PDF version of this parish newsletter here:
Also, you can access an online copy of the newsletter *here*
“My Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them.” (John 14:23)
Image Credit: by Chris Orr - Abide (7521) - Free Download. Abide - Artwork from a sermon series on John 15. - Jesus, red, series, sermon, vineyard, abide, john 15, vine. Uploaded:Feb 22, 2011. From CreationSwap
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)
SEMINARIAN’S POST. The Power of Encounter
I, like you, have met many people throughout my life, and I am certain to meet many more. I have met many of you since I arrived at the coast on the last day in January. But how do we understand the difference between “meeting” and “encountering?” A dictionary definition defines “meet” as to come into the presence of another, while “encounter” is similar in definition, except for one word – experience.
We meet many people throughout life, but some lead us to life-changing experiences. When I was growing up as a teenager, I did what many my age did – the bare minimum. I just did what I had to do to get through at school and never felt the need to do any better. But I was a competitive swimmer throughout my teenage years, and my coach was very passionate and hard-working. She would always push our squad to do our best and go beyond our capabilities, all so that we reach our potential. Something changed in me over these years. I never went on to great heights as a swimmer, but the desire to reach for the stars and go beyond the call of duty was something that captured me and something that I still adhere to today. This transformation has given me the ability to do many things, from becoming a coach myself, to being a teacher, and now a priest-to-be. I don’t believe I could have done any of the above without pushing myself beyond what I thought I was capable of, and having gone through a time of transformation, which had a lot to do with the encounter I had with my coach.
Later in life, I experienced somebody else. That person was Jesus Christ. I was at World Youth Day, 2008, in Sydney. After many workshops, prayer experiences, talks, Masses, and chatting with many other young Catholics, I experienced the joy of the Catholic faith for the first time beyond the walls of a church building. Sydney was buzzing with energy and a sense of spirituality that I had not previously experienced. I had this feeling of being alive, and a deep sense of connection to God as a person. The presence of Jesus, the second person of the trinity, was there on World Youth Day. While I had been going to Sunday Mass for the last few months, this was the first time I felt that I actually “met,” or should I say, “encountered” Jesus.
This encounter, similar to that with my coach, led me to a transformation where I gained a desire to be more involved in the life of the Church as a response to the new life I had received. Just as my swimming coach led me to a transformation for a greater work ethic, an encounter with Christ led me to a transformation of living my life with a greater purpose – His purpose, which is to bring the same good news to others, that they too have a purpose to live for something greater than themselves.
May we pray that more of us encounter Jesus Christ for ourselves, and if you have already, that this relationship deepens and leads to greater transformations. As I have not just met, but encountered some of you, I pray that we, as people who have the presence of Jesus in us, may also be the place that others encounter Him too.
Bradley Davies, Seminarian.
LOCAL SAINT VINCENT de PAUL CONFERENCE - HELP NEEDED!
Hello to our fellow Parishioners!
We are the Surfers Paradise Conference Members of the St Vincent de Paul Society. We call it our Conference because we meet to confer every month on how we can best help our Companions, who are doing it hard on this journey of life.
And we need your help. Not your money! (just for now) but your help!
You may not know that SVDP was formed 189 years ago by a 19 yr old student in Paris, called Frederick Ozanam. He was challenged by the poverty and need he saw around him, and he called on his fellow students to appreciate their own privileges and to help those who needed a hand up.
So all these years later, in 153 countries all over the world, some 800,000 of us do what we can for our own Companions. When they call the Helpline, we go to visit them – previously in their homes, now in their driveways! We share food, and whatever other resources we can, and lend a listening ear so that we can provide support or guidance. We’re about a Hand Up. We need more people to come with us on our companion journeys. A couple of hours visiting, at a time to suit you, and a couple of hours in the conference. It’s not hard work, it’s easy. But it needs a big heart and a loving soul.
We’ll be hosting an information night on May 31, at the Parish Hospitality Centre at Clear Island Waters from 6.30 to 7.30 pm. So you can find out more, and discern whether it is a call for help that you can answer. No pressure. Well, not much!
If you are interested in finding out more, could you please call Catherine on 0419 221 916 or Craig on 0427 244 880. Thank you and bless you.
National Volunteer Week - 2022
(Ends this weekend) Australia celebrates National Volunteer Week (NVW), Throughout the parishes, and by virtue of its work with Centacare, the Archdiocese has one of the largest numbers of volunteer groups throughout the state—around 10,000 approximately.
We celebrate the generous efforts of our volunteers. This year's theme is apt as we re-emerge from the COVID19 pandemic—"Better Together" - Let us pray for all who serve as volunteers in a multitude of settings within the Church and wider community: that their witness of faith and generosity of service will reveal the face of Christ to those for whom they care. Amen.
