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Also, you can access an online copy of the newsletter *here*
“I have indeed seen the misery of my people in Egypt. I have heard them crying out because of their slave drivers, and I am concerned about their suffering. So I have come down to rescue them” (Exodus 3:7-8)
(Image Credit: Shutterstock Licensed. ID: 1420610108 - Moses hears God in the burning bush. Contributor: Mashosh)
PASTOR’S POST.
Our Vocational Journey – A Universal and Specific Call - A Reflection by Seminarian Bradley Davies.
Even before we were born God had a purpose for us as prophesied by Jeremiah - “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations (Jeremiah 1:5). This means that God calls us to holiness in both a foundational way, and in a particular way, and one way we are to live this call to holiness is to partake in the mission of the Church. This mission is to bring the Good News of Jesus Christ to all people, which is – that although we all fall short of the glory of God, and cannot do anything to earn God’s love, we are nonetheless invited into this love through God’s grace and mercy.
Through the sacrament of baptism, we are called to share this good news with others both by what we do and say. Regardless of who we are or what we do, even if we feel totally inadequate, we are called to this because we are part of the Body of Christ - the Church. But as Saint Paul tells us, “there is one body, but it has many parts (1 Corinthians 12:12). We are all called into one mission, but how each of us specifically does this is different.
From when I was 21, I spent much time considering how God might be calling me, in a particular way, to spread this good news and live this calling. For a long time, I thought, and even hoped, that married life and a life devoted to family and children might be the way I would do this; considering this desire ran deep in me. However, an invitation to the Archbishop’s Annual Vocations Dinner in 2009 began a journey that led me to consider that God may have other plans.
I slowly learnt that life was not so much about what I wanted, or should I say, thought I wanted, but what God, who knows us better than we know ourselves wanted. I began to gain an understanding that God “calls” us to serve, and this call is both universal through our baptism, but also specific through each of us making up different parts of the Church. I, therefore, wanted to discover how I could bring every part of who I am to a way of life that was for me, even if I didn’t know it at the time. As I began a discernment journey (a journey of discovering my purpose through good judgement) from the night of the vocation's dinner, many people, including friends, mentors, and even people I was meeting for the first time, recognised a call to the priesthood in me.
To this day I firmly believe that this sixth sense people seemed to have was God, through the Church, realising and acknowledging a calling in me that asked me to live beyond myself. We have all most likely heard it said “follow your dreams” or “follow your heart.” These pieces of advice are not necessarily misleading, but I have learnt that our deepest desires are often not totally clear to us. My journey towards the priesthood has not been easy, particularly early on. There were many times when I felt like my desires and God’s desires were very different. However, as I have grown and matured, and grown in my relationship with God, I have found that my deepest desire is to do the will of God. I could not imagine living a life that was any less than where I was called to be or what I was called to do.
It is also appropriate to acknowledge that I do not feel that my desires or dreams of family life and children have been dispatched or disregarded. The more I journey with God in prayer and in the everyday happenings of my life, the more I see that these desires are simply being recontextualised. I am on the journey to committing my life to a very big family, the Church, and to being a father figure to God’s children of many ages.
But my journey towards the priesthood is certainly not over. I still try hard to listen to the call of God each and every day, in the small and big decisions alike. I continue to ask for your prayers as I progress in my seminary journey with you this year, and prayers also for the other seminarians and for other men called to serve God as future priests. I also pray that you listen and find God’s call in your life. Even if you are already married or committed to some way of life, I pray that you find God’s calling in the little things and in the everyday happenings that lead us day by day to living more of the way God truly intends us to live.
Bradley Davies, Seminarian
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
SAFEGUARDING MESSAGE -
SAFEGUARDING CHILDREN & VULNERABLE ADULTS PREVENTION AND PROTECTION POLICY
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 which 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
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
Janice, 44, is a proud Wagilak woman, a traditional dancer, living in a remote community in the Northern Territory. As elders grow older and pass away, she knows she must share her knowledge with the younger generation. However, the community faces multiple challenges, including a lack of jobs, limited educational opportunities, and socio-economic challenges which can lead to young people becoming disconnected from culture.
With your generous help, Caritas Australia is able to provide support to Djilpin Arts Aboriginal Corporation. The not-for-profit social enterprise established a contemporary arts and culture centre in the community. It provides employment and training for young people, a place for elders to pass on traditional knowledge, an art museum and authentic cultural experiences for tourists. Djilpin Arts Gallery and Museum is now a cultural hub where community members can gather in a spirit of peace and belonging.
