PDF version of this parish newsletter here:
Also, you can access an online copy of the newsletter *here*
PLEASE KEEP IN YOUR PRAYERS THE SECOND SESSION OF THE PLENARY COUNCIL OF AUSTRALIA MEETING THIS WEEK FROM SUNDAY 3RD JULY TO THE 9TH JULY
https://plenarycouncil.catholic.org.au/
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Sunday - 3 July 2022
Every year, on the first Sunday in July, Catholics come together across Australia to acknowledge and celebrate the gifts of Australia’s First Peoples in the Catholic Church.
This year is particularly important because of the need to reconnect due to the COVID 19 Pandemic and its impact on the ways in which we interacted and made contact with one another.
For 2022 NATSICC is asking for everyone to come together, but also consider practical ways in which they can support Australia's First Peoples - not just for this special day, but every day.
Artwork: Mumeri was created by Dr Lisa Buxton in August 2013 to celebrate the Catholic Archdiocese of Sydney’s inaugural Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Mass held at St Mary’s Cathedral. The theme for the Mass ‘Holy Spirit in this Land’ was captured in the artwork through the use of Aboriginal and Catholic symbolism.
Queensland is home to the biggest Catholic population of First Nation People.
For more information on NATSICC SUNDAY - https://www.natsicc.org.au/first-nations-voices-on.html
“When you enter a house, first say, ‘Peace to this house.’” (Luke 10:5)
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. Bishop Tim Norton’s Message for the 2022 celebration of National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders Sunday
The Harvest is plentiful, but the labourers are few
Today we celebrate the fact that God has always been present with, and loved, our First Peoples in Australia, a love that God extends to all First Peoples across the world.
I was working in Italy last year when I was appointed auxiliary bishop in Brisbane. When I was asked about any preferences I had for the ordination liturgy, I knew that I wanted truly ‘Australian’ symbols and rituals, but I was relatively powerless to put anything significant in place as I was so far away.
I wanted a Pectoral Cross and Vestments decorated in an Aboriginal design. I knew I wanted to be ‘Smoked’ as a symbol of cleansing at the beginning of my Episcopal Ministry. Various people at the Brisbane end began diligently working on this by contacting First Nations people and others who could help out.
I was deeply touched and strengthened by the results, which included the vestment design being transferred also to the Mitre, two Pectoral Crosses with Sacred Land from Lake Mungo in their centre, and a Smoking Ceremony inside the Cathedral that included me and all the bishops who entered behind me. I believe God was very happy with that!
What amazed me was that so many people were willing to act on my behalf to profile the symbols and rituals of First Nations people in the Ordination Ceremony. There was an enormous amount of goodwill and creativity that was made immediately available simply because people were asked to help.
In today’s Gospel Jesus tells us to pray to ask the Lord of the harvest to send out labourers into his harvest. If we truly want more labourers for the vineyard that produces the Good News of life in abundance for all, the same vineyard that also tells the Jesus story through the eyes and hearts of Aboriginals and Torres Strait Islanders, then praying is only one way to do this. We also need to make a deeper commitment to our sisters and brothers through being labourers in the vineyard.
NAIDOC has a theme this year of ‘Get up, Stand up, Show up.’ Labourers for the harvest of the Lord do exactly that – they labour or work for the Lord, and that can take the form of getting up and being active. There is much we can do as Christian people to address issues that affect our First Nations sisters and brothers.
I have my story of asking others for help to profile Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Culture – the world’s oldest continuing culture - during my Episcopal Ordination. What is your story? When were you active with issues that affect First Nations people? And if you don’t have a story yet of being a labourer in that vineyard, then get up, stand up and show up to places where issues of First Australians are being addressed. People are just waiting to be asked. The harvest is plentiful but the labourers are few.
Bishop Tim Norton SVD, Auxiliary Bishop, Brisbane Archdiocese.
STELLA MARIS 7 AM SUNDAY MORNING MASS THIS SUNDAY 3RD JULY -
CANCELLED - (For this Sunday only)
Please note that due to the Gold Coast Marathon this weekend, 2nd - 3rd July this Sunday’s 7 am Mass at Stella Maris will be cancelled for this Sunday only. There will be no Sunday masses as Stella Maris, but the usual Saturday night 5 pm Vigil at Stella will continue even this weekend. This is the only church to be affected by the Marathon.
