PDF version of this parish newsletter here:
Also, you can access an online copy of the newsletter *here*
“Simon son of John, do you love me?”(John 21:16)
Shutterstock licensed image - Item ID: 1185533062 - Israel, Galilee, Shore of Kinneret lake in Capernaum, fishing village, mentioned in the New Testament as a meeting place of Jesus Christ and Saint Peter. - Contributor: - Alexander Chizhenok
Please note that our new parish number is (07) 56717388 (the old parish number 5572 5433 will still divert -hopefully- to the new number for about a year and then it will cease)
PASTOR’S POST. The Power of Effective Leadership
I never considered myself a leader while growing up. I was a great follower and good at making positive choices in high school and young adulthood. But when my adult life took me from swimming coaching to youth ministry, teaching, and then the Seminary, I learnt the truth more than once – we all have leadership in us, and we are all required to lead in some way. But what does this look like? That is the question. Jesus Christ was an effective leader. He had many followers and spent the last three years of His life leading people to God the Father. It is how He led that I find most intriguing. He came as a leader who led by serving, not by dominating and encouraging others to do the same. He led by saying that “Whoever wants to be first must be last of all and servant of all (Matthew 9:35).” Furthermore, Jesus led through being fully the person He was supposed to be. He was never interested in proving Himself or showing off, He simply did it and let His actions speak for themselves. Although He was tempted to prove His own importance. In Matthew 4 the devil tempted Jesus to change rocks into bread and prove his worth. However, Jesus knew that “we do not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God (Matthew 4:4). He knew that fulfilling the desire to prove something was a trap – to make it about His human self, rather than about God.
The biggest part of my leadership journey has not been considering what wonderful leadership qualities I have but has rather been discovering who I am and how others respond to me. It has been learning what gifts God has given me and how I use them to serve others that have been the biggest part of my journey to effective leadership. Henri J.M. Nouwen, in his book In the Name of Jesus, warns that our western society promotes finding our identities and relevance in our skills, abilities, and the things that we do. But there are times when these let us down, and we experience feelings of irrelevance because we do not have what it takes to fulfil a need in the given moment. I have been in moments where I do not have all the answers, or I feel inadequate. The temptation is there for me to prove my worth by either pretending that I have a skill I don’t, or that I am someone who I am not.
As I have discovered more of who I am, I have learnt to embrace my gentle self and relate to others as such. I also believe in embracing the gifts of those around me, so that we, together as one people, make the Church and the world everything that it is and can be. As a future leader of the Church, I hope to empower others to embrace the gift themselves and use this gift to serve others and help them to know that they matter. I have learnt that when we lead by embracing the gifts of others, we do not dominate, but rather, we empower. Others are no longer following us because of some title we have, but follow because we help them understand that they are needed. As a future priest, I pray that this is the sort of leadership I will demonstrate, and more importantly, that this is the type of leadership that we the Church as a whole can demonstrate by bringing all of who we are to a world that needs to know they are valued.
May you discover more of the gift of yourself in the coming week.
God bless,
Bradley Davies
Seminarian
http://www.stmichaels.qld.edu.au/Enrol/Pages/2022-Open-Day.aspx
First Saturday Mass at Sacred Heart 9 am 7th of May 2022.
Followed by Adoration and Benediction.
ADORATION NOTICE - FIRST FRIDAY ADORATION
Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament this First Friday 6th May at Sacred Heart Church from 7 pm to 8.30 pm. All are welcome. Enquiries: Helen 0421935678.
LOCAL SAINT VINCENT de PAUL CONFERENCE - HELP NEEDED!
Hello to our fellow Parishioners!
We are the Surfers Paradise Conference Members of the St Vincent de Paul Society. We call it our Conference because we meet to confer every month on how we can best help our Companions, who are doing it hard on this journey of life.
And we need your help. Not your money! (just for now) but your help!
