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Thursday, 30 June 2022
Fourteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time. Year C - Sunday, July 3, 2022 (EPISODE-372)
Friday, 24 June 2022
SPCP Newsletter: Sunday, June 26, 2022 - Thirteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time. Year C.
PDF version of this parish newsletter here:
Also, you can access an online copy of the newsletter *here*
“No one who puts a hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God.” (Luke 9:62)
Image Credit: Shutterstock Licensed. Stock Photo ID: 335814185 - Detail of the face of Christ in a mosaic - Photo Contributor: Thoom
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.
At last Sunday’s 9 am Mass, we had an actual age range from 6 weeks old to 99 years of age. How wonderful is that! One of our parish mums brought her six-week-old baby Veronica, (a name, incidentally which means “True Face (of Christ),” and at the same Mass, parishioner Therese Mullins was with family members to celebrate her 99th Birthday. Congratulations to all. That’s truly how God’s Holy Church should be, with people from newly born to those in their centennial year and beyond, and of course all ages in between.
We are all one blessed and graced family of God.
In the next Mass that very same day, we celebrated the second cohort of First Holy Communion children. Thanks so much to the children who prepared so beautifully and celebrated so reverently their First Holy Communion. And thanks also to parents, family members and carers who prepared the children so well for this special day. We are extremely grateful for the love and care from our Sacramental team, led by Cathy Anderson and a team of volunteers from the parish and the schools. God’s grace shone through in these celebrations. Thanks be to God, for the wonderful blessings we receive in so many ways.
Also, in last weekend’s masses, I mentioned my earliest memories of “church” are from when I was about two years old and living in Canberra. The irony is that my earliest memories of church were not in a church building. Back in 1970 and several years later, the parishes in Canberra were new and growing, and so most of them did not have a church building. Many of these places now have beautiful church buildings reminding us of the abiding presence of God amongst his people. But back in 1970-1975, the church was present, not in a Church building, but in the people gathered at whatever secular hall or school assembly hall that was available. The “Ecclesia” or “people of God” - that is, the Church, was very much present wherever the People of God were gathered together by God in these meeting halls. The other fascinating thing is several parishioners came forward after Mass and told me afterwards that they too lived in Canberra around that time and had even gone to the schools/ parishes I had gone to, or had family who taught in them, (that is, St Matthews at Page, and St Thomas Aquinas at Charnwood). One parent of a first communion child remembers the same priest who was there at the time, Fr Neville Drinkwater, What a small world we live in.
I have vivid memories of Canberra from that time. The parish at West Belconnen was established at the beginning of 1974, at the same time my family moved to the area. Fr Neville Drinkwater was appointed as the Parish Priest. It was one of the original parishes established in West Belconnen. The parish grew rapidly over the next few years. The parish school opened in 1975 under the principalship of Sr Ita Maher, OSU. This was the year I began school there. For many years Sunday Mass was celebrated in the school hall. In 1980 construction of the parish centre was completed and this provided living quarters for the parish priest, a chapel, meeting rooms and a library facility. Under the direction of Architect Romaldo Giurgola (designer of Parliament House) and builder Cesare De Franceschi, the Church was constructed and was opened and blessed by Canberra Archbishop Francis Carroll on 2nd September 1989. Fr Drinkwater only retired in 2019 and was then aged in his nineties. At the time of my ordination to the priesthood, back in 1997, I wrote to Fr Drinkwater and the parish and thanked them for my earliest and formative memories of Church and told them that the wonder and awe that I experienced in those early days was a part of the journey that led to my priesthood. Each of us is on a wonderful journey of faith and with many blessed strands forming to make a strong bond of faith and practice. God is with us on this and on every journey.
Fr Paul Kelly. Associate Pastor.
STELLA MARIS 7 AM SUNDAY MORNING MASS NEXT SUNDAY 3RD JULY -
CANCELLED - (For that Sunday only)
Please note that due to the Gold Coast Marathon on Sunday 3rd July, the usual 7 am Mass at Stella Maris will be cancelled for that Sunday only. There will be no Sunday masses as Stella Maris, but the usual Saturday night 5 pm Vigil at Stella will continue even on that weekend. This is the only church to be affected by the Marathon.
FIRST FRIDAY ADORATION
Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament this First Friday 1st July at Sacred Heart Church from 7pm to 8.30pm. All are welcome. Enquiries: Helen 0421935678.
