PDF version of this parish newsletter here:
Also, you can access an online copy of the newsletter *here*
“At the name of Jesus, every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth”
(Philippians 2:10)
Shutterstock Licensed Item ID: Set for Christianity holy week before easter, Lent and Palm or Passion Sunday, Good Friday crucifixion of Jesus and his death, Stations of Cross, God Last Supper Crown of thorns vector illustration. Contributor: AnutaBerg
PASTOR’S POST. A Word from the Wise
Last week I had the privilege of being the Master of Ceremonies for the Assembly of Catholic Professionals luncheon in Brisbane. ACP holds these events several times a year, when Catholics who have excelled in various public arenas, speak with those gathered about how their faith and values have had an influence on their chosen fields. It’s an excellent forum for networking and reminding those present that faith and modern life and commerce are not disconnected. Such fields of interest have included art, theatre, business, medicine, education, and at one time they even had the Vatican astronomer, Brother Guy J. Consolmagno, SJ, deliver a captivating address on the relationship between the universe and religion. I’m still thinking about how he opened to those present such a wonderful world view.
Last week General Sir Peter Cosgrove, the former head of the Australian Armed Forces and also the former Governor General, amongst many other significant roles, presented a riveting address on where his humble Catholic beginnings have carried him through some incredible national and international responsibilities. At the end of his presentation, I got to ask him a few questions about his observations and suggestions on some topical concerns. What follows are his (recorded) responses to two of the questions:
Q: What are your thoughts on the invasion of Ukraine and understanding the mind of Putin?
A: What has been interesting is the response of the rest of the world less a few very significant nations and that is the sanctions. These have not been tried to this extent before. To me there are shades of 1938/39 in that the predator and the predator’s mates and the predated upon nations, if you like the incremental rise of authoritarian actions against peaceful states, and this looks like 38/39. History sometimes repeats itself, so understanding the principal characters, but I believe deterrents are equally important, but as a military soldier, I think military force should be the last cab off the rank. Let’s see first if we can achieve the desired result, which is the reparation of peace and stability in the Ukraine, through these very powerful sanctions. But I’ll tell you what, if I was sitting in Poland or any of the other nearby nations, I would be looking first and foremost at our military preparedness to protect our sovereign territory, because if we were having this discussion today in Warsaw it would be totally difference scenario. They would be examining every rifle, every tank and every military unit to see if they were prepared to defend their own commonwealth.
Q: How can we bring more young people into the Church?
A: If we could discover the answer to that as a pathway, the Catholic Church would be the richest instruction of the world because every stream of what we might call traditional belief or activity is being forced through the prism of the information age. It is interesting to note that Catholicism remains extraordinarily vibrant in parts of the world that are not being bombarded endlessly with information opportunities, distractions that attach to information age. I think what we need is a discipline or, if you like, an exploitation by the church, of the realities of the information age. I’m not saying Mass by Zoom, but I’ve done enough Zoom meetings that I probably need to go to Mass more often. The information age to me is such a determinate of the current age. even in the military, which has not just an ethos, but laws governing day to day conduct, and has had to adapt mightily to the intrusion of the information age. For example, in days gone by when soldiers would return from an event where people were killed, blown up, they would gather and de-stress them in some way. These days troops can get on the phone and within five minutes call home and say “Guess what? Bill Smith just got blown up outside” and nobody can do anything about it. That is an issue that the military has had to confront and it is difficult to deal with it. You cannot get the toothpaste back into that tube, so we just have to adapt and use the information age to the way we enlist and retain young Australians to propagate the faith.
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
(at Sacred Heart we will walk the Church grounds as we reflect and follow Jesus on His way to the Cross)
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.