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY - FR WARREN, FR PETER and Fr JOHN -
ORDINATION TO PRIESTHOOD ANNIVERSARIES.
MANY HAPPY RETURNS. GOD BLESS YOU AND THANK YOU FOR YOUR MINISTRY IN CHRIST.
Fr Warren 52nd anniversary of priesthood 6th July, 2022.
Fr Peter 29th June - (42 years)
Fr John Maher 12th July (48 years)
(picture: Fr Maher with Sr Briget Frawley in a three legged race at a school carnival in Charleville).
And congratulations to the brand new priest for the Archdiocese, ordained on the 29th June 2022. Fr El Louie Jimenez ordained (Fr Louie will minister in the Cathedral).
FIRST FRIDAY ADORATION
Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament this First Friday 1st July at Sacred Heart Church from 7 pm to 8.30 pm. 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 on 2nd July at 9 am at Sacred Heart church. This will be followed by fifteen minutes of adoration and concluded with Benediction. All Welcome.
FUNERAL INVITATION - FOR THE LATE MRS ELMA MORO
Parishioners and friends are invited to the Funeral Prayer service of the late Mrs Elma Moro, to be held at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Clear Island Waters on Wednesday the 20th July 2022. At 11 am.
RECENTLY WE HAD A PRAYER SERVICE FOR THE LATE MR JOE HILTON - MAY HE REST IN PEACE
ALSO, REST IN PEACE MARIANNE VANEK (MEMORIAL MASS WAS LAST MONDAY)
SEA SUNDAY PRAYERS
Next week is Sea Sunday when the church prays for all those who live and work at sea. There will be an Appeal for Stella Maris, Apostleship of the Sea, the official maritime welfare agency of the Catholic Church. Funds collected will be used to provide practical and spiritual support to seafarers visiting our ports. As it is dependent on voluntary donations, please give generously. To donate or for more information about its work, visit: www.stellamarisaustralia.org
PLENARY COUNCIL TAKES PLACE THIS WEEK - Follow the Second Assembly
There will be daily content produced during the second assembly that can be found on the Plenary Council’s news page and on our Facebook page.
All Masses during the second assembly will be live-streamed. The opening session each day from July 4 to July 8 will also be live-streamed.
Click here to view the Livestream schedule.
The live stream will be accessible on the Plenary Council website’s home page
and the Plenary Council YouTube channel
Share your prayers and hopes for the Plenary Council -
The Plenary Council continues to be a journey for the whole Church in Australia. A message wall is being placed at the entry to the assembly venue, allowing Members to read what people around the country are saying to them – their prayers, their hopes, their words of support. If you wish to send a message, please click on the button below and complete the form. New messages will be added to the wall each day. Send a message
LITURGY NEWS - WINTER EDITION IS AVAILABLE FOR FREE NOW (ONLINE ONLY)
OUT NOW! Please find attached the Winter 2022 edition of Liturgy News. News and background articles are invaluable for parishes and schools. Priests, religion teachers, pastoral associates, liturgy committees… This magazine is for you! Please click here or click the image above for an online (downloadable) copy
ENROL NOW FOR CATHOLIC EARLY EDUCATION CARE AT ST KEVIN’S BENOWA. .
WATCH THEM GROW. At Catholic Early EdCare our aim is to help your child grow and blossom. We do this by incorporating the latest early education research and practice into our programs and creating spaces where children can connect, grow and discover.
https://www.catholicearlyedcare.qld.edu.au/
SPCL - BINGO TUESDAY
“Surfers Paradise Catholic Ladies will be having their Bingo Tuesday on the 5th of July 2022, from 10.00am to 2.00pm. Please phone Maxine Sela 0421051193 or Wendy Webb, 0412237832 to book your seat for this day.”
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. 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:
“The harvest is rich but the workers are few; therefore, ask the harvest-master to send workers to his harvest.” Pray for vocations. Depend on God’s providence. (Luke 10:1-9)To talk to someone about your vocation, contact Vocation Brisbane: 1300 133 544. vocation@bne.catholic.net.au and www.vocationbrisbane.com
STEWARDSHIP REFLECTION -
“He said to them, ‘The harvest is abundant, but the labourers are few…’” Luke 10:2
As Catholics we are all called to serve. Each of us has been given “charisms” otherwise known as gifts from the Holy Spirit to help build God’s Church. Our charisms can only be used for good. We know that we are using them in the right ministry when we are filled with joy and we want to share stories about our charitable works. Discern how God is calling you to use your charisms. Say “yes” to what God is calling you to do and then do it! Share your joy and invite others to do the same.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: Kristy Peat, Leon Mostert, Anna Janiek, Ailsa Stack, Andrew McPherson, Louise Holmes, 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, 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, Maeve Lombard, Arthur Haddad, Joanne Parkes, Michelle MacDonald, Mary Kerr. And all suffering from Covid-19 and its effects.