"Could you not watch one hour with Me?" MT 26:40
FIRST SATURDAY MASS AND ADORATION AND BENEDICTION
First Saturday Mass will be 2nd July at 9 am at Sacred Heart church. This will be followed by fifteen minutes of adoration and concluded with Benediction. All Welcome.
LITURGY NEWS - WINTER EDITION AVAILABLE FOR FREE NOW (ONLINE ONLY)
OUT NOW! Please find attached the Winter 2022 edition of Liturgy News. News and background articles that are invaluable for parishes and schools. Priests, religion teachers, pastoral associates, liturgy committees… This magazine is for you! Please click here or click image above for online (downloadable) copy
AFTER OUR PATRONAL FEAST LAST FRIDAY - THE SACRED HEART. WE HAVE BEEN ASKED TO PRINT THE PRAYER THAT WAS PRAYED AT THE MASS ON FRIDAY. HERE IS IS AGAIN:
Prayer to the Sacred Heart of Jesus:
“I take Thee, O Sacred Heart, for the sole object of my love, the protection of my life, the pledge of my salvation, the remedy of my frailty and inconstancy, the reparation for all the defects of my life, and my secure refuge at the hour of my death. Be Thou, O Most Merciful Heart, my justification before God Thy Father, and screen me from His anger which I have so justly merited. I fear all from my own weakness and malice, but placing my entire confidence in Thee, O Heart of Love, I hope all from Thine Infinite Goodness. Annihilate in me all that can displease or resist Thee. Imprint Thy pure love so deeply in my heart that I may never forget Thee or be separated from Thee. I beseech Thee, through Thine Infinite Goodness, grant that my name be engraved upon Thy Heart, for in this I place all my happiness and all my glory, to live and to die as one of Thy devoted servants. Amen.” St. Margaret Mary Alacoque
ENROL NOW FOR CATHOLIC EARLY EDUCATION CARE AT ST KEVIN’S BENOWA. (CLICK THE PICTURE BELOW FOR THE CONTACT LINK).
SURFERS PARADISE CATHOLIC PARISH - NEW TIMES FOR WHEN THE TWO COLLECTIONS ARE TAKEN UP DURING WEEKEND MASSES-
For Masses within Surfers Paradise Catholic Parish - effective from now.
Surfers Paradise Parish has changed the times of the Collections during Sunday Mass.
First Collection at the Offertory time (when the previous Second Collection took place)
Second Collection after Communion when everyone is seated the celebrant often reads some notices.
These collection times are less intrusive in the flow of liturgy and allow some space in between each collection. Many thanks, Fr Peter Dillon, PP
Star of the Sea - Catholic Primary School - 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
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 Framework for Motions for the second assembly of the Fifth Plenary Council of Australia has been published this morning. It emerges from more than four years of listening, dialogue, discernment, reflection and prayer within the Catholic Church in Australia. Archbishop Timothy Costelloe SDB, the Plenary Council's president, says the document “will form the backbone of our reflection, discussion and decision when we gather” for the second of two assemblies, to be held in early July. You can download the Framework for Motions at: https://bit.ly/FrameworkForMotions.
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
MASS TIMES: SURFERS PARADISE MASS TIMES
NOTE RE THE ITALIAN MASS WITHIN THE PARISH
The celebration of the Italian Sunday Mass at the Sacred Heart Church Clear Island Waters WILL BE SUSPENDED FOR THREE MONTHS (JULY, AUGUST AND SEPTEMBER 2022) and will resume regularly as from Sunday 2nd October 2022.
Fr Angelo Cagna, the present Chaplain will be on sabbatical leave for six months (30 June 2022 - 31 December 2022). Fr Savino Bernardi, a Scalabrinian priest from Sydney, will supply the Italian Sunday Mass for the months of October, November and December 2022. For any other matters regarding the Italian Chaplaincy and / or Community, Giovanna Santomauro (Mob 0418 198 437) will be the liaison officer.