Altar servers are needed for all Easter ceremonies, and also all Sunday Masses! We would love to train you or your children. If you can assist with this important ministry, please contact seminarian, Bradley, on the parish email: surfers@bne.catholic.net.au
A LENTEN PENITENTIAL SERVICE - (For you at home) 2022
In preparation for Holy Week and Easter, we have been doing acts of penance, prayer and good works so that we may celebrate the joy Christ's victory at Easter, with minds and hearts made pure. The following is a link to our online celebration of a special penitential service, which is an act of perfect contrition for all our sins. Christ hears the voice of the repentant sinner, and so we trust in his abundant mercy. Please visit this link: https://homilycatholic.blogspot.com/2022/04/a-lenten-penitential-service-for-you-at.html
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 13.04.2022 and on 24.04.2022 for Divine Mercy Sunday on this day Holy Hour at 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 at 0404 843 260, Madeleine on 0405 252 367 or 5529 1573. All are welcome.
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).
Audio-Visual presentation of the Stations of the Cross.
(From Surfers Paradise Parishioners).
The Audio-Visual presentation of the Stations of the Cross, (From Surfers Paradise Parishioners), is now available via the very accessible Youtube.
Here is the Link: https://youtu.be/E31C7_HePt8
PROJECT COMPASSION FOR LENT
Although the Solomon Islands has largely avoided the worst of COVID-19, the economic impacts on tourism will continue to significantly impact the country for the immediate future. However, Shaniella is confident that she is well-positioned to take her place in the hospitality industry, when the country opens up to international visitors.
“I would like to thank you for your continued support for the school and community when they were in need,” says Shaniella.
With your generous support, we’re able to help young people in the Solomon Islands to build bright futures for themselves - and for future generations.
Along with your generous support, this program is supported by the Australian Government, through the Australian Humanitarian Partnership (AHP).
With your generosity, Caritas Australia has been able to help millions of vulnerable people around the world, through its annual Project Compassion appeal. Thanks to you, people like Thandolwayo in Zimbabwe, Halima in Bangladesh and Shirley in the Philippines have received the support that they need to face the challenges of today and build a better tomorrow, for all future generations.
We first met Thandolwayo in 2019. Now 14 years old, she continues to thrive, with enough accessible food and water to sustain her community, allowing her to concentrate on her studies. In Bangladesh, Halima’s training in hygiene and sanitation has enabled her to help her community to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in the Cox’s Bazar refugee camp. While Shirley from Project Compassion 2020, is today on the healthcare frontline, providing care and leadership to the Manide Indigenous community, throughout successive waves of the pandemic.
In this last week of Project Compassion 2022, we’d like to share updates on some of the people that you have helped to flourish.
Every day, more than 200 million children miss out on school , around 690 million people go hungry and 2.2 billion people cannot access clean drinking water . In recent years, COVID-19 has also devastated vulnerable communities already living in poverty, with the health and economic impacts to reverberate for years to come.
Through your support for Project Compassion, Caritas Australia has been able to support vulnerable communities around the world to tackle poverty, food security, education, water and sanitation and disaster risk reduction - people like 12-year-old, Thandolwayo, who featured in Project Compassion 2019.
Life wasn’t easy for Thandolwayo, living with her grandparents in a village in north-western Zimbabwe. Every morning she would walk seven kilometres and risk being attacked by crocodiles, as she collected clean water for her family. Exhausted, she’d then start her day at school. Her dreams of studying to become a nurse seemed almost impossible.
With your generous support, Caritas Australia’s partner, Caritas Hwange helped the community to install two solar-powered pumps and two 10,000 litre water storage tanks. Thandolwayo could then bathe every day, wash dishes and clothes regularly, with clean drinking water available for the entire community. She could also concentrate on her studies, instead of spending hours a day collecting water.
Back in 2019, plans were also underway to establish a community garden and fishpond, to generate an income to assist with students’ school fees. There were also hopes that the new, reliable water source would draw more families back to the village.
Now 14-years-old, Thandolwayo, lives with her aunt during the term and visits her grandmother in the school holidays. Although schools have been closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Thandolwayo is excelling at school, particularly in English and Maths.
The fishpond is up and running and her family’s income has improved, as her grandmother is able to sell fish, in addition to millet and chickens. The garden is also providing the community with more vegetables and Thandolwayo is able to eat three nutritious meals a day.