You may not know, that SVDP was formed 189 years ago by a 19 yr old student in Paris, called Frederick Ozanam. He was challenged by the poverty and need he saw around him, and he called on his fellow students to appreciate their own privileges and to help those who needed a hand up.
So all these years later, in 153 countries all over the world, some 800,000 of us do what we can for our own Companions. When they call the Help Line, we go to visit them – previously in their homes, now in their driveways! We share food, whatever other resources we can, and lend a listening ear so that we can provide support or guidance. We’re about a Hand Up.
We need more people to come with us on our companion journeys. A couple of hours visiting, at a time to suit you, and a couple of hours in conference. It’s not hard work, it’s easy. But it needs a big heart and a loving soul.
We’ll be hosting an information night on May 31, at the Hospitality Centre at Clear Island Waters from 6.30 to 7.30 pm. So you can find out more, and discern whether it is a call for help that you can answer. No pressure. Well, not much!
If you are interested in finding out more, could you please call Catherine on 0419 221 916 or Craig on 0427 244 880. Thank you and bless you.
Surfers Paradise Catholic Ladies - Morning tea for Cancer on Tuesday the 3rd of May.
Surfers Paradise Catholic Ladies invite you to join them in a morning tea to raise funds for Cancer, on Tuesday, the 3rd of May 2022 from 10.00 am to 1.00 pm. Venue – “Hospitality Centre” Ticket $30 per person. Tables of 6 will be appreciated. Please phone Maxine Sela at 0421051193 or Wendy Webb, on 0412237832 to book your tickets by the 30th of April.
Our Lady of Fatima
Please come and join us at the Marian Valley for the feast of Our Lady of Fatima on 13.05.2022. The bus will be collecting people at 8.15 am at the Sacred Heart Church Clear Island Waters. The Cost for the bus is $22.00 return. You can secure your seat with your contact name and contact phone number with Xavier Solomon at 0404 843 260, Madeleine on 0405 252 367 or 5529 1573. All are welcome.
HOSPITAL CALLS - AROUND THE DEANERY
Robina Hospital - Burleigh Heads Parish on 5576 6466
Pindara Hospital - Surfers Paradise Parish 56717388
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
A VOCATION VIEW:
Let people know that Jesus has the solution. Cast your net on the other side of life. Listen to God's Son. And tell the world what you hear! 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.
IMAGE FROM ANZAC DAY MEMORIAL MASS - SACRED HEART 25TH APRIL 2022 - LEST WE FORGET!
STEWARDSHIP REFLECTION - Sunday of Divine Mercy
“…For his sake, I have accepted the loss of all things and I consider them so much rubbish, that I may gain Christ…“ (Philippians 3:8)
The first commandment says that we should not put other gods before the Lord. Sharing all of our gifts - our time in prayer, our talent in charitable works and our treasure to support the Church helps us keep God first in everything. It helps us from putting other gods before God. It helps us from becoming a slave to our possessions. It helps us to use our gifts for the glory of God and not for the glory of ourselves.
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: Ray Burton, Mary Jackson, Cathy Doyle, Vince Shanahan, Ilene Simpkins, Lucena Liwag, Claire Perera, Jayani Antony, Panfilo Bantugan, Sandii Wall, Hans Gringel, Kath Kiely, Joanne Mooney, Therese Mullins, Michael Connell, Zeb Deane, Miriam Hill, Amando A. Mirasol Jr., Gus Reeves, John & Molly Robinson, Laila Mikael, Jean Di Benedetto, 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, Milka Barac, Mary Ashton, Rodney & Norma McLennan, Lois & Doug Wood, Duncan Dawson, William Franklin, Maria Mihalic, Annie Scicluna, Anne Logan, Margaret 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: Fr Patrick Cassidy, Fr Ian Howells SJ, Louise Thompson, Balthazar van der Meer, Katrina Roberts, Kathleen Gabriel, Rosslyn Wallis, Jean Smith (from Sydney), Barbara Mary Robertson, Guiseppe Castellana, Judith Wisemantel, Prof. Errol John Maguire, Pat Delany (Sydney), Cynthia Ferdinands, Cynthia Maud Brennan, Patricia Brigid Flanagan, Kathleen Jane O’Doherty, Segindina Navarro, Lolita Pamorca, Noeline Patricia Sisam, Barry Edwards, Rita Quarelle, Colita Paghubasan, Rosita Marchetti, Francis Elton.