RECENTLY DECEASED: John Gerard Robinson Jnr (aged 69yrs), 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, 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.
ANNIVERSARY OF DEATH: Francesco Cafolla, Luigi Zuppicchiatti, Peter Briggs, Anna Felisiak, Josephine Sanders, Julie Dwyer, Gabriel Joe Sheehy, Mavis Eileen O'Brien, Vona Winifred Sellars, Jack And Daphne Banks, Julia McKay, Marjorie Bates, Elizabeth (Betty) Taylor, Kathleen Perkins, Francisca Hanoszek, John Schreiber, Matthew Hoare, Giuseppe Grasso, Albert Lewis Bush, Gregory Joseph Shara, George Arthur Higgs, Emily Hasdell, Ante Kolak, Alan Herbert Driscoll, Alfred Desira, Maureen Patricia O’Connor, Jill Cecelia O’Brien, Mary Dean, Fr Bernard O'Shea, Stanislaw Dominiak. And Also: Polly Cummins, Clarence Reeves, Mary Reeves, Lynette Lesley Larking, Ted Woodhead, Norma Ruth Hanley, Barry Thomas Haug, Albert Garske, John Gannon, Jabour Haddad, Charles Henry Nolan, Maureen Glenn, Ralph Smith Pownall, Patricia Mary (Pat) Sullivan, Carole Stratigos.
TAKE FIVE FOR FAITH: Woe is me
The Pharisees are often portrayed as Jesus’ antagonists: narrow-minded and legalistic, focused on outward ritual rather than inner renewal. And surely there are elements that ring true. At the same time, some of their beliefs were quite compatible with Christianity as it evolved, including the belief in life after death, the resurrection of the body, keeping the Sabbath holy (i.e., Sunday Mass obligation), and the priority to spread the faith. It’s easy to see the blind spots and shortcomings of others. Harder to see our own. Are you aware of your own inner Pharisee? “Why do we and the Pharisees fast much, but your disciples do not fast?” (Matthew 9:14-17). 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.
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 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 look forward to celebrating the second, third, fourth and many subsequent Holy Communions with these children who have brought so many blessings to our parish family.
Dates for 2023 First Communion Preparation and Celebration will be included in the newsletter later this year.
Sacrament of CONFIRMATION 2022
We will soon begin our Surfers Paradise Parish, Preparation for Confirmation with 140 children - Quite a record number of young people whom we are excited to meet and re-welcome into our family of faith.
Online enrolments will be closing soon. However Baptised children who are in Year 3 or greater are still welcome 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.
During this week, all families that had completed an online application for their child should have received an email reminding them of the information that follows here: Compulsory Parent Meeting 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 these complete documents are to be 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 - TRAVEL LIGHTLY
-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 Our Lord teaching his disciples to "travel lightly." If we avoid being overly attached to material possessions and if we are not enmeshed with "power and authority," we can successfully proclaim and witness true peace, justice and the values of God's Kingdom.
Our Lord knew intuitively that people who are attached to possessions, personal comfort and power will be more tempted to water down the gospel message and tone down the values of the Kingdom for fear of the economic and social consequences of offending the status quo or upsetting the influential.
If I value my possessions too much, I will hesitate to proclaim the gospel boldly for fear of forfeiting my valuables when persecuted for my stance. If I value power, I will not be keen to humble myself to the level of a servant, as Christ did. If I value my life too much, the truth and the justice of the gospel will be silenced by the merest threat to life, liberty or well-being by those who hate this message.There is certainly something free-ing and light about 'travelling lightly'.
Our Lord really knew what he was talking about. Jesus wants us to travel light, (Not just in relation to possessions, but also in relation to other spiritual and emotional baggage that we can tend to get bogged down with).