“We are keeping and selling fish to traders from outside the village. In addition, we are consuming fish. Some of the income from the sale of fish goes towards paying school fees,” Thandolwayo says.
Thanks to your generous support for the Zimbabwe Integrated Community Development program:
• Incomes have increased, generated by the sale of fish; nutrition and food security have also improved
• Improved water supply has brought 11 families back to the village, and has attracted better qualified teachers to the village. There are now six teachers, instead of two, at the primary school
• School attendance has improved by 20% in 2019-2020, along with improved pass rates
• Waterborne diseases have decreased significantly
The program has now also expanded to four other communities. Your support is helping vulnerable people both now - and for future generations.
For Halima, a Rohingya refugee, living in the world’s largest refugee camp in Bangladesh, the past year since she featured in Project Compassion 2021, has been particularly tough.
She is caring for her two young children in the Cox’s Bazar refugee camp, as well as for her mother who has a disability. Widowed at just 21, she fled escalating violence in Myanmar’s Rakhine State in 2017, arriving at the camp with nothing.
With your support, Caritas Australia, through its partner, Caritas Bangladesh, provided Halima with shelter and cooking equipment. She also participated in a water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) program, before becoming a community trainer herself – skills that became all the more invaluable when the COVID-19 pandemic hit.
Halima is earning an income from her training role which enables her family to be more independent. She’s also helping the community to prevent the spread of COVID-19, as best they can in the crowded conditions with limited access to water, soap and masks.
“We are now at peace with happiness. Even in the case of the coronavirus, by the will of God, we work in Caritas and through this, we can train others in this matter and survive ourselves,” Halima says. “As a result of our training, the people around us have become aware of COVID-19 and are keeping clean and safe.”
During the pandemic, her children have been unable to go to school, to play, or walk around their community. She hopes that they will be able to continue with their studies and their lives in the near future.
Meanwhile, Shirley, a Manide indigenous health worker in the Philippines who featured in Project Compassion 2020, has been able to lead her community through the COVID-19 pandemic in the remote Camarines Norte province.
The mother of four children under 17, she was struggling to support her family on her own, as her husband was unwell. She used to collect materials from the forests to make slippers out of dried banana bark “abaca” to sell.
With your generous support, through Caritas Australia’s local partner, the Socio Pastoral Action Center Foundation of Daet, Inc. (SPACFI), Shirley trained to become an indigenous health worker and learnt to supplement her income by growing vegetables. The Sustainable Income-Generating Activity- Integrated Community Development program for the Manide also helped with her children’s school fees, uniforms and supplies.
Shirley has taken over her father’s role as tribal chieftain and has been able to represent her community’s rights and to tackle discrimination faced by indigenous minorities.
However, her community has faced significant challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic, including various lockdowns and curfews.
“My life has been sad because I cannot visit my relatives and we cannot do our normal activities,” Shirley says. “But the pandemic taught us to become strong, prayerful and it enhanced our families’ relationships. My tribe and families have stayed in the forest and plant root crops to survive. In this way we were free from any transmission of COVID 19.”
“Because of the trainings conducted by the project, we became aware of COVID-19 and what to do. Aside from the training, we were provided by SPACFI with the COVID kits for the family, which we used to prevent any transmissions of the virus.”
Shirley continues her work with the Caritas Australia and SPACFI-supported program, as a trainer, passing on her skills to other Manide community members.
With your kind support:
• 225 families have increased their incomes by 5% by improving crop yield and diversifying income-generating activities
• 80 families have access to organic fertiliser or vermiculture
• 165 people attended small business training
• 70 people participated in leadership training
• 22 local communities trained in disaster preparedness
• 21 culturally-appropriate Pausad houses built for families affected by Typhoon Goni
Shirley’s eldest son is now 19 years old and her youngest 8 years old. They are all studying, even though it has been through distance learning (modular), during COVID-19.
