PDF version of this parish newsletter here:
Also, you can access an online copy of the newsletter *here*
“Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone” (John 8:7)
Image Credit: Shutterstock Licensed. ID: 8644702 - A man holds a white rock inscribed with a bible verse from John 8:7 - Let him who is without sin cast the first stone. Closeup. Focus to rock. Contributor: Leah-Anne Thompson
]
PASTOR’S POST. The Chinese Farmer Story
“You never know what will be the consequence of the misfortune; or, you never know what will be the consequences of good fortune.” - Alan Watts
Once upon a time there was a Chinese farmer whose horse ran away. That evening, all of his neighbours came around to commiserate. They said, “We are so sorry to hear your horse has run away. This is most unfortunate.” The farmer said, “Maybe.”
The next day the horse came back bringing seven wild horses with it, and in the evening everybody came back and said, “Oh, isn’t that lucky. What a great turn of events. You now have eight horses!” The farmer again said, “Maybe.”
The following day his son tried to break one of the horses, and while riding it, he was thrown and broke his leg. The neighbours then said, “Oh dear, that’s too bad,” and the farmer responded, “Maybe.”
The next day the conscription officers came around to conscript people into the army, and they rejected his son because he had a broken leg. Again all the neighbours came around and said, “Isn’t that great!” Again, he said, “Maybe.”
The parable above piqued my interest in a world that seems to prefer things to be definite and ordered when it comes to consequences. Perhaps because we seem to be living in uncertain times, we prefer to narrow down our options and we just make assumptions about the way things will turn out.
We’re quick to label certain situations as “bad” if we dislike them. And “good” if we like them. I recently heard of a psychological term called “Binary Thinking” which is essentially the examination of scenarios from an either/or perspective. It allows people to simplify thought and judgment processes by seeing a situation in black or white, but not grey. This allows them to clearly see the major advantages and disadvantages of a situation, but they may miss the finer details to make an informed decision. But it seems binary thinking doesn’t always serve us well, particularly when it comes to matters of faith.
We see this running amuck in our culture today with people and factions choosing sides. It’s not just in sports that we have a desire to belong to a team. It happens in politics and in religious partisanship. Our first response is not always the most informed one. Equally damaging is jumping to quick (sometimes too quick) conclusions about the impacts or benefits of certain situations.
A job is terminated, a diagnosis is delivered, a beloved family member gets transferred, a financial deal brings a windfall, COVID happens. Is it good? Bad? Maybe. Allowing situations to run their course and not speeding up the results to suit our hopes or fears, while requiring patience, but might also be the wisest course.
One thing for sure is that life is uncertain. We never really know what situations may yield us—good, bad, or otherwise. Whatever happens in our life, we’ll never be sure of the consequences it may bring in the future.
Fr Peter Dillon. PP.
HOLY WEEK AND EASTER MASS AND SERVICE SCHEDULE
Our Easter timetable is as follows:
HOLY THURSDAY: (April 14th 2022)
6 pm Mass at Sacred Heart Church, 50 Fairway Drive, Clear Island Waters
GOOD FRIDAY: (April 15th 2022)
10 am Stations of the Cross in all three Churches
3 pm Reading of the Passion, Veneration of the Cross, and Holy Communion in all three Churches
HOLY SATURDAY: (April 16th 2022)
5 pm Vigil Mass with Baptism of adults, Sacred Heart Church (longer ceremony).
5 pm Vigil Mass, Stella Maris Church, 254 Hedges Avenue, Broadbeach.
EASTER SUNDAY: (April 17th 2022)
7 am Mass Stella Maris Church
8 am and 10 am Mass, St Vincent's Church, 40 Hamilton Avenue, Surfers Paradise.
9 am and 6 pm Mass, Sacred Heart Church.
Altar servers 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
ADORATION NOTICE
Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament this First Friday 1st April at Sacred Heart Church from 7 pm to 8.30 pm. All welcome. Enquiries: Helen 0421935678
First Saturday Mass at Sacred Heart 9 am 2nd April 2022.
Followed by Adoration and Benediction.
Surfers Paradise Catholic Ladies - Bingo
On Tuesday the 5th of April 2022, From 10.00 am to 2.00 pm.
As we are having the function in a Public venue full Covid vaccination is Compulsory.
Please phone Maxine Sela 0421051193 or Wendy Webb, 0412237832 to book your seat for this day.
Looking for volunteers to help with residents in Cedarbrook Mudgeeraba.
We are looking for a volunteer to help a Spanish lady with her English once a week for an hour.
