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“This is how it will be with whoever stores up things for themselves but is not rich toward God.” (Luke 12:21)
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ANNUAL CATHOLIC CAMPAIGN (Date Claimer) - OFFICIAL COLLECTION
SCHEDULED FOR 20 - 21 August 2022 *Please click here to give now*
PASTOR’S POST. Older & Wiser
Why is it that for the first few days of a vacation we feel a bit guilty? Well, at least I do, and I expect I am not alone. Days not sitting at a desk or leading a liturgy, not writing a homily or approving a maintenance project. No places to be or times to obey. It feels almost too luxurious to absorb.
We ask ourselves, (very quietly, mind you) do we really deserve this break? Have I really worked hard and long enough to warrant time away from my everyday responsibilities? Are holidays too much of a luxury when so many people are never able to get time away from work or are working two jobs to keep that cost-of-living wolf from the door? Am I being too self-indulgent? It’s probably all those, plus a feeling that we are not being productive or providing a service to others. I went through all those feelings during my recent holidays, but I was strong and fought the urge to rush back to work. How is that for commitment and fortitude? Eventually I got over the guilt and moved into relaxation mode. A far more beneficial attitude for all concerned.
While I’m not going to go into all the details of my vacation, suffice to say, it achieved its purpose of clearing the head and knocking over half a dozen books that have been itching to be read. So much time wasting to be done and so little time in which to do it. There was however, one stand out event that will stay with me for some time.
I know you are going to find this hard to believe, but last Saturday before returning to work, I had my 50th school reunion.
I know what you’re thinking. Surely he didn’t graduate from high school at the age of ten, and you’re right, surely I didn’t. In fact it may have been a mistake in my exam results that I even finished when I was 17, but that is a whole other story. Suffice to say that 1972 was the year I was finally released from captivity and allowed to roam freely in an unsuspecting world. There were about 120 senior students at my boarding school, one third of whom were day students. Thinking back now it was an unhealthy number of young male students to have living and learning in one place, all trying to discover their purpose for being, at the same time as grappling with puberty and emerging masculinity. Still, those responsible for our education and development did their best with their own limited experience of life, such that those of us who survived could be moderately happy with their achievements.
In truth, I was not really looking forward to the evening gathering at a Brisbane hotel, since I have only seen a handful of classmates since those confronting days of upper adolescence, when we believed the world was created entirely for our enjoyment alone, and nobody really understood how difficult and pressurised our lives were. When every piece of advice or encouragement was seen as a criticism and “nobody ever listened to us”, even though we only spoke in grunts.
Well it might have taken a while, but 50 years later those grunting, grumbling 17 year olds had turned into a group of friendly, articulate and mostly professionally successful group of men, who surprisingly acknowledged much gratitude for the sacrifices of their parents and the dedication of their teachers. Certainly some of these men had experienced serious traumas then and since, but the honesty and acceptance of what had happened during those confusing days of school and the years hence was surprisingly comforting. Attitudes had evolved and adolescent aches had evaporated.
Much of the conversation centred on our replaced joints and thinning hair, but we eventually got down to the stuff of substance with photos of grandchildren being proudly produced, some acknowledging that these were their greatest achievements. Most had retired and looked like they deserved it, while others were not quite ready to fill their days with gardening and lawn bowls. Gone were the days of referring to each other by our last names or the subtle put-downs that seemed to be the fashion of the time. Surprisingly some of the attendees seemed really interested in my career and my various appointments, and even more surprisingly, some mentioned the parishes where they attended church and the schools their children had attended.
While we left the gathering making commitments to catch up more often, I felt a great satisfaction in seeing that those of us who attended still held a sense of contentment that life has been generally kind and generous to them. That the pettiness of youth does evolve eventually into a distillation of the important things of life. That while our work is an achievement, our families are our greatest successes. That the intense self-reflection of youth emerges into an awareness of others and our interconnectedness, and that even though we may get fatter, wearier, balder and greyer, it would seem wisdom is the prize for those who allow space and time to let it enter their lives.
Fr Peter Dillon PP
FIRST FRIDAY ADORATION -
First Friday Adoration at Sacred Heart Church will be Friday 5th August 2022: 7pm to 8.30pm. Enquiries: Helen 0421935678 -
"Could you not watch one hour with Me?" Mt 26:40
FIRST SATURDAY MORNING MASS FOLLOWED BY ADORATION & BENEDICTION
SACRED HEART CHURCH 9AM 6TH AUGUST 2022.