“I hope that my children finish their studies and have stable jobs. Likewise, to have Pausad houses provided to my fellow Manide,” Shirley says.
Not only has Shirley improved her own life, she is leading her community to create change for future generations.
It’s through the generous support of people like you, even amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, that we are able to continue to help people like Thandolwayo, Halima and Shirley – support that is needed now more than ever. Over 1,200 schools and 1000 parishes in Australia supported Project Compassion over the past year alone.
Thank you for your continued support for Project Compassion – past, present and future. Together we can help vulnerable communities face their challenges today and build a better tomorrow For All Future Generations.
Along with your generous support, these programs are supported by the Australian Government, through the Australian Humanitarian Partnership and the Australian NGO Cooperation Program (ANCP).
Project Compassion - Intercession for Lent - We pray for a renewal of our faith in Holy Week. Through works such as Project Compassion, to walk alongside our brothers and sisters towards the new life of Easter.
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.
HISPANIC COMMUNITY:
The Hispanic community invites everyone to a special Mass celebrating PALM SUNDAY OF THE PASSION OF THE LORD at St Vincent’s Church this Sunday evening starting at 5:30pm.
The regular third Sunday of the month Mass will be celebrated on Easter Sunday at 5:30pm, all welcome.
A VOCATION VIEW:
Palm Sunday - C. Jesus comes into your life, grab something and wave it. Show your joy, your happiness; your dream is fulfilled. Tell others: Jesus is here!
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
“…I tell you, Peter before the cock crows this day, you will deny three times that you know me.” - (Luke 22:34)
How many times have you heard someone make a disparaging comment about God or our Catholic faith? How did you react? Do you remain quiet not to cause a disturbance? Or, because you don’t want people to think negatively about you? Or, because you don’t think you know enough about the Catholic faith? Pray for the courage to speak up and enter into a respectful dialogue when the opportunity arises. Joyfully share your faith with others. 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, 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, 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, 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: John Richard Morgan, 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, 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: Eileen Scharenguivel, Annunziata Posa, and Francesco Posa, Dorothy and Ray Mullen, Jaiden Glen Brooks, John (Jakes) Rennie, Norma Weise, Helen Wood, Claire Irene Keefe, Gregory Kelly, Raymond Alexander (Ray) Gardiner, Elizabeth Anne Fredericks, Shane Mcloughlan, Wilhelm Ciszewski, Kath McMonagle, Victor Boctor, Leonard Gregory Toner, Rosanne Cruz Bridge, Josephine Shaw, Barbara Claire (Barbie) White, Catherine Smyth. And also Cecilia Teresa White, Pope Saint John Paul II, Annette Bryant, Beau Abraham Massey, Miriam Zarb, Betty Lorraine Egan, Olimpia Percuoco, Jocelyn Cassels, Darko Janzekovic, Graham Paul Whitehead Smith, Therese Mary Clift, Ramon (Baby) Solatan, Fr Romo Servatius Subhaga Svd, Justin Paul Fitzgerald, Thomas (Tommy) Raudonikis , Mendoza, Nympha Reponia, Susan Ruth O'Gorman, Earl Brierty, Tibor & Vera Endrody, John Richard Morgan, Brian Raymond Lloyd, Kaye Diane Blake, Ray Hutchinson.
MOOGERAH PASSION PLAY 2022
The Moogerah Passion Play Association is preparing for its 2022 Season of the Moogerah Passion Play and we would absolutely love to see you and your congregation at one of our performances this year.
Performance dates are April 9th, 10th, 15th & 16th with shows kicking off at 5pm and gates opening at 4pm. Entry is free with food and drinks available for purchase.
Our performances, as you may be aware, tell the Story of Jesus Christ, his birth, death and resurrection. This is performed live on an outdoor stage on the shore of the beautiful Lake Moogerah in the Scenic Rim.
Our shows are viewed by hundreds year to year and we would love to make this year bigger and better than the last by having you and your congregation attend. I have also attached a pamphlet for you to share if you wish.
