PDF version of this parish newsletter here:
Also, you can access an online copy of the newsletter *here*
“My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.” (John 10:27)
Image Credit: Shutterstock Licensed. Item ID: 2004461348 - An illustration of Jesus as a good shepherd. Biblical Series - Contributor: -AndryDj
Please note that our new parish number is (07) 56717388 (the old parish number 5572 5433 will still divert -hopefully- to the new number for about a year and then it will cease)
PASTOR’S POST. Decisions, Decisions.
In the light of a rather big decision we all have to make on May 21st with respect to the Federal Election, it is worth considering in what way our Christian faith impacts the decision we will make and how our vote is influenced. While I’m self-centred enough to think that my vote alone will influence who will govern our country for the next three years, I’m also aware that there are so many issues that need to be addressed, and I’m totally confused as to who to trust and who is really telling us the whole story. Do we ever let our faith influence such matters as climate change, refugees, and care of the marginalised and disempowered members of the community? Is it really about my tax rate, my health, and my personal security? Do we ever act upon our concerns or just hope that someone else will save us the trouble?
While we might like to think that we will have the best interests of our entire country at heart when we choose who will speak on our behalf in government, mostly we are thinking about what will benefit us personally- it’s only natural. Thinking beyond our own needs for the corporate good requires a special generosity of spirit, a spirit that we could learn from our Christian faith if we allowed it to influence our deliberations.
There is a certain school of thought that would contend that religion and politics should never mix, but such a theory would have seriously curtailed the mission and message of Jesus, who addressed much of what he had to say to those who were responsible for both the laws and the leadership of the people. We often hear him addressing those troublesome scribes and Pharisees, who had the dual responsibility of guiding the people in both faith and law, urging them to show great care in the way they exercised their political power and authority over the people.
The politicians of our day should receive the same caution as they prepare to deliver to us the policies and vision that they believe will lead us into a future ripe with opportunities for development and manipulation. Mind you, Jesus was equally cautioning his disciples, not simply to point out the faults in others unless they were prepared to keep their own house in order.
While it would be inappropriate for a leader of any faith community to tell the faithful how to vote, a glance at just a few scripture verses could provide some sound directions as well as cautions for both voters and politicians alike.
• “Listen to this you who trample on the needy and try to suppress the poor of the country” (Amos)
• “By swindling and tampering . . . we can buy up the poor for money, and the needy for a pair of sandals.” (Amos)
• “First of all there should be prayers offered . . . for kings and others in authority so that we may live religious and reverent lives in peace and quiet.” (Timothy)
• “I am telling the truth and no lie . . . I want everyone to lift up their hands in prayer with no anger or argument.” (Timothy)
• “The person who can be trusted in little things can be trusted with great things.” (Luke)
• “If then you cannot be trusted with money, who will trust you with genuine riches.”
• “No person can be a slave of two masters” (Luke)
• “You cannot be the slave both of God and of money.” (Luke)
• Jesus was rich but became poor, to make you rich out of his poverty. (Gospel Acc.)
While as a parish community we will petition God to fill our political leaders with a spirit of compassion, humility, courage and wisdom, we should also pray for ourselves that we will listen with an open mind, challenge with a brave heart and trust that God is never absent when the lives of his children are the end product.
Fr Peter Dillon PP
http://www.stmichaels.qld.edu.au/Enrol/Pages/2022-Open-Day.aspx
HAPPY MOTHER’S Day!
Happy Mother's Day to all mums as we here in Australia celebrate Mother's Day. Different parts of the world celebrate Mother's Day on different dates in the year, but whatever date it is celebrated; it is no coincidence that Christ used the image of an unconditionally loving parent to describe an essential characteristic of God's nature. What better example of unconditional love can be witnessed than the love of a Mother or a Father for their cherished child? Christ wants us to know and experience the deep and abiding love that God has for us, in calling us God's daughters and sons. This weekend we pray for all mums, that they may be blessed for their goodness, kindness and self-forgetting love.