A VOCATION VIEW:
Choose to follow Jesus wherever he goes. To say “yes” without hesitation requires great trust. Pray for courage to say yes to Him. (Luke 9:51-62). To talk to someone about your vocation, contact Vocation Brisbane: 1300 133 544. vocation@bne.catholic.net.au and www.vocationbrisbane.com
STEWARDSHIP REFLECTION -
“For you were called to freedom, brothers and sisters. But do not use this freedom as an opportunity for the flesh; rather serve one another through love.” (Galatians 5:13)
We like to celebrate that we are free to “live the good life.” We can do what we want, anytime we want, with no regard for laws. But, Jesus calls us to a different kind of freedom. St. Paul reminds us that in imitating Jesus we are freed from becoming a slave to our own self-interests and desires so that we can serve one another. We are free to share our gifts and promote God’s work on earth to glorify His name and not honour 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: Louise Holmes, Ailsa Stack, Daphne Andreas, Ray Burton, Don Williamson, Michael & Denise Tracey, Betty O’Connell, Margaret & George Cook, Fred Grioli, Lynn Nunan, Elaine Casonati, Michael Murtagh, Kim Parkes, Cecily Cellinan, Barry James Edmonds, Kevin Brennan, Margaret Cusack, Fabiola Menzs, Peter O’Brien, Rachel Raines, Mary Jackson, Nenette Csundo, 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, Olga Hamshari, Roy Ferraro, Margaret Haerse, Milka Barac, 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, Joanne Parkes, Michelle MacDonald, Mary Kerr. And all suffering from Covid-19 and its effects.
RECENTLY DECEASED: Paula Stafford, Luke Tansey, John Vincent Davis, Muriel Lynch, Maryanne Vanek, Agata (Tina) Zammit, Frances Collins, Therese Hunt, Bill Gilmore, Jacqueline Lesley Pannekoek, Constantin Francisc "Frank/Ferry” Onea, Adam Alfred McGuffie, Shirley Ellen Pettiona, Margaret Mary Milton, Mary Ashton, David Falvey, Margaret (Peggy) Lyon, Elizabeth Cheetham, Gerald O’Halloran,Dr. Albert Lapid, Milka Marusic, Colgero (Joe) Misuraca, Jill Carlyle, Karen Tansey,Tony Weinand, 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.
ANNIVERSARY OF DEATH: Julian Rogers-Ford, Eamon Starrs, Clarence Reeves, Mary Reeves, Lynette Lesley Larking, Ted Woodhead, Norma Ruth Hanley, Barry Thomas Haug, Albert Garske, John Gannon, Jabour Haddad, Charles Henry Nolan, Polly Cummins, Maureen Glenn, Ralph Smith Pownall, Patricia Mary (Pat) Sullivan, Carole Stratigos. And Also: Francesco Cafolla, Luigi Zuppicchiatti, James William Fuller, Paul Patrick Reeves, Leroy Bevan Muir, Anthony James (Tony) McCudden, Ronald Donovan, Mary Reid, Albert Lapid, James Anthony Borg, Dorothy May Joan Gray, Cornel Zarie, Benjamin Joseph Moore, Kel Hamilton, Ellen Walker, Helena Barbara Hodges, John Wood, Hedy Triffett, Ljuban Pilic, Roza Masa, Francis Weston, Ines Vittoria Fauretto, Linda Marilyn Arlington, Brian Aubrey Swaddling, Mary Josephine Dillon, Antoninette (Toni) Moon.
TAKE FIVE FOR FAITH: Respect your freedom
Our nation, like many around the world has reverence for personal freedom. Yet too many people lose their liberty to substance abuse and other addictive behaviours, including gambling, pornography, overeating, and compulsive consumerism. More subtle than these overt practices are patterns of thinking and feeling we may be losing control over: for example rage and racism. Today is the World Day Against Drug Abuse and Trafficking. Prayerfully reflect on behaviours or emotional states that make you feel less free, and take a step today toward liberty.
“For freedom, Christ set us free; so stand firm and do not submit again to the yoke of slavery.” (Galatians 5:1, 13-18). SIGN UP FOR "TAKE FIVE" DAILY ww.takefiveforfaith.com/subscribe.
MASK WEARING
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 Flu and of Covid is still present, and there are quite a few vulnerable people in our community, 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.
Two 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. For our part, may we keep these children and their families in our prayers at this time.
Families wishing to be involved in our Surfers Paradise Parish Sacramental Program should regularly check the weekly newsletter for information updates or they can email our Sacramental Coordinator, Cathy Anderson, at andersoncm@bne.catholic.net.au
Sacrament of EUCHARIST - First HOLY COMMUNION 2022
The last group of our parish children for First Holy Communion 2022 will celebrate on August 13 at the 5pm Vigil Mass at Sacred Heart Church. They will complete our 2022 First Communion celebrations.