FAMILY FESTIVAL
Family Festival free tickets here:
CARMELITE SISTER - Sr Mary Teresa- Funeral - Online Replay
(From New Zealand)
Carmelite Sister - Sr Mary Teresa, the sister of parishioner Caroline Moulden, had her funeral recently in New Zealand. If you would like to watch the replay of this ceremony, the link is here. May Sr Mary Teresa now rest in God’s arms forever. https://youtu.be/ODk5Fxan-c4
CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR NEW SCHOOL -STAR OF THE SEA - MERRIMAC -
On Friday the 20th May 2022, Archbishop Mark Coleridge, assisted by Fr Peter Dillon and Seminarian Bradley Davies and Staff, students, parents and representatives of BCE and surrounding schools attended the Star of Sea School for the official Blessing and Opening Ceremony. May God continue to bless this school as it continues to grow with God’s love and grace.
Star of the Sea - Merrimac - Initially Prep to Year 3, with an extra year level being added each year until 2026. The school is master-planned to accommodate approximately 550 students. -
Website: Star Of The Sea Merrimac and Facebook Page: Star of the Sea
Nationwide Rosary to be prayed on May 21
The Legion of Mary in cooperation with the St. Louis Marie De Monfort association would like to assist in the promotion of the National Holy Rosary to Our Lady Help of Christians, on Saturday the 21st of May. We hope and pray that Parishes throughout the Archdiocese of Brisbane will be able to hold this preferably between 2-4 pm. They may pray at home or in a group.
At this very unsettled time in our world, we are sure that this call to unity in prayer with our Blessed Mother Mary will help to restore peace and love in people's lives, especially those experiencing war, famine, abuse, sickness or homelessness.
With God’s grace we hope to improve our world and help those in need,
May God bless Yvette, Kaminski-LOM (0417591250)
NEW FEATURE OF THE NEWSLETTER - SHARE IN REFLECTION FOR AN UPCOMING WEEKEND'S SCRIPTURES:
In order to deepen our appreciation of God's Holy Word, each week you are invited to read the Scriptures for Sunday Masses a few weeks ahead. After you have prayerfully read these texts from the Bible, spend some time in silent contemplation and prayer over these texts. Then read the Scriptures over again slowly and meditatively. Write down anything in the readings that delights you, intrigues you, confuses you, challenges you and so on. Also, write down any thoughts that come up to you about these texts and what they are saying to you. You are welcome to share these thoughts in the feedback process in this link. Please come to this site every week and engage in this advanced preparation and immersion into God's living word which cuts finer than any knife and is lifegiving and nourishing for our lives here and now. Please visit the following link and join in the process. An insight, question or observation may end up in the weekly homily too. https://scripturereflectioninprogress.blogspot.com/
Plenary Council Second Assembly-Walking in the Spirit
The People of God are invited to make a prayerful journey towards the Second
Assembly of the Plenary Council through the Walking in the Spirit prayer campaign.
Walking in the Spirit runs until the second Assembly, which opens on
Sunday, July 3.
Find out more at: ww.plenarycouncil.catholic.org.au/walkinginthespirit
HOSPITAL CALLS - AROUND THE DEANERY
To efficiently deal with the pastoral needs that arise around the Catholic Parishes of the Gold Coast, the parishes within this Deanery have the practice of having the first call for emergencies going to the priests of the parish within which the hospital is located. Here is a helpful guide to the hospitals and their attendant priests. Nursing home calls usually also follow this procedure, where the first priest to call is a priest from the parish within which the Nursing Home is located.
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
A VOCATION VIEW: Talents and Vocations
It is not that talents add up to a vocation; but that a Vocation brings talents. The Spirit of God lives within you! 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 -
“…Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid.” (John 14:27)
Our limited human understanding cannot begin to understand the immense power of God. Instead of trusting in God, we often think we can control every outcome. Do you want to make God laugh? Tell Him your plans. The next time worry, anxiety or fear creeps in, thank God for all He has given you and trust that He has a better plan for you. Make God your first choice and not your last resort.
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: Barry James Edmonds, Kevin Brennan, Margaret Cusack, Fabiola Menzs, Peter O’Brien, Rachel Raines, Ray Burton, Mary Jackson, Cathy Doyle, Vince Shanahan, Ilene Simpkins, Claire Perera, Jayani Antony, Panfilo Bantugan, Sandii Wall, 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, John Davis, Bobby Courtney, Lisa Mangan, Robyn Skein, Kye Oh, Bill Gilmore, Olga Hamshari, Roy Ferraro, Margaret Haerse, Milka Barac, Mary Ashton, Rodney & Norma McLennan, Lois & Doug Wood, Duncan Dawson, William Franklin, Maria Mihalic, Annie Scicluna, Anne Logan, Margaret Thompson, Patricia Moor, Helen Bohringer, Savannah Ayoub, Baby Maeve Lombard, Arthur Haddad, Michael & Denise Tracey, Joanne Parkes, Michelle MacDonald, Mary Kerr. And all suffering from Covid-19 and its effects.
