| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Thursday, 31 March 2022
Fifth Sunday of Lent. Year C. - Sunday, April 3, 2022(EPISODE: 358)
Friday, 25 March 2022
SPCP Newsletter: Sunday, March 27, 2022 - Fourth Sunday of Lent. Year C
PDF version of this parish newsletter here:
Also, you can access an online copy of the newsletter *here*
“He was lost and is found” (Luke 15:32)
[Image Credit: Shutterstock Licensed. Item ID: 2056914821 -ROME, ITALY - AUGUST 31, 2021: The ceiling fresco of parable of Prodigal son in the church Chiesa del Sacro Cuore di Gesù by Virginio Monti (1852 - 1942). Contributor: Renata Sedmakova]
PASTOR’S POST. “Where There’s A Will…”
A few years ago all the Diocesan priests of our Archdiocese were asked to prepare our last will and testament, a copy of which is to be kept with the administration of the Archdiocese. Suddenly mortality has become a reality and death has some strings attached that need to be addressed. While it is certainly a practical thing to require, I have found it somewhat confronting, firstly to think that someday I might not be here and secondly, that I might have “stuff” that might be worth passing on to someone else.
I spoke to a lawyer, who was very sensible and casual and made the process very comfortable, but after I left his office, I did spend a significant amount of time considering what, who and why would be involved in what would be left after I left.
First of all the “what”. My generous parents made matters very simple when they died by saying everything went to the kids. (Not uncommon, but certainly not compulsory). An overwhelming gesture, if not exactly practical, particularly since my father was a semi-retired grazier at the time of his death so, all of a sudden my four sisters and I (all city-slickers) were the bewildered owners and managers of a small cattle property. Not only did we have to decide what to do with 900 head of cattle, we also had their bodies to take care of as well. Feeding, fencing, mustering and eventual selling, all became very real for us, made doubly difficult by the fact that we all had full-time city jobs. But as always happens, we struggled on and eventually we were able, with the help of some thoughtful professionals, to deal with it all, only after surviving a significant drought at the time. And so ended my days as a cattle rancher.
So besides the remains of Dad’s, and eventually Mum’s legacy, I then made a list of my valuables. A couple of paintings of no significant value other than sentimental, a large library of slowly yellowing books, a wardrobe of clothes, some articles of which date back to high school (don’t pretend you don’t keep a few old favourites as reminders of a bygone era), an excessive amount of music CD’s which are almost obsolete due to the modern art of ‘downloading’, and about 100 DVDs of classic movies, some of which are still in the wrapping. My car belongs to the Archdiocese and the phone and computer are owned by the parish. A modest bank account and some superannuation that I intend to whittle down in my whittling years.
Now the “who” and “why. I almost enjoyed this experience of deciding who might value and appreciate whatever I might leave them as a bequest. My siblings will probably be the chief recipients, not just because they are my sisters, but they have been my greatest supporters all my life. Sure we argue and disagree constantly on insignificant issues, but there is no question about us being the first ones there when trouble strikes. Although we try to tell each other how much we all mean to each other, I think a little post-death reminder, since words can’t always convey what we want to say, is a good idea. Similarly, there are some precious people who have showered me with kindness over the many years I have known them, and while whatever I may give them will not change their lives, hopefully, it will speak to them of a fondness and gratitude that I may not have expressed sufficiently in this life.
Upon completion of the will, (which also includes our own funeral costs, which is an Archdiocesan requirement – go figure!), I had a sense of satisfaction that I had achieved what I had imagined would be a demanding task but was rather cathartic. It was more about the “who” than the “what”, more about the relationships than the duty, more about the people than the possessions.
Now there is only one more major decision to make. Who gets the bottle of Grange I was given for my 50th birthday? Who is worthy?
Fr Peter Dillon. PP.
