRAISE - Two episodes
from Fr Paul FROM SHALOM MEDIA ONLINE TV.
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 are the links:
And -
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)
Please click the above ad to visit the Catholic Mission site.
MARIAN VALLEY
Please come and join us at the Marian Valley for the feast of Our Lady Of Fatima on 13.03.2022. The bus will be picking up sharp at 8.15 am, at the Sacred Heart Church. Clear Island Waters. The Cost for the bus is $22.00 return and Meals are available at the church canteen( Morning Tea and Sandwiches for Lunch. 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,
TAKE FIVE FOR FAITH: An investment worth making
It's not uncommon to identify individuals, or groups of people, as unworthy of our time and attention. Sometimes these folks just plain bore us to tears. But more often, we view them as freeloaders, untrustworthy, or even bad to the bone. Jesus was criticized for dining with the wrong people: prostitutes (immoral), tax collectors (unpatriotic), and sinners (generally unsavoury types). Jesus tells a story of a feast thrown for a "worthless" son to explain why he himself chooses to "waste" time on the undeserving. The lost are in need of finding, and the dead need life restored. "Hospitality opens the gates of paradise," wrote Orthodox Elder Amphilochius of Patmos. Set another place at your table.
"Your brother was dead and has come to life again; he was lost and has been found" - (Luke 15:1-3, 11-32)
SIGN UP FOR "TAKE FIVE" DAILY - www.takefiveforfaith.com/subscribe
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. Currently, over 60 children from our Surfers Paradise Parish are completing their "At Home Program for Reconciliation." The children will celebrate the First Rite of Reconciliation on Thursday, March 31, 2022, at 6:30 pm. Please keep these children and their families in your prayers at this time, as together they continue to learn and grow in God's love and abundant forgiveness.
Sacrament of EUCHARIST - First Holy 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.
Pope Francis wants to hear from us! - Hurry! Last few weeks to have your say!
Until March 13 2022 (the date was recently extended by an extra week), 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 focused 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 March 13, 2022.
THIS WEEKEND'S GOSPEL -
A Seventeenth-Century French writer with quite an unpronounceable name has some very interesting quotes that fit with this weekend's readings........
"If we had no faults, we would not take so much pleasure in noticing those of others."
"(most) faults (are) more pardonable than the means by which one tries to hide them."
"We gain more by letting our real selves be seen than by pretending to be what we are not." François VI, Duc de La Rochefoucauld, (1613 –1680)
Also,
Inspired by the gospel today, I have long felt that "unless one can say something out of love, (motivated by compassion and goodwill), any intended correction that we might be tempted to offer to another will miss the mark." That is to say, "if one cannot say something with love and compassion, don't say it at all." And so, we have no right to criticise unless we ourselves are free of faults. Which simply means that we have no right to criticise at all. If we happen to be intent on fixing up faults and weaknesses, we would be much more productive by inviting Christ to pour his healing and challenging grace upon our own sins and omissions, rather than focusing first upon others.
Jesus warned that no teacher can lead their students beyond the stage which they themselves have reached. Our Lord is teaching us that he deeply desires that anyone who follows him, needs to become a true teacher by example first; that is, by being a very attentive and open-hearted student of Him and His ways. He makes it clear that we cannot be true disciples unless our closeness to his teachings leads to us becoming more and more like him in thought, word, and action. This is because Christ desires us to be teachers by example; modelling our lives and priorities on his. This requires us to be really alert, attentive and be self-aware - open enough and humble so as to notice and address the areas of spiritual blindness that we all can suffer from. Lest we foolishly try to lead people; only for both leader and follower to fall into a hole.
Speaking the words of Christ could very well have limited effect if our everyday actions and attitudes contradict them and drown them out. The loudest, most effective message we send is most often by the unspoken eloquence of our actions and priorities.
And surely, the best way to show the truth and primacy of Christianity is to show by our lives that actively following in the footsteps of Jesus, produces outstanding men and women. - compassionate, reverent, generous, loving, gentle, just, inclusive and merciful.