RECENTLY DECEASED: Elizabeth Cheetham, Jill Carlyle, Karen Tansey, James (Jim) McCloskey, Michael James, Hans Gringel, Sr Mary Teresa, Tony Ghusn, Bill Heuston, Cathy Cooper, Rosario Lazzaro, Lucena Gabriel, Brad Holman, Mieko Kanayama, Fr Patrick Cassidy, Fr Ian Howells SJ, Louise Thompson, Balthazar van der Meer, Katrina Roberts, Kathleen Gabriel, Rosslyn Wallis, Jean Smith (from Sydney), Barbara Mary Robertson, Guiseppe Castellana, Judith Wisemantel, Prof. Errol John Maguire, Pat Delany (Sydney), Cynthia Ferdinands, Cynthia Maud Brennan, Patricia Brigid Flanagan, Kathleen Jane O’Doherty, Segindina Navarro, Lolita Pamorca, Noeline Patricia Sisam, Barry Edwards, Rita Quarelle, Colita Paghubasan, Rosita Marchetti, Francis Elton.
ANNIVERSARY OF DEATH: Dean Swift,Donald Hope Atkinson, Mansour Soueidan, Douglas Pierce Bates, Jack Arthur Hurley, John Zervos, Ronald Stanley Perry, Andreas Gandjar Lunandi, June Valeen Deane, Helen Dunn, Keith Cumner, Vittorio Lanci, Basilo Micale, Mellie Modral, Sr Ursula Gabbett, Kevin Martin Murphy, Patricia Margaret Mary Levick, Fay Ardron, Maurice John Hayes, Patricia Dorothy Helen Geor, June Therese Lewis,
Dr. Elaine Lillian Kluver. And also Distony Lunandi, Pat Rainbird, Veronica Bond, Janina Kraus, John Egan, Robert Brian Butler, John Joseph Chappell, John McGrath, Nancy Denaro, Ross Patrick Hickey, Benjamin Gary Bayes, Angel Dee Nipperess, Deris Howell, Jean Georges Rabbath, Patricia Connaghan, Margaret Bell Boyle, Leonor Corazon, Brian Nolan, Maria Lucia Zervos, Irmgard (Joan) Graz, Judith Anne O'Connor, Clarita Lopez.
TAKE FIVE FOR FAITH: How to find the missing peace!
The first step to peace is to ensure the hungry are fed. This requires that workers are fairly compensated. Labour priest George G. Higgins, who died on this day in 2002, recognized a vital connection between workers' unions and Catholic social teaching. He actively supported Cesar Chavez in arbitrating for farmworkers. Higgins also advocated for the United Auto Workers and Kentucky coal miners. Higgins acknowledged that “All members of the white community and especially those of us who have benefited most from the system are responsible, in varying degrees, for the tragic plight of black Americans." Learn about the seven themes of Catholic social teaching. "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you." (John 14:23-29) - SIGN UP FOR "TAKE FIVE" DAILY - www.takefiveforfaith.com/subscribe
MASK WEARING
Naturally the rule about mask-wearing does not forbid people from wearing masks but simply does not require them to be worn. So people are very welcome to keep wearing masks if they choose. People should not feel the need to explain and apologise for continuing to wear masks and we ask that people respect their choices and needs. The risk of covid has not entirely vanished and there are still vulnerable people in our community and so using hand sanitiser and reasonable social distancing where possible is still highly prudent.
BAPTISM for Children in Surfers Paradise
Baptism is the first of three Sacraments of Initiation: Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist. Surfers Paradise Parish follows the policies of the Archdiocese of Brisbane as it welcomes each person into the family of the Church through the waters of Baptism.
Infants and children are baptised at the request of parents. Within the Baptism ritual, parents promise to accept the responsibility of training their children in the practice of the faith and to raise their children to understand and live God’s commandments. Parents can request baptism for their child by filling out an enrolment form, available on our parish website www.surfersparadiseparish.com.au Once the online baptism form has been received, the Parish Office will email details for preparation for the Sacrament of Baptism and confirm the online booking.
Three primary school-age children are currently preparing for Baptism. Although their personal stories vary, each of the children has asked their parents to organise their initiation into our Catholic Faith. Each child has asked to develop their relationship with God by learning more about God’s love and forgiveness. Their parents are delighted to be in a position to support their children as they start this journey. For our part, may we keep these children and their families in our prayers, especially throughout the upcoming Easter Season?