HOLY WEEK AND EASTER MASS AND SERVICE SCHEDULE
Our Easter timetable is as follows:
HOLY THURSDAY: (April 14th 2022)
6 pm Mass at Sacred Heart Church, 50 Fairway Drive, Clear Island Waters
GOOD FRIDAY: (April 15th 2022)
10 am Stations of the Cross in all three Churches
3 pm Reading of the Passion, Veneration of the Cross, and Holy Communion in all three Churches
HOLY SATURDAY: (April 16th 2022)
5 pm Vigil Mass with Baptism of adults, Sacred Heart Church (longer ceremony).
5 pm Vigil Mass, Stella Maris Church, 254 Hedges Avenue, Broadbeach.
EASTER SUNDAY: (April 17th 2022)
7 am Mass Stella Maris Church
8 am and 10 am Mass, St Vincent's Church, 40 Hamilton Avenue, Surfers Paradise.
9 am and 6 pm Mass, Sacred Heart Church.
ADORATION NOTICE
Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament this First Friday 1st April at Sacred Heart Church from 7 pm to 8.30 pm. All welcome. Enquiries: Helen 0421935678
First Saturday Mass at Sacred Heart 9 am 2nd April 2022.
Followed by Adoration and Benediction.
Surfers Paradise Catholic Ladies will be having their Bingo
On Tuesday the 5th of April 2022,
From 10.00 am to 2.00 pm.
As we are having the function in a Public venue full Covid vaccination is Compulsory.
Please phone Maxine Sela 0421051193 or Wendy Webb, 0412237832 to book your seat for this day.
Looking for volunteers to help with residents in Cedarbrook Mudgeeraba.
We are looking for a volunteer to help a Spanish lady with her English once a week for an hour.
We also need volunteers who would be willing to visit some of our residents once a week or once a fortnight for a social chat for an hour. Thank you so much and hope to hear from you soon. Please give me a call. Mila (07) 5688 6011 (direct line) or my mobile 0450 251 388.
MARIAN VALLEY MASSES
Please come and join us at the Marian Valley for the feast of Our Lady of Fatima on the 13.04.2022 and on 24.04.2022 for Divine Mercy Sunday on this day Holy Hour 10.00 am Followed by the mass at 11.00 am and Divine Mercy Chaplet at 3.00 pm. The bus will be picking people up at 8.15 am on both days 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.
COLLECTING PALMS for PALM SUNDAY - PASSION SUNDAY Each year, at this time, we ask parishioners to look around their gardens and their local neighbourhood with a view to gathering and donating palms fronds for Passion Sunday - Palm Sunday. This year Palm Sunday falls on the weekend of April 9 and 10. We don’t need any palm fronds just yet but we ask that you start looking and planning now, to prune and deliver fresh fronds to the Parish Office (Hours: Mon- Fri 9 am to 12 noon) from Thursday, April 7. We will need fronds (big and small) as well as helpers to prepare the palms at the Parish Office (byo secateurs), on Friday, April 8, after the 9 am Mass.
MASK WEARING
Naturally the rule about mask-wearing does not forbid people from wearing masks but simply does not require them to be worn. So people are very welcome to keep wearing masks if they choose. People should not feel the need to explain and apologise for continuing to wear masks and we ask that people respect their choices and needs. The risk of covid has not entirely vanished and there are still vulnerable people in our community and so using hand sanitiser and reasonable social distancing where possible is still highly prudent. (Check-in may still be needed in some places throughout the wider community and masks and vaccination status may be required in specific locations in the community, and mask-wearing may be highly advisable in other situations).
PROJECT COMPASSION FOR LENT
Rosalie, 37, is an ex-combatant who lives with her husband and seven children in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Forced to join the army when she was just 15-years-old, Rosalie experienced years of trauma and hardship. After leaving the military, Rosalie and other ex-combatants were left to fend for themselves, with little support.
With your generous help, Rosalie was able to participate in business and social skills training, supported by Caritas Australia’s local partners, to assist her to reintegrate into society. Rosalie is now a business owner, a community leader and a role model for other ex-combatants who are seeking to readjust to civilian life. She is inspiring women and other members of her community to overcome the violence of the past, to work towards a more peaceful and harmonious world for all future generations.