The fruits and results of our lives and what we say and where we spend most of our time and energy is a powerful revelation of where our heart truly lies... Our Lord so wisely pointed out that nothing speaks louder about the truth of a person than what they do and say in unguarded moments. " Few things show the state of a person's heart better than the words SPOKEN, when talking freely, unguardedly, and saying the first things that come into one's head."
When our hearts are very close to Our Lord's, the unguarded and surprising moments in life will still lead to a pouring forth of the fruits of the spirit, lying so close to the surface….love, joy, peace, patience, self-control, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, and gentleness.
-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; Barclay, W. (1975). The Gospel of Luke. 2nd ed. Edinburgh: St. Andrew Press; Link, Mark J. 1994. Action 2000 Praying Scripture In A Contemporary Way. Year C. Allen, Tex.: Tabor Pub; and François VI, Duc de La Rochefoucauld, (1613 –1680). https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fran%C3%A7ois_de_La_Rochefoucauld_(write) ).
(Image: Shutterstock licensed Image - Item ID: 1054136807 - The Cross of Jesus with White Garment
Contributor: - Rick Schroeppel)
St Casimir- (1458-1484 -aged 25)
The young prince had a distaste for the luxury of courtly life and instead chose the way of asceticism and devotion. He wore plain clothes with a hair shirt beneath them, slept frequently on the ground and would spend much of the night in prayer and meditation on the suffering and death of Christ.
Casimir showed his love for God through these exercises of devotion and also through his material charity to the poor. He was known as a deeply compassionate young man who felt others' pains acutely.
After experiencing symptoms of tuberculosis, Casimir foresaw his death and prepared for it by deepening his devotion to God. He died en route to Lithuania on March 4, 1484, and was buried with a copy of a Marian hymn he frequently recited. Pope Adrian VI canonised him in 1522. After a lapse of one hundred and twenty years, his body was taken up and found without the slightest sign of corruption. Five centuries after his death, Pope John Paul II recalled how St. Casimir "embraced a life of celibacy, submitted himself humbly to God's will in all things, devoted himself with tender love to the Blessed Virgin Mary and developed a fervent practice of adoring Christ present in the Blessed Sacrament."
POPE FRANCIS: Love the Church first before criticising it!
Concluding the cycle of catechesis on St Joseph, in today's general audience Francis dwelt on the title of patron of the universal Church attributed to him 150 years ago. "When I have a problem with someone, do I try to guard them or do I condemn them immediately?". February 2, after celebrating Mass.
"We live in a time when it is common to criticise the Church", but only by loving her as she is are we capable "of saying what is wrong" and "recognising all the good," observed Pope Francis during a Wednesday general audience, addressing the faithful present in the Paul VI Hall.
Concluding the cycle of catechesis dedicated to the figure of St Joseph, Pope Francis dwelt on the meaning of the title "patron of the Catholic Church" attributed to him by Blessed Pius IX 150 years ago. "Joseph - he explained - has the task of protecting Jesus and Mary" and together they form "the primordial nucleus of the Church".
"The Son of the Most High came into the world in a condition of great weakness," the Pontiff continued, "He wanted to be defended, protected and cared for. God trusted Joseph, as did Mary, who found in him the bridegroom who loved and respected her and always took care of her and the Child".
"Every person who is hungry and thirsty, every stranger, every person without clothes, every sick person, every prisoner is the "Child" that Joseph looks after. And we too must learn from Joseph to "guard" these goods: to love the Child and his mother; to love the Sacraments and the people of God; to love the poor and our parish. Each of these realities is always the Child and his mother".
This also implies a precise way of looking at the Church: "We live in a time," Francis observed, "in which it is common to criticise her, to point out her inconsistencies, her sins, which in reality are our inconsistencies, our sins because the Church has always been a people of sinners who encounter God's mercy. Let us ask ourselves if, in our hearts, we love the Church. In fact, only love makes us capable of fully telling the truth, in a non-partisan way; of saying what is wrong, but also of recognising all the good and holiness that are present in the Church".