A Prayer in Gratitude and Blessing for Our Mothers
Good and Gentle God, Lord of creation, we pray in gratitude for our mothers and for all the women who have joined with you in the wonder of bringing forth new life and nurturing with love, young lives. Jesus, you became human through the Blessed Virgin Mary. Grant to all mothers the grace and strength they need to face the uncertain moments that life often brings us all. Give them the ongoing strength to love and to be loved in return. Give them the faithful support of family and friends and the wider community. May they receive peace and joy from their family and friends. Give them joy and delight in their families and friends, to sustain them through joys and sorrows. Most of all, give them the wisdom to turn to you for help when they need it most. Bless all our mothers and grant them an eternal reward for their unconditional love and kindness. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. (Author Unknown (adapted by P. Kelly).
ADORATION NOTICE - FIRST FRIDAY ADORATION
Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament this First Friday 6th May at Sacred Heart Church from 7 pm to 8.30 pm. All are welcome. Enquiries: Helen 0421935678.
LOCAL SAINT VINCENT de PAUL CONFERENCE - HELP NEEDED!
Hello to our fellow Parishioners!
We are the Surfers Paradise Conference Members of the St Vincent de Paul Society. We call it our Conference because we meet to confer every month on how we can best help our Companions, who are doing it hard on this journey of life.
And we need your help. Not your money! (just for now) but your help!
You may not know, that SVDP was formed 189 years ago by a 19 yr old student in Paris, called Frederick Ozanam. He was challenged by the poverty and need he saw around him, and he called on his fellow students to appreciate their own privileges and to help those who needed a hand up.
So all these years later, in 153 countries all over the world, some 800,000 of us do what we can for our own Companions. When they call the Help Line, we go to visit them – previously in their homes, now in their driveways! We share food, 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 Parrish 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.
Our Lady of Fatima
Please come and join us at the Marian Valley for the feast of Our Lady of Fatima on 13.05.2022. The bus will be collecting people at 8.15 am at the Sacred Heart Church Clear Island Waters. The Cost for the bus is $22.00 return. You can secure your seat with your contact name and contact phone number with Xavier Solomon at 0404 843 260, Madeleine on 0405 252 367 or 5529 1573. All are welcome.
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/
Federal Election2022-Bishops' Statement
Read the Australian Catholic Bishops 2022 election statement, Towards a Better Kind of Politics, to help you reflect on the good you can do for the community by using your vote for the common good of all.
The statement includes a Prayer for the Election and the principles of Catholic Social Teaching. Download a copy from www.catholic.org.au
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 begins on Easter Sunday, April 17, and runs until the second
Assembly, which opens on Sunday, July 3.
Resources have been created for use by individuals, families, schools, parishes and other Catholic communities.
Find out more at www.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: World Day of Prayer for Vocations
On this World Day of Prayer for Vocations, pray for yourself. Pray to know if God is calling YOU to be a Priest, Sister or Brother. Pray!
To talk to someone about your vocation, contact Vocation Brisbane: 1300 133 544. vocation@bne.catholic.net.au and www.vocationbrisbane.com
APPEAL FOR THE PEOPLE OF UKRAINE - Caritas International (Catholic)
Ukraine Crisis
Over 2.6 million people have fled their homes in Ukraine, and there have been at least 1,581 civilian casualties.
You can help the Caritas Ukraine staff on the ground to provide families with emergency food, water, shelter and hygiene support.
STEWARDSHIP REFLECTION - Sunday of Divine Mercy
“The disciples were filled with joy and the Holy Spirit.” (Acts 13:52)
The disciples heard Our Lord’s call and were able to spread the Gospel message with strength and vitality. We, too, can experience that same joy if we make room for the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts. When we use our gifts in the way that God intends, He fills us with supernatural joy. A joy that others notice and are attracted to!