ANNIVERSARY OF DEATH: Greg Perkins, Desma Quirk, Beverly Ann Gooding, Leonard Gravener, Una Mary Parkinson, Bryan James Telfer, Salvatore Aprile, Clarice Edith East, Andrew Brown, Maria Del Carmen Olsen, Kevin Robert Ryan, Alberto Simonetti, Kevin Joseph William Ryan, Kath Ryan, Jeanette Margaret McCormack, Kevin McCormack, Brian James Ellsmore, Gloria Venera McMaster, Alfred Lawrence (Laurie) Cooper, Nola Rita Lawrence. And also: Christine Cardoza, Stan Ryan, Yvonne Holt, Ernest Foy, Peter Hunniford, Mary Thompson, Arthur Lloyd, Joseph Frank Robinson, (Son of Connie), Bernadette Mary Bennett, Joan Street, Vincent Hodge Snr (Grandfather of Fr Paul Kelly), Paul John Brennan, Michael Joseph Foy, Joan Maher, Salma El Jouni, Kevin Thomas Malone, Leo Barry Pearman, Giovanni Pascquale Marmina, Lyndon Fitzgibbon, Eileen Scharenguivel, Graziella Randazzo, Adam James Hewitt, Steven Chew.
GUISEPPE CASTELLANA (Rest in Peace)
If you worship at St Vincent's Church, 8 am Mass, you may have come across parishioner Guiseppe Castellana, who has passed away, and whose funeral was in Brisbane a few weeks ago. Guiseppe was a happy and friendly man who would play his flute and also his accordion on occasions after Mass and at other gatherings. May he now enjoy the eternal banquet feast and the singing and music of Heaven. God bless him eternally!
TAKE FIVE FOR FAITH: Crown thy good with brotherhood
Some of us are born into an abundance of siblings in our families, and some not. But all of us are gifted with sisters and brothers in the church. Today on Religious Brothers Day, we're reminded how “The vocation of the brother is part of the answer that God gives to the absence of brotherhood which is wounding the world today" (Identity and Mission of the Religious Brother in the Church). If you feel stirred to be a special kind of brother to those in need, consider casting your net in the direction of this unique vocation.
"Cast the net over the right side of the boat and you will find something." (John 21:1-19).
SIGN UP FOR "TAKE FIVE" DAILY - www.takefiveforfaith.com/subscribe
FOUND IN AN OLD COOKING BOOK: HOW TO MAKE A SCRIPTURE CAKE -
4.5 cups of I Kings 4th chapter 22nd verse.
4.5 cups of Judges 5th chapter 25th verse (latter sort)
2 cups of Jeremiah 6th chapter 20th verse
2 cups of I Samuel 30th chapter 12th verse (latter sort)
1 cup Numbers 17th chapter, 8th verse
2 cups Nahum 3rd chapter 12th verse
2 tablespoons of I Samuel 14th chapter 25th verse
Season to taste II Chronicles 9th chapter 9th verse
6 parts of Jeremiah 17th chapter 11th verse
a pinch of Leviticus 2nd chapter 13th verse
0.5 cup of Judges 4th chapter 19th verse (latter sort)
2 teaspoonfuls of Amos 4th chapter 5th verse;
Beat well, and you will make a good cake.
Method:
Cream butter and sugar. Beat in eggs one at a time. Beat in honey. Fold in half the flour mixture (flour, baking powder, salt, spice). Add chopped fruit and almonds. Finally, add the remainder of the flour. Cook half the mixture in a 9" round cake tin lined with 2 thicknesses of brown paper and one greaseproof paper. Heat oven to 177 degrees Celsius (electric). Put the cake in the middle of the oven. Reduce heat immediately to 163 degrees C, for half an hour. Put a brown paper bag on top and reduce heat to 148 degrees C for 1 hour.