Rosalie had a tough childhood. Her father passed away when she was just two years old and her mother struggled to look after the family on her own.
In the Democratic Republic of Congo, women are traditionally responsible for household tasks, with limited employment opportunities outside the home. Her mother found it difficult to afford food and clothing, let alone school fees, so Rosalie dropped out of school.
Then, when she was just 15 years old, Rosalie was forcibly recruited into the army. In recent decades, the DRC has experienced ongoing political instability, violence and conflict, and the recruitment of child soldiers is all too common.
Rosalie suddenly found herself forced to transport munitions to soldiers on the battlefield while facing the constant threat of violence inside the military camp. She had to continue to work as a soldier, even after she married and had children because she had no other option – and it was the only life she knew.
“I was in the battlefield with my baby on my back,” Rosalie recalls. “I walked with a child in my left hand, a box of ammunition on my head and another child on my back. I also had a weapon on my right shoulder. The chief commander had no mercy on me, even though I had my baby on my back.”
When Rosalie was finally demobilised from the army after six years, she was eager to start a new life, free from violence. But like many ex-combatants, Rosalie found the challenge to adjust to civilian life overwhelming. With her childhood and education cut short by the war, she had missed out on developing skills that would help her to find secure employment. She struggled to earn a sustainable income to provide food for her children. There was also prejudice towards ex-combatants in the community.
Rosalie was determined to turn her life around and set a new path for herself and her family. She joined the Protection & Re-Integration of Ex-Combatants program, supported by Caritas Australia, and its local partner organisations, the Catholic Agency for Overseas Development (CAFOD) and Caritas Bukavu. She participated in training in accounting, conflict management, gender awareness and human rights and developed a plan for her own small business.
Rosalie also joined a Saving and Internal Lending Community group (SILC), which helped her with a loan to start her own small business, selling second-hand shoes and natural remedies. She learnt savings and group management skills and became the SILC group’s president.
Through the program, she gained essential skills in generating an income while gaining a sense of belonging and community spirit.
“I can eat, dress, maintain my health and help others. My children study and manage to eat twice a day,” Rosalie says. “The program allowed me to break out of my ways of just thinking about myself and I have learnt to work hand-in-hand with other members of the community. Really, there is more joy in sharing with others.”
From her life as a child soldier, Rosalie has become an entrepreneur and a respected community leader. She is helping other women to save and to start up their own businesses. Her husband also has a better understanding of gender equality and is giving her more support in caring for their seven children – four girls and three boys - who are all healthy and doing well at school.
“Rosalie is a courageous woman who impressed us in her rise in life,” says Mbonyi Papy, Caritas Bukavu’s Enterprise Development Officer. “Thanks to her involvement in community actions, she’s leading other members and they consider her as a model for the reintegration of ex-combatants.”
So far, 2500 people have benefitted from this program, and 48 savings and loans groups and five peace committees have been established. The program is set to expand in future, to help young people and other vulnerable community members, in addition to ex-combatants.
Although the COVID-19 pandemic and lockdowns have created significant health and economic challenges for the region, Rosalie is striving to help her family and her community to break the cycle of poverty - to create lasting change for future generations.
She has dreams of expanding her business to also sell ice cream, to diversify her income to help to pay for her children’s education. She is determined to give her children the best chance to finish school.
“May the Australian people continue to help others as well so that they can also take care of themselves,” Rosalie says. “A really big thank you.”
Along with your generous support, this program is also supported by the Australian Government, through the Australian NGO Cooperation Program (ANCP).
Project Compassion - Intercession for Lent - We pray for those driven away from their homes by violence, persecution or poverty. That our hearts be open to doing all we can, practically, to rebuild the lives of others. And that we become instruments of God’s peace. https://www.caritas.org.au/project-compassion/
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
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.
A VOCATION VIEW:
Fourth Sunday of Lent – C. Jesus came to forgive. Since people continue to sin, we need people who will continue to forgive in Jesus' way. How about YOU?