Sacrament of EUCHARIST - First HOLY COMMUNION 2022
Over 90 children are currently participating in the At Home Preparation for First Communion.The families of these children will view the videos, complete the variety of activities and, talk and pray together about this final Sacrament of Initiation - the Sacrament of Eucharist received and lived to its fullest through the sharing in the gift of Holy Communion.
The Parent Meetings have been held over recent weeks. 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.)
Families that experience any difficulties with the program should seek assistance 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.
Sacrament of PENANCE - RECONCILIATION
If you missed the March opportunity for your child to celebrate their First Reconciliation, we would like to offer you another opportunity this year. The First Rite of Reconciliation will be celebrated on Thursday, October 20, 2022 at 5:30pm in Sacred Heart Church.
Reconciliation is a Sacrament of Healing. In the Children’s Sacramental Program, it follows the Sacraments of Initiation. That is, Reconciliation, also known as Penance, follows Baptism, Confirmation and First Communion.
The Surfers Paradise Sacramental Team has prepared a program similar in style to the Confirmation and First Communion At Home Preparation Programs. If your child was previously enrolled in the Surfers Paradise Parish Sacramental Program and then was either Confirmed or made their First Communion in Surfers Paradise, there is no requirement for you to complete a new online enrolment form. Children making their First Communion in June, 2022 will also be eligible to participate in this Preparation for Reconciliation.
If you are unsure if your child will be included in the group, please email our Sacramental Coordinator, Cathy Anderson at andersoncm@bne.catholic.net.au
THIS WEEKEND’S GOSPEL - The Father and the Son, (through the Holy Spirit), will come and "make their home in us"
-To listen to the whole Sunday Mass each week (including homily) from Surfers Paradise Catholic Parish, including the Easter Mass - please visit this link:
Liturgy for you at Home (by SPCP) - https:- soundcloud.com/user-633212303/tracks.
The readings this weekend all speak of the Holy Spirit. The theme of the readings is all about the Spirit, as our Easter Season fast approaches Pentecost.
We cannot underestimate the importance of the Holy Spirit in our lives and in the life of the church. Without the Holy Spirit, the church would be ineffective and we, the disciples of Jesus, need the action and the inspiration of the Holy Spirit to be effective in what we seek to achieve.
There is a line in the first reading that I really love; the words: "It has been decided by the Holy Spirit and by us"…… or as another translation puts it: "It seemed good to the Holy Spirit, and to us that……" This shows that the early church and its disciples, when faced with new questions for new situations and new times, gathered together in prayer and actively discerned what the Holy Spirit wanted… and then they made a decision which was an authentic act of the Holy Spirit and with active cooperation from the disciples. We can see how the Holy Spirit becomes part of our lives, hearts and minds AND the major decisions of the church. Christian life for us disciples becomes a beautiful, cooperative and unified action both of our own will and intellect and also of God's Holy Spirit. It is interesting that this phrase has been put to practical effect in the history of the church even now. I believe that in some religious orders when their Superior (their leader) is deciding to send a religious person to a new appointment or mission, they would write in the official letter of appointment this beautiful formal phrase….. "It seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us that you be appointed to such and such…….." Thus there is a recognition of not only the decision-making process and wisdom of the leader but also the absolutely necessary prayerful discernment, grace and guidance of the Holy Spirit in everything we do.
We are invited by Christ to be "so connected to Christ" that our decisions, our actions, and our priorities will be guided by and connected to Jesus, through the Holy Spirit, without any loss of free will. I love that!
I absolutely love the Gospel today… It is mysterious, but also very profound. It is so beautiful and so important to our understanding. Jesus says that he and the Father, (through the Holy Spirit), will come and "make their home in our hearts, and make their home in us"….and that we will be connected to Christ,….. united to Christ in the very life of the Holy Trinity….…. We will be "in communion" with Christ in a very real way, through our obedience and love.
I love all the passages where Jesus, quite clearly, deliberately and explicitly speaks of the union he shares with the Heavenly Father and the Holy Spirit, and how they "abide in each other," (they live in and within each other)… (they make a home in each other's being). .. This union/ this communion, is inviting us to share and abide in God's life…. This is his unique gift to us who become his disciples. There can be nothing more wonderful.
Jesus promised to send the Holy Spirit to us so that we will always be connected to Jesus (abide in Him and Him in us, and Him in the Father and the Father in the Spirit). We will abide in his teachings; live in his love, and this Spirit living within us will constantly remind us of his teachings and his truths. God will truly live with his people.. and abide in and within us. God will walk with us, his people, always. And God will be the light to show us the way through our journeys through life, so we have nothing to fear even when life is far from easy or simple.