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: Karen Tansey, 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, Hans Gringel, Kath Kiely, Joanne Mooney, Therese Mullins, Michael Connell, Zeb Deane, Miriam Hill, Amando A. Mirasol Jr., Gus Reeves, John & Molly Robinson, Laila Mikael, Jean Di Benedetto, James Goodwin, Scott Mitchell, Malcolm Ward, John O’Brien, Ludwig Mueller, Kent Vince, Colleen Grehan, Carmelita Dulu, Sr Mary Teresa, John Davis, Bobby Courtney, Lisa Mangan, Robyn Skein, Kye Oh, Michael James, Bill Gilmore, Olga Hamshari, Roy Ferraro, Margaret Haerse, Milka Barac, Mary Ashton, Rodney & Norma McLennan, Lois & Doug Wood, Duncan Dawson, William Franklin, Maria Mihalic, Annie Scicluna, Anne Logan, Margaret Thompson, Patricia Moor, Helen Bohringer, 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: Lucena Gabriel, 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: Rosa O’Sullivan, Bob Sutcliffe, Mario & Josephine Wirth, Patricia Mary Dussek, Robert Chadwick Evans, Juan Rivero, Brian Reuben Maher, Imre (Henry) Masa, Trevor Bourneville, Brian Day, Gordon Lepp, Frank Glynn, Michael Schons, Alma Anderson, Josephine Tansey, Anthony George Howard, John McGrath, Daphne Gabriel Paice. And also: Greg Perkins, Desma Quirk, Beverly Ann Gooding, Leonard Gravener, Una Mary Parkinson, Bryan James Telfer, Salvatore Aprile, Clarice Edith East, Andrew Brown, Maria Del Carmen Olsen, Kevin Robert Ryan, Alberto Simonetti, Kevin Joseph William Ryan, Kath Ryan, Jeanette Margaret McCormack, Kevin McCormack, Brian James Ellsmore, Gloria Venera McMaster, Alfred Lawrence (Laurie) Cooper, Nola Rita Lawrence.
TAKE FIVE FOR FAITH: GOOD SHEPHERD SUNDAY
"My sheep hear my voice; I know them, and they follow me." (John 10:27-30).
Many of us are proud to be good at what we do whether it is a trade, craft, profession, or pastoral role. Yet few of us claim to be experts at our special task. Sister of Charity Blessed Miriam Teresa Demjanovich of New Jersey is called a "genius of the soul" for her instructions on the mystical life collected after her death in 1927 under the title Greater Perfection. In a key closing lesson, she writes: "Union with God, then, is the spiritual height God calls everyone to achieve—anyone . . . who specializes in the traffic of eternal good, who says ‘yes’ constantly to God." On this Mother's Day, pray that every mother may become, and also nurture, "soul geniuses" and traffic in an eternal good.
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 PENANCE -
If you missed this opportunity for your child to celebrate their First Reconciliation, we hope to be able to offer another opportunity later this year - With a date to be confirmed through this newsletter.
Sacrament of EUCHARIST - First HOLY COMMUNION 2022
Children who have been baptised and confirmed and are in Year 4 or greater in 2022 are invited to prepare to receive their First Communion. If parents have previously completed an online application for enrolment in the Surfers Paradise Sacramental Program, they do not need to complete a new online form to continue. The Parent Meeting for First Communion Preparation will be held on April 26 at 6 pm or April 27 at 6 pm. (Parents can choose to attend one of these meetings but do not need to attend both. Only children who are represented by a parent at one of these meetings will be included in the First Communion Preparation Program.) The Preparation for First Communion Program will be similar in format to the At Home Preparation for Confirmation Program. There will also be a Final Meeting (including rehearsal) in the week prior to the Celebration of First Communion either Monday, June 6 at 6 pm or Monday, June 13 at 6 pm.
First Communion will be celebrated on Sunday, June 12 at 11:00 am and Sunday, June 19 at 11:00 am at Sacred Heart Church (Children will be included in one of these celebrations, not both.)