To talk to someone about your vocation, contact Vocation Brisbane: 1300 133 544. vocation@bne.catholic.net.au and www.vocationbrisbane.com
APPEAL FOR THE PEOPLE OF UKRAINE - Caritas International (Catholic)
Ukraine Crisis
Over 2.6 million people have fled their homes in Ukraine, and there have been at least 1,581 civilian casualties.
You can help the Caritas Ukraine staff on the ground to provide families with emergency food, water, shelter and hygiene support.
SAINT VINCENT de PAUL FLOOD APPEAL
Heavy rain has left a trail of destruction as floods have wreaked havoc on homes and businesses across southeast Queensland. As I write this on Thursday afternoon, I hear of reports of more extreme weather belting down with even more water. No doubt this will hamper the clean-up efforts and cause greater anxiety for devastated Queenslanders. https://donate.vinnies.org.au/appeals-qld/vinnies-disaster-appeal-qld-2022
STEWARDSHIP REFLECTION
“No longer was there manna for the Israelites, who that year ate of the yield of the land of Canaan.” - (Joshua 5:12)
Over the forty years that the Israelites journeyed through the desert, God provided them with manna to eat. As soon as they were able to enjoy the fruits of the Promised Land the manna ceased. Likewise, God’s blessings to us may change over the years but it is important to trust that God will always provide us with all that we need. 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: Ilene Simpkins, Panfilo Bantugan, Sandii Wall, Hans Gringel) who turned 91 this week), 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, Colleen Grehan, Carmelita Dulu, 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, 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: Rosita Marchetti, Francis Elton, Shirley May Heath, Anthony Onofaro, Suzanne Robinson, Maureen Kennedy, Judy Alexander, Bernadette Marie Douwes, Valerie Meldrum, Romano Del Bianco, Pamela Rawlings, Rosina Grguric, Leisa Holman (née Mullins), Susie Chu (sister of Joan Miau), Barry Townsend (Casino, NSW), Antonio Dela Pena, Pauline McCudden, Melinda Craig, Judy Alexander, Barbara Joan Degiovanni, Mike Trad, 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.
ANNIVERSARY OF DEATH: Peter Schreck, Bozidar Ovcaric, Jessie Veronica (Veronica) Dolan, Ted Wales, Catherine Mitchell (Tompson), (Nana of Robyn Hunt), John Donelly Shiels, Peter Wayne Borg, Helma Martina Anna van Camp, Ben Thomas Hamlett, Iris Scharenguivel, Byron Schreiber, Pamela Barry (Pam) Braithwaite, Franciska Knap, Glen Anthony (Tony) McLeod, Malcolm Thompson, Rufina Lim, Alfred John Serafim Zerafa, Brian Anthony Fawell, Ricardo Joseph Herft, Gerald Peter Henderson, Connie Devlin, Marie Therese Haney, Alexander Redler, Anthony Robert Meehan, Lynn Maree Blond, Mary Briffa, Fay Margaret Frances Lincoln, Paul Avery, Wayne Parsons, David Anthony Evans. And also: Dulcie Lovinski, Elizabeth Anne Fredericks, Silvio De Vito, Sheila Irene Asher, Jack Phythian, Bernadette Mary Bartley, Angelita Javillonar, Earl Francis Alexander Brierty, James Vincent (Jim) Daly, Vilma Mary Vaughan, Martin Tadj, Claudette Bernadette Strode, Desmond Robert Castle, Pietro Ulliana, John Lawrence (Brewy) Brew, Hans Schroeder, Mary Cooper, Vizma Mudite Barret, Joyce Hunt, Giuseppa Mauceri, Josephine Desira, Mary Cooper.
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 need 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, 70 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 abundant love and 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 during the Term 1 holidays. If you have not received an email by the first week of Term2, please indicate your interest by emailing our Sacramental Coordinator, Cathy Anderson, andersoncm@bne.catholic.net.au
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.
THIS WEEKEND’S GOSPEL - “He was Lost and is found!”
As usual, the Pharisees and the scribes are on the lookout. They condemn the welcome that Jesus extends to those considered as public sinners, people who, for that reason, are on the edges of society and despised by them (Lk 15:1).