We also need volunteers who would be willing to visit some of our residents once a week or once a fortnight for a social chat for an hour. Thank you so much and hope to hear from you soon. Please give me a call. Mila (07) 5688 6011 (direct line) or my mobile 0450 251 388.
MARIAN VALLEY MASSES
Please come and join us at the Marian Valley for the feast of Our Lady of Fatima on the 13.04.2022 and on 24.04.2022 for Divine Mercy Sunday on this day Holy Hour 10.00 am Followed by the mass at 11.00 am and Divine Mercy Chaplet at 3.00 pm. The bus will be picking people up at 8.15 am on both days at the Sacred Heart Church Clear Island Waters. The Cost for the bus is $22.00 return for each trip. You can secure your seat with a contact name and contact phone number with Xavier Solomon 0404 843 260, Madeleine on 0405 252 367 or 5529 1573. All are welcome.
COLLECTING PALMS for PALM SUNDAY - PASSION SUNDAY
This week we will be needing palms leaves and fronds - so this coming week is the time to prune and deliver fresh fronds to the Parish Office (Hours: Mon- Frid 9 am to 12 noon) from Thursday, April 7.
Each year, at this time, we ask parishioners to look around their gardens and their local neighbourhood with a view to gathering and donating palms fronds for Passion Sunday - Palm Sunday. This year Palm Sunday falls on next weekend - April 9 and 10. We will need fronds (big and small) as well as helpers to prepare the palms at the Parish Office (byo secateurs), on Friday, April 8, after the 9 am Mass.
MASK WEARING
Naturally the rule about mask-wearing does not forbid people from wearing masks but simply does not require them to be worn. So people are very welcome to keep wearing masks if they choose. People should not feel the need to explain and apologise for continuing to wear masks and we ask that people respect their choices and needs. The risk of covid has not entirely vanished and there are still vulnerable people in our community and so using hand sanitiser and reasonable social distancing where possible is still highly prudent. (Check-in may still be needed in some places throughout the wider community and masks and vaccination status may be required in specific locations in the community, and mask-wearing may be highly advisable in other situations).
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
Shaniella grew up in a remote village in the Solomon Islands in a province that has limited educational and job opportunities – and one of the country’s highest poverty rates. After leaving school, she decided to move closer to the capital city, Honiara, to study hospitality and tourism. However, her vocational training school was hit by a landslide and cyclone in quick succession, destroying its water supply system and the vegetable garden that it relies on for food.
With your generous support, Caritas Australia has helped the school to install water tanks, re-establish its garden and provided training in disaster risk reduction. Shaniella can now complete her job skills training and the school has enough food and water for its students. She is also better prepared when disaster strikes and can share her knowledge with her community back home.
Shaniella, 23, grew up in a village in the Solomon Islands’ southern Makira province, with her father, mother and three brothers. Her father is a primary school teacher and her mother is a homemaker.
She studied until grade 11 at a local school but was unable to complete her final year, as she did not pass the exam required by the Solomon Island’s education system to enter grade 12. With the poverty rate in Makira province at around 32 per cent, she knew that without relevant job skills, she would struggle to earn a living.
Girls’ and women’s participation in secondary education, training and employment in the Solomon Islands is significantly lower compared to male students. Limited opportunities in remote areas, few live-in facilities at colleges away from home and community attitudes relating to the traditional roles of women, all contribute to their lower participation rates.
In 2020, Shaniella decided to move away from home to study at a Rural Training Centre outside the capital, Honiara. The vocational school is supported by Caritas Australia Solomon Islands (CASI), through the Happy, Healthy, Holistic Community Development program.
It caters mainly for young women who come from lower socio-economic backgrounds, although it is now starting to enrol male students also. Some students did not pass qualifying tests in the country’s formal education system but would like to continue learning. Others have missed out on school altogether but are keen to learn vocational skills.
Shaniella chose to study hospitality and tourism, in addition to compulsory subjects, like life skills, cooking, sewing and agricultural production.
However, the school is in a particularly disaster-prone area of the Solomon Islands, at risk of tsunamis, flooding and landslides. Not long after Shaniella started, the school was hit by a landslide, flooding, and a cyclone, all in quick succession.
“I was in school that time when the landslide occurred,” Shaniella says. “I was devastated because I had no knowledge of what to do and where to get information. I saw students in the school panic, I could hear people’s screaming, crying and shouting as if the world is going to end. It was a bad experience for me, especially because I am here, leaving my family at home in another island.”