The Sacramental Team will email a reminder to parents during the Term 1 holidays. If you have not received an email by the first week of Term2, please indicate your interest by emailing our Sacramental Coordinator, Cathy Anderson, andersoncm@bne.catholic.net.au
Sacrament of CONFIRMATION 2022
Baptised children who are in Year 3 or greater are invited to be included in the 2022 Preparation for Confirmation group. Parents are asked to go to the parish website at www.surfersparadiseparish.com.au and complete an online enrolment application. Please use the drop-down menu under Sacraments and click on Confirmation (under Sacraments). Then scroll down to and click on CHILDREN’S SACRAMENTAL PROGRAM APPLICATION FORM (in the blue box). Once you click on SUBMIT, you will receive an automated response so that you know that your completed application has been received.
Parents who have completed and submitted the online form will receive an invitation email several weeks prior to the Parent Meeting which is to be held either Monday, July 11 at 6 pm or Tuesday, July 12 at 6 pm in Sacred Heart Church. (Parents are asked to choose to attend one of these meetings but do not need to attend both. Only children who are represented by a parent at one of these meetings will be included in the Confirmation Preparation Program.) After the Parent Meeting, parents will be emailed copies of the At Home Preparation for Confirmation Program to be completed by the child and their parent/s, and then returned to the Sacramental Team. The Final Meeting which includes the rehearsal for Confirmation will be held on Monday, August 29 at 6 pm or Tuesday, August 30 at 6 pm (Children and parents are required to attend one of these meetings, not both.)
The Celebration of the Sacrament of Confirmation will take place in Surfers Paradise Parish on Friday, September 2, 2022.
THIS WEEKEND’S GOSPEL -
-To listen to the whole Sunday Mass each week (including homily) from Surfers Paradise Catholic Parish, including the Easter Mass - please visit this link:
Liturgy for you at Home (by SPCP) - https:- soundcloud.com/user-633212303/tracks.
"God has an unshakable delight in what --and whom-- GOD has made. God thinks each of His children is wonderful, whether they're a 'hit' in the eyes of others or not. GOD will always think they're wonderful."
I reckon any parent knows the truth of this story in a profound way… loving each of their children without reserve.
And this brings us to the essential truth about our faith--it is grounded in God's wondrous LOVE for us, just like an unconditionally loving parent.
At times we may not feel very lovable, we may even push that love away at times…--but we cannot keep God from loving us. That is God's very nature. God is a shepherd – (a very, very good one – the best, in fact). God is love.
Today on Good Shepherd Sunday we remember the truth that God always searches for the one who is lost, or who feels unworthy or unloved and carries them in His arms. Anyone who would follow Jesus (the good shepherd) as a disciple must also be prepared to abide in God's compassionate love.
The GOSPEL today is short but straight to the point.. It says so much; in fact, it says everything in these lines….
"no one will ever steal (my sheep) from me."
&…..
"The Father and I are one."
This is so reassuring to us…..
Jesus promises God's complete faithfulness to us, now and forever….. Jesus makes us God's children… and Our Lord will be with us to feed us, shelter us and guide us through life, and into the eternal life of Heaven……
Christ promises to be our shepherd and care for us.. and cherish us through the tragedies and struggles of life… of which there can sadly be many……
We know too well that in life, there are many obstacles… There are setbacks… There seems, at times, to be unassailable worries and trials, but our God (revealed in Jesus, the Good Shepherd), promises to be with us and guide us through these and all trials and struggles…. This is a source of abiding hope and strength.
Throughout the world and even close to home, we regularly hear of disasters, (whether they be natural disasters or human-made suffering); where many people are experiencing all sorts of hardship and pain….. including those who silently suffer and whose plight is not known to the world. We keep them all in our prayers… and we take strength and consolation from Christ.. who is our good shepherd…. Who is one with the father.. and makes us one with him… who knows each of us by name and who knows every human being by name (including those forgotten and abandoned and considered unimportant by the standards of the world). God never forgets even one of them, and God never forgets us.
The heart of our good shepherd; who cares for and loves each and every human being, must be broken with grief for anyone suffering …… anyone who has been treated without the respect and dignity that all people have… as beloved children of God….. irrespective of race, culture or tongue…. For Jesus is the light to all nations… and all peoples…. …
Let us commend all who suffer, to the gentle shepherd's care… and let us recommit ourselves each day, to showing practical care and support to all those we encounter, those in need..,. for (in Christ) they are truly our brothers and sisters, and they are fellow members of the Good Shepherd's flock….