Forty-four-year-old Janice is a traditional dancer who tells her family’s stories through movements that have been handed down over generations.
A Wagilak woman, Janice moved to a remote Northern Territory community as a young girl, when her mother was offered work in a kitchen near the local clinic.
“When I was about five, six or seven, my father taught me how to dance his culture, and then I had to learn to dance my mother’s culture too,” Janice says. “When I dance, I feel strong in my heart. It's like my grandfather and my grandmother are here with me.”
Like many remote communities, Janice’s faces a range of challenges, including few jobs and educational opportunities, financial hardship, lower life expectancy and poorer health than the non-Indigenous population.
Australia’s national Indigenous employment rate is around 49 per cent. This figure is significantly lower in very remote areas, at 35 per cent [1], while just 66 per cent of Indigenous people aged 20-24 years have completed Year 12.[2]
Loss of land, language and culture and intergenerational trauma related to the ongoing effects of colonisation, can also contribute to socio-economic problems for young people in remote communities. Many others leave the community in search of work, moving to towns and cities where they may be more vulnerable.
“With many elders gone, we must transfer knowledge, to keep a connection to culture and nurture future leaders,” Janice says. “Sometimes we have trouble, just fighting,” Janice says. “Me and my family, we keep the culture going, we need to keep our culture strong.”
With your help, Caritas Australia is able to support Djilpin Arts Aboriginal Corporation, which has been operating a centre for traditional and contemporary Aboriginal visual and performing arts and culture in a remote area of the Northern Territory since 2002. It was established by the late Balang T. E. Lewis – the celebrated movie actor, musician and community member – and has been supported by Caritas Australia for around 14 years.
Djilpin Arts provides training and employment for young people who work in the art museum and shop. The museum features a permanent showcase of culturally significant West Arnhem Land artworks, while the shop sells traditional wood carvings, fibre art, prints and jewellery.
Elders run pandanus weaving and printmaking workshops, inspired by the colours of the environment, with designs featuring water lilies, turtles and fish. They share their knowledge with the younger generation and visitors to the centre. Local guides run bush cultural tours and architect-designed tourist accommodation is available for visitors.
Janice has been a Djilpin Artsworker since 2015, performing traditional dances, as a host for performances and as a tour guide in the art museum. Her grandfather’s painting is on display there, while her brother runs cultural tours, her son plays the didgeridoo for cultural performances and her two daughters work in the shop.
“This is a safe place, a place we come with family and get away from problems. We, here in the art centre, work as a family,” Janice says. “It's important to me because me and my brother, we got knowledge from our great grandfather, he told us to take care of your culture. It’s even more important for us to work here because we hold our culture here and we love this place.”
In 2021, with your support, Caritas Australia was also able to fund the launch of a Djilpin Arts shed in Katherine, to display and store artworks for shipping to online customers. COVID times have been particularly tough on remote communities, however, Djilpin Arts have been able to build up the online element of its business during the pandemic, helping communities to continue to make an income, even when there were few visitors.
“Janice has been a great supporter of Djilpin Arts, as a dancer. She also leads young people, young girls, into dancing, and shares the knowledge of culture, and the artworks that the artists do, “ says Loretta George, Balang Lewis’ sister and Djilpin Arts Chair.
“Djilpin Arts, for me it's been a big dream, from my brother. He talked about helping the community to come together, to help younger people get a job, and to bring our culture back to the people because if there are no elders around and there's no one to teach the younger ones, we will lose all that and it will be lost forever,” Loretta says.
In the past year, the program has benefitted 55 people directly, and around 165 indirectly in the community.
Janice believes that Djilpin Arts’ work is essential to create opportunities for young people to stay on-country, to share intergenerational knowledge between elders and the younger generation - to promote healing, and to keep culture alive.
“Thank you very much, Caritas Australia.”
[1] https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/australias-welfare/indigenous-employment
https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/australias-welfare/indigenous-education-and-skills
[2] https://ctgreport.niaa.gov.au/year-12-attainment
Project Compassion - PRAYER OF INTERCESSION - We pray for the work of Caritas Australia through Project Compassion. We pray also for greater respect for the environment and that we will always care deeply for the Earth that God has entrusted to our care and recognise that we are on Holy Ground.
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.
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 9am Mass.
A VOCATION VIEW:
Third Sunday of Lent – C. Each Lent should bring us closer to our God. There is no failure, except that of no longer trying. You can still follow Jesus more closely.