Finally, and most importantly, Jesus promises us the gift of peace. This is a gift we all long for, and for which the world longs to receive. Jesus promises us the gift of his peace; a peace the world cannot give and cannot achieve of itself. God's peace is all we need through all the tragedies and the joys of life, as well as the failures and successes of life.
Jesus has, with the gift of the Holy Spirit, gifted us with God's divine peace and unity and connection to God that can hardly be imagined, and also the very real authority to cooperate in and participate in real decisions for Christian living. So, in union with Christ, we participate in and discern, with the Spirit, the issues and questions that come up anew in our lives. This authority to discern the Spirit's guidance in new questions is done by God in a way that engages us and all our talents and gifts, and uses all our faculties, - our knowledge and intellect, our understanding of the Scriptures as interpreted by the Church, which itself has been constantly inspired by the Holy Spirit down through the many ages…. This freedom to decide is also a deep and challenging responsibility, that does not give us licence, but rather discretion and which frees us to be open to God's ways and values, always with the prayerful guidance and prudence of God's grace.
We can trust that God is there to guide us and direct us and inspire us as we contemplate the issue and questions of our present age. (We see this profound discernment and cooperation and love in Pope Francis's exercise of his Papal ministry, which is inspiring to Christian and non-christian people alike, throughout the world.
We must trust in the power and authority and discernment that God has given us, as a body of Christ, so that we may continue to apply the gospel in each and every new situation and circumstance of daily life….. for God is with us… God abides with and in us. God guides, leads and inspires us. God's Holy Spirit shows us the way and gives us direction.
To listen to the whole Sunday Mass each week (including homily) from Surfers Paradise Catholic Parish, please visit this link: Liturgy for you at Home (by SPCP) - https:- soundcloud.com/user-633212303/tracks.
(Reference: Fr Paul W. Kelly)
[Image Credit: by Kayla Waldron - Abide (32239). Free Download, john 15, dwell, vine and branches. Uploaded:Aug 26, 2015. Via CreationSwap]
St Christopher Magallanes & Companions
Mexican Martyr. ““I am innocent and die innocent. I absolve with all my heart those who seek my death and ask God that my blood bring peace to a divided Mexico.” The priests absolved each other, spoke some few words of comfort, and then were shot to death by a firing squad of fellow Mexicans in soldiers’ uniforms. Father Caloca’s last words were: “For God we lived and for Him we died.”
Our Lady Help of Christians
(from quotes by Saint John Bosco, on Our Lady Help of Christians). "[Referring to the many favours Mary, Help of Christians granted to people]
“... I am not aware that anyone prayed in vain. Spiritual and temporal favours, more or less extraordinary, always resulted from praying to our most merciful Mother, the mighty Help of Christians."
"It is Our Lady’s own wish that we call upon Her as ‘Mary, Help of Christians’."
O Mary, powerful Virgin, Thou art the mighty and glorious protector of the Church; Thou art the marvellous ‘Help of Christians’; Thou art terrible as an army in battle array; Thou alone hast destroyed every heresy in the whole world. In the midst of our struggles, our anguish, and our distress, defend us from the power of the enemy and at the hour of death, receive our souls into Paradise. Amen." "[A prayer written by Don Bosco in honour of Mary, Help of Christians]
"Our Lady wishes us now to honour Her, especially under the title of ‘Help of Christians’. In these evil days, we need Her help."
"Our Lady, Help of Christians, will be the Foundress and perpetual Protectress of all our works."
"We owe many great debts of gratitude to Mary, Help of Christians. What we are and what we have done, we owe to Her."
"If we could but lift a veil and show you the graces that have been granted to those dedicated to Her, we could intone a magnificent hymn in honour of the mighty Virgin, Help of Christians! [1884]"
Bede the Venerable
“He alone loves the Creator perfectly who manifests a pure love for his neighbour.”
“Unfurl the sails, and let God steer us where He will.”
“The ultimate mystery of being, the ultimate Truth, is Love. This is the essential structure of reality. When Dante spoke of the 'love which moves the sun and the other stars, he was not using a metaphor but was describing the nature of reality. There is in Being an infinite desire to give itself in love and this gift of Self in love is forever answered by a return of love....and so the rhythm of the universe is created.”
“While the Coliseum stands, Rome shall stand; when the Coliseum falls, Rome shall fall; when Rome falls, the world shall fall.”
“I was no longer the centre of my life and therefore I could see God in everything.”
“Christ is the Morning Star, who, when the night of this world is past, gives to his saints the promise of the light of life, and opens everlasting day.”
“No man taketh away sins (which the law, though holy, just and good, could not take away), but He in whom there is no sin.”
“I have devoted my energies to the study of the scriptures, observing monastic discipline, and singing the daily services in church; study, teaching, and writing have always been my delight.”