The landslide destroyed the school’s main source of water, a gravity-fed system which Caritas Australia Solomon Islands (CASI) had helped to rehabilitate in 2011. It also damaged school buildings and devastated the garden which the school relies on for food.
With your kind support, CASI was able to help the school to install eight water tanks. This restored students’ access to clean drinking water and the ablution block. The tanks also supply water to nearby schools, health centres and the wider community. CASI then supported the school by providing it with improved planting materials, 200 chickens, and training in agricultural skills and poultry management, to help it to boost its food security.
To ensure that the school is better prepared to respond to future disasters, CASI also ran Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) training workshops, raising awareness about risks in the school’s environment, evacuation procedures and how to respond during an emergency. It provided additional support when the COVID-19 pandemic hit, by helping the school to improve hygiene practices to prevent the spread of coronavirus.
Around 80 students, teachers and community members have directly benefitted from this program so far, with around 2000 people benefitting indirectly.
Now, Shaniella can complete her job skills training, with enough water and food to eat, as well as better hygiene and sanitation. She is improving her ability to earn an income, learning skills that will expand her job opportunities. The school community has increased and diversified its crop supply and its number of poultry has quadrupled. Students are also better prepared to respond when disaster strikes.
“Shaniella represents well the kind of young women from poor households that the school seeks to empower and educate,” says Dominic Baona, CASI’s Field Activities and DRR Coordinator. “School leaders have also identified her as one of the best in her class. She will bring with her all the knowledge, skills and experience acquired to her own community and family when she returns to the village.”
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).
Project Compassion - Intercession for Lent - We pray that all women may be respected and encouraged to take their rightful place in society. We pray also that all people will have access to clean water and a safe house. And that we may act for justice in concrete ways, such as through Project Compassion. https://www.caritas.org.au/project-compassion/
HOSPITAL CALLS - AROUND THE DEANERY
Robina Hospital - Burleigh Heads Parish on 5576 6466
Pindara Hospital - Surfers Paradise Parish 5572 5433
John Flynn Hospital -Coolangatta-Tugun Parish on 5598 2165
University & Gold Coast Private Hosp-Southport Parish 5510 2222
MASS TIMES: SURFERS PARADISE MASS TIMES
You are no longer required to scan the Check-In Qld app when entering the church for Masses, funerals or baptisms. You do, however, need the Check-In App for weddings and for use in some locations like hospitals, nursing homes, restaurants, bars, etc.
A VOCATION VIEW:
Fifth Sunday of Lent - C - A VOCATION VIEW: Lent is six weeks of being serious about forgiveness and knowing we are loved. Who will step forward to tell of God's great love for us?
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
“…For his sake, I have accepted the loss of all things and I consider them so much rubbish, that I may gain Christ…” - (Philippians 3:8)
The first commandment says that we should not put other gods before the Lord. Sharing all of our gifts - our time in prayer, our talent in charitable works and our treasure to support the Church helps us keep God first in everything. It helps us from putting other gods before God. It helps us from becoming a slave to our possessions. It helps us to use our gifts for the glory of God and not for the glory of ourselves.
The vision of Stewardship speaks in every aspect of life, inviting everyone to be thankful, generous and accountable for what each has been given.
FOR THOSE WHO ARE SICK: 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: 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: 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, And Also: Peter Schreck, Bozidar Ovcaric, Jessie Veronica (Veronica) Dolan, Ted Wales, Catherine Mitchell (Tompson), (Nana of Robyn Hunt), John Donelly Shiels, Peter Wayne Borg, Helma Martina Anna van Camp, Ben Thomas Hamlett, Iris Scharenguivel, Byron Schreiber, Pamela Barry (Pam) Braithwaite, Franciska Knap, Glen Anthony (Tony) McLeod, Malcolm Thompson, Rufina Lim, Alfred John Serafim Zerafa, Brian Anthony Fawell, Ricardo Joseph Herft, Gerald Peter Henderson, Connie Devlin, Marie Therese Haney, Alexander Redler, Anthony Robert Meehan, Lynn Maree Blond, Mary Briffa, Fay Margaret Frances Lincoln, Paul Avery, Wayne Parsons, David Anthony Evans.
TAKE FIVE FOR FAITH: Pause and refresh
We rush through the hours checking items off a to-do list: work and chores, errands and meals, and more. The weekly Sabbath was designed as a pause from the maddening race of accomplishment. Pausing keeps us from making mistakes born of thoughtlessness. Jesus once asked religious elders to pause and consider their own errors before stoning a woman for hers. Father Edward Hayes (1931-2016) started a house of prayer in Kansas as a place of spiritual recollection. Pause and pray with Hayes: "May the work of my hands be part of the redemption of the world and its eternal springtime liberation.”