See later in this newsletter for some clearer answers!
(note: photo not necessarily illustrative of the final result - used for editorial purposes only)
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.
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.
Three primary school-age children are currently preparing for Baptism. Although their personal stories vary, each of the children has asked their parents to organise their initiation into our Catholic Faith. Each child has asked to develop their relationship with God by learning more about God’s love and forgiveness. Their parents are delighted to be in a position to support their children as they start this journey. For our part, may we keep these children and their families in our prayers, especially throughout the upcoming Easter Season?
Sacrament of PENANCE -
If you missed this opportunity for your child to celebrate their First Reconciliation, we hope to be able to offer another opportunity later this year - With a date to be confirmed through this newsletter.
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 -
-To listen to the whole Sunday Mass each week (including homily) from Surfers Paradise Catholic Parish, including the Easter Mass - please visit this link:
Liturgy for you at Home (by SPCP) - https:- soundcloud.com/user-633212303/tracks.
The apostles quickly return to the activity that they know best, and which gives them the comfort of familiarity: fishing. But, although they are out all night, they again prove to be totally unsuccessful. Again, Jesus, (albeit unrecognised at first), asks the disciples to follow his instructions and this results in a massive catch of fish. The disciples then RECOGNISE that this is Jesus and they rush to greet him.
It is a reminder to the disciples, and to us, that our success depends entirely upon following the instructions and guidance of the Lord. Without the guidance and direction of Jesus, all our efforts could be misguided (no matter how well-intended). It is Jesus who gives success and fruitfulness to the work of our hands.
Jesus does another wonderful thing in this gospel scene. He restored Peter fully to good standing. Peter did a really shocking thing. When it came to the crunch, he let Jesus down and denied that he even knew him, not once but THREE times…. And Peter knew all too well, the terrible remorse of this denial. Peter meant well. When he had told Jesus at the last supper, "I will not abandon you, I will die for you" he meant it. But in the fear of the moment, knowing the real dangers, he lost his nerve and he chose self-preservation and denial, but very soon after this mistake, he regretted it bitterly.
This scene is one of those wonderful examples of just how different God's ways are from human ways. Jesus, thank goodness, shows us God's infinite kindness, compassion, understanding and forgiveness…
Jesus doesn't reject Peter, and nor does he chide him for what really was a gross lapse in support of our Lord. Rather, Jesus knows Peter and his heart. He already KNOWS that Peter does love him and wants to follow him. He knows that Peter's loyalty is really very strong, and so he gives him this beautiful and moving, and deeply emotional opportunity to reverse his denials and profess his love and support for him.
Jesus gives him (for Peter's sake, not for Our Lord's sake) THREE opportunities to say "I love and believe and follow the Lord" which is as many times as he had denied Christ on the night before the crucifixion. Jesus, in his mercy, gives Peter the perfect opportunity to declare his unswerving support and reminds him that he will suffer for this dedication and eventually he WILL be martyred for his following of Jesus. Next time, Peter will not fail to declare and support Our Lord and show his leadership. Jesus entrusts the care of his beloved people to Peter's care and dedication.
It certainly makes you think; if we were to do things the human way, then the best leader for the group of disciples would hardly have been a man who denied Christ three times when he needed him most. Nor would we have probably appointed as a worthy leader St Paul, who started out his career persecuting and arresting and approving of the execution of anyone who followed Jesus. If we were looking around for people to lead and care for God's people and only used human standards, these people, and many others, would have been written off as failed, weak or unreliable. However, God does not think as we think. God sees into the human heart. God sees what we are capable of and God knows that we need forgiveness and a new start in order not to be stuck in our old ways…. God knows that mercy and trust help to set people back on the right path and to do the things God calls them to do….. things that they would never be able to fulfil if we hold everyone to their past faults and always make sure people live in the past and can never have a new start… can never be given a chance to be what that ought to be….