Dates for 2023 First Communion will be included in the newsletter late this year.
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.
By the end of June, all families that have completed an online application for their child will receive an email reminding them of the information that follows here: 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 5:30 pm in Sacred Heart Church.
Reconciliation is a Sacrament of Healing. The Children’s Sacramental Program 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 -
-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 Gospel this weekend shows various people coming up to Jesus and giving reasons why they cannot follow him immediately, but also how they intend to follow him as soon as possible.I think the key to this gospel is the first words of the passage: "As the time drew near for Jesus to be taken up to heaven." In other words, there was no time left.
There was an absolute urgency and immediacy to Jesus' last days. There was no time but the present and there was not a time for hesitations, excuses or delays. It was now or never. So, irrespective of whether the excuses given by people were good or whether they were weak, nothing must be allowed to stop the mission of Christ from being accomplished. So, one needs to get their priorities right. Jesus' gospel has an urgency that demands first priority. And we must not let the many reasons that surround us, frustrate that plan. There may very well always be good reasons to put off until tomorrow (or later) what really needs to be done today. And of course.. tomorrow may never come….
There is a story told of an Olympic champion who lived in an Eastern Block nation during the time of the Cold War. … They wanted to defect to the West…. When they finally decided to do so… it was only by literally turning their back on their special car and their unique privileges and leaving immediately, without hesitation, carrying only what fitted into a had in the small suitcase they carried…. If they had tried to take anything more it would have alerted the authorities to their planned defection and the escape would have failed and ended tragically. If something is urgent and important hesitation or looking back could be catastrophic. Christ knew that.
This weekend's readings are about setting out on an urgent and very important journey…. Jesus has been up 'til this point, traveling about proclaiming the good news… Now he has resolutely set his face towards Jerusalem and his impending suffering and death. As he journeys, various people come up to him and say: "I want to come with you." Jesus impresses upon them that he is not forcing anyone to come along with him. Rather, he is giving them absolute freedom. But, if they choose to follow him it will require total, complete and single-minded commitment. There can be no "ifs or buts," and no hesitation.
To those who say "I will follow you anywhere, but first I have to do such and such," Jesus cuts them off and virtually says…. "forget it! Go home. I am heading in this direction immediately. Come with me now or lose the moment. There is only now. No time for wavering" ….. The intensity and the urgency of Jesus' mission cannot be more strongly emphasized.
The first reading has a strikingly similar incident. Elisha is chosen by the prophet Elijah to follow him as a disciple, symbolised by the beautiful image of the Prophet Elijah throwing his cloak over the young man as he walks by. Elisha is obviously both honoured and frightened. He says, "first let me say goodbye to my parents." Elijah is affronted and says to him: "have I done anything to you? Am I forcing you to come with me? Go back and forget it." This has the desired effect of shocking Elisha into realising that this offer is once-and-only. (Elijah in his wisdom knew that Elisha, would probably have hesitated and not returned if he had looked back), and so Elisha went and followed Elijah immediately.
At various times we all find ourselves setting out on new journeys. Whether those journeys be physical, spiritual, vocational, or otherwise. These journeys create some hesitations and fears. They involve moving out of comfort zones and into unfamiliar territory. But we also know that we follow Jesus wherever he has led us in life, without significant hesitation.
God never has been one to lead us down the wrong paths, even if sometimes we have occasionally turned down some seemingly "dead-end streets" in some of our decisions and actions. ………. but we are sure that ultimately we will be led by the Lord to our destination.We trust in the shepherd who leads us all in the right paths…and who is always true to his name.
The gospel today also raises the really important question of the extent to which we are capable of fooling ourselves… and self-deceiving ourselves… it can be a very subtle but effective thing…. Jesus wants us to be honest and clear-sighted about our lives and our motives and priorities… it can be so easy to be self-indulgent, whilst glossing over this by making up all sorts of noble excuses and reasons…. Which really are not the truth of our decisions…No wonder our Lord said in another scripture, "let your yes be yes, and your no be no, everything else comes from the evil one...." how wise- anything other than a clear yes or no is often an excuse or a justification, or an alibi..... don't excuses and explanations so often cloud the original objective and value.Let us never underestimate the power of self-deception… it is a barrier and an obstacle to the generous challenge of self-forgetting service, demanded by the gospel of Jesus…
The more we accept that we can tend to fall into self-justification to mask self-indulgence or water down Christ's message, the more we will be open to Jesus' call to follow him and place our priorities at his service; and meanwhile staying ever-vigilant and wary of the trap of self-serving justifications and excuses.