"The Church," said the Pontiff, "is not that little group that is close to the priest and commands everyone. The Church is everyone. On a journey. Guarding one another, guarding each other. This is a good question: when I have a problem with someone, do I try to look after them, or do I immediately condemn them, spit on them, destroy them?
Hence the invitation to "ask for the intercession of St Joseph precisely at the most difficult times in your life and in the life of your communities. There where our errors become a scandal," the Pope concluded, "let us ask Saint Joseph to give us the courage to speak the truth, ask for forgiveness, and humbly begin again.
Where persecution prevents the Gospel from being proclaimed, let us ask St Joseph for the strength and patience to endure abuse and suffering for the sake of the Gospel. Where material and human resources are scarce and make us experience poverty, especially when we are called to serve the last, the defenceless, the orphans, the sick, the rejected of society, let us pray to Saint Joseph to be Providence for us".
Addressing the pilgrims present in different languages, in his greeting to a group of religious of the Order of Clerics Regular Minor, the Pope recalled his young confrere Fr Richard Masivi Kasereka, killed in the Democratic Republic of Congo on 2 February after celebrating Mass on the Day of Consecrated Life.
"His death - commented Francis - will not discourage his family, his religious family and the entire Christian community of that nation to be heralds and witnesses of goodness and fraternity, despite the difficulties, imitating the example of Jesus, the Good Shepherd".
Finally, addressing the elderly, the sick, young people and newlyweds, as usual, he said to them: "In a world that continues to be torn apart by deep and apparently irreconcilable contrasts, may each one of you be, for your part, a sign of reconciliation rooted in the word of the Gospel".
(Source and image from https://www.asianews.it/news-en/Pope:-Love-the-Church-first-before-criticising-it-55158.html )
SACRED HEART AND ST VINCENT'S RELIGIOUS GOODS SHOPS
THE SPIRIT AND THE CROSS, daily reflections for Lent and the Easter Octave.
This booklet begins with a short extract from the Mass readings of the Day, followed by a reflection, a question or two to help you pray with an inspirational quote from Pope Francis and a final prayer.
This booklet was very popular last Advent selling out in the first week.
Don't miss out on your pocket edition copy for just $5. Available at the Religious Goods Shops or the Parish Office, until sold out.
SPCL BINGO
"Surfers Paradise Catholic Ladies will be having their Bingo on Tuesday the 1st of March 2022, from 10.00 am to 2.00 pm.
As we are having the function in a Public venue full Covid vaccination is Compulsory.
Masks should be worn at the entrance to the venue.
Please phone Maxine Sela 0421051193 or Wendy Webb, 0412237832 to book your seat for this day."
ADORATION NOTICE
Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament this First Friday 4th March at Sacred Heart Church from 7pm to 8.30pm. All are welcome. Enquiries: Helen 0421935678.
MEDITATION PRAYER GROUP
Resumed in the Morris prayer room Tuesdays from 10 am to 12 noon.
ART AND CRAFT GROUP - Has now resumed, and will be on every Wednesday in the PHC from 9am until 12noon.
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.
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 four 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. .
28/2/2022 Bernadette Hensley Arundel
7/3/2022 Blanche Braganza Benowa
14/3/2022 Blanche Braganza Benowa
21/3/222 Coutinho Family Broadbeach
28/3/2022 Coutinho Family Broadbeach
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.
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.
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 – Parish Pastoral and Youth ministry Coordinator- Sunnybank
Applications are open for the above position at the Sunnybank Parish. The position is a part-time 34 hours a week to be worked as Tues (7hrs), Thurs (7hrs), Fri (7hrs), Sat (6hrs) and Sun (7hrs)
For additional information, please visit the Archdiocese of Brisbane website https://brisbanecatholic.org.au/ and to careers. Applications close: 7 March 2022
The Archdiocese of Brisbane has standards of conduct for workers to maintain a safe and healthy environment for children. Our commitment to these standards requires that we conduct working with children checks and background referencing for all persons who will engage in direct and regular involvement with children and young people (0 - 18 years) and/or vulnerable adults. The organisation is fully committed to child safety and has a 0 tolerance to abuse of children or vulnerable adults.
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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