Thank goodness that these people are the leaders of the early church… it gives us a new and wonderful way of seeing things… and it is so liberating and positive!… We all have new chances, new opportunities… and we have a God who loves us, understands us and doesn't want to leave us stuck in our past mistakes… but helps us to begin again, and walk humbly with his guidance and direction……
Let us thank God for this and trust in his guidance to put us back on his right path and keep us there…..
-To listen to the whole Sunday Mass each week (including homily) from Surfers Paradise Catholic Parish, please visit this link: Liturgy for you at Home (by SPCP) - https:- soundcloud.com/user-633212303/tracks.
(Reference: Fr Paul W. Kelly)
[Image: Shutterstock licensed Item ID: 188307938 - VATICAN CITY - SEPTEMBER 21: The Great Catch of Fish mosaic in the St. Peter's Basilica on September 21, 2013 - Vatican City, Italy. - Contributor: Luis Santosl]
St Athanasius:
“The Self-revealing of the Word is in every dimension - above, in creation; below, in the Incarnation; in the depth, in Hades; in the breadth, throughout the world. All things have been filled with the knowledge of God.”
“God became human so that humans might become divine.”
“Christians, instead of arming themselves with swords, extend their hands in prayer.”
“Even on the cross He did not hide from sight; rather, He made all creation witness to the presence of its Maker.”
“You cannot put straight in others what is warped in yourself.”
“Jesus that I know as my Redeemer cannot be less than God”
“For God is good - or rather, of all goodness, He is the Fountainhead.”
“In ancient times before the divine sojourn of the Saviour took place, even the saint’s death was terrible; all wept for the dead as though they perished. But now that the Saviour has raised His body, death is no longer terrible; for all who believe in Christ trample on it as if it were nothing and choose rather die than deny their faith in Christ. And that devil that once maliciously exulted in death, now that its pains were loosened, remained the only one truly dead.”
“The Lord did not come to make a display. He came to heal and teach suffering men. For one who wanted to make a display, the thing would have been just to appear and dazzle the beholders. But for Him Who came to heal and to teach the way was not merely to dwell here, but to put Himself at the disposal of those who needed Him, and to be manifested according to as they could bear it, not vitiating the value of the Divine appearing by exceeding their capacity to receive it.”
“For the Lord touched all parts of creation, and freed and undeceived them all from every deceit.”
“For no part of Creation is left void of him: he has filled all things everywhere...”
“Let us remember the poor, and not forget kindness to strangers; above all, let us love God with all our soul, and might, and strength, and our neighbour as ourselves.”
“While [the Arians], like men sprung from a dunghill, truly "spoke from the earth" [Jn. 3:31], the bishops [of Nicea], not having invented their phrases for themselves, but having testimony from their Fathers, wrote as they did. For ancient bishops, of the great Rome and our city [i.e., Alexandria, Egypt, where Athanasius was bishop], some 130 years ago, wrote and censured those who said that the Son was a creature and not consubstantial with the Father.”
St Philip and St James (Apostles)
Philip and James were both apostles, and both served Christ faithfully during the very early days of the Church.
Philip seems to have been an enthusiastic person. He was the one who brought his friend Nathanael to Jesus, insisting to Nathanael that he had found the person about whom Moses had written. Some years later it was Philip who made arrangements, with the help of Andrew, to have a group of Greek Gentiles brought to Jesus. Philip the apostle is not to be confused with the deacon Philip of Acts 8, who preached in Samaria and baptised the Ethiopian, although some writers say that they are the same person. Philip also had a practical, down-to-earth mind. He was the apostle who commented that it would take a considerable amount of money to feed a crowd of more than 5,000 hungry men, women, and children. It was Philip who asked to see the Father when Jesus spoke about him at the Last Supper.