This prompts our Lord to tell them a story about what God is really like. The parable of the Prodigal Son would have to be one of the best stories of all time. The fact that Jesus, (God made flesh, tells this story to show us how the Heavenly Father thinks and relates to us, even when we have done wrong, is truly amazing.
Of all the images Jesus could have used, the one he persistently uses is that of an unconditionally loving parent.. a doting Father, no less.
"Forgiveness comes from the welcoming person rather than from the repenting sinner. Forgiving is giving life."*
"Failing to see the gratuitousness of love is failing to understand the gospel. - (the free and overflowing generosity of love, is given, not earned or deserved) - By converting the gospel into a mere set of obligations, external rules or a guarantee of authorities without moral worth, we make a joke or a cartoon out of Christ’s divine love.*
The reason Jesus told this story… is to appeal to the better judgment of the Pharisees and scribes. The Pharisees and scribes were, at the time of Jesus, known to be experts in the right application of the Law of Moses, and of God's law….. they made themselves out to be the perfect examples of how people should faithfully obey God and be considered at rights with God… but it is quite clear from the prodigal son story, that Jesus is trying to show them that, far from being the perfect model of what a good child of God is like… they were acting more like the older (seemingly loyal son) who, although he had done nothing wrong… was thinking and acting more like an embittered slave in his father's house than a beloved son… and resenting the forgiveness and reform of anyone who fell short… just like a lost son, realising the folly of their ways, would be welcomed back by his loving father… ….
Jesus was trying to get all people to stop acting like dutiful, loveless, resentful and hard-hearted slaves of God.. and take up their rightful place as beloved, unconditionally loved children of God….. They should be sharing in their father’s genuine joy and relief in getting back his lost son, they should be of one heart and mind with their beloved father and join the rejoicing when the lost are found and brought back… not whinging and complaining and recommending distance and rejection, and making the whole issue about themselves and how much they have slaved for their master – when all he wanted is for us to love as he does.
Jesus is clearly saying that the self-righteous good guys who have not done anything wrong according to the letter of the law, may just be as bad a sinner or worse than those who had broken God's law and repented…. Because they fail to grasp the very essence of the gospel... (they are strangers to the heart of God’s love). They are not living as God's beloved sons and daughters. instead, they act like ill-willed, mean-spirited slaves, who kept God's law only begrudgingly, and for a calculated expectation of reward… and with neither true love of their heavenly father, nor true love of their fellow brother or sister….
Jesus was trying to say to everyone… WAKE UP to yourselves…. If you do everything out of duty, self-righteousness, and judgementalism, and you are not loving, forgiving, gracious and inclusive….. then you are totally on the wrong track .. You have utterly missed the point of the Gospel and misunderstood the very nature of God. Ironically, they are acting as badly as the ones they condemn….
This parable is also wonderful for all who have ever sinned or turned away from God by their actions and attitudes… because Our Lord is imploring us to see ourselves as children of a loving God… who keeps searching for us like a doting father.. and who will happily welcome us back when we turn our faces back to home… not because we deserve it, but because God loves us and wants the best for us… and knows that being part of God's family is God's plan for us and what is best for us…. And he calls upon us to take on this attitude to others .. and see them too as our fellow brothers and sisters… all part of one big family loved and cherished and welcomed by God…..
St Paul sums up our true role in this world…. "…we are ambassadors for Christ as if God were appealing through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, to be reconciled to God."
May God help us to be aware that we are loved children of God, not angry slaves but willing coworkers – who delight in sharing in the love and mindset of God, and we are ministers and instruments of God's love and forgiveness in our lives and in our community.
-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).
[Image Credit: Shutterstock Licensed. Item ID: 1662774463 - Vienna, Austria. 2019/10/23. "The Return of the Prodigal Son" (1773) by Pompeo Girolamo Batoni (1708-1787). Kunsthistorisches Museum (Art History Museum) in Vienna, Austria.