"Let the one among you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her." (John 8:1-11)
Also of interest this week:
ISIDORE OF SEVILLE, BISHOP, DOCTOR OF THE CHURCH - “The original Wikipedia” -
Why would Pope John Paul II name a Spanish bishop who lived 1,400 years ago the patron saint of the internet? Because Saint Isidore of Seville was the equivalent of the internet in his day. A “walking encyclopedia” you might call him. He, in fact, wrote an encyclopedia, which was used as a textbook for 900 years, as well as a dictionary and a history of the world. And like the World Wide Web, he spread information everywhere he could—founding schools and requiring seminaries in every diocese. Knowledge is power—pass it on! SIGN UP FOR "TAKE FIVE" DAILY - www.takefiveforfaith.com/subscribe
BAPTISM for Children in Surfers Paradise
Baptism is the first of three Sacraments of Initiation: Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist. Surfers Paradise Parish follows the policies of the Archdiocese of Brisbane as it welcomes each person into the family of the Church through the waters of Baptism.
Infants and children are baptised at the request of parents. Within the Baptism ritual, parents promise to accept the responsibility of training their children in the practice of the faith and to raise their children to understand and live God’s commandments. Parents can request baptism for their child by filling out an enrolment form, available on our parish website www.surfersparadiseparish.com.au Once the online baptism form has been received, the Parish Office will email details for preparation for the Sacrament of Baptism and confirm the online booking.
Sacrament of PENANCE - Reconciliation 2022
In the Archdiocese of Brisbane, Reconciliation follows the Sacraments of Initiation. That is, Reconciliation, also known as Penance, follows the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and the receiving of your child’s First Communion. Currently, 70 children from our Surfers Paradise Parish are completing their “At Home Program for Reconciliation.” The children last week celebrated their First Rite of Reconciliation on Thursday, March 31, 2022. We keep these children and their families in our prayers as together they continue to learn and grow in God’s abundant love and forgiveness.
Sacrament of EUCHARIST - First Holy Communion 2022
Children who have been baptised and confirmed and are in Year 4 or greater in 2022 are invited to prepare to receive their First Communion. If parents have previously completed an online application for enrolment in the Surfers Paradise Sacramental Program, they do not need to complete a new online form to continue. The Parent Meeting for First Communion Preparation will be held on April 26 at 6 pm or April 27 at 6 pm. (Parents can choose to attend one of these meetings but do not need to attend both. Only children who are represented by a parent at one of these meetings will be included in the First Communion Preparation Program.) The Preparation for First Communion Program will be similar in format to the At Home Preparation for Confirmation Program. There will also be a Final Meeting (including rehearsal) in the week prior to the Celebration of First Communion either Monday, June 6 at 6 pm or Monday, June 13 at 6 pm.
First Communion will be celebrated on Sunday, June 12 at 11:00 am and Sunday, June 19 at 11:00 am at Sacred Heart Church (Children will be included in one of these celebrations, not both.)
The Sacramental Team will email a reminder to parents during the Term 1 holidays. If you have not received an email by the first week of Term2, please indicate your interest by emailing our Sacramental Coordinator, Cathy Anderson, andersoncm@bne.catholic.net.au
Sacrament of CONFIRMATION 2022
Baptised children who are in Year 3 or greater are invited to be included in the 2022 Preparation for Confirmation group. Parents are asked to go to the parish website at www.surfersparadiseparish.com.au and complete an online enrolment application. Please use the drop-down menu under Sacraments and click on Confirmation (under Sacraments). Then scroll down to and click on CHILDREN’S SACRAMENTAL PROGRAM APPLICATION FORM (in the blue box). Once you click on SUBMIT, you will receive an automated response so that you know that your completed application has been received.
Parents who have completed and submitted the online form will receive an invitation email several weeks prior to the Parent Meeting which is to be held either Monday, July 11 at 6 pm or Tuesday, July 12 at 6 pm in Sacred Heart Church. (Parents are asked to choose to attend one of these meetings but do not need to attend both. Only children who are represented by a parent at one of these meetings will be included in the Confirmation Preparation Program.) After the Parent Meeting, parents will be emailed copies of the At Home Preparation for Confirmation Program to be completed by the child and their parent/s, and then returned to the Sacramental Team. The Final Meeting which includes the rehearsal for Confirmation will be held on Monday, August 29 at 6 pm or Tuesday, August 30 at 6 pm (Children and parents are required to attend one of these meetings, not both.)