I find the second reading by Saint Paul a bit mysterious. Paul was writing a very important message to the people of Galatia. There were tensions in the community, and Paul's letter is a passionate, loving and sometimes stern masterpiece of writing… to get across the message of the gospel to the arguing people. Saint Paul tells people that they shouldn't get bogged down on focusing on external signs of religiousness unless one keeps the meaning of the gospel. He is so passionate he even says at the end of it. See!… look! It is my own handwriting.. See the big letters….… (He is so honest and plain-speaking in his words: “I am so old and hard of sight now. But I am so moved by this issue, I am scribbling this down myself….in my own hand.. I have taken the writing implement from my usual scribe!…)….
Saint Paul then goes on to remind them, and us, that some people wear the signs of faith but don't live them. Some people wear the outward signs of membership of God's people in the Jewish faith, but only to avoid being persecuted by the Romans for being Christian. He says, “enough of this!” - “No more trouble on this topic.”
“Look, the cross of Christ shows us the meaning of true discipleship. If you really want signs to convince you, then look no further than the signs made by the scars that I bear on my own body,” says Saint Paul, referring to what he has suffered for proclaiming the gospel. He had been through shipwreck, imprisonment, floggings, stoning, starvation, and so much more.
Finally, in the gospel, the seventy-two disciples come back from their mission with success. They are delighted that the spirits deferred to them. But Jesus seems to warn them, “don't give in to pride and don't gloat over your power. Our achievements as disciples of Christ are all about God's grace. Then, Jesus follows this teaching up with a strange comment. He says: “I saw Satan fall from heaven.” He may be saying, “watch out, even one of the Angels in heaven fell from heaven because of pride!” So, do not fall for the trap of pride in your own life and actions. Being a disciple of Christ is not about us, or how much power we personally can glean for ourselves. Our powers and abilities are actually about allowing God's grace and peace to work in and through us. This requires deep humility, generosity, openness and also not going around looking at everything I can possibly get out of this or that situation. Only by this humility, simplicity, openness to serve, and willingness to travel lightly, can we more fully allow God's grace to work in us, as willing and living instruments in the hand of God who is the Divine Artist.
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: THE DAILY STUDY BIBLE. GOSPEL OF LUKE. (REVISED EDITION). BY WILLIAM BARCLAY.Sharing the Word through the Liturgical Year: (1997). Gustavo GutierrezFr Paul W KellyAlso Prologue: (scripture scholar William Barclay, as cited above ): "the first disciples are sent out on their first missionary assignment as raw recruits, with little to help them, but the lessons they learn here will be greatly needed later. Whatever we seek to achieve in Jesus' name, we are indeed doing it in the name of Jesus... not in our own names or by our own powers of talents....//.We are given the assistance that we need. Jesus reminds us that the crucial factor is not that we are personally powerful or that we are successful. What really matters is that we are doing the will of God, in Jesus' name, and it is this which is the reason for our ultimate salvation").
[Image Credit: Shutterstock Licensed. Stock Photo ID: 1901120383 - walking on old cobblestones street - Photo Contributor: Matej Kastelic]
St Elizabeth of Portugal
If only a few kings have been found worthy of being numbered among the Church’s saints, some of their wives have made up for it. We honour one of these today, St Elizabeth, queen of Portugal. She was actually a Spaniard, of the Royal House of Aragon; but she married King Denis of Portugal.
She is known as the peacemaker, for many times in her life, she intervened to prevent wars between her husband’s clan and her own clan. She had to intervene even to prevent vendettas between her son and the king’s illegitimate children, and for her pains, she was once banished for a time from the court. Denis, while a wise ruler of his people, was a very unfaithful and neglectful husband. But Elizabeth never wavered in her fidelity to him and even brought up, alongside her own two children, Denis’ illegitimate children as if they were her own.
She devoted herself to helping the poor tenderly all of her life. Death came to her at the age of 65, when she was on an errand of reconciliation.
St Anthony Zaccaria
Anthony Mary's letters do not belong to any literary genre nor can they be styled “spiritual letters” per se. They were occasional writings dashed off without any concern for style, in plain, totally unadorned language. However, they do contain a wealth of extraordinary spirituality, a fact easily recognized by his earliest biographers.
Anthony Mary himself, in his last letter, pointedly remarked: “I have not written one word without some special meaning in it. If you discover it, it will be, I think, most useful and gainful for you.”