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; Mission 2000 – Praying Scripture In A Contemporary Way. Year C. By Mark Link S.J; A Book Of Grace-Filled Days. By Alice Camille; Sharing The Word Through The Liturgical Year. Gustavo Gutierrez).
[Image Credit: Shutterstock Licensed. Stock Photo ID: 2075040958 FORLÍ, ITALY - NOVEMBER 11, 2021: The modern fresco Jesus invites - (detail) in church Chiesa di San Giovanni Battista di Coriano by Franco Vignazia (1995 - 1997). Contributor: Renata Sedmakova]
Birth of St John the Baptist
Give birth to possibilities
Today is the Solemnity of the Nativity of Saint John the Baptist, one of the earliest feast days established in the church. John the Baptist is the only person outside of Jesus and Mary whose birth is honored with a feast day, indicating his importance. His unlikely birth to the aged Elizabeth has long been a popular subject for artists. It has miraculous parallels to the birth of Isaac (born to the aged Sarah and Abraham) and to the birth of Christ himself (born to a virgin). Let John’s birth remind you that God continuously brings forth life out of seemingly impossible situations.
MEMORIAL OF CYRIL OF ALEXANDRIA, BISHOP, DOCTOR OF THE CHURCH
Everyone needs a mother’s love
Saint Cyril of Alexandria died on this day in 444. He is remembered for many things—admittedly not all of them good—as the archbishop of his city, which was at the height of its influence over the Mediterranean world during his time. One of his most enduring legacies was his hard-fought teaching on Mary as the “Mother of God,” which created the basis for all other theology about Mary. Saints aren’t perfect, and neither was Cyril—the man who helped connect us to a tender, loving mother in Mary also committed acts of violence and injustice. Perhaps his deep flaws illustrate just how much all of us—even saints who champion Mary—need her intercession.
MEMORIAL OF IRENAEUS, BISHOP, MARTYR
For Irenaeus, the Incarnation says as much about the redeemed as it does our Redeemer. Yes, Christian doctrine teaches that Jesus Christ is both fully human and fully divine. And, yes, Irenaeus battled the heresy known as Gnosticism—which emphasized the divine nature of Jesus at the expense of his humanity. But for Irenaeus, the Incarnation also meant that the “glory of God is a human being fully alive.” He believed that God became human so that humans might become divine. How will you choose to be “fully alive” today, in order to glorify God?
SOLEMNITY OF SAINTS PETER AND PAUL, APOSTLES
You might think that the two foundational giants of the Christian tradition who share a feast day would have been best buddies, but in fact, Peter and Paul had their differences, especially around the question of whether people who weren’t Jews needed to observe Jewish Law in order to become followers of Jesus. It is not entirely clear whether they fully reconciled their differences before they were both martyred in Rome (on the same day, tradition says), though it is clear that Paul’s position carried the day over time. Perhaps there’s a message for today’s divided church—we can disagree with one another, even on matters of great importance, and still rest together in the same great tradition.
First Martyrs of the Church in Rome
Keep their memory alive
It is a deeply human act to remember the dead, especially those who died as a result of acts of violence. Today’s memorial for the First Martyrs of the Church in Rome places the church squarely within this tradition of remembrance. We recall innumerable Christians who were put to death in gruesome ways by the emperor Nero, who blamed Christians for a devastating fire in Rome in the year 64. Nero did not crush the church, and neither has the memory of those early martyrs been erased. Your reading these words keeps alive their memory and their sacrifice.
(source: take five for faith)
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.
POPE FRANCIS: Pope says traditionalist Catholics "gag" church reforms
Pope Francis has complained that traditionalist Catholics are “gagging” the church’s modernizing reforms and insisted that there was no turning back
Francis told a gathering of Jesuit editors in comments published Tuesday that he was convinced that some Catholics simply have never accepted the Second Vatican Council, the meetings of the 1960s that led to Mass being celebrated in the vernacular rather than Latin and revolutionized the church’s relations with people of other faiths, among other things.