May the world be reshaped, with the peace, care and gentleness that the good shepherd wants for the whole world… and all people in it.
Let us continue to be people of hope, love, justice and compassion….. and may we be instruments in God's hands, of Christ's vision of care; valuing everyone, even those considered by others to be "the least" -May the Lord show us the full meaning of the fact that "God loves each and every person completely."
-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, Vocations day resources)
[Image Credit: Shutterstock Licensed. Item ID: 1969049458 - Jesus parable about the runaway sheep. 3d illustration, 3d rendering. Contributor: - W.S. Coda]
St Nereus and Achilleus
St Damasus wrote on their epitaph that it was love for Christ and a desire to witness to their new faith that inspired Nereus and Achilleus to “throw away their shields, their armour and their bloody spears.”
(Saints Nereus and Achilleus with St Flavia Domitilla by Peter Paul Rubens)
It seems that both men were Roman soldiers who obeyed orders in the
persecution of Christians until they themselves were converted to Christianity. Because Christians were not allowed to bear arms, they resigned from the emperor’s army and escaped from Rome. Eventually, Nereus and Achilleus were captured and were removed to the island of Terracina, where they were martyred. Their bodies were buried in a family vault, later known as the cemetery of Domitilla. They were among the first martyrs to be venerated as saints. Excavations by De Rossi in 1896 resulted in the discovery of their empty tomb in the underground church built by Pope Siricius in 390.
(https://anastpaul.com/2018/05/12/saints-of-the-day-12-may-sts-nereus-and-achilleus/)
St Pancras
During the persecution of Christians by Emperor Diocletian, around 303 AD, he was brought before the authorities and asked to perform a sacrifice to the Roman gods. Diocletian, impressed with the fifteen-year-old boy’s determination to resist, promised him wealth and power but Pancras refused and finally the emperor ordered him to be beheaded on the Via Aurelia, on 12 May 303 AD. A Roman matron named Ottavilla recovered Pancras’ body, covered it with balsam, wrapped it in precious linens and buried it in a newly built sepulchre dug in the Catacombs of Rome. Pancras’ head was placed in the reliquary that still exists today in the Basilica of Saint Pancras.
Our Lady of Fatima
“My Immaculate Heart will be your refuge, and the way that will lead you to God.”
“In the end, my Immaculate Heart will triumph.”
Our lady of Fatima Hail, Mother of the Lord, Virgin Mary, Queen of the Rosary of Fatima! Blessed among all women, you are the image of the Church dressed in the Paschal light, you are the honour of our people, and you are the triumph over the mark of evil. Prophecy of the merciful Love of the Father, Teacher of the Annunciation of the Good News of the Son, Sign of the burning Fire of the Holy Spirit, teach us, in this vale of joys and sorrows, the eternal truths that the Father reveals to the little ones. Show us the strength of your mantle of protection. In your Immaculate Heart, be the refuge of sinners and the way that leads to God. In Faith, Hope and Love, I surrender myself to you. Through you, I consecrate myself to God, O Virgin of the Rosary of Fatima. And thus surrounded by the Light that comes from your hands, I will give Glory to the Lord, forever and ever. Amen
St Matthew (Unique to Mattew’s gospel):
The Kingdom of Heaven likened to field sown with weeds (13:24-30)
Interpretation of parable of the field sown with weeds (13:36-43)
Net that gathered fish of all kinds (13:47-50)
Treasure hidden in a field; The pearl of great price (13:44-46)
The unforgiving servant (18:23-35)
The Labourers in the vineyard (20: 1-16)
The two sons –one obedient, the other not (21:28-32)
The wise and the foolish virgins (25:1-13)
POPE FRANCIS: Be kind to your mother-in-law, the victim of ‘cliches’, urges Pope.