The Celebration of the Sacrament of Confirmation will take place in Surfers Paradise Parish on Friday, September 2, 2022.
THIS WEEKEND’S GOSPEL - “Neither do I condemn you!”
There is a beautiful little theme thread running through the readings this weekend that I find delightful: 'no need to recall the past, (the blessings of God are not all in the past), God is doing something new in this time and in this place. And Saint Paul picks up this thread again as he says: "I forget the past and strain ahead for what is to come." God is still at work in our lives here and now. God wants us to look forward and not dwell on the past and certainly not to be held back by past sins and mistakes. This is wonderful.
That is the point about mercy: nobody deserves it. Everyone deserves true justice; mercy, on the other hand, is sheer gift. Mercy cancels out wrongs and transgressions – not because a sparkling defence has been found, or excusing causes have been skilfully argued, but because that is the free response of the person who is grieved. Mercy does not suggest that the guilty are not guilty; it recognises the guilt but does not demand satisfaction for the wrong. In all this, mercy reflects the utter graciousness of the one who has been wronged."^
It is as if this one account of how Jesus actually treated this woman gives a clear picture of the whole meaning of the Gospel and the way approaches us in our sin and our weakness.
There is no doubt about what the law at the time of Our Lord dictated as a penalty for the type of sin alleged here. Jesus, however, puts the whole relationship of sin and punishment into a new light: mercy and compassion.
In God's eyes, the law is not just about harshness and rules but in unity with God’s loving mercy and kindness, and how we have acted in relation to that. Jesus, time and time again has reminded us that we are whole human beings, and that Jesus calls us to wholeness. So we do not do ourselves much good if we only focus on actions or even sins unless we see them in the broader context of who we are as humans created by God in love. It is also about love and mercy and compassion.
I am sure we would all like to live out that mercy and compassion in our lives. Lent is when we reflect on our own relationships with others. We no longer stone people to death for breaking laws, (thank Goodness), but tragically and shockingly, there are still places in the world where this horrific penalty still applies. And let's face it, even in the absence of "stoning" - there are other ways of "striking people down" or destroying their career, their reputation or their lives because of their mistakes, sins and weaknesses. We have probably all seen examples where a persons' sin or weaknesses have been thrown back in their face by others, even in situations where the sin or weakness is actually not relevant at all to the present issue at hand. A person's fault and sins can be a powerful weapon that is used against them. It is all-too-tempting for people to use a person's sins and faults against them for their own advantage.
Lent calls us to live as Jesus Christ lived: with love, compassion, and mercy for everyone and for all creation. What an enormous challenge!
Whenever we might be tempted to reject another person, we could benefit from thinking of this Gospel passage and realize that we actually condemn ourselves if we reject others. This kind of thinking clearly does not condone the sin. Jesus is clear at the end of this Gospel passage: "Go, and from now on do not sin anymore." There is no sense that the sin involved here is in any way being condoned — (although we often rightly ask; where is the other party?? Where is the man? This situation is terribly unjust. The woman is being brought before Our Lord by the Pharisees and Scribes, not because they are concerned for her welfare, but her predicament is being used as a nasty trap for Jesus). And it is hypocrisy! The woman is being brought forward for punishment whilst the man is nowhere to be seen.
In any case, this woman is herself a beloved and cherished daughter of God and needs more than ever, God's love, mercy and compassion at this time.
Isn't it interesting that there is no one more compassionate, loving and gentle towards those who have fallen than truly holy people…. Saints are often the ones found amongst those who have sinned and are rejected..… And the presence of these saints among them is loving, compassionate, gentle…
True disciples look nothing like the self-righteous and scheming experts that Our Lord encounters in this Gospel. There is no one more judgmental hypocritical, condemnatory and intolerant than this type of self-righteous phoney. At first glance, the true disciple and these hypocrites can look very similar, but the actions and attitudes of these other people show them up for what they really are: fakes and frauds. Jesus shows us the true response to people in their brokenness, sin, and pain, whilst the self-righteous are unbending in their expectations and unforgiving in their demeanour, except, of course, when it comes to their own failings and then they will either deny them or expect everyone to "move on" quickly and get over it. Jesus rejects utterly this dreadful double standard.
How many situations today reflect the need for clear moral thinking. In the Gospel, Jesus is not afraid to call sin what it is. Yet a clear idea of what is right and what is wrong and a clear sense of sin in no way leads to a rejection of the person, nor does anyone ever take delight in the sin or wrongdoing or the fall of others.