To talk to someone about your vocation, contact Vocation Brisbane: 1300 133 544. vocation@bne.catholic.net.au and www.vocationbrisbane.com
STEWARDSHIP REFLECTION
“…He said to the gardener, ‘For three years now I have come in search of fruit on this fig tree but have found none.’” (Luke 13:7). We can all be like the barren fig tree at times. Do you cling to what you have or do you generously share with others? How will you respond when God asks you what you have done with all the gifts He has given you? Remember, not only are we called to be generous, we are called to develop and nurture our gifts, and return them with increase. Remember, we are called to be generous with all of gifts; especially the one that means the most to you. 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, 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, 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: 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: Dulcie Lovinski, Bernadette Bartley, 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. And also: Marija Vaculik, Gloria Hart, Francesco Lacopo, Dionne (Nino) Civitella, Yvonne Helen Mitchell, Jeannette Giblin, Peter Butler, Kath Browning, Arkley Debnam, Barry Geary, Mario Di Martino, Mary Madonna Hodge, Giovanni Scalcione, Racquel Leisa Carruthers, Maurice James McNamara, John Delich, Margaret Eileen Young, Virgil Klaassen, Ferdinand Paul Kiely, Rae Maree Colahan, Maria Gafa, John Gardner, Vincent Letizia, John Anthony O'Leary, Annunziata (Tina) Morabito, Mr John Lawrence Maher, Vera Ryan.
A Columbarium Question -
Due to a large number of enquiries and consequent reservations of columbarium niches, we will soon be looking at adding several new walls to accommodate future needs. In preparation for these new walls, we are interested to know how many parishioners or others are considering reserving a niche for themselves or family members. If you wish to express an interest or simply want to inquire about what is involved, then we ask you to call the parish office in the next few weeks so that we can plan for a sufficient number of places. (A columbarium is an area used to store the ashes of the deceased who have been cremated. Those ashes are kept in urns and the urns are placed inside “niches”, or compartments, within the columbarium. The columbarium itself can be either a wall or significant structure that will be open to loved ones to visit the deceased person at any time. Our parish columbarium is located at Sacred Heart Church, Clear Island Waters overlooking the lake., between the Church and the Hospitality Centre)
TAKE FIVE FOR FAITH: Something to smile about
The International Day of Happiness celebrated today isn't about wearing a smiley face. This U.N.-sponsored observance has concrete aims: to end poverty, reduce inequality, and protect the planet. Certainly, that would bring happiness, but how do we attain such lofty goals? Consider 19-year-old Catherine Spaulding (1793-1853), who led six women in the forming of the Sisters of Nazareth in Kentucky. Ready or not, Catherine ran a school, orphanage, and nursed the sick during epidemics. Neither age nor inexperience deterred her sisters from answering the needs of their society. Answer this generation's call and discover a reason to smile. “God called out to him from the bush, ‘Moses! Moses!’ He answered, ‘Here I am.’" (Exodus 3:1-8a, 13-15). 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 - Set My People Free
In the second reading today, Saint Paul has some very strong words for the community in Corinth. He warns them very sternly, to be on their guard and lists three great dangers that can poison any community: Complacency, Self-indulgence, and culture of Complaint and negativity.
Each of these three vices is absolutely lethal to any community. Criticism, gossip and complaint in a community will rip the community apart and render it useless.
The readings this weekend also highlight the vital connection between God's nature and the 'doing of justice,' and between our God of love, who acts on that love in practical ways, to help those who suffer.
In the first reading, God SEES the need of his beloved people, who are being mistreated. God is determined to DO something about it, to free them from their terrible situation. And GOD then ACTS, definitively in history, by calling upon his servant Moses to 'set my people free'.
And God does not simply stop at that. The Lord works WITH and THROUGH Moses and his brother Aaron and also through the cooperation of the people of Israel, to achieve that freedom which God so deeply desires for his people. It is God's action, with the people’s cooperation. God acts definitively in history through the united cooperation of people who are open, positive and practical in achieving God's will.
Many people throughout history have asked: "how can God stand by and see so much suffering and so much injustice in the world and not DO something?" … But, in reality… God SEES and cannot STAND the wrongdoing and injustice and suffering in the world…. And God HAS done something…
God continues to do something about it! Particularly, God CALLS and commissions people of goodwill, (people like Moses), to DO something about what is wrong…./ As the saying goes, "God has no other hands-on earth but ours…" / God wants to use our hands, our heart and our voices to bring a helping hand and just response to those in need.
The message that GOD is WITH his people, is found even in God's holy and mysterious name, which is revealed to Moses. God's very name means many wonderful and mysterious things, but very basically (for it defies full translation), God's proper name means..."I am." And this also means (among many other things) that God is: ..."I AM with you!!!.".. God PROMISES to be with all who strive diligently to work for justice in the world. God is also very much with the people who are suffering and in need and who are enduring great harm in this world. God is suffering in and with the people, as close as possible to those who are enduring these experiences.