“The inspiration came suddenly again to surrender to the Mother. It was quite unexpected: And so somehow I made a surrender to the Mother. Then I had an experience of overwhelming love. Waves of love sort of flowed into me.”
“I think the Mother is gradually revealing itself to me and taking over. But it is not the Mother alone. It is the Mother and the Father, the male and the female, sort of gradually having their marriage.”
“All the ways of this world are as fickle and unstable as a sudden storm at sea.”
“I am my own secretary; I dictate, I compose, I copy all myself.”
“And I pray thee, loving Jesus, that as Thou has graciously given me to drink in with delight the words of Thy knowledge, so Thou wouldst mercifully grant me to attain one day to Thee, the fountain of all wisdom and to appear forever before Thy face.”
Gregory VII
It is the custom of the Roman Church which I unworthily serve with the help of God, to tolerate some things, to turn a blind eye to some, following the spirit of discretion rather than the rigid letter of the law.
I have loved justice and hated iniquity: therefore I die in exile.
(Read more at https://www.brainyquote.com/authors/pope-gregory-vii-quotes)
St Mary Magdelene de’ Pazzi
Trials are nothing else but the forge that purifies the soul of all its imperfections.
You will be consoled according to the greatness of your sorrow and affliction; the greater the suffering, the greater will be the reward.
O Sisters, if we would only comprehend the fact that while the Eucharistic Species remain within us, Jesus is there and working in us inseparably with the Father and the Holy Spirit and therefore the whole Holy Trinity is there.
I do not desire to die soon, because in Heaven there is no suffering. I desire to live a long time because I yearn to suffer much for the love of my Spouse.
Cast yourself into the arms of God and be very sure that if he wants anything of you, He will fit you for the work and give you strength.
A joyful heart is more easily made perfect than a downcast one.
The best way to prepare for death is to spend every day of life as though it were the last.
Do not grieve over the temptations you suffer. When the Lord intends to bestow a particular virtue on us, He often permits us first to be tempted by the opposite vice. Therefore, look upon every temptation as an invitation to grow in a particular virtue and a promise by God that you will be successful if only you stand fast.
There is nothing the devil fears so much, or so much tries to hinder, as prayer.
First, let a little love find entrance into their hearts, and the rest will follow.
We are not saints yet, but we, too, should beware. Uprightness and virtue do have their rewards, in self-respect and in respect from others, and it is easy to find ourselves aiming for the result rather than the cause. Let us aim for joy, rather than respectability. Let us make fools of ourselves from time to time, and thus see ourselves, for a moment, as the all-wise God sees us.
The cross is the gift God gives to his friends.
To preserve our cheerfulness amid sicknesses and troubles is a sign of a right and good spirit.
He who wishes for anything but Christ does not know what he wishes; he who asks for anything but Christ does not know what he is asking; he who works, and not for Christ, does not know what he is doing.
The Lord grants in a moment what we may have been unable to obtain in dozens of years.
My Jesus, if you uphold me, I shall not fall.
The best remedy for dryness of spirit is to picture ourselves as beggars in the presence of God and the Saints, and like a beggar, to go first to one saint, then to another, to ask spiritual alms of them with the same earnestness as a poor fellow in the streets would ask an alms of us.
Humility is the safeguard of chastity. In the matter of purity, there is no greater danger than not fearing the danger. For my part, when I find a man secure in himself and without fear, I give him up for lost. I am less alarmed for one who is tempted and who resists by avoiding the occasions, than for one who is not tempted and is not careful to avoid occasions. When a person puts himself in an occasion, saying, I shall not fall, it is an almost infallible sign that he will fall, and with great injury to his soul.
Christian joy is a gift of God flowing from a good conscience.
He who is unable to spend a long time together in prayer should often lift up his mind to God through short prayers.
Philip Neri
We must sometimes bear with little defects in others, as we have, against our will, to bear with natural defects in ourselves. If we wish to keep peace with our neighbour, we should never remind anyone of his natural defects.
The greatness of our love of God must be tested by the desire we have of suffering for His love.
We must often remember what Christ said, that not he who begins, but he that perseveres to the end, shall be saved.
My children, if you desire perseverance, be devout to our Blessed Lady.
Let us be humble and keep ourselves down: - Obedience! Humility! Detachment!
The great thing is to become Saints.
Where there is no great mortification there is no great sanctity.
"If a man finds it very hard to forgive injuries, let him look at a Crucifix, and think that Christ shed all His Blood for him, and not only forgave His enemies, but even prayed to His Heavenly Father to forgive them also. Let him remember that when he says the Pater Noster, every day, instead of asking pardon for his sins, he is calling down vengeance on himself."
There is nothing more dangerous in the spiritual life than to wish to rule ourselves after our own way of thinking.