In the first reading from the Prophet Isaiah, we could even say that learning to speak clearly and yet with compassion and mercy, is a way of announcing the praise of God.
If we look at the second reading from the Letter to the Philippians, we can honestly say that we must keep our eyes on the goal, which is living in Christ Jesus and living as He lived in every aspect of our life. We will encounter a cost and certainly a fair degree of pain, for trying to live as Jesus lived, but we will also be transformed.
Let us pray today for a deepening of the gift of faith in our lives and for the gift of being able to give witness to our faith by speaking the truths of our faith, but always with compassion, love and mercy. May God help us! We certainly need God's help and grace. May we hear the and live the words of Jesus in our lives: "Neither do I condemn you, go on your way in peace and sin no more!"
-To listen to the whole Sunday Mass each week (including homily) from Surfers Paradise Catholic Parish, please visit this link: Liturgy for you at Home (by SPCP) - https:- soundcloud.com/user-633212303/tracks.
(References: Fr Paul W. Kelly, ^McBride, D. and Hutchinson, M. (2011). Seasons of the word -Reflections on the Sunday Readings. 2nd ed. Hampshire: Redemptorist Publications, p.100; Abbot's homily –with additions by Fr Paul Kelly http://christdesert.org/)
[Image Credit: Shutterstock Licensed. Item ID: 1498685270 - Biblical vector illustration series, Jesus Forgives Adulterous Woman. Let he who is without sin cast the first stone – Contributor: rudall30l]
St Isidore of Seville
If a man wants to be always in God's company, he must pray regularly and read regularly. When we pray, we talk to God; when we read, God talks to us.
Confession heals, confession justifies, confession grants pardon of sin, all hope consists in confession; in confession, there is a chance for mercy.
Nothing exists without music, for the universe itself is said to have been framed by a kind of harmony of sounds, and heaven itself revolves under the tone of that harmony.
All spiritual growth comes from reading and reflection. By reading we learn what we did not know; by reflection, we retain what we have learned. The conscientious reader will be more concerned to carry out what he has read than merely to acquire knowledge of it. In reading we aim at knowing, but we must put into practice what we have learned in our course of study.
Prayer purifies us, reading instructs us. Both are good when both are possible. Otherwise, prayer is better than reading.
The more you devote yourself to study of the sacred utterances, the richer will be your understanding of them, just as the more the soil is tilled, the richer the harvest.
We, as Catholics are not permitted to believe anything of our own will, nor to choose what someone has believed of his. We have God's apostles as authorities, who did not themselves of their own wills choose anything of what they wanted to believe, but faithfully transmitted to the nations, the teachings of Christ.
War with vices, but peace with individuals.
Teaching unsupported by grace may enter our ears, but it never reaches the heart. When God's grace does touch our innermost minds to bring understanding, then his word, which is received by the ear, can sink deep into the heart.
The suffering of adversity does not degrade you but exalts you. Human tribulation teaches you; it does not destroy you. The more we are afflicted in this world, the greater is our assurance for the next. The more we sorrow in the present, ..the greater will be our joy in the future.
Letters are signs of things, symbols of words, whose power is so great that without a voice they speak to us the words of the absent; for they introduce words by the eye, not by the ear.
Baptism is not the work of man but of Christ, and this sacrament is so holy that it would not be defiled, even if the minister were a murderer.
Mary means enlightener because She brought forth the Light of the world. In the Syriac tongue, Mary signifies Lady.
In the active life, all the vices are first of all to be removed by the practice of good works, so that in the contemplative life a man may, with now purified mental gaze, pass on to the contemplation of the Divine Light.
The name of the medicine is thought to have been given from 'moderation', modus, that is, from a due proportion, which advises that things be done not to excess, but 'little by little,' (latin=paullatim). For nature is pained by surfeit but rejoices in moderation. Whence also those who take drugs and antidotes constantly, or to the point of saturation, are sorely vexed, for every immoderation brings not health but danger.
The number is divided into even and odd. Even number is divided into the following: evenly even, evenly uneven, and unevenly uneven. An odd number is divided into the following: prime and incomposite, composite, and a third intermediate class (mediocris) which in a certain way is prime and incomposite but in another way secondary and composite.
It is agreed that all sound which is the material of music is of three sorts. First is “harmonica,” which consists of vocal music; second is “organica,” which is formed from the breath; third is “rhythmica,” which receives its numbers from the beat of the fingers. For sound is produced either by the voice, coming through the throat; or by the breath, coming through the trumpet or tibia, for example; or by touch, as in the case of the cithara or anything else that gives a tuneful sound on being struck.