Jesus makes it really clear, in this Gospel this weekend, that there are is NO connection between sin and the misfortunes which may happen to us, whether the cause is human willpower, (eg Pilate ruthlessly killing worshippers while they are at prayer, Lk 13:1) or even whether the tragedy is caused by accident or negligence, (eg. a tower collapsing on people (v. 4)).
Insult is added to injury by the callous suggestion that the poor and the sick, and also any victims of crime or accident have somehow brought these situations on themselves, or are being paid back for their wrongdoings or somehow deserving of the misfortunes that happen to them. What a terrible thing to burden people who are already suffering horribly.
Our Lord showed that he always cares very much about the poor and suffering and points out that if that was really the way God worked, everyone could expect a building to fall on top of them, for there are a great many wrongs throughout any community and most of these wrongs are not visited with any kind of divine or natural or human retribution.
So, the Lord frees us from this concept which prevents us, on one hand, from facing the real causes of the evils and wrongs befalling us. People are wrongly attributing disasters to some type of fatality which plunges us into passivity - unable to do anything to accept what has happened as something we somehow deserve.
To advocate an image of God as one who works through the malice of others or natural disasters to punish the wicked; is to terribly distort the true image of the God of love and life.
Unavoidable disasters or events or even bad things happening at the hands of malicious people is not a sign that the victim is somehow being punished. If one wants to see where the hand of God is to be found in the midst of disaster and tragedy, then we ought not to look at God as the cause of the disaster, but rather look for God's healing and compassionate touch, in the hands of all those rallying to offer practical help in times of disaster and loss. It is Christ himself we see active and practically at work in the actions and compassion and assistance and healing offered by loved ones and friends and people of goodwill who are embracing the mourners, bandaging the wounded, and feeding the starving and rebuilding fallen structures... and so on.
A more helpful sign of the results of sin is the failure to bear the fruits of charity, justice, compassion, mercy and healing, in situations where it is possible. Our Lord states this in the parable he teaches today (Vv. 6-9),
In the Gospel, Jesus reminds us that God is not filled with anger, vengeance or summary justice.... but God is a loving parent, who is very long-suffering, fore-bearing and compassionate. God is patiently waiting for and encouraging our deeds and for the good fruits of our faith, hope, and love.
Jesus is the God not of punishment but of patience, mercy, justice, and love.
But he leaves us with this final caveat… time is limited, so start bearing fruit now, there is no time like the present.
-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; Gutiérrez, G. and Dees, C. (1997). Sharing the Word through the liturgical year. 1st ed. Maryknoll: Orbis Books).
(Image:Image Credit: Shutterstock Licensed. Item ID: 1108054889 - Biblical vector illustration series, Moses and the burning bush. Formats. Contributor: rudall30 )
St Joseph (Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary)
It is very powerful that no spoken words of St Joseph are recorded in the Bible. It is a testimony to his lasting inspiration to generations, that his actions spoke louder than any words he uttered. Joseph was obedient, just, a truly upright man in the correct sense of the word, humble and quick to follow God’s will even in trying circumstances. His humility, purity, obedience and faithfulness has an eloquence quite beyond words.
St Oscar Romero.
Each one of you has to be God’s microphone. Each one of you has to be a messenger, a prophet. The church will always exist as long as there is someone who has been baptized…Where is your baptism? You are baptized in your professions, in the fields of workers, in the market. Wherever there is someone who has been baptized, that is where the church is. There is a prophet there. Let us not hide the talent that God gave us on the day of our baptism and let us truly live the beauty and responsibility of being a prophetic people.
Peace is not the product of terror or fear. Peace is not the silence of cemeteries. Peace is not the silent result of violent repression. Peace is the generous, tranquil contribution of all to the good of all. Peace is dynamism. Peace is generosity. It is right and it is duty.
Beautiful is the moment in which we understand that we are no more than an instrument of God; we live only as long as God wants us to live; we can only do as much as God makes us able to do; we are only as intelligent as God would have us be.
I don’t want to be “anti,” against anybody. I simply want to be the builder of a great affirmation: the affirmation of God, who loves us and who wants to save us.
By contrast, whoever out of love for God gives oneself to the service of others will live, like the grain of wheat that dies, but only apparently… Only in undoing itself does it produce the harvest.
If we are worth anything, it is not because we have more money or more talent, or more human qualities. Insofar as we are worth anything, it is because we are grafted onto Christ’s life, his cross and resurrection. That is a person’s measure.