SPCL BINGO TUESDAY
Surfers Paradise Catholic Ladies will be having their Bingo on Tuesday, the 2nd of August 2022, from 10.00 am to 2.00 pm.
Please phone Maxine Sela at 0421051193 or Wendy Webb on 0412237832 to book your seat for this day.
CATHOLIC LEADER - MONTHLY NEWSPAPER (AVAILABLE FROM THE FIRST WEEKEND OF THE MONTH
Catholic Leader promotional points for August 2022
• Three new priests ordained for Queensland province
• The Plenary Council coverage highlighting the motions that will shape the future of the Church
• Darwin Bishop Charles Gauci talks about the challenges faced by country parishes.
• Theresa Grace shares her story overcoming health challenges to achieve her success in her studies.
• Meet Linda Perrett, who will be Blessed Carlo Catholic College's foundational Principle
• Columns from Archbishop Mark Coleridge and BCE executive director Dr Sally Towns
SAFEGUARDING SURVEY
LOOK WHO WE SPOTTED IN THE GOLD COAST LAST WEEK
Fr Nicholas Okafor popped in to say hello the other day. Fr Nicholas is now working in a parish in Germany, and was back for a brief holiday. Unfortunately he couldn’t stay longer than a week because of a mixup with the visa, so he is heading back to Germany. He sends his best wishes and is well and happy. God bless.
Star of the Sea - Catholic Primary School - Merrimac -
Catholic Education Week
It was wonderful travelling as a whole school yesterday to Marymount to join with them for a session with Andrew Chinn to celebrate Catholic Education Week. Andrew is a music/songwriter and the children had a great time learning new songs and singing familiar.
Following the concert we joined Marymount for morning tea and play, followed by a visit to a Prep classroom, Prep area, library, labyrinth and Mary, Mother of Mercy Church.
During Catholic Education Week we are celebrating alongside more than 400,000 students across Australia with this year’s theme, ‘Communities of Faith, Hope and Love’. A Catholic school is more than just a school.
We are a connected community that welcomes people of all faiths and backgrounds with the unified belief of
creating a better tomorrow. Star of the Sea School is honoured to be part of 313 Catholic schools across Queensland celebrating Catholic Education Week. God bless and have a wonderful week.
Maree Wright.
APRE - Star of the Sea Catholic Primary School.
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
Homelessness Week Australia
Homelessness 2022 (1-7 August) is an annual campaign coordinated by Homelessness Australia. It seeks to raise awareness around people experiencing homelessness, the issues they face, and the action needed to achieve long-lasting solutions, including increasing the supply of social housing.
Homelessness awareness among Australians is key to driving change as it deepens understanding. Home is more than four walls and a roof. Home is a place where people can feel safe and secure. Adequate housing is essential for survival and critical to a person’s wellbeing. Access to safe and secure housing is a basic human right but unfortunately, there are over 116,000 people experiencing homelessness on any given night in Australia. Only 7% of these people are rough sleeping, majority are living in temporary dwellings such as refuges, crisis accommodations or motels.
A safe home is powerful and can transform lives. It allows people to live with dignity, grow their families and gain independence. Without a safe place to call home, people can struggle to maintain employment, access education or find help through challenging times.
Australia's homelessness crisis
Homelessness is a growing crisis in Australia, in part because of the lack of affordable and social housing. We can see this in increasing interest rates and rising house prices leading to an unstable rental market. Low-income groups are squeezed out of the homebuyer market and landlords need to put up rental fees or sell – leaving people unable to afford the rent rise or unable to find a new home to rent. The various natural disasters – from fire to flood – in the past few years have destroyed homes and further intensified the pressure in the rental market. Less social housing for a growing population also increases the demands on affordable housing and fuels the homelessness crisis.
But that’s not all that’s contributing to Australia’s growing homelessness crisis. During COVID-19 lockdowns, a ‘shadow pandemic’ emerged: more women experiencing family and domestic violence, which is a leading cause of homelessness. Additionally, reduced incomes from COVID, unexpected job losses and failed businesses, plus the rising cost of living – from petrol to power bills to the weekly grocery shop – are making times tough right now.
Individuals and families of all ages and walks of life are finding themselves stressed, struggling and at risk of losing their home. Home should be a place of refuge and security, but instead, when it's hard to pay the bills or there is a family crisis, it can quickly become unstable, uncertain and unsafe.