For more information head to our website https://moogerahpassionplay.org.au/ or our Facebook and Instagram Pages.
We hope to see you there!
TAKE FIVE FOR FAITH: Revealing companions
Today the church follows Luke's narrative of the Passion, where participants are revealed by the company they keep—or avoid. Most of Jesus' followers flee his side, fearing to share their teacher's fate. Meanwhile, the Roman governor Pilate makes a strange alliance with local puppet-king Herod, a man he despises. Both agree on one thing: Holding onto power is their highest priority. Then Simon, a Jew from the African dispersion, finds himself forced to carry Jesus' cross: something the disciples were terrified of doing. Tradition holds this Cyrenian and his family later joined the early church. Whose company are we keeping?
“As they led him away they took hold of a certain Simon, a Cyrenian . . . laying the cross on him.” (Luke 22:14—23:56).
Holy Saturday, prior to the evening Vigil, is observed without ceremony of any kind. The Easter Vigil does not start until the sun goes down. Before the kindling of the Easter fire, Holy Saturday remains a blank spot in the church’s calendar signifying the real death of Jesus. Perhaps it is a good time to visit your church and experience our lifeless Lord. If you get there before the hubbub of Easter preparation begins, you can keep vigil in the quietude of a church reflecting on its beloved Christ, crucified.
“Are you unaware that we who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death?” Romans 6:3-11. 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.
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 - Reconciliation 2022
Last Thursday evening, we celebrated the Sacrament of Penance with sixty children, their parents, family members, Fr Warren, Fr John, Fr Stephen and our Parish Priest, Fr Peter - Thank you to all. Each priest commented that they found the children to be well prepared to open their hearts to God’s love and forgiveness. The Holy Spirit was truly among us and the sense of blessing and grace was a gift shared by each person present. Proudly holding their certificates in the picture below are: Ivy, Maeve, Zara and Lucinda
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 - 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 - “I come among you as one who serves!”
* humility, self-emptying service, and sacrifice vs pride and self-serving-self-interest
* service and leadership by becoming one with, joining in, not being above or beyond.
* Luke's passion account - Jesus healed and forgave, he submitted himself humbly, and suffered for this, and we carry on his name and his work of healing and forgiving.
++++
During this coming week, it would be wonderful to take the long version of Luke's Gospel and read through it prayerfully and reflectively. There is a lot of richness in this most important text.
Something really strikes me about Luke's Passion account that we have just listened to this weekend….
The enemies of Jesus are liars. They hated his message of love, forgiveness, and inclusion and spent all their time trying to trap Jesus and find something against him. In the end, they could find nothing wrong… so… did they give up? No, they just made up accusations… the things they accuse Jesus of in Luke's Gospel are lies…. Jesus was inciting revolt? No, he wasn't ! he was seeking to avoid it. Opposing payment to Caesar, no he didn't! He was rightfully claiming to be the Christ… but to say he was setting himself up as an earthly King to overthrow the earthly leader of this region.. was a distortion, to make Jesus appear like a criminal and a rebel… They were lying through their teeth to convict Jesus,.. but even Pilate, the arbiter of earthly law says… he is not guilty. Roman Law, the secular law of the land, had all the limitations of human law, but even this imperfect legal system found him NOT GUILTY.
When people bring Jesus to the Jewish King Herod, he is completely self-absorbed… he doesn't even listen to what they are saying… he just wants to meet Jesus and get him to do a miracle… it's a shocking sign of leadership that is out of touch, self-serving, and that doesn't even know what the issues are…. King Herod is deserving of the rebuff he receives, when, to his utter amazement, Our Lord replies to his question not one word! He says absolutely nothing in reply to Herod's questions.