Pontiff offers advice to ease family tensions, telling daughters-in-law to ‘make them happy’ and mothers-in-law to ‘be careful how you express yourselves’
Pope Francis has urged Catholics to honour the elderly and take care of family bonds, also taking the opportunity to return to the thorny subject of mothers-in-law.
Devoting his general audience in St Peter’s Square on Wednesday to the relationship between generations, the Argentine pontiff made a long digression on the “mythical character” of the mother-in-law and said they were often the victim of “cliches”.
He added: “I’m not saying we see her as the devil, but she is always presented in a pejorative way. But the mother-in-law is the mother of your husband and the mother of your wife.”
Equally, he urged daughters-in-law to take care of their relationships with their mothers-in-law. “... they gave birth to your spouse,” he said. “At least make them happy.”
The pope also had advice for mothers-in-law themselves. “I tell you, be careful how you express yourselves,” he said.
The 85-year-old pope added: “We say to ourselves ‘the further away your mother-in-law is, the better.’ But no – she’s a mother, she’s an elderly person. One of the most beautiful things for a woman is to have grandchildren. When her children have children, it brings her to life again.”
It is not his first foray on the subject. In 2015, Francis told a crowd of thousands in the US: “Families quarrel and sometimes plates can fly and children bring headaches, and I won’t speak about mothers-in-law.”
(Image Credit: Shutterstock licensed image - )
RELIGIOUS GOODS SHOPS
Inside the May edition of The Catholic Leader, fantastic monthly reading for only $4
Bishops call for a ‘better kind of politics’ in Australia
This weekend we have small notebooks (with an inspiring prayer on the cover) available for only 50 cents, also book marks for 20cents, all available until sold out.
COMMUNION TO RESIDENTS AT NURSING HOMES. HELP NEEDED!
We have had to reduce our visits to the residents at Nursing Homes with Holy Communion, 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 9.30am to 11.00am
Merrimac Park Private Care, Merrimac. Wednesdays 1.30pm to 3.00pm
Bupa Nursing Home, Merrimac. Thursdays 9.30am to 11.00am
Tricare, Mermaid Beach Nursing Home, Mermaid Beach Fridays 10.15am to 12.00noon
Tricare, Cypress Gardens Nursing Home, Clear Island Waters. Sundays after 9.00am Mass Sacred Heart to 12.00noon
For further information ring the Parish Office, or Maxine Sela on 0421051193.
Praying the Rosary - Our Lady’s Statue in the Parish
Details of the Statue of Our Lady of Lourdes which is going around the Parish. If you would like to have her in your home and say the Rosary. The statue can be picked up from the Parish office on a Monday:
Please contact Maxine or Pat on 0412 519 404
The Roster for the next few weeks:
9/5/2022 Maxine & Pat Sela Main Beach
ART AND CRAFT GROUP - Every Wednesday in the PHC from 9 am until 12noon.
The Group meets in the Parish Hospitality Centre on Wednesdays, 9 to 12. Activities include art, (watercolour, oils, acrylics, pen and ink drawing etc), as well as various kinds of Craftwork (Knitting, Embroidery, Crocheting, Cardmaking, Sewing etc.), making Rosary Beads (later sent to the missions), and any other activities that individuals may have an interest in. We come together to enjoy each other's company in a relaxed environment. New members, both men and women, are most welcome to join. For further information, phone John 0412 759 205, or the Parish Office.
THE SACRED HEART BRIDGE CLUB- (20 Years Young)-
Meets at the Sacred Heart - Parish Hospitality Centre, Fairway Drive, Clear Island Waters.
Playing Bridge keeps your brain active and increases your social network! So why not give us a try?
Learn to play Bridge at “Our Friendly Club” - Free Lesson. “Introduction to Bridge”
Easy to learn format, no previous card playing experience is necessary. All are welcome.
For more information and to enrol, Please phone: Cheryl 5538 8821 or Mob 0417 772 701
MEDITATION PRAYER GROUP
In the Morris prayer room Tuesdays from 10 am to 12 noon. The Meditation Group would very much like to welcome new members. All enquiries please phone Pam Egtberts 0428090703
Worldwide Marriage Encounter:
A weekend experience for married couples, priests and religious, away from the distractions of everyday living. Take time out of your busy schedule, to invest in your most precious asset and revitalise your Sacrament. This is a unique opportunity to reconnect, rekindle and refresh your relationship. It gives you the opportunity to grow in your relationship with your spouse or your community.