Important information. Contributor: Adam Jan Figel]
The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only a page. Saint Augustine
Love is not to be purchased, and affection has no price. St. Jerome
If I am not, may God put me there; and if I am, may God so keep me. Joan of Arc
It is not enough just to wish well; we must also do well. Saint Ambrose
In order to be an image of God, the spirit must turn to what is eternal, hold it in spirit, keep it in memory, and by loving it, embrace it in the will. Edith Stein
May your divinity, Lord, take pleasure in me and lead me above the world to be with you. Isaac of Nineveh Keep doing some kind of work, that the devil may always find you employed. St. Jerome
I would rather die than do something which I know to be a sin, or to be against God's will. Joan of Arc
True, I am in love with suffering, but I do not know if I deserve the honour. Saint Ignatius
Let us always meet each other with smile, for the smile is the beginning of love. Mother Teresa
POPE FRANCIS:
“Like the disciples, we too are in need of God’s light, which makes us see things in a different way: it attracts us, it reawakens us, it reignites our desire and strength to pray, to look within ourselves, and to dedicate time to others.” #GospelOfTheDay (Lk 9:28-36)
“If #prayer is living, it “unhinges” us from within and continually prompts us to allow ourselves to be troubled by the plea of all those who suffer in our world. Let us also ask ourselves how we are bringing the present war to our prayers.” #PrayTogether #Ukraine #Peace
“To pray is to bring the beating heart of current affairs into God’s presence, so that his gaze will shine out upon history.” #PrayTogether #Ukraine #Peace
“For the followers of Jesus, now is not a time for sleeping, for letting our souls be sedated. One of the great tragedies of our time is the refusal to open our eyes to reality and instead to look the other way.” #PrayTogether #Ukraine #Peace
(Text and Image - Pope Francis Official Twitter @Pontifex)
SACRED HEART AND ST VINCENT’S RELIGIOUS GOODS SHOPS
Open before and after the weekend Masses. For access on weekdays, contact the Parish Office 9 am-12 pm.
Easter cards are available now.
STATIONS OF THE CROSS:
Seminarian Bradley Davies will lead The Stations of the Cross at Sacred Heart Church, Clear Island Waters from 6 pm each Friday of Lent.
ADORATION NOTICE
Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament this First Friday 1st April at Sacred Heart Church from 7 pm to 8.30 pm. All welcome. Enquiries: Helen 0421935678
First Saturday Mass at Sacred Heart 9 am 2nd April 2022.
Followed by Adoration and Benediction.
Surfers Paradise Catholic Ladies will be having their Bingo
On Tuesday the 5th of April 2022,
From 10.00 am to 2.00 pm.
As we are having the function in a Public venue full Covid vaccination is Compulsory.
Please phone Maxine Sela 0421051193 or Wendy Webb, 0412237832 to book your seat for this day.
Praying the Rosary - Our Lady’s Statue in the Parish
Details of the statue of Our Lady which is going around the Parish. If you would like to have her in your home and say the Rosary:
Please contact Maxine or Pat on 0412 519 404
The Roster for the next few weeks:
21/3/222 Coutinho Family Broadbeach
28/3/2022 Coutinho Family Broadbeach
4/4/2022 Eva Mollowski Palm Beach
11/4/2022 Eva Mollowski Palm Beach
MARIAN VALLEY MASSES
Please come and join us at the Marian Valley for the feast of Our Lady of Fatima on the 13.04.2022 and on 24.04.2022 for Divine Mercy Sunday on this day Holy Hour 10.00 am Followed by the Mass at 11.00 am and Divine Mercy Chaplet at 3.00 pm. The bus will be picking up at 8.15 am on both days 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 contact name and contact phone number with Xavier Solomon 0404 843 260, Madeleine on 0405 252 367 or 5529 1573. All are welcome.
MEDITATION PRAYER GROUP
In the Morris prayer room Tuesdays from 10 am to 12 noon. The Meditation Group would very much like to welcome new members. All enquiries please phone Pam Egtberts 0428090703”
ART AND CRAFT GROUP - Every Wednesday in the PHC from 9 am 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.