St Vincent Ferrer,
If you truly want to help the soul of your neighbour, you should approach God first with all your heart. Ask him simply to fill you with charity, the greatest of all virtues; with it you can accomplish what you desire.
Let devotion accompany your studies: consult God, the giver of all science and ask Him with humility to make you understand what you read and learn. Interrupt your application by short prayers: never begin or end your studies but by prayer. learning is a gift of the Father of Lights; do not, therefore, consider it a fruit of your own intellect or industry.
Whatever you do, think not of yourself, but of God
Regard yourself as more vile and miserable in the sight of God because of your faults than any sinner whatever, no matter what his sins. . . and consider closely that any grace or inclination to good or desire of virtue you may have, is not of yourself but of the sole mercy of Christ.
A vain question deserves nothing but silence. So learn to be silent for a time; you will edify your brethren and silence will teach you to speak when the hour has come.
Do you desire to study to your advantage? Let devotion accompany all your studies, and study less to make yourself learn than to become a saint. Consult God more than your books, and ask him, with humility, to make you understand what you read. Study fatigues and drains the mind and heart. Go from time to time to refresh them at the feet of Jesus Christ under his cross. Some moments of repose in his sacred wounds give fresh vigor and new lights. Interrupt your application by short, but fervent and ejaculatory prayers: never begin or end your study but by prayer. Science is a gift of the Father of lights; do not, therefore, consider it as barely the work of your own mind or industry."
St John Baptist de La Salle
“Wherever I go I will find you, my God.”
“Often remind yourself that you are in the presence of God
“It is in the company of Jesus that you work for the glory of God
“Remembering that God is with you will help and inspire you in all that you do.”
“How long has Jesus been knocking at the door of your heart, waiting to enter?”
“Follow the inspirations that come to you from God
“May God continue what he has begun in you
“This work of teaching is one of the most important in the Church
Fulfil your ministry with all the affection of your heart
“Show the great love you have for Jesus by being eager to talk with him in prayer.”
POPE FRANCIS:
With an aching heart, I add my voice to that of the common people, who implore the end of the war. In the name of God, listen to the cry of those who suffer, and put an end to the bombings and the attacks! #LetsPrayTogether #Ukraine #Peace
I would like once again to urge the welcoming of the many refugees, in whom Christ is present, and to give thanks for the great network of solidarity that has formed. #LetsPrayTogether #Ukraine #Peace
Before the barbarism of killing children and innocent and defenceless citizens, no strategic reasons hold: the only thing to be done is to cease the unacceptable armed aggression before cities are reduced to cemeteries. #LetsPrayTogether #Ukraine #Peace
The city that bears the name of the Virgin Mary, Mariupol, has become a city martyred by the ruinous war that is devastating Ukraine. #LetsPrayTogether #Ukraine #Peace
(Text and Image - Pope Francis Official Twitter @Pontifex)
SACRED HEART AND ST VINCENT’S RELIGIOUS GOODS SHOPS
Open before and after the weekend Masses. For access on weekdays, contact the Parish Office 9 am-12 pm.
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 is 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:
Seminarian Bradley Davies will lead The Stations of the Cross at Sacred Heart Church, Clear Island Waters from 6 pm each Friday of Lent.
ADORATION NOTICE
Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament this First Friday 1st April at Sacred Heart Church from 7 pm to 8.30 pm. All welcome. Enquiries: Helen 0421935678
First Saturday Mass at Sacred Heart 9 am 2nd April 2022.
Followed by Adoration and Benediction.
Surfers Paradise Catholic Ladies will be having their Bingo
On Tuesday the 5th of April 2022,
From 10.00 am to 2.00 pm.
As we are having the function in a Public venue full Covid vaccination is Compulsory.
Please phone Maxine Sela 0421051193 or Wendy Webb, 0412237832 to book your seat for this day.
Praying the Rosary - Our Lady’s Statue in the Parish
Details of the statue of Our Lady which is going around the Parish. If you would like to have her in your home and say the Rosary:
Please contact Maxine or Pat on 0412 519 404
The Roster for the next few weeks:
4/4/2022 Eva Mollowski Palm Beach
11/4/2022 Eva Mollowski Palm Beach
MARIAN VALLEY MASSES
Please come and join us at the Marian Valley for the feast of Our Lady of Fatima on the 13.04.2022 and on 24.04.2022 for Divine Mercy Sunday on this day Holy Hour 10.00 am Followed by the Mass at 11.00 am and Divine Mercy Chaplet at 3.00 pm. The bus will be picking up at 8.15 am on both days at the Sacred Heart Church Clear Island Waters. The cost for the bus is $22.00 return for each trip. You can secure your seat with contact name and contact phone number with Xavier Solomon 0404 843 260, Madeleine on 0405 252 367 or 5529 1573. All are welcome.