This is what we are about: We plant the seeds that one day will grow. We water seeds already planted, knowing that they hold future promise. [attributed to Archbishop Romero]
The transcendence that the church preaches is not alienation; it is not going to heaven to think about eternal life and forget about the problems on earth. It’s a transcendence from the human heart. It is entering into the reality of a child, of the poor, of those wearing rags, of the sick, of a hovel, of a shack. It is going to share with them. And from the very heart of misery, of this situation, to transcend it, to elevate it, to promote it, and to say to them, “You aren’t trash. You aren’t marginalized.” It is to say exactly the opposite, “You are valuable.”
There are not two categories of people. There are not some who were born to have everything and leave others with nothing and a majority that has nothing and can’t enjoy the happiness that God has created for all. God wants a Christian society, one in which we share the good things that God has given for all of us.
Here there is a challenge from Christ to the goodness of humankind. It is not enough to be good. It is not enough to not do evil. My Christianity is something more positive; it is not a negative. There are many who say, “But I don’t kill, I don’t steal, I don’t do anything bad to anyone.” That’s not enough. You are still lacking a great deal. It is not enough to be good.
There are many things that can only be seen through eyes that have cried.
Saint Turibius of Mogrovejo.
Christ said “I am the Truth”, He did not say “I am the custom”
Annunciation:
I am the handmaid of the Lord. Let is be done to me according to Your Word!
POPE FRANCIS:
I would also like to thank the journalists who put their lives at risk to provide information. Thank you, brothers and sisters, for this service that allows us to be close to the tragedy of that population and enables us to assess the cruelty of a war. #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 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.
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.
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. .
14/3/2022 Blanche Braganza Benowa
21/3/222 Coutinho Family Broadbeach
28/3/2022 Coutinho Family Broadbeach
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
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 -
Lenten Resources for Adults
Lenten Meditations for Married Couples 2022 (Marriage in Christ) 20 Minutes/Day! Prayers, conversation starters and tips for how to love your spouse.
NEW! Lent 2022: Season of Hope Weekly reflections, suggested journal prompts, discussion opportunities, and doable action steps (Immaculate Conception Catholic Parish, Jefferson City MO)
Forty Lenten Ideas (Janet Schaeffler, OP) Lent approaches each year, our minds turn to, “what will we do; what will we give up?” Instead of giving up, why not put something in ... something that will take hold and stay with us for the rest of our lives – since Lent is about change/conversion. Remember that real penance is to live life well: to be the mercy and peace of God toward others. Perhaps one or two of these ideas will be helpful.
Living Lent Daily - 40 Hours to Inspire Your Journey through Lent (Loyola Press) Each year, Lent is celebrated by millions of Catholics throughout the world. But what is truly at the heart of Lent, and how can each of us participate fully in this special season of the church year? Let Fr. James Martin, Fr. William Barry, best-selling author Vinita Hampton Wright, and many others lead you to a deeper appreciation of your faith through the Living Lent Daily series.
Lenten Reflections from Fr. Robert Barron (Word on Fire) Fr. Barron sends daily Lenten reflections right to your inbox.
Live Lent: Things to Do (Renew International)
Live Lent: A Forty-Day Challenge (Renew International)
USCCB Lent 2022 Resources (USCCB)
Lenten Stations of the Cross (USCCB)
Lent with the Saints: Do You Want to be a Saint?(Franciscan Media)
Meditation Stations on Jesus' Forgiveness (Renew International)
New! My Lenten Plan (Diocese of Des Moines) For Adults and Teens
Position Vacant – Parish Secretary - Alexandra Hills and Capalaba -
Applications are open for the above position at the Alexandra Hills Capalaba Parish. The position is part-time 18 hours a week over 3 days per week (Wed, Thurs & Fri) 8 am to 2.30 pm. The Parish Secretary will manage the parish administration along with the parish finances. For additional information, please visit the Archdiocese of Brisbane website https://brisbanecatholic.org.au/ and to careers. Applications close: 20 March 2022
Position Vacant – Pastoral Associate- Toowong
Applications are open for a position at the Toowong Catholic Parish. The position would involve coordination of the Sacramental Program and some special events such as Easter and Christmas which will from time to time involve availability outside normal work hours. This is a permanent part-time position working 20 hours per week which would include covering the Office on a Monday during work hours.
https://clientapps.jobadder.com/68451/aob-internal-career-opportunities/453534/pastoral-associate-toowong-parish - Application close: 23 March 2022
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.
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/
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.
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