PDF version of this parish newsletter here:
Also, you can access an online copy of the newsletter *here*
“Stop doubting and believe” (John 20:27)
Shutterstock licensed image - Item ID: 616652993. TURIN, ITALY - MARCH 13, 2017: The painting The Doubt of St. Thomas in Church Chiesa di Santo Tomaso by an unknown artist of 18. Cent. Contributor: Renata Sedmakova
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. Come Back To Me
For many people, the rite of private confession is something they do not choose anymore. Are these people wrong or are they responding to something within themselves, prompting them to seek reconciliation in other ways? Many people honestly admit that confession to a priest has not brought them the contentment and healing they thought they would find. There are many reasons why people are uncomfortable and anxious about participating in the sacrament of Penance or Reconciliation as the sacrament of Confession is now known. This sacrament means standing spiritually and emotionally naked before God which enables us to be completely honest, to hide nothing. It is then that we are most vulnerable and it is not until then that we can experience deep, profound love.
For most adult Catholics, before we received the sacrament of Holy Communion, we were taught to examine ourselves for serious mortal sins. We were searching our young hearts for ways that we had rejected God and chosen evil. We were so young we were barely capable of making a choice of such magnitude, but search we did, under the watchful eye of our parents, teachers and priests.
We lived then with the constant fear of going to hell, particularly if we failed to remember every single transgression, and lived with the awful tension of possibly accidentally committing something of an impure or carnal nature, even though we weren’t really sure what they were. We often felt that we had caused God great disappointment and sorrow even though we didn’t understand what law we had broken, or why it was a law in the first place. In other words, we were asked to take on an adult understanding with the mind of a child.
We grew, in time, to really dread confession, such that it stands out in many Catholic memories as among the worst of moments rather than the holiest.
And yet there is a real need to process our lives and to be aware of our fragility and sinfulness. We do need to pray for forgiveness and to forgive others. We do need to name our imperfect nature and, in naming it, we seek to change.
We need a fearless and searching honesty about ourselves and we sometimes need to take that to another person to talk about it, not so that we pay a price of shame and embarrassment, but so that we can courageously embrace unimpeded, the full richness of God’s unconditional love.
That other person may be a spouse, a friend, a trusted confidant or a spiritual director. It will not necessarily be a priest. But this does not diminish our need for a sacramental celebration of reconciliation. We still need to gather to acknowledge to one another our need for forgiveness. We need the absolute assurance of hope and love without conditions, of a solid and unbroken relationship with God. This acknowledgment can happen at the Penitential Rite at the beginning of mas or it may be done in a private time of confession or in the communal Second rite of Reconciliation, offered less frequently these days since it usually requires a number of priests for the individual offering of absolution. Whatever way we choose we should never be afraid to sit before God as a child before a parent, often uncomfortable at finally acknowledging our transgressions, but hopefully relieved that, like a parent, God will never withhold the forgiveness we seek.
We are human, after all, and have a need for a visible, tangible audible sign of God’s love. The Sacrament of Reconciliation is one such sign. Why not revisit it again and see if anything has changed, or more truthfully, see if you have changed.
Fr Peter Dillon. PP.
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.
MARCH FOR LIFE
SOME PARISHIONERS ENJOY A CATCHUP AND CAKE OUTSIDE SACRED HEART CHURCH - AT THE CAFE, FOR ROBYN HUNT’S BIRTHDAY
(PHOTO THANKS TO JOHN BOHRINGER)
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.
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 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 for Masses, funerals or baptisms. You do, however, need the Check-In App for weddings and for use in some locations like hospitals, nursing homes, restaurants, bars, etc.
A VOCATION VIEW:
You've got an incredible message to make credible. It is not like selling used cars! It is proclaiming eternal life, forgiveness and Great Love! 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.
STEWARDSHIP REFLECTION - Sunday of Divine Mercy
“Jesus said to them again, ‘Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you.’” (JOHN 20:21)
Peace – the first gift of the risen Lord. Just as Jesus sent the apostles out into the world, so too, He sends us. As disciples of Jesus, we are called to be compassionate and merciful; and not with just those who are our friends, but also with our “enemies.” Think of someone in your life who you need to reconcile with. Call them right now or better yet, go visit them.