Jesus came to forgive, include and welcome… and he is repaid in rejection, dishonesty, and hatred…. He showed the absolute depth of his love by sacrificing everything for us… and this has saved us. We give thanks for Jesus' life and saving death.. and we keep vigil this week as we enter the holiest week of the Church's year… A journey through suffering love… self-forgetting service of others ... true and inspiring leadership......A leadership of love, that goes through death to newness of life…
-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 Credit: Shutterstock Licensed. Item ID 151338560 - JERUSALEM - MARCH 24 Palestinian and international Christian pilgrims enter the Lions' Gate of the Old City of Jerusalem in the annual Palm Sunday procession, March 24, 2013. Contributor Ryan Rodrick Beiler]
“The Cross is the way of Paradise, but only when it’s borne willingly.” – St. Paul of the Cross. 1694–1775. Founder of the Passionists.
“While the world changes, the Cross stands firm.” – St. Bruno
“The Divine Heart is an ocean full of all good things, wherein poor souls can cast all their needs; it is an ocean full of joy to drown all our sorrows, an ocean of humility to drown our folly, an ocean of mercy to those in distress, an ocean of love in which to submerge our poverty.” – St. Margaret Mary
“He will provide the way and the means, such as you could never have imagined. Leave it all to Him, let go of yourself. Lose yourself on the Cross, and you will find yourself entirely.” – St. Catherine of Siena
“What does Jesus Christ do in the Eucharist? It is God, who, as our savior, offers himself each day for us to his Father’s justice. If you are in difficulties and sorrows, he will comfort and relieve you. If you are sick, he will either cure you or give you strength to suffer so as to merit Heaven. If the devil, the world, and the flesh are making war on you, he will give you the weapons with which to fight, to resist, and to win victory. If you are poor, he will enrich you with all sorts of riches for time and eternity. Let us open the door to his sacred and adorable Heart and be wrapped about for an instant by the flames of his love, and we shall see what a God who loves us can do. O my God, who shall be able to comprehend?” – St. John Vianney
“Even on the Cross, He did not hide himself from sight; rather, He made all creation witness to the presence of its maker. Then, having once left it be seen that is was truly dead, He did not allow that temple of his body to linger long, but forthwith on third day raised it up, impassible and incorrupt, the pledge and token of his victory.” – St. Athanasius of Alexandria
“Behold, Jesus Christ crucified, who is the only foundation of our hope; He is our mediator and advocate; the victim and sacrifice for our sins. He is goodness and patience itself; His mercy is moved by the tears of sinners, and he never refuses pardon and grace to those who ask it with a truly contrite and humbled heart.” – St. Charles Borromeo
“Unless there is a Good Friday in your life, there can be no Easter Sunday.” – Ven. Fulton Sheen
“If you suffer with Him, you will reign with Him. If you cry with Him, you will have joy with Him. If you die with Him on the Cross of tribulation, you will possess the eternal dwelling place in the splendor of the saints. And your name, written in the Book of Life, will be glorious among men.” – St. Clare of Assisi
“When we contemplate the sufferings of Jesus, He grants us, according to the measure of our faith, the grace to practice the virtues He revealed during those sacred hours.” – St. Angela Merici
“Let us love the Cross and let us remember that we are not alone in carrying it. God is helping us. And in God Who is comforting us, as St. Paul says, we can do anything.” – St. Gianna Beretta Molla
“He who seeks not the Cross of Christ seeks not the glory of Christ.” – St. John of the Cross
“The patient and humble endurance of the Cross – whatever nature it may be – is the highest work we have to do.” – St. Katherine Drexel
“Crosses release us from this world and by doing so bind us to God.” – Bl. Charles de Foucauld
“Humility, obedience, meekness, and love are the virtues that shine through the Cross and the Blessed Sacrament of the Altar. O my Jesus, help me imitate you!” – St. Anthony Mary Claret
(source: https://epicpew.com/15-powerful-saint-quotes-to-meditate-on-during-holy-week/ )
POPE FRANCIS:
“The Virgin Mary, the Mother of Jesus and his first disciple, shows us the way.” She “followed her son” and “took on herself her own part of the suffering, of the darkness and bewilderment, and she walked on the road of the Passion, keeping alive in her heart the lamp of faith.”