Our COVID-SAFE live-in weekends will be held from Friday evening 13 May to Sunday afternoon 15 May and Friday evening 14 October to Sunday afternoon 16 October (including Mass) at Santa Teresa, Ormiston. Our live-out weekend will be held at Siena College, Sippy Downs from 1 to 3 July – going home on the Friday and Saturday evenings. For bookings/details contact Maria and David Murphy: 0481 307 821 qldbookings@wwme.org.au Watch Archbishop Mark Coleridge’s support video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4o_Wp6qGB44
Information website: www.wwme.org.au
EXERCISE CLASS - LOW IMPACT - FOR HEART HEALTH -
Spring has sprung! Join Rochelle for a fun functional exercise class at Casey Hall. Low impact cardiovascular exercises for heart health, improve strength and balance- an all-around fitness class for over 65’s. Stretch and strengthen the whole body, make new friends and feel great. Tuesday mornings @9.30 Beginners welcome. Contact Rochelle for further information on 0438 333 308.
YOGA AT THE PARISH HOSPITALITY CENTRE-
Come join us for our friendly class in the Parish Hospitality Centre next to the Parish Office. Classes run every Tuesday at 10:45 am. Learn to relax, yet gain greater flexibility, inner strength, body awareness and concentration, all while increasing your breath support and general wellbeing. Ruth is an IYTA accredited instructor with wide experience and runs a caring, carefully monitored one-hour session costing $10 (new attendees need to arrive by 10.30 am to prepare adequately for class). For more information, call Ruth on 0421338110.
NEW PRIMARY SCHOOL (2022) - WITHIN OUR PARISH
Star of the Sea - Merrimac - Initially Prep to Year 3, and then extending after that -
Website: Star Of The Sea Merrimac and Facebook Page: Star of the Sea
Tbc
ADULT LEARNING ARTICLES: The Principles of a “Just War”
The Catechism of the Catholic Church lays out the conditions for just war in paragraph 2309:
• The damage inflicted by the aggressor on the nation or community of nations must be lasting, grave, and certain;
• all other means of putting an end to it must have been shown to be impractical or ineffective;
• there must be serious prospects of success;
• the use of arms must not produce evils and disorders graver than the evil to be eliminated. The power of modem means of destruction weighs very heavily in evaluating this condition.
The Catechism goes on to conclude in that same paragraph:
These are the traditional elements enumerated in what is called the “just war” doctrine. The evaluation of these conditions for moral legitimacy belongs to the prudential judgment of those who have responsibility for the common good.
2312 The Church and human reason both assert the permanent validity of the moral law during armed conflict. "The mere fact that war has regrettably broken out does not mean that everything becomes licit between the warring parties."109
2313 Non-combatants, wounded soldiers, and prisoners must be respected and treated humanely.
Actions deliberately contrary to the law of nations and to its universal principles are crimes, as are the orders that command such actions. Blind obedience does not suffice to excuse those who carry them out. Thus the extermination of a people, nation, or ethnic minority must be condemned as a mortal sin. One is morally bound to resist orders that command genocide.
2314 "Every act of war directed to the indiscriminate destruction of whole cities or vast areas with their inhabitants is a crime against God and man, which merits firm and unequivocal condemnation."110 A danger of modern warfare is that it provides the opportunity to those who possess modern scientific weapons, especially atomic, biological, or chemical weapons - to commit such crimes.
(Source: https://www.vatican.va/archive/ENG0015/_INDEX.HTM)
(Image - Licensed Shutterstock Image - Id number - 465886334 - Silhouette of Dove carrying olive leaf branch. Freedom concept and international day of peace 2022, Pray for Ukraine and No war concept - Contributor: LittlePerfectStock ]
Safeguarding Policy: (please see 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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