MASS TIMES: SURFERS PARADISE MASS TIMES
***PLEASE NOTE: ITALIAN MASS WITHIN PARISH SUSPENDED UNTIL OCTOBER
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:
Jesus calls us to be generous with the gifts that he has given. When we share our treasures with others, we will have a true treasure in heaven. (Luke 12:12-21). To talk to someone about your vocation, contact Vocation Brisbane: 1300 133 544. vocation@bne.catholic.net.au and www.vocationbrisbane.com
STEWARDSHIP REFLECTION -
“Take care to guard against all greed, for though one may be rich, one’s life does not consist of possessions.” Luke 12:15
The Gospel message is contrary to modern culture that continually tries to convince us that our joy comes from the material things we possess. That the more we acquire, the happier we will be. Jesus shows us that our true joy comes from our “invisible” gifts like love, mercy and forgiveness. True joy comes from “emptying” ourselves, giving of ourselves rather than always taking. We are called not to hoard but to share. True joy comes from living a grateful and generous lifestyle; becoming more “God-centred” and less “self-centred.”
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: Joan Simmonds, Maria Manuela, Jack Barretto, Kath Kiely, Joanne Mooney, Doug Chester, Kathy Stevens, Mutya Nario Lopez, Stephen Cokim, Nellie Bellinger, Leslie Clarke, Raymundo C. Isaga, Kristy Peat, Leon Mostert, Anna Janiek, Andrew McPherson, Louise Holmes, Ray Burton, Don Williamson, Michael & Denise Tracey, Betty O’Connell, Margaret Cook, Fred Grioli, Lynn Nunan, Elaine Casonati, Michael Murtagh, Kim Parkes, Cecily Cellinan, 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, 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, Bobby Courtney, Lisa Mangan, Robyn Skein, Kye Oh, Olga Hamshari, Margaret Haerse, Milka Barac, Rodney & Norma McLennan, Lois & Doug Wood, Duncan Dawson, William Franklin, Maria Mihalic, Annie Scicluna, Margaret Thompson, Patricia Moor, Helen Bohringer, Savannah Ayoub, Maeve Lombard, Arthur Haddad, Joanne Parkes, Michelle MacDonald, Mary Kerr. And all suffering from Covid-19 and its effects.
RECENTLY DECEASED: Ken Ledster, Carmen Nicolas, Alvin Smith, Billy Edmonds, Ellen Moffitt, Anne Logan, Noel Watson, Alice Morrasayan, John Tobin, Daphne Andreas, Kwang Hua Lim, John Gerard Robinson Jnr, Joseph Kania, Joe Hilton, John Massingham, Paula Stafford, Luke Tansey, John Vincent Davis, Muriel Lynch, Maryanne Vanek, Agata (Tina) Zammit, Frances Collins, Therese Hunt, Bill Gilmore.
ANNIVERSARY OF DEATH: George Neville Jensen, Clare Cameron, V.F Joseph, Mavis Joseph, Fr Bill Taylor Cm, Josephine (Joyce) Farrugia, Marjorie Veronica Bates, William John (Bill) Burroughs, Fay Virtue (Nee Tierney) Tyrril, Rachel Desira, Denis Frederick Fletcher, Fay Sorensen, Elizabeth Josephine Gagiero, David D'arcy, Vivienne Miau, Herbert Ernest Mitchell, (Grandpop of Robyn Hunt), Luigi Valdarchi, Jack Burrow, Edgar Triffett, Lyn Daly, Eileen O'Reilly (Christeen Harth’s Mum), Bozo Kardum, Eileen Coyle. And also: John Peter Reid, Roger Bullen, Thomas Hirst , Tadeusz Antoni Karawczyk , Valda Martin, Tera Phillip, Raphael Desira, Vivienne Marie Miau, Ronald (Ron) Mooney, William Cecil (Bill) Wall, Vittoria Ulliana, Daniel Charles (Dan) Quinn, Eileen Scharenguivel, Marie Doreen Emslie, Giuseppe Joe Alba, Fila Jones, Patrick McKenzie, Maurie Taafe, Helen Therese Moffat, Patrick Kelly.
TAKE FIVE FOR FAITH: Dizzy yet?
Do you ever feel like the world is spinning out of control? You're not alone: Pope Francis has called this effect of modern culture "rapidification." It's not just you: Things really are happening, progressing, and becoming obsolete faster—including what many of us do for a living. We're not unlike the tragic lamplighter in Catholic author Antoine de Saint-Exupéry's classic, The Little Prince. The lamplighter's planet is turning faster, but he still operates at the same mortal speed. He must now respond to 1,440 sunsets where there used to be just one. Now more than ever, we need to honour our Sabbaths and take our rest.