“The number of groups of ‘restorers’ – for example, in the United States there are many – is significant,” Francis told the editors, according to excerpts published by the Jesuit journal La Civilta Cattolica.
“Restorationism has come to gag the council,” he said, adding that he knew some priests for whom the 16th century Council of Trent was more memorable than the 20th century Vatican II.
Traditionalists have become some of Francis’ fiercest critics, accusing him of heresy for his opening to divorced and civilly remarried Catholics, outreach to gay Catholics and other reforms. Francis has taken an increasingly hard line against them, re-imposing restrictions on celebrating the old Latin Mass and taking specific action in dioceses and religious orders where traditionalists have resisted his reforms.
Just last week, in a meeting with Sicilian clergy, Francis told the priests that it wasn't always appropriate to use “grandma's lace” in their vestments and to update their liturgical garb to be in touch with current times and follow in the spirit of Vatican II.
“It is also true that it takes a century for a council to take root. We still have forty years to make it take root, then!” he told the editors.
Speaking about the church in Germany, Francis also warned that he still had an offer of resignation in hand for the archbishop of Cologne, Cardinal Rainer Maria Woelki, who faced strong criticism for his handling of the church’s sexual abuse scandal.
Francis gave Woelki a “time out” of several months last September, but still hasn’t definitively ruled on his future. That has kept the situation in Cologne uncertain and frustrated the head of the German bishops’ conference, who has pressed for a decision one way or the other.
“When the situation was very turbulent, I asked the archbishop to go away for six months, so that things would calm down and I could see clearly,” Francis said. “When he came back, I asked him to write a resignation letter. He did and gave it to me. And he wrote an apology letter to the diocese. I left him in his place to see what would happen, but I have his resignation in hand.”
(source: (ByThe Associated Press, via ABC news service-Australia)
(Image Credit: Shutterstock _1251171766 Licensed. Copyright (c) 2018 AM113/Shutterstock. No use without permission).
RELIGIOUS GOODS SHOPS
There are still a few copies of the June edition of the Catholic Leader at the Religious Goods Shops and at the rear of Stella Maris Church. $4 per copy.
ST. VINCENT’S CHURCH READER’S TROLLEY
Have you noticed the book trolley in the foyer at St Vincent’s Church?
It now holds a selection of Religious Books and a new section has been added with general reading fiction/non-fiction books, all available for your leisurely reading pleasure. Feel free to take a book home this weekend, no rules just take and enjoy.
FOUND LADIES READING GLASSES AT ST VINCENT’S CHURCH, please collect from Religious Goods Shop at St Vincent’s Church
FOUND READING GLASSES AT THE SACRED HEART COLUMBARIUM, please collect from the Parish Office, weekdays 9 am -12 pm.
BLACK MAKE-UP PURSE FOUND IN THE SACRED HEART CAR PARK, please collect from the Parish Office, weekdays 9 am -12 pm.
CONGRATULATIONS
The parish community congratulates Mary and Des Connolly who celebrated their 65th ‘blue sapphire’ wedding anniversary this week. Wishing you many more years of happiness and unconditional love Mary and Des.
BIRTHDAY WISHES
We also congratulate Fr Paul who celebrated his birthday during the week, on Thursday
“May your thoughts be as glad as the shamrocks.
May your heart be as light as a song.
May each day bring you bright happy hours,
that stay with you all year long.”
.
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.
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.
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 four weeks:
27/6/2022 Raj & Christabel Crasto Tallai
4/7/2022 Raj & Christabel Crasto Talla
11/7/2022 Glarry & Rudi Camara Southport
18/7/2022 Glarry & Rudi Camara Southport
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
SILENT DAY RETREAT at MARIAN VALLEY
Visit with Mary 16 July 2022
Contemplative day
to reflect on who Mary is for you
When: 9.30 am for prompt 10 am start – 3 pm Saturday 16 July 2022 RSVP: 8 July 2022
Where: Marian Valley Retreat Centre, 2541 Beechmont Rd, Witheren. Via Canungra Qld 4275
What: Program for quiet individual time and a group spiritual conversation.
• Optional: hill walk and individual Spiritual direction for those interested.