James was the son of Alphaeus and seems to have been born in Caesarea. He is mentioned less frequently in the New Testament than Philip is. Sometimes James is called the Less, which might be a hint that he was a short person or else that he was younger than the other apostle named James.
After Jesus’ death, James continued to preach the Gospel and is believed to have become the first bishop of Jerusalem. Assuming that James and the first bishop of Jerusalem are one and the same person, then he met his death as a martyr in that city about the year a.d. 62. Tradition identifies James as the author of the epistle associated with his name.
POPE FRANCIS: A true educator accompanies, listens and dialogues
To educate is not "to fill one's head with ideas," because "automatons" are formed, but to walk together with people in a "tension between risk and security." This is what Pope Francis said in an impromptu speech - after handing over his prepared words - to a delegation of the "Global Researchers Advancing Catholic Education Project" (GRACE), a new international research project promoted by volunteers with the aim of promoting the values of Catholic education in respect of identity and dialogue. The meeting took place in the atrium of the Paul VI Hall before the general audience.
The right to make mistakes
Pope Francis asked primary, secondary, and university teachers to support students in their educational journey. "You cannot educate," he added, "without walking together with the people you are educating. It is beautiful when you find educators who walk together with boys and girls." The Pope remarked that "to educate is not to say purely rhetorical things; to educate is to make what is said meet reality. Girls and boys have the right to make mistakes, but the educator accompanies them on the path to direct these mistakes so that they are not dangerous." The true educator," continued Pope Francis, "is never frightened by mistakes, no: he accompanies, takes them by the hand, listens, and dialogues. He does not get frightened and waits. This is human education: to educate 'is this bringing forward and promoting growth, helping to grow.’"
Educating in the tradition that is dynamic
The GRACE delegation, through a spokesperson, opened a dialogue with Pope Francis and explained to him that the aim of the project is precisely that of educating not only by transmitting knowledge but also by giving space to the spiritual and pastoral sphere and to what the elderly can pass on to the young. The Pope emphasised that "dialogue between young people and the elderly is important [...] because, in order to grow, the tree needs a close relationship with its roots." He then recounted: "There is a poet from my land who says a beautiful thing: 'Everything that the tree has in bloom, comes from what it has under the ground'. Without roots, we cannot go forward. Only with roots do we become people." Pope Francis, therefore, said no to cold and rigid traditionalism, reiterating that true tradition is "taking from the past to go forward. Tradition is not static: it is dynamic, tending to go forward.
(Source: Tiziana Campisi - Vatican City - Vatican News https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2022-04/pope-francis-a-true-educator-accompanies-listens-and-dialogues.html )
(Image Credit: Pope Francis with a delegation of the Global Researchers Advancing Catholic Education Project before Wednesday's General Audience (Vatican Media) https://www.vaticannews.va/content/dam/vaticannews/agenzie/images/srv/2022/04/20/2022-04-20-delegazione-del-global-researchers-advancing-catholic/1650438807714.JPG/_jcr_content/renditions/cq5dam.thumbnail.cropped.750.422.jpeg )
RELIGIOUS GOODS SHOPS
Inside the May edition of The Catholic Leader, fantastic monthly reading for only $4
Pope Francis urges all to pray for peace in the Ukraine.
School donates $10,000 to Vinnies flood appeal
Bishops call for a ‘better kind of politics’ in Australia
Centacare opens new Gold Coast family help hub
May the month of Mary
A list of Prayer apps, something for everyone
Praying the Rosary - Our Lady’s Statue in the Parish
Details of the Statue of Our Lady of Lourdes which is going around the Parish. If you would like to have her in your home and say the Rosary. The statue can be picked up from the Parish office on a Monday:
Please contact Maxine or Pat on 0412 519 404
The Roster for the next few weeks:
2/5/2022 Maxine & Pat Sela Main Beach
9/5/2022 Maxine & Pat Sela Main Beach
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.
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 is necessary. All are welcome.
For more information and to enrol, Please phone: Cheryl 5538 8821 or Mob 0417 772 701
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
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.