“God, in His promises to hear our prayers, is desirous to bestow Himself upon us; if you find anything better than Him, ask it but if you ask anything beneath Him, you put an affront upon Him and hurt yourself, by preferring to Him, a creature which He created.
Pray in the spirit and sentiment of love, in which the royal prophet said to Him, ‘Thou, O Lord, are my portion.’ Let others choose to themselves, portions among creatures, for my part, You are my portion, You alone I have chosen for my whole inheritance.”
St Augustine of Canterbury (Died c 605) “The Apostle to the English”
You alone I have chosen for my whole inheritance.
“Ask God to lead you by Faith, Only God, seek only Him.”
“God alone!”
POPE FRANCIS: Recent Messages
We need to be careful of the mentality that separates priests from the laity, considering the first as protagonists and the second as executors, and carry out the Christian mission as one People of God. The entire Church is an evangelising community.
For the 59th World Day of Prayer for #Vocations, I would like to reflect with you on the bigger meaning of "vocation" in the context of a synodal Church that listens to God and the world. https://vatican.va/content/francesco/en/messages/vocations/documents/20220508-messaggio-59-gm-vocazioni.html
Dear elderly brothers and sisters, please look at the young people. The young people are watching us and our consistency can open up a beautiful path in life for them. Hypocrisy, on the other hand, will do so much harm. Let us #PrayTogether for one another.
Let us #PrayTogether so that all young people, called to live life to the fullest, may discover in Mary’s life the way to listen, the depth of discernment, the courage of faith, and the dedication to service. #PrayerIntention
On this World #PressFreedom Day, let us #PrayTogether for the journalists who pay in person, with their lives or imprisonment, to serve this right. Special thanks to those who courageously inform us of the wounds of humanity.
In this month dedicated to the Virgin Mary, let us learn from her that #prayer is the best weapon of the Christian life; without persistent prayer, no victory over evil is possible.
(source: Pope Francis Twitter Account https://twitter.com/Pontifex; @Pontifex)
Pope Francis has set 'listening' as the theme for World Communications Sunday on 22 May. In his Parish Life blog, 'The gift of listening', Fr Andrew Hamilton SJ says we need to remember that good communication requires a commitment to listening with our ears and our hearts. Australian Catholic Media Council chair Debra Vermeer says in an article on the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference media blog that thanks to the journey of the Plenary Council, the People of God in Australia are well placed to respond to Pope Francis' exhortation to be people who listen.
Communication was the centrepiece of a program run last week by the staff at Australian Catholics. Ten secondary school students attended a week-long online internship program as guest editors for the spring 2022 Australian Catholics magazine. During the week the students considered the media's influence, for good and bad, on community engagement. The internship program is held every year and has been highly successful in introducing students to the practicalities of producing a magazine.
(Image Credit: by Josiah Kopp- Love (7351) Free Download. Love - I'm 13 and I made this graphic with all the words I could find that described God's love - Keywords: heart, love - Uploaded: Feb 19, 2011).
RELIGIOUS GOODS SHOPS
The Parish Shops have many devotional items such as statues, chaplets, rosary beads, medals, holy cards, including gift lines for Baptism, Holy Communion and Confirmation gifts.
COMMUNION TO RESIDENTS AT NURSING HOMES. HELP NEEDED!
We have had to reduce our visits with Holy Communion to the residents at Nursing Homes, and urgently require more people to assist with this service. Can you spare 3 hours per month for this important Ministry?
Listed below are Nursing homes with their Day and time of visitation.
Lady Small Haven, Benowa. Tuesdays 9.30 am to 11.00 am
Merrimac Park Private Care, Merrimac. Wednesdays 1.30 pm to 3.00 pm
Bupa Nursing Home, Merrimac. Thursdays 9.30 am to 11.00 am
Tricare, Mermaid Beach Nursing Home, Mermaid Beach Fridays 10.15 am to 12.00noon
Tricare, Cypress Gardens Nursing Home, Clear Island Waters. Sundays after 9.00 am Mass Sacred Heart to 12.00 noon
For further information ring the Parish Office, or Maxine Sela on 0421051193.
Praying the Rosary - Our Lady’s Statue in the Parish
OUR LADY’S STATUE
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 two weeks:
16/5/2022 Aileen & Julio Camera Nerang
23/5/2022 Aileen & Julio Camera Nerang
ART AND CRAFT GROUP - Every Wednesday in the PHC from 9 am until 12noon.
The Group meets in the Parish Hospitality Centre on Wednesdays, 9 to 12. Activities include art, (watercolour, oils, acrylics, pen and ink drawing etc), as well as various kinds of Craftwork (Knitting, Embroidery, Crocheting, Cardmaking, Sewing etc.), making Rosary Beads (later sent to the missions), and any other activities that individuals may have an interest in. We come together to enjoy each other's company in a relaxed environment. New members, both men and women, are most welcome to join. For further information, phone John 0412 759 205, or the Parish Office.