“For what profit comes to [us] from all the toil and anxiety of heart with which [we have] laboured under the sun?” (Ecclesiastes 1:2; 2:21-23).
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PLANNED GIVING ENVELOPES ARE READY FOR COLLECTION
Have you collected your Planned Giving Envelopes ?
Envelopes will be available at the Parish Office from Monday. Thank you to everyone for your continued generosity towards the upkeep of our Parish.
MASK WEARING
The risk of Flu and of Covid is still present, and there are quite a few vulnerable people in our community, so please consider using masks and hand sanitiser and reasonable social distancing where possible 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.
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 CONFIRMATION 2022
We are excited to announce that we have begun our preparation for Confirmation with 120 children. The children’s parents have attended an Introductory Meeting that focussed on the Sacraments of Initiation - Baptism, Confirmation and First Communion, as well as one of the Sacraments of Healing - Reconciliation (Penance). The meaning of the Sacrament and the essence of each childhood Catholic Sacraments were explained. Also, the Brisbane Archdiocese’s Sacramental Policy was presented to parents so that they could understand the changes around an order of sacraments that have occurred since their childhood faith journey began.
Each family has received a copy of the At Home Preparation for Confirmation. Over the next month, families will pray together and work through the videos and activities to complete the preparation. The celebration of the Sacrament of Confirmation will take place in Surfers Paradise Parish on Friday, September 2 at 5 pm and 7 pm.
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 5 pm Vigil Mass at Sacred Heart Church. They will complete our 2022 First Communion celebrations.
Fr Peter, Fr Paul, and everyone at Surfers Paradise Parish is looking forward to celebrating the second, third, fourth, and many subsequent Holy Communions with these children who have brought many blessings to our parish family. 2023 First Communion Preparation and Celebration dates will be included in the newsletter later this year.
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. Reconciliation, also known as Penance, follows Baptism, Confirmation and First Communion.
The Surfers Paradise Sacramental Team has prepared a program similar 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 -
What are we putting all our effort and time and energy into? That is a very good question, and the message comes through clearly in this weekend's readings.
It is possible to be very busy, occupied almost every moment of the day with many things, but how do these ‘many things’ fit into the bigger picture? We may spend our time responding to urgent calls with our time and effort, but it is also important to stop and think; ... these things that call upon me..... are they not only urgent but also important? Even an urgent matter might need to give way to an important one. Our Lord calls us to think about what we are building in our lives... and will it last? All efforts in building up God's Kingdom are investments in the things that truly matter and last forever.
This weekend's first reading (Ecclesiastes 1:2; 2:21-23) is rather sobering and tragic. The writer is bemoaning the vanity and futility that goes with many of our earthly efforts.
These words are meant to "snap us out" of our apathy (and lack of focus) and bring us back into reality. To get our priorities right!
In some ways, it contains a similar theme to the gospel a couple of weeks ago. Mary and Martha. It is quite possible to be working very hard and keeping extremely busy; hardly ever stopping. But it is quite possible to be busy and distracted by many things… that do NOT make their important priorities. It is possible to be so busy that we don't focus on the things that are of vital importance. Or to worry and focus on eventualities that never happen while missing those already happening.
This weekend's readings make a timely point: Some of the things we can spend an enormous amount of our time, energy, and resources on will produce limited fruits with questionable quality.
We reflect upon these readings and upon all the Fruits that do not last beyond this life and which might not (after all) be worth the effort. So we are invited, as Paul says in the second reading (Colossians 3:1-5, 9-11), to keep our eyes on the 'things of heaven' – the things that last… and to avoid merely earthly desires.
The gospel today is very challenging too. All the parables Jesus told are meant to be challenging and jarring. They are meant to unsettle us and turn upside-down our expectations. And this parable is particularly unnerving…
It seems quite sensible to plan for one's future and to ensure against a rainy day. It is wise to save for the future and comfortable life. Many people do it. It is considered prudent. So, why is this man in the parable this weekend considered unwise??… Why is he considered 'foolish'? He is called a fool not just by ANYONE… but by God himself…. If God calls someone a fool, they must surely be the worst kind of fool!
Jesus is telling this story, not to foolish people. Neither does he tell this story to people whose lives are actually about to end (one hopes for long life, but we also know that life is relatively short and unpredictable, so one doesn't know how long any of us has)…. So, this Gospel is directed at people who Our Lord hopes are sensible and who are also open and loving people, with resources at their disposal and who (God willing) have a long healthy life ahead. And he is inviting them to trust in God's providence and care and use their resources for the good of others now and in this place. It is no good to worry only about all the endless possible future needs, which may never come to be.