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
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Revised Scripture Cake: (modern-day answers)
4.5 cups plain wholemeal flour
12 ozs. butter
2 cups sugar
2 cups raisins
1 cup almonds (flaked and chopped)
2 x 8 ozs. Packs of figs
2 tablespoons honey
season to taste with spice (1 tablespoon)
6 eggs
A pinch of salt
0.5 of a cup of milk
2 teaspoons baking powder
Method:
Cream butter and sugar. Beat in eggs one at a time. Beat in honey. Fold in half the flour mixture (flour, baking powder, salt, spice). Add chopped fruit and almonds. Finally, add the remainder of the flour. Cook half the mixture in a 9" (230mm) round cake tin lined with 2 thicknesses of brown paper and one of greaseproof paper. Heat oven to 177 degrees Celsius (electric). Put the cake in the middle of the oven. Reduce heat immediately to 163 degrees C, for half an hour. Put a brown paper bag on top and reduce heat to 148 degrees C for 1 hour.
Tbc
ALL MINISTRY IS SERVICE AND SELF-GIVING
Liturgy is the centre of christian life for the Church. It constitutes the vital means whereby the faithful would express in their lives and manifest to others the mystery of Christ. It is at the heart of all parish life, making all those participating in this area through a ministry (Eucharistic Ministers, Music (choirs/organist), Lectors, Altar Servers, Ushers) their higher priority. For this reason all those involved in this area should not consider their contribution a mere service or help but the highest contribution in.
“For the liturgy, "through which the work of our redemption is accomplished," [1] most of all in the divine sacrifice of the Eucharist, is the outstanding means whereby the faithful may express in their lives, and manifest to others, the mystery of Christ and the real nature of the true Church.” Sacrosanctum Concilium 2
Each one of those ministries should be considered not a privileged position or status of authority in the community. Every individual participation serves and helps the community to celebrate more vividly the sacraments that nurture not only our Christian life but our daily life too.
The primary role of this group is to focus on the full range of the parish's liturgical life and to represent the consensus of the community in matters related to that liturgical life. It has the mandate to ensure that celebrations are planned in such a way that they lead to a conscious, active and full participation of the faithful both in body and in mind. Due to the size of our community, and people involved in more than one ministry, they are called to assume as well the responsibility for the detailed planning of each celebration, such as choice of music, assignment of ministries, etc. Please, keep in mind that this area should be integrated by those who are directly involved on a weekly basis in liturgical ministries and parishioners who are not involved in any particular liturgical ministry as much as possible. In a few words, their members should always focus on celebrating exceptionally well those elements in our liturgy that do not change from celebration to celebration: Welcome, Word, Eucharist.
Because the liturgical celebrations should be always understood as a connection with the celebration of our faith and our daily day events, full and conscious participation in the liturgy, as a community and as individuals, would help us to keep the sense of the meaning of life. “Liturgy seems to be a reality, that is stable, something that happens according to fixed rules, by which it maintains its form. It is enclosed in sacred space, in a church or chapel as a place of celebration of the faith.”8 As a place of celebration of life, peace, love, forgiveness…. all together at the same time… A place of celebration of the Kingdom of God. In this way, the connection between Mission and Liturgy can be more evident if we consider that “mission is reaching out. This is why there is a certain tension between these two dimensions; on the one side the intimate space of God’s presence, the communal life, which is necessary for the life of faith; on the other side reaching out.[…] Nevertheless, liturgy has its own dynamic dimensions, the reality of God’s love that has to be lived and expressed.”
(References: 8 Liturgy and Mission, Slavko Krajnc, http://www.teof.uni-lj.si/uploads/File/BV/BV_2014_03/BV_03_2014_08_slavko_krajnc.pdf ) [SEE ALSO https://www.olhcchinchilla.org/liturgy.html ]
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.
(see further : The Kombumerri People)
Commitment To Child Safety and Vulnerable-Adult Safety