THE SACRED HEART BRIDGE CLUB- (20 Years Young)-
Meets at the Sacred Heart - Parish Hospitality Centre, Fairway Drive, Clear Island Waters.
Playing Bridge keeps your brain active and increases your social network! So why not give us a try?
Learn to play Bridge at “Our Friendly Club” - Free Lesson. “Introduction to Bridge”
Easy to learn format, no previous card playing experience is necessary. All are welcome.
For more information and to enrol, Please phone: Cheryl 5538 8821 or Mob 0417 772 701
MEDITATION PRAYER GROUP
In the Morris prayer room Tuesdays from 10 am to 12 noon. The Meditation Group would very much like to welcome new members. All enquiries please phone Pam Egtberts 0428090703
Worldwide Marriage Encounter:
A weekend experience for married couples, priests and religious, away from the distractions of everyday living. Take time out of your busy schedule, to invest in your most precious asset and revitalise your Sacrament. This is a unique opportunity to reconnect, rekindle and refresh your relationship. It gives you the opportunity to grow in your relationship with your spouse or your community.
Our live-out weekend will be held at Siena College, Sippy Downs from 1 to 3 July – going home on the Friday and Saturday evenings. Our COVID-SAFE live-in weekends will be held from Friday evening 14 October to Sunday afternoon 16 October (including Mass) at Santa Teresa, Ormiston. 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.
CASUAL SCHOOL CROSSING SUPERVISOR - ST MICHAEL’S
The casual position of School Crossing Supervisor has been advertised at St Michael’s that may appeal to a parent, grandparent or someone within our parish community who is looking for a few hours of work per week. Brisbane Catholic Education - School Crossing Supervisor - St Michael's College, MERRIMAC (nga.net.au) Applications must be completed on-line and close on 24 May 2022. Details and information are available by clicking the link. (online applications close 24/5/22).
Receptionist/Multimedia Assistant- Holy Cross Funerals -(Brisbane)
Applications are open for the above position at Holy Cross Funerals. The position is a part-time 25 hours a week over 5 days per week Monday to Friday 9 am to 2 pm. For additional information, please visit the Archdiocese of Brisbane website https://brisbanecatholic.org.au/ and careers. Applications close: 30 May 2022
Position Vacant – Assistant Sacristan- St Stephens
Applications are open for the above position at St Stephens Cathedral. The position is a part-time 25 hours a week. This position provides assistance to the Sacristan in the preparation of liturgical events within the Cathedral. For additional information, please visit the Archdiocese of Brisbane website https://brisbanecatholic.org.au/ and to careers. Applications close: 31 May 2022
Position Vacant – Parish Secretary- Lutwyche.
Applications are open for the above position at the Lutwyche Catholic Parish. The position is a part-time 21 hours a week over 4 days per week (Mon, Wed, Thurs & Fri). For additional information, please visit the Archdiocese of Brisbane website https://brisbanecatholic.org.au/ and to careers.
Applications close: 1 June 2022
The Archdiocese of Brisbane has standards of conduct for workers to maintain a safe and healthy environment for children. Our commitment to these standards requires that we conduct working with children checks and background referencing for all persons who will engage in direct and regular involvement with children and young people (0 - 18 years) and/or vulnerable adults. The organisation is fully committed to child safety and has zero-tolerance for abuse of children or vulnerable adults.
ADULT LEARNING ARTICLES: The 7 Themes of Catholic Social Teaching
Catholic Social Teaching Research Guide: The 7 Themes of Catholic Social Teaching
Life and Dignity of the Human Person.
Call to Family, Community, and Participation.
Rights and Responsibilities.
Option for the Poor and Vulnerable.
The Dignity of Work and the Rights of Workers.
Solidarity.
Care for God's Creation.
(Source: https://researchguides.ben.edu/c.php?g=261667&p=1748204)
Commitment To Child Safety and Vulnerable-Adult Safety
See further below.
Acknowledgement of Country
This is Kombumerri Country - The Traditional Custodians of this region.
We respectfully acknowledge the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as the First People of this country. We pay our respects to the Kombumerri people, who are the traditional custodians of the land, waterways and seas upon which we live, work and socialise throughout this Catholic Parish of Surfers Paradise. We acknowledge Elders, past and present and emerging, as they hold the memories, traditions, culture and hopes of our Indigenous people. We pay tribute to those who have contributed in many ways to the life of the community. We affirm our commitment to justice, healing, and reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples.
(see further: The Kombumerri People)
Commitment To Child Safety and Vulnerable-Adult Safety
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