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, 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: Jean Smith (from Sydney), Barbara 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, 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: 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. And Also: Elsie Wall, Ian Berman, Sylvia Goodwin, Christopher Di Maio, Stephanie Sandford, Maria Maugeri, John Richard Morgan, Antony Di Giorgio, Ramsis Nessim Boctor, Olive Yvonne Matthews, Leslie Hewitt, Nicholas Leo (Nic) Angelucci, John Purcell, Ronald Turner, Patricia Dooley, Walter Schaer, Matthew Stoyakovich, Daniel Xavier Farrugia, Gino Cappellazzo, Dorelle Elizabeth Muller, Alan John (Mick) Burcham, Margaret Elizabeth Boulton, Charles Gerad Debnam, Brendan Ian Howes, Gregory Jackson, Karl Ernest Horner, Nicholas Braid.
TAKE FIVE FOR FAITH: Mercy seasons justice
Mercy is described as a double blessing in Shakespeare's famous "quality of mercy" speech delivered in The Merchant of Venice. Mercy blesses the giver as well as the receiver. We're blessed by being merciful since God promises to be generous to us in the same measure we use with others. Withholding compassion punishes both the denier and the denied. Saint Gertrude the Great expresses gratitude to God for how divine mercy "has led me through the many obstacles I have placed in the way of your love." Love better by loving with compassion. “Jesus came, although the doors were locked, and stood in their midst and said, ‘Peace be with you.’ ” John 20:19-31.
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 -
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 - Divine Mercy Sunday
-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.
This Sunday is Divine Mercy Sunday, where we recall the absolute mercy and love that Jesus has for all humanity.
Speaking of God's divine mercy. God's mercy is better and more profound than any human mercy or compassion could even imagine. We cannot downplay the significance of how different Jesus' reunion with his disciples is after he rose from the dead, from how the expectations of the world might be… After all, Jesus had been betrayed and abandoned by most of his followers and almost all of his disciples. Only a few loyal women stayed with him through it all… his chosen disciples mostly scattered in fear. The one Jesus chose to be the rock on which he would build his church, denied him three times. Now he has risen and he returns to meet them. One would naturally expect, (if this were merely an earthly drama), that there would be revenge, retribution, or at least an extended session of guilt trips and finger-pointing. But no. And that is the miracle and the message of Christ. No recriminations, no punishments! There is not a hint of judgement in our Lord's return. He does not even punish Thomas for his doubt and the doubting apostles’ demands before he would believe the news that Our Lord had indeed risen.
Christ meets Thomas where he is at.. and shows Thomas what he needed to be assured… he shows him his hands and side… That is mercy. That is compassion. It is also service and love. These are God's ways which are so very different from many of the ways of the world….
In the Easter narratives…. "The risen Jesus is encountered by different disciples in different situations and different ways….
• Mary Magdalene recognised the risen Jesus only when he called her by name.
• The two disciples travelling along the road towards Emmaus, did not realise WHO this stranger was who walked along with them…. until they saw him break bread ….. and then they realised that their hearts had already been burning with fervour as they had walked along the road….. but they had not recognised the signs of Christ's presence …. But the disciples would get better and better at recognising Christ in the Eucharist… and in the word of God and in the stranger… and in the burning energy of God's good news…
• and then again today….. some people do not recognise Jesus until they touch the wounds of the suffering one…..
May we continue to recognise Christ's presence, whenever we touch the woundedness of those around us and offer support and strength….
It could be argued that in fact it is not Jesus whom Thomas doubts, but rather, Thomas is expressing doubt in his fellow disciples.
So, this passage can also be saying, “do not be tempted to doubt the proclamation of the Disciples and your fellow believers”…. This is the constant message of the church throughout its two thousand and more years of history. That Jesus has truly risen! He is risen indeed! Even if we have not seen it for ourselves, or touched the very wounds of the risen Christ, we trust and believe in the firm and consistent testimony of those apostles who did see him and who did touch his hand and side and took broken bread from his hands….and who watched the Lord also eat bread and fish himself - not as a spirit but as true flesh and blood human. And we believe in the words of the apostles which are written in scripture so that we now share in their message and believe, and also share fully in the life of the risen Lord, that Jesus offers us to us all….
We need the community…. And we need that important gathering together to unite our hearts and minds to that of Christ and his gospel…. We know implicitly that coming together as the Body of Christ, the church, is never an added extra… there is no such thing as a solo Christian… even when we work at times individually….we are nevertheless united in a common bond with Christ and one another. The community of disciples, the church, ensures that we are always one in Christ…. And not merely walking to the beat of our own individual drum………… nor making up our own faith and practice as we go.