Worldwide Marriage Encounter:
A weekend experience for married couples, priests and religious, away from the distractions of everyday living. Take time out of your busy schedule, to invest in your most precious asset and revitalise your Sacrament. This is a unique opportunity to reconnect, rekindle and refresh your relationship. It gives you the opportunity to grow in your relationship with your spouse or your community.
Our COVID-SAFE live-in weekends will be held from Friday evening 13 May to Sunday afternoon 15 May and Friday evening 14 October to Sunday afternoon 16 October (including Mass) at Santa Teresa, Ormiston. Our live-out weekend will be held at Siena College, Sippy Downs from 1 to 3 July – going home on the Friday and Saturday evenings. For bookings/details contact Maria and David Murphy: 0481 307 821 qldbookings@wwme.org.au Watch Archbishop Mark Coleridge’s support video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4o_Wp6qGB44
Information website: www.wwme.org.au
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- (20 Years Young)-
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.
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 part-time 34 hours a week to be worked as Tues (7hrs), Thurs (7hrs), Fri (7hrs), Sat (6hrs) and Sun (7hrs).
This position can be undertaken with either one person or two depending on the suitable candidate/s. So, a job share arrangement can be organised. For additional information, please visit the Archdiocese of Brisbane website https://brisbanecatholic.org.au/ and to careers. Applications close: 4 April 2022
Position Vacant – OSHC Educator
Applications are open for OSHC Educator positions with Catholic Early EdCare. We are seeking enthusiastic and energetic educators on a casual basis. For additional information, please visit the Catholic Early EdCare website https://catholicearlyedcare.qld.edu.au/careers/ for further information.
Position Vacant – Clayfield - Children and Families Minister and Sacramental Coordinator
Applications are open for a position at the Clayfield Catholic Parish. Clayfield Parish is requiring a person who is able to lead and manage ministry to Children and families in the Parish. This is causal for approximately 15 hours per week.
Application close: 27 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 zero-tolerance for 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
https://brisbanecatholic.org.au/safeguarding/ - Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kgkAZFkJkJg
SAFEGUARDING
Purpose:-
To promote a culture of safeguarding within the Archdiocese and reduce the risks of abuse and harm.
Scope:-
This policy applies to all parishes, ministries, and agencies under the jurisdiction of the Archbishop of Brisbane and to Associations of Christ’s Faithful or Public Juridic Persons which freely opt in to its application and which enter into an agreement with the Archdiocese accordingly. The policy applies to all Archdiocesan workers (including clergy, religious, employees and volunteers).
Policy:-
National Catholic Safeguarding Standards
The Archdiocese adopts and adheres to the National Catholic Safeguarding Standards. The Standards apply to all parishes, ministries, and agencies under the jurisdiction of the Archbishop.
Safeguarding Commitment:-
The Archdiocese has zero-tolerance for all forms of abuse and is committed to safeguarding everyone involved in its activities, ministries, and services. The safety and wellbeing of children and adults-at-risk is paramount.
Safeguarding Principles:-
Safeguarding is a shared responsibility.
Treat everyone with dignity and respect.
Prioritise the protection and best interests of children and adults-at-risk.
Provide safe physical and online environments.
Actively identify and manage safeguarding and abuse risks.
Monitor compliance with safeguarding standards, policies, and procedures.
Respond promptly and effectively to abuse concerns, suspicions, disclosures, complaints, reports, and incidents.
Comply with all legal obligations to report suspected abuse and harm.
Compliance:-
Non-compliance with this policy that seriously jeopardises the safety and wellbeing of others may be grounds for disciplinary action up to dismissal or termination of employment, and reporting to authorities.
[Document No.: AD16 ST01 Document Owner: Office for Safeguarding Services Version: November 2020 Review Date: November 2023]
Also
Click on the link below to view the article ‘Recognizing Warning Signs of Spiritual Abuse in the Church’.
The article explains what spiritual abuse is and is not, and provides some examples and warning signs.
www.crosswalk.com/faith/spiritual-life/how-to-heal-from-spiritual-abuse.html?amp=1