• Tea & Coffee provided
• BYO lunch, water & picnic chair
Cost: $15 suggested donation
Who for: All welcome
Lead by St Mary’s Coomera Retreat Team
Contac, Catherine: csmith3183@gmail.com phone 0401070821 or Lynne: lynne.head.weir2@gmail.com phone: 0409198545
or Anne Marie: amoconnor54@hotmail.com Phone: 04294915
or Mareece: mareecem@hotmail.com Phone: 0413071552
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.
Position Vacant – Parish Secretary Booval Parish
Applications are open for a position at the Booval Parish. A person with excellent administration and secretarial skills is required for a part-time 3-year contract position of Parish Secretary for 20 hours per week, 5 hours on a Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday. For additional information, please visit the Archdiocese of Brisbane website- https://clientapps.jobadder.com/68451/aob-internal-career-opportunities. Closing date – 5 July 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 FAITH - The principles on which the Catholic Church bases its moral principles are these:
1. There are principles that are right and wrong that are not dependent on how people individually feel about them. It is not generally acceptable to do something bad even for the purpose of avoiding a greater wrong.
2. Human Life is absolutely sacred and must be protected at all costs. The dignity of the human person is absolute and is not merely based on what a person can do, or what they have to offer the world or others. We are, however, not required to artificially extend life nor are we required to undergo medical treatments that are very harsh or de-humanising. Sexual relations are intended for two purposes, and both factors need to be present at the same time in every instance: A) Expressing and nurturing love and affection between a couple in a permanent, exclusive and loving union of marriage, B) For the purposes of creating new life, within this loving bond of marriage.
3. The world and the environment are under our stewardship. It is the duty of all humans to protect and preserve the natural resources and beauty of the environment. We are not to exploit resources, but we must give consideration to the overall effect of our use of resources.
4. The wealth and natural resources of the world are for the benefit of all humans and if there are those who are unfairly deprived of these aspects we must redistribute resources so that they may better share in them.
5. We are connected with all other people in the world. We exist as a People of God and not merely individuals. The common good must be taken into account when considering individual good. We do have a duty to those who are hungry, lacking clothing or shelter and the basics of life.
6. Human beings are called to wholeness and must never be reduced to being mere cogs in an inhuman machine. A solely functional approach to being human that focuses only on the end result is not adequate. Nothing is tolerable if it serves to demean or downplay the basic human dignity and worth of any person. A consistent ethic of life is needed.
7. No person can be made to act against his or her conscience. Conscience is the internal guide to what one should do in a particular situation. One forms a healthy conscience by consulting the moral authorities mentioned at the start of this article. It is possible to have a belief based on conscience that is wrong, but if one is in good faith, one must still follow one’s conscience.
SEVENTH ANNIVERSARY OF POPE FRANCIS’ GROUNDBREAKING LETTER - LAUDATO SI’ - An excerpt from the Pope’s groundbreaking Encyclical.
Saint Francis of Assisi
15. It is my hope that this Encyclical Letter, which is now added to the body of the Church’s social teaching, can help us to acknowledge the appeal, immensity and urgency of the challenge we face. I will begin by briefly reviewing several aspects of the present ecological crisis, with the aim of drawing on the results of the best scientific research available today, letting them touch us deeply and provide a concrete foundation for the ethical and spiritual itinerary that follows. I will then consider some principles drawn from the Judaeo-Christian tradition which can render our commitment to the environment more coherent. I will then attempt to get to the roots of the present situation, so as to consider not only its symptoms but also its deepest causes. This will help to provide an approach to ecology which respects our unique place as human beings in this world and our relationship to our surroundings. In light of this reflection, I will advance some broader proposals for dialogue and action which would involve each of us as individuals, and also affect international policy. Finally, convinced as I am that change is impossible without motivation and a process of education, I will offer some inspired guidelines for human development to be found in the treasure of Christian spiritual experience.
16. Although each chapter will have its own subject and specific approach, it will also take up and re-examine important questions previously dealt with. This is particularly the case with a number of themes which will reappear as the Encyclical unfolds. As examples, I will point to the intimate relationship between the poor and the fragility of the planet, the conviction that everything in the world is connected, the critique of new paradigms and forms of power derived from technology, the call to seek other ways of understanding the economy and progress, the value proper to each creature, the human meaning of ecology, the need for forthright and honest debate, the serious responsibility of international and local policy, the throwaway culture and the proposal of a new lifestyle. These questions will not be dealt with once and for all, but reframed and enriched again and again.
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