St Maria Goretti
“He loves, He hopes, He waits. Our Lord prefers to wait for the sinner for years, rather than keep us waiting for an instant.”
St Peter To Rot
“Blessed Peter understood the value of suffering. Inspired by his faith in Christ, he was a devoted husband, a loving father and a dedicated catechist known for his kindness, gentleness and compassion. Daily Mass and Holy Communion and frequent visits to our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament, sustained him, gave him the wisdom to counsel the disheartened and the courage to persevere until death. In order to be an effective evangelist, Peter To Rot studied hard and sought advice from wise and holy “big men”. Most of all he prayed – for himself, for his family, for his people, for the Church. His witness to the Gospel inspired others, in very difficult situations, because he lived his Christian life so purely and joyfully. Without being aware of it, he was preparing throughout his life for his greatest offering: by dying daily to himself, he walked with his Lord on the road which leads to Calvary (Cf. Mt. 10: 38-39).
During times of persecution the faith of individuals and communities is “tested by fire” (1Pt. 1: 7). But Christ tells us that there is no reason to be afraid. Those persecuted for their faith will be more eloquent than ever: “it is not you who will be speaking; the Spirit of your Father will be speaking in you” (Mt. 10: 20). So it was for Blessed Peter To Rot. When the village of Rakunai was occupied during the Second World War and after the heroic missionary priests were imprisoned, he assumed responsibility for the spiritual life of the villagers. Not only did he continue to instruct the faithful and visit the sick, but he also baptised, assisted in marriages and led people in prayer.
(source: Wikipedia and https://anastpaul.com/)
APPEAL FOR THE PEOPLE OF UKRAINE - Caritas International (Catholic)
Ukraine Crisis
Over 2.6 million people have fled their homes in Ukraine, and there have been at least 1,581 civilian casualties.
You can help the Caritas Ukraine staff on the ground to provide families with emergency food, water, shelter and hygiene support.
POPE FRANCIS: MESSAGES FROM POPE FRANCIS ON HIS TWITTER ACCOUNT
“Dear priests, be patient with the faithful, always ready to encourage them. Be untiring ministers of God’s forgiveness and mercy. Never be harsh judges, but loving fathers. “
“What is needed is infinite mercy, like that of the #SacredHeart, to remedy so much of the evil and suffering we see in the lives of human beings…. Let us entrust ourselves and the world to Him!”
“As food diminishes, the thunder of weapons grows. So, let us not stop praying, fasting, helping, working so that paths of #peace might be given more space in the jungle of conflict.”
“We need to live with our eyes raised to heaven: as Blessed Maria and Luigi Beltrame Quattrocchi used to say to their children, confronting the efforts and joys of life, “always looking from the roof upwards”. #WMOF22”
“Families are places of welcome, and woe if they were to disappear! Society would become cold and unbearable without welcoming families. #WMOF22”
(source: https://twitter.com/Pontifex)
(Image Credit: Shutterstock ID:342805547 - VATICAN CITY, VATICAN -Photo Contributor: Drop of Light).
RELIGIOUS GOODS SHOPS
The July edition of the Catholic Leader available now at the Religious Goods Shops and at the rear of Stella Maris Church. $4 per copy .Inside this issue - volunteers top the list for Queen’s honours, latest priestly ordinations for South East Queensland and more than 1000 people attended the Logan Deanery’s big day to share information about their parishes and ministries. Read all about it !
FUNERAL INVITATION FOR THE LATE MRS ELMA MORO
Parishioners and friends are invited to the Funeral Prayer service of the late Mrs Elma Moro, to be held at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Clear Island Waters on Wednesday the 20th July 2022. At 11 am.
SPCL - BINGO TUESDAY
“Surfers Paradise Catholic Ladies will be having their Bingo Tuesday on the 5th of July 2022, from 10.00am to 2.00pm. Please phone Maxine Sela 0421051193 or Wendy Webb, 0412237832 to book your seat for this day.”
ST. VINCENT’S CHURCH READER’S TROLLEY
The book trolley in the foyer at St Vincent’s Church has a selection of Religious Books and 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 read and enjoy.
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.
ANNUAL CATHOLIC CAMPAIGN (Date Claimer) - OFFICIAL COLLECTION SCHEDULED FOR 20 - 21 August 2022
*Please click here to give now* *8*
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:
4/7/2022 Raj & Christabel Crasto Tallai
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 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
Position Vacant – Parish Business Manager - Coorparoo Parish
Applications are open for the above position at the Coorparoo St James Parish. The position is a part-time 12 hours a week either over 3 days per week or 2 days per week.