It is good to be sensible and to save for a rainy day, but not at the expense of our commitment to others whose needs are right here and right now; and are all-too-real and immediate! Jesus wants to ensure that we are not stopped from being generous because of unreasonable fear and over-protection against events that may never come.
In the parable, "God intervenes to show the man how foolish and misguided his plans are. This does not mean that in the next life, he is condemned to hell…** It does not necessarily suggest that. Rather, the point here is to be clear about the priorities we make in this life so that we respond to the meaning of life itself. Jesus rejects the accumulation of riches for oneself because it is not following God's will of selfless and generous, loving service towards God and others.** In setting our priorities, we are encouraged to keep this in mind.
That rich man thinks only of himself. He even talks about himself and to himself. This man also works for himself and stores food for himself. It is mean! It is lonely! It is a distorted worldview where he is trapped in a very selfish and isolated world of his own. Jesus reminds us that we are in union with others around us. We are diminished as people if our purposes and actions go no further than self-satisfaction. This foolish man lets his fear and self-focus absorb him completely…
…… In a way. we already know what a good ending to this parable would be….
The rich man has a good year and is so happy that he says to himself and those around him, "this is a wonderful year. God has blessed us. Quick, tell others to come along and take some grain. Let us share it. For I want all of us to celebrate in this wonderful blessing, so that we might all have something, and have a bit for a rainy day too. (now, it may very well be that this good soul might pass away at the same time… he isn't being taken because he did the right or wrong thing…. But, then God will come to him and say, (not "you fool" but "well done my good and faithful servant, you have made yourself rich in my sight and in the sight of your brothers and sister whom you have helped, now enter into your heavenly inheritance." We know that God will do this because other kingdom parables show that same kind of situation. And this vision fills our hearts with joy….
This is how the man could make himself rich in the sight of God and win lasting praise from people of goodwill everywhere. May our love, gratitude, generosity, service and care for others flow out in gracious care and compassion. May we use our gifts for the good of all; and the greater good of God's Kingdom…
To listen to the 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; **SHARING THE WORD THROUGH THE LITURGICAL YEAR. GUSTAVO GUTIERREZ.)
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Saint Alphonsus Liguori
Is the patron saint of many things, including the work of lay people. Even though he was a founder of a religious order, the Redemptorists, he was, of course, first a layperson and one with a successful career. A lawyer who didn’t lose a case for eight years straight, he still found time in his busy schedule to visit the terminally ill, which is how he discovered his true vocation and became a priest and leading theologian. Liguori might be the first to advise: Take a break from work to give back to the community, and you might get your big break in finding your mission. (Matthew 14:13-21 (407). “His heart was moved with pity for them, and he cured their sickness”).
Saint Peter Julian Eymard.
Be present in the presence
Peter Julian Eymard, the French Catholic priest who founded the Congregation of the Blessed Sacrament, had a deep love and understanding of the Eucharist. “How kind is our Sacramental Jesus! He welcomes you at any hour of the day or night. His Love never knows rest,” he said. “When you visit Him, He forgets your sins and speaks only of His joy, tenderness, and love. One would think He needs you by the reception He gives you to make Him happy.” Take such words to heart. (Matthew 15:1-2, 10-14 (408). “Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid”).
Sor Isolina Ferré Aguayo, M.S.B.T
Let your life be one of service
Sor Isolina Ferré Aguayo, M.S.B.T., a Missionary Sister, died on this day in 2000 after a lifetime of service to the poor of her native Puerto Rico and New York. Known as the "Mother Teresa of Puerto Rico," Aguayo served people living on the margins and opened schools and resource centres throughout Puerto Rico and beyond. For her tireless work, she received 17 honorary degrees and more than 50 additional awards, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1999, bestowed for “her passionate fight against poverty, violence, and despair in Puerto Rico and Brooklyn, New York, where she worked to reconcile rival gangs in 1950-1960.” In presenting the award, President Clinton said Sor Isolina taught people “to see the best in themselves and their communities.” May we all serve so well.
(Matthew 15:21-28). “O woman, great is your faith! Let it be done for you as you wish.”
Saint JOHN VIANNEY, PRIEST.
Persistence is a virtue. Sometimes a vocation comes packaged with obstacles. Perhaps it is God’s way of testing our resolve. In any case, John Vianney, born in revolutionary France in 1786, modelled persistence in his determination to become a priest. His religious training was disrupted by the anticlerical reign of terror unleashed during the French Revolution. Priests in hiding who risked their lives to administer the sacraments became Vianney’s heroes, and once the church was reestablished, Vianney entered seminary. Today we know him as the patron saint of parish priests. May his story inspire us to overcome obstacles that keep us from our God-given vocation, whatever that might be. (Matthew 16:13-23 (410). “You think not as God does, but as human beings do”).