Thomas, in the gospel, is so inspiring…. he doubted….but he did not leave…. he was still with the disciples the next week….. he struggled…..but the others did not reject him……. and Jesus strengthened him in his struggle and doubts……….. Thomas is a gift to us in another way. He shows us that the apostles were not gullible or foolish. What they experienced in the Risen Jesus was the experience of sensible people, just like you and me. Thinking people, who do not easily swallow everything we are told, but nevertheless, they truly did experience Jesus risen body and soul and this is what they have steadfastly passed on to all future generations. This is the testimony of sensible, deep-thinking people who know what they mean and mean what they say.
Today we know that Our Lord is certainly worth trusting in, and all His promises are true….. we can thank Thomas for Jesus confirming that for all future generations…. including us here and now….
-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; A BOOK OF GRACE-FILLED DAYS. BY Alice Camille; Richard J. Leonard; MONASTERY OF CHRIST IN THE DESERT. ABBOT'S HOMILY.)
[Image: Shutterstock licensed Item ID: 1055941625 Venezia (Venice), Italy. 2 February 2018. The painting of Resurrected Jesus Christ with Thomas the apostle and other apostles by Sebastiano Santi in 'Chiesa dei Santi Apostoli' church. Contributor: Adam Jan Figel]
St Mark Evangelist:
“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.” Jesus Christ, quoted in Mark 12:30
“Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first among you must be the slave of everyone else. For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many.” Jesus Christ, in Mark 10:42-45.
St Louis de Montfort
“Have you strayed from the path leading to heaven? Then call on Mary, for her name means "Star of the Sea, the North Star which guides the ships of our souls during the voyage of this life," and she will guide you to the harbour of eternal salvation.”
“God the Father has communicated to Mary His fruitfulness, as far as a mere creature was capable of it, in order that He might give her the power to produce His Son, and all the members of His mystical body.”
“The works of Jesus and Mary can also be called wonderful flowers; but their perfume and beauty can only be appreciated by those who study them carefully—and who open them and drink in their scent by diligent and sincere meditation.”
“When Mary has struck her roots in a soul, she produces there marvels of grace, which she alone can produce, because she alone is the fruitful Virgin who never has had, and never will have, her equal in purity and in fruitfulness.”
“If you say the Rosary faithfully until death, I do assure you that, in spite of the gravity of your sins “you shall receive a never fading crown of glory.”42 Even if you are on the brink of damnation, even if you have one foot in Hell, even if you have sold your soul to the devil as sorcerers do who practise black magic, and even if you are a heretic as obstinate as a devil, sooner or later you will be converted and will amend your life and save your soul, if—and mark well what I say—if you say the Holy Rosary devoutly every day until death for the purpose of knowing the truth and obtaining contrition and pardon for your sins.”
“In order to rid ourselves of self, we must die ourselves daily. That is to say, we must renounce the operations of the powers of our soul and the senses of our body. We must see as if we saw not, understand as if we understood not, and make use of the things of this world as if we made no use of them at all (1 Cor. 7:29-31). This is what St. Paul calls dying daily (1 Cor. 15:31). "Unless the grain of wheat falling into the ground die, itself remaineth alone," and bringeth forth no good fruit (Jn. 12:24-25).”
“Mary has produced, together with the Holy Ghost, the greatest thing which has been or ever will be—a God-Man; and she will consequently produce the greatest saints that there will be in the end of time.”
St Peter Chanel
St. Peter Chanel, known as the “Apostle of the South Seas” because of his missionary efforts on the island of Futuna.
The day before his death, he knew that the King, Nuiliki, had ordered him to be killed. He explained: “It does not matter whether or not I am killed; the religion has taken root on the island; it will not be destroyed by my death, since it comes not from men but from God.” Fortunately, isn’t it, that everything doesn’t rest on our weak shoulders. We are instruments of God, yes, but all that we need to do is witness to the faith we know is true.
St Catherine of Siena
"There is no sin nor wrong that gives man such a foretaste of Hell in this life as anger and impatience."
"All the way to heaven is heaven."
"A full belly does not make for a chaste spirit."
"Be who God meant you to be and you will set the whole world on fire."
“Proclaim the truth and do not be silent through fear.”
"Perfection does not consist in macerating or killing the body, but in killing our perverse self-will."
"Obedience shows whether you are grateful."
"I see the world is rotten because of being silent ... We shouldn't have fear in going to God in prayer, and to witness to the faith in public"
“Nothing great is ever achieved without much perseverance.”
"Every evil, harm and suffering in this life comes from the love of riches."
"Lose yourself wholly; and the more you lose, the more you will find."
"Lord, take me from me and give me to yourself."
"We dishonour Christ if we dishonour the pope."
“Remain with Him in thy chamber, for thou shalt not elsewhere find so great peace.”