MEDITATION PRAYER GROUP
In the Morris prayer room Tuesdays from 10 am to 12 noon. The Meditation Group would very much like to welcome new members. All enquiries please phone Pam Egtberts 0428090703”
ART AND CRAFT GROUP - Every Wednesday in the PHC from 9 am until 12noon.
The Group meets in the Parish Hospitality Centre on Wednesdays, 9 to 12. Activities include art, (watercolour, oils, acrylics, pen and ink drawing etc), as well as various kinds of Craftwork (Knitting, Embroidery, Crocheting, Cardmaking, Sewing etc.), making Rosary Beads (later sent to the missions), and any other activities that individuals may have an interest in. We come together to enjoy each other's company in a relaxed environment. New members, both men and women, are most welcome to join. For further information, phone John 0412 759 205, or the Parish Office.
Worldwide Marriage Encounter:
A weekend experience for married couples, priests and religious, away from the distractions of everyday living. Take time out of your busy schedule, to invest in your most precious asset and revitalise your Sacrament. This is a unique opportunity to reconnect, rekindle and refresh your relationship. It gives you the opportunity to grow in your relationship with your spouse or your community.
Our COVID-SAFE live-in weekends will be held from Friday evening 13 May to Sunday afternoon 15 May and Friday evening 14 October to Sunday afternoon 16 October (including Mass) at Santa Teresa, Ormiston. Our live-out weekend will be held at Siena College, Sippy Downs from 1 to 3 July – going home on the Friday and Saturday evenings. For bookings/details contact Maria and David Murphy: 0481 307 821 qldbookings@wwme.org.au Watch Archbishop Mark Coleridge’s support video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4o_Wp6qGB44
Information website: www.wwme.org.au
EXERCISE CLASS - LOW IMPACT - FOR HEART HEALTH -
Spring has sprung! Join Rochelle for a fun functional exercise class at Casey Hall. Low impact cardiovascular exercises for heart health, improve strength and balance- an all-around fitness class for over 65’s. Stretch and strengthen the whole body, make new friends and feel great. Tuesday mornings @9.30 Beginners welcome. Contact Rochelle for further information on 0438 333 308.
THE SACRED HEART BRIDGE CLUB- (20 Years Young)-
Meets at the Sacred Heart - Parish Hospitality Centre, Fairway Drive, Clear Island Waters.
Playing Bridge keeps your brain active and increases your social network! So why not give us a try?
Learn to play Bridge at “Our Friendly Club” - Free Lesson. “Introduction to Bridge”
Easy to learn format, no previous card playing experience necessary. All are welcome.
For more information and to enrol, Please phone: Cheryl 5538 8821 or Mob 0417 772 701
YOGA AT THE PARISH HOSPITALITY CENTRE-
Come join us for our friendly class in the Parish Hospitality Centre next to the Parish Office. Classes run every Tuesday at 10:45 am. Learn to relax, yet gain greater flexibility, inner strength, body awareness and concentration, all while increasing your breath support and general wellbeing. Ruth is an IYTA accredited instructor with wide experience and runs a caring, carefully monitored one-hour session costing $10 (new attendees need to arrive by 10.30 am to prepare adequately for class). For more information, call Ruth on 0421338110.
NEW PRIMARY SCHOOL (2022) - WITHIN OUR PARISH
Star of the Sea - Merrimac - Initially Prep to Year 3, and then extending after that -
Website: Star Of The Sea Merrimac and Facebook Page: Star of the Sea
Position Vacant – Parish Pastoral and Youth ministry Coordinator- Sunnybank
Applications are open for the above position at the Sunnybank Parish. The position is part-time 34 hours a week to be worked as Tues (7hrs), Thurs (7hrs), Fri (7hrs), Sat (6hrs) and Sun (7hrs).
This position can be undertaken with either one person or two depending on the suitable candidate/s. So, a job share arrangement can be organised. For additional information, please visit the Archdiocese of Brisbane website https://brisbanecatholic.org.au/ and to careers. Applications close: 4 April 2022
Position Vacant – 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.
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
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)
No comments:
Post a Comment