MEMORIAL OF THE DEDICATION OF THE BASILICA OF MARY MAJOR
At home in a house church
Christians first gathered in homes, or “house churches,” before there were dedicated religious buildings. Remember the “upper room” where the disciples received the gift of the Holy Spirit? It was likely one of the first house churches. As Christians could express their faith more freely, churches were built. The Basilica of Mary Major in Rome is one of the most historic and significant churches. It was built from Mary's deep love and significance in salvation history. It holds many important relics, works of art, and the sacred experiences of pilgrims since the fifth century. What is a church that has been especially meaningful for you?. “See, upon the mountains there advances the bearer of good news, announcing peace!” (Nahum 2:1, 3; 3:1-3, 6-7)
FEAST OF THE TRANSFIGURATION OF THE LORD
On August 6, 1945, at 8:15 in the morning, an atomic bomb exploded above Hiroshima, Japan, dropped from an American B-29 bomber. In an instant, some 70,000 souls were incinerated by the 10,000-degree fireball generated in the blast. By the end of the year, injury and radiation doubled the total number of deaths. Seventy-five years later, Pope Francis declared using atomic weapons, even possessing such devices, immoral. Reflect on the transfigured Christ who stands in solidarity with the suffering and the dead of all crimes against humanity. Daniel 7:9-10, 13-14; 2 Peter 1:16-19; Luke 9:28b-36 (614). “While praying, his face changed in appearance, and his clothing became dazzling white.”
(source: ©2022 TrueQuest Communications. TakeFiveForFaith.com; mail@takefiveforfaith.com. All rights reserved. Noncommercial reprints are permitted with the following credit: Reprinted with permission from TakeFiveForFaith.com. Scripture citations from the New American Bible Revised Edition. For more information about TAKE FIVE and our regular contributors, go to PrepareTheWord.com.Free daily email and app available online at TakeFiveForFaith.com/subscribe.)
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 seeks prayers for his 'penitential' Canadian pilgrimage
(by Frances D'Emilio, Associated Press Vatican)
VATICAN CITY — Pope Francis, on July 17, asked for prayers to accompany him on what he called his "penitential" pilgrimage to Canada to apologise to Indigenous groups for abuses inflicted by the Catholic church.
Greeting the public in St. Peter's Square, Francis noted that on July 24, "God willing," he will begin a seven-day trip to Canada.
"Dear brothers and sisters of Canada, as you know, I will come among you above all in the name of Jesus to meet and embrace the Indigenous populations,'' Francis said.
"Unfortunately, in Canada, many Christians, including some members of religious institutions, contributed to the policies of cultural assimilation that, in the past, gravely damaged, in various ways, the Native communities," the pope said, speaking from a studio window of the Apostolic Palace facing the square.
"For this reason, recently, at the Vatican, I received several groups, representatives of Indigenous peoples, to whom I manifested my sorrow and my solidarity for the evil they have suffered,'' Francis said.
"And now I will make a penitential voyage that I hope, with the grace of God, can contribute to the path of healing and reconciliation already undertaken," said Francis, appealing for the faithful to "accompany me with prayers" during the pilgrimage.
When he met with Indigenous representatives in early spring, the pontiff offered a historic apology for the abuse at church-run residential schools. Canada’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission called for him to deliver a papal apology on Canadian soil.
More than 150,000 native children in Canada were forced to attend state-funded Christian schools from the 19th century until the 1970s to isolate them from their homes and culture. The aim was to Christianize and assimilate them into mainstream society, which previous Canadian governments considered superior.
The Canadian government has admitted that physical and sexual abuse was rampant at the schools and that students were beaten for speaking their native languages. Indigenous leaders say the legacy of abuse and family separation was a root cause of the epidemic rates of alcohol and drug addiction on Canadian reservations.
(Update) Pope apologises for Church role in ‘cultural destruction’ (Published: 26 July 2022)
In his first public event in Canada, Pope Francis offered a highly-anticipated apology for the Church’s role in what’s been described as a “cultural genocide” associated with the country’s residential school system.
Speaking to members of the First Nations, Métis and Inuit communities on the grounds of the former Ermineskin residential school in Maskwacis, Alberta, Pope Francis yesterday said the land he was standing on “preserves the scars of still open wounds.”