For additional information, please visit the Archdiocese of Brisbane website https://brisbanecatholic.org.au/ and then go to ‘careers.’ Applications close: 11 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 - Eucharist Means “Thanksgiving” in Greek!
The basic structure and flow of our modern-day Mass, or Eucharist, is the same as it was One thousand eight-hundred and fifty years ago. Justin Martyr in his first-century writing called the “First Apology”, sets out what happened at a typical Eucharist back then:
“On the day named after the sun, all who live in the city or countryside assemble, [in houses] and the memoirs of the apostles [gospels] or writings of the prophets[Old Testament] are read for as long as time allows.[Sundays were not always days off, so people had to go off to work after this celebration, so time was short].
When the lector has finished, the president addresses us, admonishing us and exhorting us to imitate the splendid things we have heard.[Homily]. Then we all stand and pray [Prayers of the Faithful], and, as we said earlier, when we have finished praying, bread and wine and water are brought up. The president offers prayers of thanksgiving, according to his ability,[Note that the Eucharistic Prayer was not in a book but was ad-libbed by the Presider according to a certain pattern] and the people give their assent with ‘Amen!’ Next, the gifts over which the thanksgiving has been spoken are distributed, and each one share in them, while they are also sent via the deacons to the absent.[Communion to the sick]
The wealthy who are willing to make contributions, each as they please, and the collection is deposited with the president who aids orphans and widows, those who are in want because of sickness or some other reason, those in prison, and visiting strangers; in short, he takes care of all in need. [The collections were very much part of the celebration, as they were connected to justice and charity]
The reason why we all assemble on Sunday is that it is the first day: the day on which God transformed darkness and matter and created the world, and the day on which Jesus Christ our saviour rose from the dead.
It is wonderful that we still follow this ancient pattern of Gathering, Listening, Petitioning, Praising and Going into the world to love and serve the Lord.
SEVENTH ANNIVERSARY OF POPE FRANCIS’ GROUNDBREAKING LETTER - LAUDATO SI’ - An excerpt from the Pope’s groundbreaking Encyclical.
WHAT IS HAPPENING TO OUR COMMON HOME
17. Theological and philosophical reflections on the situation of humanity and the world can sound tiresome and abstract, unless they are grounded in a fresh analysis of our present situation, which is in many ways unprecedented in the history of humanity. So, before considering how faith brings new incentives and requirements with regard to the world of which we are a part, I will briefly turn to what is happening to our common home.
18. The continued acceleration of changes affecting humanity and the planet is coupled today with a more intensified pace of life and work which might be called “rapidification”. Although change is part of the working of complex systems, the speed with which human activity has developed contrasts with the naturally slow pace of biological evolution. Moreover, the goals of this rapid and constant change are not necessarily geared to the common good or to integral and sustainable human development. Change is something desirable, yet it becomes a source of anxiety when it causes harm to the world and to the quality of life of much of humanity.
19. Following a period of irrational confidence in progress and human abilities, some sectors of society are now adopting a more critical approach. We see increasing sensitivity to the environment and the need to protect nature, along with a growing concern, both genuine and distressing, for what is happening to our planet. Let us review, however cursorily, those questions which are troubling us today and which we can no longer sweep under the carpet. Our goal is not to amass information or to satisfy curiosity, but rather to become painfully aware, to dare to turn what is happening to the world into our own personal suffering and thus to discover what each of us can do about it.
Commitment To Child Safety and Vulnerable-Adult Safety
See note at the very end of this document, (below)
Acknowledgement of Country
This is Kombumerri Country - The Traditional Custodians of this region.
We respectfully acknowledge the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as the First People of this country. We pay our respects to the Kombumerri people, who are the traditional custodians of the land, waterways and seas upon which we live, work and socialise throughout this Catholic Parish of Surfers Paradise. We acknowledge Elders, past and present and emerging, as they hold the memories, traditions, culture and hopes of our Indigenous people. We pay tribute to those who have contributed in many ways to the life of the community. We affirm our commitment to justice, healing, and reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples.
(see further: The Kombumerri People)
Commitment To Child Safety and Vulnerable-Adult Safety
Great newsletter.Thankyou for posting Father Paul.
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