"What father, other than our heavenly Father, ever gave up his son to death for the sake of his slave!"
“Father, I am hungry; for the love of God; give this soul her food, her Lord in the Eucharist”
St Pius V
He wore his hair shirt, rested practically nothing, strolled shoeless in parades to the diverse houses of worship and was dependably a model of earnest commitment soliciting nothing from anybody that he was reluctant to rehearse himself.
It is said that day by day he washed the feet of the poor who came to him looking for help. He visited medical clinics to comfort the diminishing and was dedicated to the necessities of the poor for an incredible duration.
You are the salt of the earth! You are the light of the world! See to it that the people are edified by your example, by the purity of your lives, by the moderation of your conduct, and the brilliance of your holiness! God does not ask of you mere ordinary virtue. He demands downright perfection!
In union with the perfect confidence and hope that the Holy and Blessed Virgin placed in Thee, do I hope O Lord.
I know very well that I am dealing with men, not with angels.
POPE FRANCIS: Pope at Chrism Mass: Priests must fix eyes on Jesus, cast aside hidden idols
In his homily at the Chrism Mass on the morning of Holy Thursday, Pope Francis invites priests to cultivate the grace of fixing their gaze on Jesus, so that they may better serve God and their people.
Being a priest is a very great grace, Pope Francis told priests on Holy Thursday, while reminding them it is a grace that is primarily for the good of the Christian faithful rather than for priests themselves.
“Our people deserve and need” to be served by priests with clear consciences, the Pope said, inviting the gathered clergy to be faithful to God, by allowing themselves to be loved and forgiven by Him.
Fixing our gaze on Jesus
In his homily at the Chrism Mass, on Thursday morning, the Pope focused on a verse from St Luke’s Gospel, “The eyes of all were upon Jesus.”
When Jesus comes again at the end of time, Pope Francis said, all eyes will be drawn to the crucified and risen Lord, leading us to acknowledge and worship Him. We will recognize him, the Pope said, and will recognize ourselves as we really are.
Yet even today, Pope Francis said, priests must cultivate the grace of fixing their gaze on Christ, thanking God for the graces He gives, but also “showing Him” the temptations we face so that we might overcome them.
Recognizing hidden idols
Pope Francis warned priests of three “hidden idols” that can weaken priestly vocations, and open hearts to “the Evil One.”
The first, spiritual worldliness, is a culture of what is passing, and is manifested in triumphalism “without the Cross.” A worldly priest, the Pope said, “is nothing more than a clericalized pagan.”
The second temptation is to make an idol of numbers, seen in priests who are obsessed with statistics. People, however, cannot be reduced to mere numbers; and God’s gifts cannot be measured by this criterion.
Finally, a third kind of idolatry, related to the second, is a kind of functionalism that is concerned only with efficacy, leaving no room for mystery. “Functionalist” priests, the Pope said, are concerned only with the efficiency of their own programs.
Rooting out idolatry
Pope Francis said that only Christ can reveal these idols to priests; who must, in turn, show them to the Lord, to allow Him to root them out of their lives and destroy them.
The Holy Father concluded his homily by asking St Joseph, “the chaste father, free of hidden idols,” to free priests from possessiveness, and obtain the grace to persevere in task of discerning idols.
“In this way,” he said, “with nobility of heart, we may be able to subordinate to charity what we have learned by law.”
(Source: Christopher Wells, via Vatican News - https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2022-04/pope-calls-priests-to-expose-their-hidden-idols.html)
(Image Credit: CNS photo/Paul Haring)
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.
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 10.00am to 1.00pm. Venue – “Hospitality Centre” Ticket $30 per person. Tables of 6 will be appreciated. Please phone Maxine Sela 0421051193 or Wendy Webb, 0412237832 to book your tickets by the 30th April.
FUNERAL INVITATION - THE LATE BARBARA ROBERTSON
Barbara Robertson has passed away, (a parishioner who attended St Vincent’s Church in Surfers). May Barbara rest in the peace of the Risen Lord. The family invite parishioners to attend her prayer service on Tuesday the 26th April, 2022. At 3pm at Somerville Funeral Chapel, Southport. 44 Nind St, Southport QLD 4215. Please note parking may be limited.
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:
25/4/2022 Ildi & Les Molnar Broadbeach
2/5/2022 Maxine & Pat Sela Main Beach
9/5/2022 Maxine & Pat Sela Main Beach
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
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.
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
Tbc
Commitment To Child Safety and Vulnerable-Adult Safety
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)
EXTRA ON OUR 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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