“I am here because the first step of my penitential pilgrimage among you is that of again asking forgiveness, of telling you once more that I am deeply sorry,” he said, and apologised “for the ways in which, regrettably, many Christians supported the colonising mentality of the powers that oppressed the indigenous peoples. I am sorry.”
Francis asked forgiveness for the ways in which members of the Church, especially members of religious communities, cooperated “in projects of cultural destruction and forced assimilation promoted by the governments of that time, which culminated in the system of residential schools”.
Francis said it was painful for him to think of how the values, language, and culture of indigenous communities “was eroded, and that you have continued to pay the price of this”.
“In the face of this deplorable evil, the church kneels before God and implores his forgiveness for the sins of her children,” he said. “I myself wish to reaffirm this, with shame and unambiguously. I humbly beg forgiveness for the evil committed by so many Christians against the indigenous peoples.”
Pope Francis issued his apology on the first full day of his July 24-30 trip to Canada, which took him to Edmonton, Quebec, and the remote city of Iqaluit.
His visit to Canada is unique in that, differently than a formal state or pastoral visit, the decision to go was made specifically for the purpose of apologising for the Church’s historic role in the running of many of Canada’s residential schools.
(Source: Crux - Pope begs forgiveness from Canada’s Indigenous for Church role in ‘cultural destruction’ (By Elise Ann Allen, Crux)).
Image Credit- Shutterstock Licensed. Image ID: 1864294921 Copyright (c) 2020 Riccardo De Luca - Update. Shutterstock. No use without permission
RELIGIOUS GOODS SHOPS
Christmas has come early. A wonderful variety of inexpensive plaques, inspirational crosses and stands are available now, at never repeated prices. End of line clearance. All $5 or less.
Suitable for Christmas gift giving. ‘God Bless our Home’, ‘Faith, Hope and Love’ ‘Footprints’, ‘Desiderata’ to name just a few. Available at St Vincent’s Religious Goods Shop this weekend
FIRST FRIDAY ADORATION -
First Friday Adoration at Sacred Heart Church will be Friday 5th August 2022: 7pm to 8.30pm. Enquiries: Helen 0421935678 -
"Could you not watch one hour with Me?" Mt 26:40
FIRST SATURDAY MORNING MASS FOLLOWED BY ADORATION & BENEDICTION
SACRED HEART CHURCH 9AM 6TH AUGUST 2022.
SPCL BINGO TUESDAY
Surfers Paradise Catholic Ladies will be having their Bingo on Tuesday, the 2nd of August 2022, from 10.00 am to 2.00 pm. Please phone Maxine Sela at 0421051193 or Wendy Webb on 0412237832 to book your seat for this day.
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 the 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
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 allows you to grow in your relationship with your spouse or community.
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.
COMMUNION TO RESIDENTS AT NURSING HOMES. HELP IS STILL 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.
ANNUAL CATHOLIC CAMPAIGN (Date Claimer) - OFFICIAL COLLECTION
SCHEDULED FOR 20 - 21 August 2022 *Please click here to give now*
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. 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 six weeks are
1/8/2022 Bernadette Hensley - Arundel
8/8/2022 Helen & Thor Skjaerback - Merrimac
15/8/2022 Helen & Thor Skjaerback - Merrimac
22/8/2022 Joanne Fergusson - Clear Island Waters
29/8/2022 Joanne Fergusson - Clear Island Waters
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 – Finance Officer - Southport
Applications are open for a position at the Southport Catholic Parish. A person with excellent finance experience required for a part time position of Finance Officer working 22.8 hours a week over 3 days.
For additional information, please visit the Archdiocese of Brisbane website https://brisbanecatholic.org.au/ and to careers. Applications close: 21 August 2022
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 2-year contract position of Parish Secretary for 20 hours per week, 5 hours on 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 – 21 August 2022. Please note that short-listed applicants may be interviewed before this date. Interested applicants are therefore encouraged to apply as soon as possible.
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 conducting ‘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 - “Churches should stick to their prayers and keep out of politics.” Ever heard that or similar words?
All too often!
That sort of saying usually comes from the mouths of people who are having their position challenged by a church or a member of a church and want to neutralize the challenge by suggesting religion has no place in ordinary social or political matters. Of course, this is ridiculous.
Although one might be able to argue that since the Catholic Church is universal by nature, recognising that its membership comes from many different political backgrounds and perspectives, it would be inappropriate for the church to take a stand that was too partisan to one particular political party.