Pope Francis said that “we too, with the grace of God, can make the same journey. And along the daily ‘way of the cross,’ we encounter many brothers and sisters in difficulty. Let us not pass by, let our hearts be moved with compassion and draw near.”
He then invited his global audience to join him in prayer for all victims of violence…
Pope Francis: “When faith no longer experiences amazement, it grows dull: It becomes blind to the wonders of grace."
In his homily, Pope Francis focused on two key words: “admiration” and “amazement.”
“Every year this liturgy leaves us amazed: we pass from the joy of welcoming Jesus as he enters Jerusalem to the sorrow of watching him condemned to death and then crucified,” he said. “That sense of interior amazement will remain with us throughout Holy Week.”
He recalled how many of the people of Jerusalem at first admired Jesus and shouted “Hosanna,” but later cried out for his crucifixion. “They were following an idea of the Messiah rather than the Messiah,” Francis said. “They admired Jesus, but they did not let themselves be amazed by him.”
“Amazement is not the same as admiration,” he continued. “Admiration can be worldly, since it follows its own tastes and expectations. Amazement, on the other hand, remains open to others and to the newness they bring.”
Even today, the pope noted, there are many people who admire Jesus because “he said beautiful things; he was filled with love and forgiveness; his example changed history.” But “to admire Jesus is not enough,” he said. “We have to follow in his footsteps, to let ourselves be challenged by him; to pass from admiration to amazement.”
It is amazing to see “the God of the universe stripped of everything and crowned with thorns instead of glory,” he continued, “to see the one who is goodness personified insulted and beaten.” Jesus endured the humiliation “for us, to plumb the depths of our human experience, our entire existence, all our evil. To draw near to us and not abandon us in our suffering and our death. To redeem us, to save us.”
Jesus “experienced our deepest sorrows: failure, loss of everything, betrayal by a friend, even abandonment by God,” the pope said. “By experiencing in the flesh our deepest struggles and conflicts, he redeemed and transformed them. His love draws close to our frailty; it touches the very things of which we are most ashamed. Yet now we know that we are not alone: God is at our side in every affliction, in every fear; no evil, no sin will ever have the final word. God triumphs.”
Pope Francis invited his global audience “to ask for the grace to be amazed,” saying that “a Christian life without amazement becomes drab and dreary. How can we talk about the joy of meeting Jesus, unless we are daily astonished and amazed by his love, which brings us forgiveness and the possibility of a new beginning?”
“When faith no longer experiences amazement, it grows dull: It becomes blind to the wonders of grace; it can no longer taste the Bread of life and hear the Word; it can no longer perceive the beauty of our brothers and sisters and the gift of creation.” Adding to his prepared text, he said, “And it has no other way except to take refuge in legalisms, in clericalisms and in all those things that Jesus condemns in Chapter 23 of the Gospel according to St. Matthew.”
The pope encouraged believers worldwide to “gaze upon Jesus on the cross and say to him: Lord, how much you love me! How precious I am to you!” He encouraged them, “Let us be amazed by Jesus so that we can start living again, for the grandeur of life lies not in possessions and promotions, but in realizing that we are loved and in experiencing the beauty of loving others.”
“In the crucified Jesus,” he said, “We see God humiliated, the Almighty dismissed and discarded. And with the grace of amazement, we come to realize that in welcoming the dismissed and discarded, in drawing close to those ill-treated by life, we are loving Jesus. For that is where he is: in the least of our brothers and sisters, in the rejected and discarded.” And, he said, adding to his prepared text, “in those whom our pharisaical culture condemns.”
(Source: Pope Francis https://www.americamagazine.org/faith/2021/03/28/pope-francis-palm-sunday-homily-240339 )
(image from America Magazine - https://www.americamagazine.org/faith/2021/03/28/pope-francis-palm-sunday-homily-240339
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.
Available at the shops, a statue of the Last Supper depicting Jesus and the 12 Apostles.
Easter greeting cards available.
The April edition of the Catholic Leader now available- in this edition the Ukraine war forces surrogate mothers and parents to face tragic choices.
Sister’s ministry delivering hot meals to Brisbane’s elderly in high demand
STATIONS OF THE CROSS: Good Friday at each of our three churches - 10 am
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:
11/4/2022 Eva Mollowski Palm Beach
18/4/2022 Ildi & Les Molnar Broadbeach
25/4/2022 Ildi & Les Molnar Broadbeach
2/5/2022 Maxine & Pat Sela Main Beach
9/5/2022 Maxine & Pat Sela Main 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 Secretary - Aspley
Applications are open for a position at the Aspley Parish. A person with excellent administration and time management skills required for a part time position of Parish Secretary working 25 hours a week, Monday to Wednesday (8.30am to 2.00pm). For additional information, please visit the Archdiocese of Brisbane website https://clientapps.jobadder.com/68451/aob-internal-career-opportunities Applications close: 11 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.
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.
ADULT FAITH - Prayers at Mass
One other thing to keep in mind if you are ever writing prayers of the faithful, is that the priest's prayer at the end, is addressed to God on behalf of the people… and it needs to end with a set format or else people won’t know when to come in with AMEN> for example., the prayer by the priest should end with… Through Christ Our Lord. Amen. Or “who lives and reigns forever and ever” (when addressing Our Lord directly), or “forever and ever amen.” Other overly descriptive endings leave people hanging in the air not quite sure or ready for when the Amen comes in…
For example, the following ending is unhelpful: -
“We make these prayers through Jesus.” (Ah. Amen????). (See how it ends too suddenly and will cause people to hesitate and not know whether something is following or whether the words have concluded).
This one is also not helpful:
“We make these prayers through Jesus who is our shepherd and guide and shows us the way. …..” (ah… Amen????)
There is nothing wrong with it per se, but it is missing the familiar ending that usually leads people automatically into the Amen, (together)….
This is the general order of Prayers of Intercession. -
Invitation to pray silently for those who exercise leadership in the world and in the church.
Invitation to pray silently for a particular world or local need;
Invitation to pray silently in gratitude for gifts received, prayers answered, and blessings given. (I really don’t think we do enough of this, remembering past blessings and expressing explicit thanks for the gifts and blessings received already and prayers answered). Just as we often ask God for things, it is equally important that we also praise God, and also thank God for what we have received and cherish it always.
Invitation to pray silently for those who are sick and those who care for them.
Invitation to pray silently for those who have died.
The Prayer of the Faithful need not reinforce the readings or the homily of the day. The Prayer of the Faithful is a distinct part of the Mass like any other element and does not need to rely on the readings of the day for its content. (Actually, neither do the Hymns for the Mass. The Music chosen for Mass relates more to the nature of what is happening in that part of the mass, rather than what was said in the reading or the homily of that day. This concept is really hard to grasp, as many liturgy groups, in many parishes, over many years have been incorrectly given the impression that one starts with the readings of the day, before writing prayers of the faithful or choosing hymns. This is really not correct. One could write and select these options without opening up the lectionary at all. Instead one could write them by being aware of what church season we are in, what issues are happening in our world and community, and what section of the mass we are presently moving through whether it be gathering, offering prayers of special intentions, preparing the gifts, moving in procession to receive communion in Jesus who is the God of love, mercy, justice, service and grace, or quiet prayerful reflection after communion or joyful exiting of the church into the world for Mission, after the celebration.
Acknowledgement of Country
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
SAFEGUARDING POLICY
“The Church loves all her children like a loving mother, but cares for all and protects with special affection those who are smallest and defenceless. This is the duty that Christ himself entrusted to the entire Christian community.”
(Apostolic Letter issued ‘motu proprio’ by the Supreme Pontiff Francis, 4 June 2016)
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
https://brisbanecatholic.org.au/safeguarding/ - Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility -
See also this video on safeguarding - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kgkAZFkJkJg
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