Nevertheless, politics is about addressing life questions and of course, Religion is about the same. Naturally, there is an enormous overlap. The Church should and ought to have a say in any significant human or social issues affecting people's lives or their environment. So it is perfectly appropriate that the Church, and its members, are involved in the big questions that face our society and our country.
The voices that suggest the churches should stick to prayer might like to go back and learn that 1) prayer can be active as well and involved in how we live our daily lives and 2) just because THEY would like churches to be passive irrelevancies who harmlessly while away their time praying, does not mean that people should oblige in this narrow view.
Vatican Council II (1962-1965) puts it very nicely: “The joys and hopes, the grief and anguish of the people of our time, especially of those who are poor or afflicted, are the joys and hopes, the grief and anguish of the followers of Christ as well. Nothing genuinely human fails to find an echo in their hearts.” (Gaudium et Spes, 7/12/1965).
Elsewhere, it adds: “The church… is not identified with any political community nor is it tied to any political system. It is at once the sign and the safeguard of the transcendental dimensions of the human person. The political community and the church are autonomous and independent of each other in their fields. They are both at the service of the personal and social vocation of the same individuals, though under different titles….. (GS).
So, the church needs to acknowledge that politicians and church leaders are in different fields of expertise, but there is much overlap. The church has a right and duty to proclaim aspects of its belief and faith as it pertains to matters affecting people. Even if others label, those matters ‘political’, they remain human issues to be dealt with and spoken about.
Many years ago, Prime Minister John Howard questioned whether there was a ‘catholic’ or ‘Anglican’ ‘position’ on certain political matters. Certainly, the church has general principles on which it evaluates important social and moral questions and values. So, there could be broadly said to be a ‘catholic’ perspective on matters. However, there is often room for discussion about the specific application of such principles in any given situation. Nevertheless, the dialogue, the discussion and the speaking out need to continue.
SEVENTH ANNIVERSARY OF POPE FRANCIS’ GROUNDBREAKING LETTER - LAUDATO SI’ - An excerpt from the Pope’s groundbreaking Encyclical.
II. THE ISSUE OF WATER
27. Other indicators of the present situation have to do with the depletion of natural resources. We all know that it is impossible to sustain the present level of consumption in developed countries and wealthier sectors of society, where the habit of wasting and discarding has reached unprecedented levels. The exploitation of the planet has already exceeded acceptable limits, and we still have not solved the problem of poverty.
28. Fresh drinking water is of primary importance since it is indispensable for human life and supports terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. Sources of fresh water are necessary for health care, agriculture and industry. Water supplies used to be relatively constant, but now in many places, demand exceeds the sustainable supply, with dramatic consequences in the short and long term. Large cities dependent on significant water supplies have experienced periods of shortage, and at critical moments these have not always been administered with sufficient oversight and impartiality. Water poverty especially affects Africa, where large sectors of the population have no access to safe drinking water or experience droughts that impede agricultural production. Some countries have areas rich in water while others endure drastic scarcity.
29. One particularly serious problem is water quality available to the poor. Every day, unsafe water results in many deaths and spread water-related diseases, including those caused by microorganisms and chemical substances. Dysentery and cholera, linked to inadequate hygiene and water supplies, are significant causes of suffering and of infant mortality. Underground water sources in many places are threatened by the pollution produced in certain mining, farming and industrial activities, especially in countries lacking adequate regulation or controls. It is not only a question of industrial waste. Detergents and chemical products, commonly used in many places of the world, continue to pour into our rivers, lakes and seas.
30. Even as the quality of available water is constantly diminishing, in some places, there is a growing tendency, despite its scarcity, to privatise this resource, turning it into a commodity subject to the laws of the market. Yet access to safe drinkable water is a basic and universal human right, since it is essential to human survival and, as such, is a condition for exercising other human rights. Our world has a grave social debt toward the poor who lack access to drinking water because they are denied the right to a life consistent with their inalienable dignity. This debt can be paid partly by increased funding to provide clean water and sanitary services to the poor. But water continues to be wasted, not only in the developed world but also in developing countries that possess it in abundance. This shows that the problem of water is partly an educational and cultural issue since there is little awareness of the seriousness of such behaviour within a context of great inequality.
31. Greater scarcity of water will lead to an increase in the cost of food and the various products which depend on its use. Some studies warn that an acute water shortage may occur within a few decades unless urgent action is taken. The environmental repercussions could affect billions of people; it is also conceivable that water control by large multinational businesses may become a major source of conflict in this century.[23]
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 and https://kombumerritogetherproject.com/digital-resources/yugambeh-language/)
Commitment To Child Safety and Vulnerable-Adult Safety
